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 — and 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 where 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 — from storied Japanese houses to indie boutique lines. If you’ve been hunting a specific shade, there’s a good chance we have it.
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 ink brands include Wearingeul, Ferris Wheel Press, and Pilot — alongside dozens of others. 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.
We’ve long had a passion for Japanese stationery — the craftsmanship, the attention to detail, and the sense of ritual that comes with using beautifully made paper products.
We stock an extensive range of notebooks, travelers’ goods, washi tape, sticker flakes, and accessories from the best Japanese makers. If you haven’t explored this world yet, come in and let us show you around.
Japanese brands we carry
Over 1,000 fountain pens.
Worth feeling in person.
From entry-level Kaweco and LAMY to finely crafted pieces from Sailor, TACCIA, Namiki, and Pelikan — we carry more fountain pens than almost any retailer in the country. 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.
Discounted Garage Parking
We’ve arranged a preferred rate at 225 W. Wacker Dr. (enter on Franklin St.)
Street metered parking also available. 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
- 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, 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, beautiful.
What to Expect Outside
Chicago’s Loop is extremely walkable. In summer, bring comfortable shoes and water. In winter, the Pedway system connects many Loop buildings underground.
Events & More
We host in-store events, pen clinics, 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.com.