From its Swedish heritage to its impressive dining scene and charming side streets, this bustling pocket of Chicago’s North Side has oodles to offer for residents and locals alike. Here, our can’t-miss spots in the neighborhood.
Where To Eat
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5316 N. Clark St. / Website
Regulars pack this convivial haunt for its welcoming atmosphere (including an intimate back patio) and reliably delicious rustic Italian fare—think wood-grilled octopus with potatoes, red onion and parsley, orecchiette with spicy lamb sausage, and sliced New York strip with rosemary, arugula and parmigiano.
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5347 N. Clark St. / Website
Chef Paul Fehribach’s embrace of Southern heritage cooking have made this spot a go-to for fried chicken, shrimp and grits and other down-home staples, plus the brunch fave #BeatBobbyFlay biscuit sandwich, which earned Fehribach a win on Iron Chef.
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5148 N. Clark St. / Website
One of the nation’s top bars for beer enthusiasts, this laid-back local institution boasts 68 draft lines dedicated to artful craft beers with a focus on Belgian offerings. The accomplished gastropub menu is equally impressive, including arguably the best mussels and frites in town.
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1541 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. / Website
The burger’s the thing at this low-lit date-night favorite, and the signature Wolf burger is a beaut: three smashed patties with bacon, American cheese, fried onion straws, house pickles, red onion mayo and a fried egg. Tacos, salads and comfort food faves round out the menu.
5318 N. Clark St. / Website
From delectably flaky almond and chocolate croissants to cardamom buns, cheddar kale scones and more, this storefront from accomplished chef Bobby Schaffer is all about exquisite pastries inspired by his Swedish heritage.
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5707 N. Clark St. / Website
The weekend brunch line stretches out the door at this cute and cozy cafe at the north end of Andersonville, drawing regulars for veggie- and vegan-friendly dishes like the scrambled tofu Vegan Epiphany, black bean cakes with drunken eggs and more.
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1475 W. Balmoral Ave. / Website
This intimate, romantic spot just off the Clark Street strip tempts with smart American plates (think fried squash with herbed yogurt and half chicken with braised kale and roasted potatoes) and a buzzing Sunday brunch scene.
Where To Shop
5247 N. Clark St. / Website
Browse more than 100 local vendors at this one-stop shopping destination, with artisans offering handmade jewelry, eclectic artwork, one-of-a-kind design and more all under one roof.
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5404 N. Clark St. / Website
You never know what you’ll find in this always-buzzing thrift store, from midcentury modern furniture to gently used designer clothing, household items and more, the proceeds from which support healthcare and LGBTQ+ community programs at local nonprofit Howard Brown.
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1478 W. Summerdale Ave. / Website
From stylish apparel to grooming products, bags, jewelry, accessories and more, this contemporary men’s boutique with a whimsical frontier theme offers a smartly curated selection of merch to help elevate your personal style.
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5739 N. Clark St. / Website
From Christmas trees and greenery in winter to new plantings for spring and pumpkins for summer, this expansive space for all things landscape makes for incredible outdoor shopping year-round. Great gifts, too.
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1512 W. Foster Ave. / Website
Home cooks are in heaven at this welcoming grocer, a neighborhood staple since 1981 and whose shelves and fridges brim with fresh-made harissa, tahini, nuts, grains, spices and other prepared foods and snacks.
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5221 N. Clark St. / Website
Chicly curated vintage and antique treasures beckon at this stylish sanctuary for design lovers, where you can expect an ever-changing collection of furniture, home decor and curiosities from the past.
5233 N. Clark St. / Website
One of the largest feminist bookstores in the country, this independent shop stocks more than 20,000 volumes by and about women plus children’s books and LGTQIA+ literature, and also features a robust calendar of author readings and other community events.
Where To Stay
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4872 N. Clark St. / Website
This super-charming boutique hotel offers roomy one-, two- and three-bedroom suites with full-size kitchens, private balconies and a shared roof deck, all within walking distance of the buzzing Andersonville strip.
Where To Hit The Town
5050 N. Clark St. / Website
In a converted 1940s commercial laundry building, this multi-venue magic destination buzzes nightly with a 107-seat cabaret theater, a 30s-style speakeasy performance bar, a 43-seat close-up gallery and more, with offerings that include popular nightly shows plus classes and family-friendly programming.
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1511 W. Balmoral Ave. / Website
Oversize martinis are served in tight quarters at this beloved neighborhood lounge—arguably one of the city’s best martini destinations—which fills nightly with a diverse crowd for classic takes on the Negroni, French 75, dirty martini and more. Best of all? No TVs, so it’s the ideal spot for a cozy conversation.
5153 N. Ashland Ave. / Website
Since 1988, this experimental theater has been home to The Neo-Futurist Ensemble and its 30-plays-in-60-minutes sensation The Infinite Wrench (formerly known as Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind), which plays to packed houses on Fri-Sun evenings.
1744 W. Balmoral Ave. / Website
Tucked away on a quiet residential street off the bustline Andersonville strip, this black-female-owned cocktail haven draws a regular crowd for its inclusive vibe and smart libations.
Cultural Gem
5211 N. Clark St. / Website
Andersonville’s Scandinavian history is on colorful display at this institution in the heart of the neighborhood, which features rotating exhibits, genealogy resources, regular event programming, Swedish language classes, a children’s museum and more.
Photography by: Chicago Magic Lounge photo by Hall+Merrick Photographers; Neo-Futurist photo by Joe Mazza/Brave Lux; Nobody's Darling photo by Emily Quezada; Swedish American Museum photo by Phoebe Yates and Lisa Lindstrom
