It’s no secret that Andresonville has Swedish roots. It’s pride is visible, 365 days a year, which makes this neighborhood a unique place to visit and live in. It’s a beautiful neighborhood, filled with families, wonderful shops, and a small town charm that’s hard to find anywhere else. Many Swedes made their way to Chicago back in the 1800s and 1900s. Originally settling in the downtown area, they soon moved north due primarily to the Chicago Fire. There they created businesses and cultural centers that bolstered their Swedish roots. Today, some of these places include the Swedish American Museum, that contains gallery spaces, a genealogy center, and Children’s museum. In addition, one of the most famous emblems of Andersonville would have to be the iconic water tank decorated with the Swedish flag, the original replaced by a fiberglass replica. Andersonvile also became a thriving LGBTQ neighborhood in the 1990s, right after Boystown. While it was often referred to as ‘Girlstown’ due to the large influx of lesbian couples, it has since opened up to a larger LGBTQ community. It’s one of my favorite neighborhoods as it showcases the beauty of migration and movement, about how a place can benefit and even thrive when it opens its doors instead of closing them.
Check out some of these beautiful places!
Reza’s
5255 N Clark St Chicago, IL 60640
If you’re in the mood for persian, head over to Reza’s Restaurant, an Andersonville staple with a legendary buffet option. So good!
Svea
5236 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
If you’re headed to Andersonville to check out the Swedish atmosphere and food, make sure to visit Svea. This tiny and cute place offers breakfast food and some lunch items.
Lost Larson
5318 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
One of the newest and most exciting additions to Andersonville is Lost Larson. The chef and owner has an impressive culinary background, and it clearly translates to the freshness of the baked goods from pastries to bread loaves. It’s also just a really beautiful space to be in.
Brown Elephant
5404 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
Not only does this resale shop do good in the healthcare community, it also has amazing things, from mid-century modern furniture to wacky home decor and everything in between. It’s a super fun place to browse.
Women and Children First Bookstore
5233 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
This is probably one of the most famous and fearlessly independent, open minded, and feminist bookstores in Chicago. With amazing events and an incredible selection, it’s one of my favorite stops in Andersonville.
Martha Mae: Art Supplies & Beautiful Things
5407 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
Wonderfully curated, this shop is filled with art supplies, journals, and stationary. Whatever you’re background, you’re bound to walk away inspired. Also who doesn’t love a shop named after a beloved dog, especially the owner Jean Cate’s cute king charles spaniel.