Named the no. 2 coolest neighborhood in the world by Time Out in 2021, Andersonville has a lot to offer. In a poll of 27,000 city dwellers, the North Side neighborhood with Swedish roots rang popular not only for food and nightlife, but also boasts robust culture, community, and spirit. Below are some of the best restaurants in Andersonville that will give you an authentic Swedish-Chicago experience.
M. Henry
5707 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60660
- Henry is a popular spot for hungry locals seeking breakfast, brunch, or lunch. The menu is globally-inspired, New American comfort food made with the finest natural and seasonal ingredients. Order all your brekky faves from eggs and omelettes to quiche and french toast. A popular seasonal item is the fluffy Japanese souffle hotcakes––only available Tuesday-Saturday.
Little Bad Wolf
1541 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60660
Little Bad Wolf has an intimate, upscale vibe that matches its menu, which includes an extensive selection of craft beers, whiskey, specialty cocktails, and wine. The food menu is also a step above your typical comfort food bar fare.
Dig into delicious lumpias to start or a chef’s choice charcuterie board, followed by tacos or baos with fillings like duck, steak, garbanzo, fish, and more. Have a big appetite? Fill up with a burger, salad, or entree as well, like a half fried chicken served with mashed potatoes and bacon gravy or a rich and creamy mac and cheese.
Big Jones
5347 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
It may come as a surprise to find southern home-cooking up north in Andersonville, but that doesn’t mean the rich heritage and flavors of southern cuisine is lost here. Chef and co-owner Paul Fehribach brings a healthy obsession with heritage and heirloom crops, livestock breeds, traditional farming methods, and culinary history to Big Jones.
This bright and minimalist space channels the welcoming southern hospitality we love. The menu at this restaurant features all your southern staples, like Shrimp & Grits and Crispy Catfish and delicious carbs like cornbread and biscuits. There’s a large whiskey and bourbon selection you don’t want to miss either!
Middle East Bakery & Grocery
1512 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
A two-for-one special…Middle East Bakery & Grocery not only brings delicious Middle Eastern food like shawarma, falafel, kabobs, gyros, savory pies, and hummus to your table, but you can also get the groceries to make your own at home. Shop for freshly baked bread, traditional spices, grains, baklava, desserts, and other ingredients.
The restaurant and grocery store opened in 1981 by Hisham Khalifeh, who wanted to bring healthy and simple foods from his homeland to the area.
Lady Gregory’s Irish Bar & Restaurant
5260 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
Lady Gregory’s is an upscale farm-to-table restaurant and traditional Irish pub. Complete with a library, fireplace, and private wine cellar room, the atmosphere is cozy with a rustic vibe. The menu at this restaurant in Andersonville includes popular items such as the Brioche Custard French Toast, classic Shepherd’s Pie, or Fish And Chips. There are also gluten-free menus and vegetarian options.
As for drinks, treat yourself to specialty cocktails like the Guava Sour, wine, beers, and other libations as well as a rotating selection of local and domestic beer.
Fireside Restaurant & Lounge
5739 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60660
Fireside has a cozy and lively atmosphere that welcomes you in for their American fare and craft brews. The menu features salads, pizza, pasta, handhelds, house-smoked ribs, and more. Gourmet burgers are popular here, with a whopping 1/2 lb Angus beef on all four burger options. Fireside also has a build your own burger bar––choose your bun, protein, cheese, toppings, and sauces for your custom savory delight.
At the bar, there’s a large wine and beer selection as well as seasonal specialty cocktails like Glogg, or hot Swedish mulled wine.
Pick Me Up Cafe
4882 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
First opened in 1997, Pick Me Up Cafe was one of the first restaurants in the city to offer vegan and vegetarian cuisine. The cafe’s menu caters to people with all types of food preferences and has something for everyone.
Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, Pick Me Up is the perfect spot for any time of the day. For breakfast lovers, try the Eggs Benedict or Kahlua Pancakes (served all day). Need something heavier? Chow down on a Chicken Ranch Wrap or Vegan Sloppy Joe.
Ethiopian Diamond
6120 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660
Ethiopian Diamond has been a destination for authentic Ethiopian cuisine in the Andersonville neighborhood since 1996. The casual spot has a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere and even weekly live music!
The Taste of Ethiopia is the perfect introduction to the cuisine. It’s a sampler of the restaurant’s varied dishes and available for 1-2 servings and meat or veggie options. Entrees include vegetarian, chicken, beef, lamb, and seafood options. Enjoy Ethiopian coffee or tea with your meal or signature mixed drinks, martinis, honey wine, or African beer among other libations.
Featured Image Credit: Fireside Chicago