Warm weather marks the beginning of dining alfresco, 30-minute waits at Italian ice joints and, inevitably, open-toed sandals in a hodgepodge of styles. Before you slip on a new pair, make a call to one of these places that offer special pedicures and pricing.
Fringe Salon: Get your toes in tip-top shape at Wicker Park’s Fringe Salon. Margaret Achramowicz is the salon’s sole manicurist and pedicurist and judging from the amount of regulars she preens and paints weekly, an appointment should be made well in advance. She’s got a knack for shaping toenails, aligning them in near-perfect symmetry. But before she starts, you’ll choose from any one of the Essie or OPI colors on display, or let her mix an unlikely combo that could decorate your toes to look like shiny jewels. Bonus: She’s got OPI “Shatter” in black, silver and white. Cost: $401437 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 773-862-1000
Havana Nights Nails & Spa: Havana Nights pays homage to Cuba (hence the name), so take full advantage by booking the house specialty -- the Mojito pedicure. We’re talking the real deal -- Bacardi rum, refined sugar, limes, club soda and mint sprigs -- mixed up for you to enjoy alongside your pedi. In addition, during your treatment, they’ll apply a mint-based mask to the legs. If you’re burned out on rum, there’s always the Champagne and Rose pedi. Bonus: They use the vegan-friendly Zoya nail polish.Cost: $502555 W. Lawrence Ave.; 773-907-0654
Bliss Chicago: Perhaps the perfect, fashionable summer coat awaits your toes at Bliss Chicago. If you’re looking to attract attention to your toes, then book an appointment for Minx. There are a slew of options, ranging from blingy gold metallic to pink cheetah prints. Your pedicurist will file and buff your toes, then gently heat up your designs before applying the flexible patterned films to your digits. Bonus: No drying time necessary.Cost: $85644 N. Lake Shore Drive; 877-862-5477
Nail.com: Regulars at Nail.com will tell you that the best day of the week to visit this Lakeview nail salon is Wednesdays, when you can score a mani and pedi combo for $35 (regular price for pedi-only is $30). Be prepared to wait, though, as word has gotten out that this just may be one of the best deals in town. This bustling shop, located just off of Belmont, has nearly every funky color of the rainbow, and then some. Read one of the gossip mags and sip on a cold bottle of water as you wait your turn. Bonus: The pedi chairs come with remotes, capable of giving a deep tissue massage with the touch of a single button. Cost: $35 mani/pedi combo on Wednesdays, otherwise $30 for pedi3170 N. Clark St.; 773-929-5929
Juko Nail & Skin Rescue: At Juko Nail & Skin Rescue you’ve got two choices: Get a regular pedicure or a spa pedi, where you’ll get extra attention paid to the rough calluses that winter left behind. Juko can also accommodate a private party. At least if you book one, you won’t have to primp before the shindig. Sip on a glass of complimentary wine and mull it over, as your little piggies get the royal treatment. Bonus: Buy in bulk. Purchase five regular pedis for $125 or 10 regulars for $210. Cost: $30, $38 for spa pedicure2130 W. Division St.; 773-772-2990
The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel: In honor of the start of flip-flop season, the Spa at Four Seasons Hotel has rolled out a luxurious pedi that will make your toes look damn good in that haute pair of Manolos. Book the Lemon Drop Flip-Flop pedicure and you’ll sip on a lemon drop martini while your feet are being manicured and prepped to slip into those summer sandals. Bonus: Don’t leave without your swag: a new pair of Havaianas flip-flops, courtesy of Bloomingdale's.Cost: 95.00120 E. Delaware Pl.; 312-280-8800
Mojo Spa: Chocolate addicts will love the "Queen for a Day" pedi at Mojo Spa that lets your legs and feet bathe in an antioxidant-rich chocolate truffle scrub and chocolate truffle body butter, made with real dark chocolate and oatmeal. You’ll also be treated to a coco-peppermint mask and a hot towel wrap at this friendly Wicker Park spa that uses all handmade products. Bonus: Mojo Spa hosts “Beauty and Brunch” on Sundays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., where you’ll score a free homemade breakfast (including complimentary cocktails and makeovers) with the purchase of a silver, gold or platinum combo.Cost: $70 Queen for a Day 1468 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 773-235-6656