Come Visit
the Store
The Loop’s destination for fine writing & stationery
227 W. Lake Street · Chicago, IL 60606
Four generations.
Always in downtown Chicago.
Atlas Stationers has been a Chicago institution since 1939. For more than 85 years we’ve been rooted in downtown Chicago, family-owned, obsessed with pens, ink, and paper, and still one of the most respected fine writing destinations in the country.
A store worth the trip
Coming to Atlas isn’t just shopping, it’s an experience. Hundreds of pens, notebooks, pencils, and more are available to explore in person, with knowledgeable staff on hand to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
We stock over 1,000 fountain pens from around the world, 1,500 colors of ink, and one of the deepest selections of Japanese stationery you’ll find anywhere in the US.
What makes a visit special.
Made by our grandfather.
Finally where they belong.
Our tester tables were built by hand by our grandfather. For about 60 years they lived in the shipping department, doing unglamorous but important work.
A few years ago we moved them to the front of the store, and they’ve become one of the most distinctive things about the Atlas experience. Hundreds of products, pens, notebooks, pencils, and more, are laid out for you to explore. Pick things up, write with them, feel them in your hand. That’s the whole point of coming in.
Our staff is always nearby to help you navigate the selection and find what’s right for you.
1,500 colors.
From every corner of the world.
We carry 1,500 colors of ink from makers across the globe, sourced from Japan, South Korea, Germany, and beyond. We also maintain a swatch book showing nearly all available colors, so you can see exactly how an ink looks on paper before you buy.
Our biggest brands include Wearingeul, Ferris Wheel Press, and Pilot, alongside dozens of others including shimmers, sheens, and everything in between. Our staff loves talking ink and can help you find the right color for your paper, your pen, or your mood.
Featured ink brands
One of the deepest Japanese
stationery selections in the US.
Japanese stationery is in a category of its own. The quality of the materials, the thoughtfulness of the design, the sheer variety of what’s out there. We’ve been stocking it for years and we genuinely love this stuff.
We carry notebooks, washi tape, stickers, and accessories from the best Japanese makers. If you’re new to this world, come in and take a look. It’s one of those things that’s hard to fully appreciate until you’re holding it.
Japanese brands we carry
Over 1,000 fountain pens.
Worth feeling in person.
We carry an extensive collection of fountain pens across every price point, from accessible options like Kaweco and LAMY to finely crafted pieces from Sailor, TACCIA, Namiki, and Pelikan. There’s a lot you can’t judge from a photo: the weight, the balance, the way a nib meets paper. We have a large selection of testers so you can get a real feel for what you’re considering.
Feel It First
A big reason to visit in person is to hold a pen before you buy. Weight, balance, and nib feel are things you can only really judge by writing with it.
Wide Range of Testers
We maintain a large selection of testers across price points and styles so you can compare and find what suits your hand and your writing.
Knowledgeable Staff
Our team knows the inventory well. Tell us what you’re looking for, or what you’ve already tried, and we’ll help narrow it down.
Right in the heart of the Loop.
We’re at 227 W. Lake Street, easy to reach by train, bus, bike, or car. Open every day of the week.
Nearby Garage Parking
The 281 N. Franklin St. Garage is a convenient option close to the store.
Street metered parking is also available nearby. Check parkchicago.com.
Open 7 Days a Week
Monday – Friday: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
📍 Address
Atlas Stationers
227 W. Lake Street
Chicago, IL 60606
🚃 By Train
CTA “L” to Lake or Washington/Wells. 15-min walk from Union Station. transitchicago.com
🚲 By Bike
Divvy bike share stations nearby. divvybikes.com
You’re in Chicago’s Loop.
Make the most of it.
We’re steps from the Riverwalk, great coffee, and some of Chicago’s best restaurants.
Coffee & Quick Bites
- Goodwin’s, a Loop favorite for fresh breakfast, lunch, and great coffee.
- Big Shoulders Coffee, next door at 213 W. Lake St.
- Chipotle & Boar’s Head, same block.
- Monk’s Pub (205 W. Lake), a Chicago classic.
Lunch & Dinner
- Il Porcellino (59 W. Hubbard), sit-down Italian.
- Small Cheval (150 N. Riverside Plaza), great burgers near the Riverwalk.
- Beatnik on the River, globally inspired with Riverwalk views.
Sights Worth Seeing
- Chicago Riverwalk, steps away.
- Millennium Park & The Bean, 15-min walk.
- Willis Tower Skydeck, unforgettable views.
- Art Institute of Chicago, 20-min walk.
Getting Around
- CTA “L”, multiple lines nearby.
- Divvy Bikes, stations throughout the neighborhood.
- Chicago Riverwalk, flat, walkable, and beautiful.
Chicago in Every Season
Spring and fall are perfect for walking the Riverwalk and exploring the neighborhood on foot. Summer brings the city to life with outdoor dining, festivals, and the lakefront just minutes away. And winter in Chicago has its own appeal: the Loop looks great with snow on the ground, and there’s no better reason to duck into a warm store and spend some time with a good pen.
Events & More
We host in-store workshops, pop-ups, and the annual Sidewalk Sale every August. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know.
Everything you need
to know before you visit.
Still have questions? Email us at info@atlasstationers.mom.