Andersonville is a northside neighborhood in Chicago that is known for it Swedish roots, historic architecture and thriving number of independent and local businesses along N. Clark St. There are a number of neighborhood events throughout the year, from wine walks, holiday events, a restaurant week, viking pub crawl and a summer farmers market.
I went back for brunch and was very impressed with the many new stores, coffee shops and galleries since I was up there last. There are a number of spots that make it a perfect spot for a weekend brunch. I was just back and found some great new places. It was the day after Thanksgiving 2024 and I saw many people supporting the local shops including several second hand stores. It is a great neighborhood to do your holiday shopping. My recommendations include:
Where to Eat in Andersonville
A great neighborhood spot is Big Jones, known for its Southern specialties for brunch, lunch and dinner at 5347 N. Clark St.. I have enjoyed their shrimp and grits for Sunday brunch. I went back a second time and had another good experience enjoying the Simple Southern Breakfast with two eggs, smoked ham, a biscuit and grits. It is very popular, so book your reservation online before you go.
Lost Larson: I really enjoyed this excellent bakery and coffee shop. I didn’t know it was there until I read a review in the Sunday New York Times, the day I was heading up for brunch in the area. It was a great new find! I loved the latte and rye raisin cookie as my dessert. Bobby Schaffer, the chef and owner, has led the pastry programs for some of the world’s best restaurants including Blue Hill at Stone Barns in New York and the former three star Michelin restaurant Grace, in Chicago. 5318 N. Clark St.
Kanela Breakfast Club: At 5413 N. Clark St., this casual spot is one of four locations in Chicago. They have a menu featuring local and organic foods with a Greek influence.
A Taste of Heaven Bakery & Cafe: A fun breakfast spot, at 5401 N. Clark St., that offers a number of breads, cakes, scones and cupcakes as well as serving breakfast and lunch items from soups to sandwiches.
Svea Restaurant: This is a casual Swedish cafe or diner that dishes up a number of omelettes, hot sandwiches and meatballs for breakfast and lunch. I went with a friend to celebrate her birthday and enjoyed the smoked salmon omelette with breafast potatoes. I enjoyed the staff as well. 5236 N Clark St.
North of Svea is Lady Gregory’s Irish Bar & Restaurant. This is a gastro pub known for its food and whiskey. My friend who I ate at Svea with said that she and her husband go often. I can’t wait to try it. The brunch menu looks great. They are also know for their fish and chips. I loved the warm atmosphere and the beutiful Christmas decorations. 5260 N. Clark.
Colectivo Coffee: This is branch of the Milwaukee-based coffee roaster at 5425 N. Clark St. The coffee drinks are always great. They have five Chicago area locations.
On a recent trip to the neighborhood, I loved finding Kopi Cafe. Located at 5317 N Clark St., this is a casual bohemian cafe, with a small boutique in the back. A neighborhood institution for 30 years, they serve breakfast items, pastries, salads, soups, sandwiches, Mexican dishes, coffee drinks and hot chocolate. I stopped in for a latte and loved the atmosphere. The boutique sells books and imported goods from around the world
The Coffee Studio is an independent coffee shop with an attractive modern space with a nice outdoor patio. I enjoyed my latte outside on a beautiful August day. They have coffee and tea drinks along with doughnuts, baked goods and bagels. 5628 N. Clark St.
Recently, I met a local friend for lunch at m.henry. I had seen it featured on several top lists of the best neighborhood restaurants and the best breakfast spots in Chicago. It is a casual breakfast and lunch spot at 5707 N. Clark St. The menu has a large number of egg dishes, quiche and pancakes along with salads, sandwiches, bowls and soups. They also have a coffee shop and bakery on-site. I enjoyed an omelet special made with Canadian and a side of plantains on their attractive outside patio.
On my most recent visit the day after Thanksgiving 2024, I went to Hopleaf Bar after reading several great reviews. The New York Times rated it as one of the best restaurants in Chicago in August 2024. This is a local gastro pub, since 1992, with a large menu of Belgian bottled beer and beer on tap. It also has a Belgian-inspired food menu. I had to try the mussels and fries cooked in wit beer. They have several spaces including an outdoor patio during the warmer weather. I recommend that try it.
West of Hopleaf in the Bowmanville neighborhood is Side Practice Coffee at 5139 N. Damen Ave. at the corner of Foster Ave. This is a small, casual local coffee shop that is a fun place to visit. They have a menu of coffee, tea and pastries. I went with a friend and enjoyed a great latte on a cold December day. It was started in 2020 as a place for entrepreneurs and creative minds to build community and create a network. I always enjoy supporting small businesses like this with a great mission.
First Slice Pie Cafe, at 5357 N. Ashland, is another place you must visit when you are in the area. After my lunch at m.henry, I went to First Slice for dessert. This was my first time at this location. I had been many times to the First Slice location at the Lillstreet Arts Center but this is now closed. I have always loved their salads, sandwiches, soups, quiches, cookies and pies. This time I had to have my favorite key lime pie, which was so rich and tasty. They have two other locations in the Ravenswood neighborhood. I have also been to their W. Montrose Ave. location.
Another neighborhood bakery to visit is La Baguette Panaderia at 5712 N. Clark St. They have a nice selection of Mexican pastries, breads, cookies and cakes.
Dollop Diner at 5060 N. Clark is on my list to try. I have also read that Little Bad Wolf is a fun spot for cocktails, beer and wine along with a menu of upscale bar and street food including tacos, burgers, salads, entrees and sides. 1541 W Bryn Mawr Ave. Anteprima at 5316 N Clark St. also gets good reviews or its rustic Italian fare. I also want to check out Fiya for Middle Eastern cuisine at 5419 N Clark St.
For a classic bar experience head to Simon’s Tavern at 5210 N Clark St. Opened in 1934, they also own Svea restaurant and have a large beer selection, a jukebox and signature glögg or mulled wine at Christmas.
Fun Shopping
Cowboys and Astronauts: At 1478 Summerdale Ave., this is a very stylish men’s lifestyle store featuring apparel, accessories, grooming products, travel supplies, home goods and gifts.
Need a crazy or fun gift, stop in at Strange Cargo for custom T-shirts and great gifts. 5216 N. Clark.
Martha Mae Art Supplies & Beautiful Things: Located at 5407 N. Clark, this is a small boutique featuring art, art supplies and other home and personal accessories from books, stationery, hand bags and notebooks.
Andersonville Galleria: This is a “year-round art fair” as it features works by over 100 independent artists under one roof and on two levels. I thought some of the ceramics and photography was excellent. They also features exhibitions, special events and classes. 5247 N. Clark.
Norcross Interiors: Formerly Norcross and Scott Home, this is a lovely contemporary retail and interior design studio. They carry a nice selection of home furnishings, books, accessories and art. 1700 W. Irving Park Rd., #202.
I also recommend that you visit City Olive where you can buy the “finest estate bottled extra virgin olive oils, locally made artisan products, and responsibly sourced specialty foods like olives, vinegars, tapenades, spices, pastas, and mustards from around the world.” 5644 N. Clark St.
Rattleback Records: Make sure to stop in at Rattleback Records, a music store offering a large selection of new and used vinyl, CDs, cassettes, movies and more. They will also buy your used records, CDs, cassette tapes, and DVDs. 5405 N. Clark St.
I also recommend that you stop in at The Understudy Coffee and Books. This is a local bookstore and coffee shop that also hosts play readings, concerts, meetups and other events. I went after my lunch at Hopleaf and I enjoyed my latte and chatting with the staff. 5531 N. Clark St.
Thanks to a local friend, I went to Middle East Bakery & Grocery at 1512 W. Foster Ave. This is a small market, opened in 1981, that has hummus, savory pies, baklava and other sweets plus traditional spices and ingredients. I enjoyed the traditional baklava which I bought. They also have a small cafe, the Middle East Grill next door.
In December 2024, I saw a segment on WGN Chicago featuring Event Horizon Gallery at 5517 N. Clark St. This is a an immmersive, galaxy-themed gallery that features “interactive art pieces that engage guests in the space and make them feel as though they’ve entered another world.” It looks interesting and I hope to visit it one day when it is open. It is open three nights a week and on Saturday and Sunday.
Things to Do and Explore
Swedish American Museum: Over the years I have gone to the museum on several occasions. At 5211 N. Clark, the museum is dedicated to preserving the Swedish heritage and educating the public about the Swedish language, art and culture. Make sure to visit the permanent exhibit on Swedish immigration to Chicago which started over 150 years ago. The have a nice gift shop as well. When I was back recently they had a fun Christmas market with food and entertainment. They also have films, language and music classes and special events throughout the year.
The Festival of Saint Lucia, the Swedish Festival of Lights on December 13, is a great time to come back and see the procession throughout the neighborhood. The procession highlight is the appearance of the specially chosen “Lucia Girls”, who lead the crowd, wearing long white robes and beautiful crowns of candles and singing “The Lucia Song”. I have seen it in the past and it is really lovely.
