If you are a collector, there’s a specialty shop in Manteno that you’re going to love.
Pocket Vault Cards & Collectibles, tucked inside Uplifted Bistro LLC at 67 W. First Street, has everything imaginable that collectors might want.
According to owners Adam and Rebecca E., who did not want to give their last name, Pocket Vault was created for collectors who understand that the smallest things can hold the greatest value.
“A card can fit in your pocket – but it can carry history, nostalgia, rarity, and connection,” Adam explained.
“A collectible might be small in size, yet priceless in meaning.
“Pocket Vault is your local spot for cards that matter.
“We’re built on the belief that collecting is more than ripping packs — it’s about the chase, the trade, the stories behind every pull, and the cards you’ll never let leave your binder,” he continued.
“Some fit in your pocket. All deserve to be treated like they’re in a vault.
“The pocket is the personal side of TCGs: your favorite deck, the card you’ve had since day one, the hit you still talk about.”
The Pocket Vault team – Adam and Rebecca, along with staffers Tommy C., Lorenzo A., and Chuck F., believe in “clean pulls, proper sleeves, safe storage, and respect for every card, from commons to grails.
“At Pocket Vault, you’ll find sealed products, singles, and collectibles curated by people who actually play, trade, and collect,” he added.
“Whether you’re hunting a chase card, building a deck, or just hanging out on release day, this is a shop where collectors are welcome and the community comes first.
“We’re here for league nights, trade days, pack battles, and those moments when luck finally hits. No pressure, no gate-keeping — just good cards, good pulls, and good people.”
At the same time, he emphasized, “Pocket Vault isn’t about owning everything. It’s about keeping the right ones. Welcome to your local vault, where personal passion meets lasting value — a place to discover, protect, and celebrate the things worth keeping.”
Because the shop operates under Uplifted Bistro LLC, which is the parent company, it “brings cards, food, and community together in one place — because the best card shops are built around community.” Customers can grab a drink, rip packs, trade cards, sit down for a game, and hang out with friends and family in a relaxed, welcoming space built for collectors and players alike.
Adam and Rebecca said they chose to locate in Manteno because of its “strong sense of community and support for local businesses.”
“Manteno has the kind of small-town atmosphere where people still connect face-to-face,” they said.
“We wanted to open in a place where a local card shop could become part of everyday life — not just a retail stop, but a community space.” They felt the downtown Manteno location was a natural fit, offering walkability, local pride, and a growing base of residents looking for unique, community-driven experiences.
“By partnering with Uplifted Bistro, Pocket Vault created a space that encourages people to stay, connect, and share the hobby together — combining food, coffee, and collectibles under one roof,” the team continued.
“We didn’t want to open just anywhere. “We chose Manteno because it values local businesses, and we’re excited to grow alongside the community.”
Collecting was a natural choice because it’s something the Pocket Vault team has been passionate about for years, they said. What started as opening packs and trading with friends grew into a desire to create a local space where that same excitement could be shared with others.
“Manteno’s strong sense of community made it the perfect place to do that — somewhere collectors of all ages could feel welcome, ask questions, trade cards, and build connections. Pocket Vault was created to bring the hobby back to its roots: fun, fair, and community-driven.”
The Pocket Vault team collects a wide range of items, including vintage board games like Monopoly, classic toys, Hot Wheels, Pokémon cards, and other collectibles. “That broad interest reflects a genuine appreciation for nostalgia, craftsmanship, and the stories behind each item — values that continue to shape the variety and curation found at Pocket Vault.”
For those who want to start a collection, the team advises choosing something you genuinely enjoy and have a connection to, rather than looking for items you hope will become valuable someday. Start small, learn as you go, and focus on items that excite you rather than chasing trends. Asking questions, trading with others, and being part of a local collecting community helps new collectors build confidence and avoid costly mistakes. “Most importantly, collecting should be fun — when you enjoy what you’re collecting, the value comes naturally over time,” Adam noted.
Pocket Vault also can evaluate collectibles for customers. Determining value typically involves researching recent sales and market demand using trusted online resources, such as TCGplayer, eBay, and other industry pricing guides. Condition, rarity, and current demand all play an important role, and evaluations are done with transparency and care to help collectors better understand what they have.
Among the items Pocket Vault offers are a wide variety of trading card game products and collectibles. The shop carries popular TCGs including Pokémon, Disney Lorcana, Flesh and Blood, Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, One Piece, and more. In addition to cards, customers can find binders and protective accessories, 3D-printed products, shadow boxes, collectible figures, and Funko Pops.
Everything sold is sourced through authorized distributors, trusted partners, and local trade-ins, ensuring authentic items and a constantly changing selection for collectors.
When it comes to the team’s personal favorites, Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! remain at the top, thanks to their lasting nostalgia and strong collector communities.
“As for the most difficult collectibles to acquire, One Piece products are currently among the hardest to source due to high demand and limited availability,” Adam said.
In addition to buying and selling collectors’ items, Pocket Vault currently is planning a variety of community-focused events, including local trade days, family game nights, and open play days for Pokémon. The shop also hosts Magic Mondays every other Monday and is officially set up for organized play with Disney Lorcana, Flesh and Blood, and Yu-Gi-Oh!, with more events and games in the works.
The shop’s current winter hours are Sunday through Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours may extend later on event nights. Because Pocket Vault is located inside Uplifted Bistro, customers also are welcome to browse during the bistro’s earlier and later operating hours. Expanded spring hours are planned beginning in March.
Customers may contact Pocket Vault through Facebook and Instagram Messenger, by phone at 815-201-1265, and a dedicated website is coming soon.
In a short version of their mission and values, Adam said
“Pocket Vault exists to build a welcoming local hub where players and collectors can rip packs, trade fairly, play the game, and protect the cards that matter.
“Community First – Everyone’s welcome, from first pack to grail chase.
“Collector Integrity – Fair pricing, honest trades, and respect for every card.
“Protect the Pull – If it’s worth pulling, it’s worth sleeving.
“Play the Game – We collect, we play, we stay current.
“No Gatekeeping – Fun, fair, and friendly – always.”