Alternative Guide to Chicago
Andersonville/Lakeview
Community Highlights
Andersonville began in the nineteenth century as a mecca for Swedish immigrants to the Midwest. It was originally a suburb of Chicago, but after the Great Fire of 1871 a new wave of immigrants congregated around Clark Street. After World War II, the Uptown Clark Street Business Association changed its name to the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce. The ceremony to rededicate Andersonville in 1964 happened to coincide with the Swedish summer solstice celebration that grew into an event with city-wide appeal: Midsommar Fest. In addition to a large Swedish population, Andersonville has a substantial number of Korean, Lebanese, and Mexican residents. In 1976, Andersonville's Swedish American Museum opened, with King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden attending the ceremony. In the late 1980s, the gay and lesbian population expanded into the area. In addition to being one of Chicago's largest gay and lesbian communities, Andersonville has many thriving Middle Eastern restaurants and a strong Hispanic commercial area. Yet it is still known throughout the country for its high concentration of Swedes and for its retention of Swedish culture.
Conrad Sulzer became the first settler of Lakeview in 1837. The neighborhood was allegedly named for Hotel Lakeview, which was erected in 1853 on the lakeshore. The Lakeview community has since grown into a thriving cultural center, with a number of theaters and other performance venues, cafes, shops, and nightspots. Situated within Lakeview is Chicago's famous Boystown neighborhood, one of the largest LGBT communities in the country. The borders of Lakeview are Lake Michigan, Diversey Parkway, Irving Park Road, and Ravenswood Avenue.
Eateries, Shops, and Other Destinations
Ann Sather
929 West Belmont Avenue
773-348-2378
Scandinavian
$$
This eatery serves classic Scandinavian food at affordable prices. The spacious two-room restaurant is especially welcoming and bustling during brunch on weekends. Service and food are always pleasant. Be sure to try the famous cinnamon rolls.
Chicago Diner
3411 North Halsted Street
773-935-6696
American
Vegetarian, Vegan
$$
Don't let the name fool you. This cozy and unassuming deco diner is home to some of the most famous vegetarian cuisine in the country. Adored by vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, the Chicago Diner offers delicious meat-less dishes such as "Steak" Fajitas and Radical Reuben sandwiches excellently prepared with seitan and tofu. Its menu is strictly vegetarian and the majority of the dishes are easily adjusted to vegan requirements. The taste is just like the real thing, but you come out feeling healthy and wholesome. And make sure to try their delectable, guilt-free desserts! Free off-street parking.
Erickson's Delicatessen
5250 North Clark Street
773-561-5634
Scandinavian deli
$
Homey and quaint, this store carries a fine selection of imported and freshly made Scandinavian goods. In the delicatessen, there are wheels of sharp Dutch cheeses, creamy Bond Ost farmers cheese, a range of meats, potato sausage, and, of course, Swedish meatballs. An unbelievable selection of crackers includes even hardtack. For your chocolate cravings, there are boxes of Swedish favorites. The prices are very reasonable, often cheaper than the Hyde Park Co-op. Excellent service with plenty of free samples!
Firefly
3335 North Halsted Street
773-525-2505
French
$$$
This pricier eatery located on the Halsted strip of Boystown serves French bistro food. The luxurious draperies and richly appointed private rooms provide an elegant atmosphere for enjoying tempting French cuisine and a wide selection of drinks.
Hydrate
3458 North Halsted Street
773-975-9244
Gay club
This lounge/dance club/bar offers the public lots of activities every night of the week. The three rooms, each with a different hue, are spacious and charming. The back area often transforms into a dance room to host events such as drag shows. Open late.
Leonardo's Ristorante
5657 North Clark Street
773-561-5028
Italian
Vegetarian friendly
$$$
One step inside this chic, upscale space and the aroma of homemade Italian food sets the tone for an incredible dining experience. The menu, which changes regularly, features appetizers, salads, pasta, and main courses. Almost all items are made on-site. There are two different types of bread offered: classic Italian bread and a rosemary bread that is also tasty. For appetizers, the calamari is perfectly fried to a lovely tenderness, the fresh tomato and mozzarella is lovely, and the shrimp with shoestring fries is to die for (although the portion is rather small for the price tag). The entres and pastas, however, are generously sized and delicious. The pork chop stuffed with sausage is a favorite; and the seafood pasta is bursting with giant scallops, shrimp, and other marine delights. Be sure to pick one of the desserts-each is a wonder of presentation. Indulge yourself with such delectable delights as the rich, flourless chocolate cake and the creamy tiramisu.
Mi Tierra Mexican Restaurant
1039 West Belmont Avenue
773-929-7955
Mexican
$$
For those looking for a good-value dining spot, Mi Tierra, like many Mexican eatieries in Chicago, is a sure bet. Its menu, however, also includes pricier items, such as the Steak Fajita meal, serviced with rice, beans, and a salad. It's also famous for its many flavored margaritas. And if you're looking to indulge your sweet tooth, make sure to try their flan for dessert.
Monsoon
2813 North Broadway Street
773-665-9463
Indian
$$$
Sweeping curtains and openness make this a romantic establishment. And this Indian restaurant lends modern touches to Indian dishes. The food, which is nicely presented and equally tasty, is even better when it is complemented with a selection from the wide variety of wine and cocktails.
Nookies Tree
3344 North Halsted Street
773-248-9888
American
$$
Nookies Tree, which serves a wide variety of good breakfast food, is open twenty-four hours on Fridays and Saturdays for night owls. It's a diner-style environment with dependable, enjoyable eats.
Pars Persian Store
5206 North Clark Street
773-769-6635
Supermarket
This store carries an unimaginable variety of goods, from Persian cooking ingredients to home wares, books, and even home videos to rent. This two-story establishment even offers traditional clothing in its inventory. It's worth a visit just to browse through their many items such as rose water, the purest shea butter in the city, spices, teas, nuts, and dried fruits. Frozen entrees and ice cream are available in the freezer section.
Presence Boutique
4216 North Clark Street
773-989-4420
Boutique
For the funky fashionista this store carries shirts for under $20; skirts, pants, and jeans from $28 to $54; and accessories from $1 to $20. The selection is similar to Urban Outfitters; but the clothing is less expensive, and the service is more personalized and eager-to-please.
Roscoe's Tavern
3356 North Halsted Street
773-281-3355
Gay bar
This gay bar in Boystown is fun, whatever your sexual persuasion. You can make whatever you want of your night here: hang out and play pool, talk at one of the three bars, or shake your night away on the dance floor. Don't miss Thursdays, with bingo and a wet-boxer contest. Drink specials every night of the week. $5 cover charge only on Saturdays after 10 p.m.
Sinbad's
921 West Belmont Avenue
773-477-6020
Mediterranean
$
This Mediterranean dining spot is on the small side, but the quick service and rapid turnover rate assure that all diners get their fill of falafel and hummus. With cheap prices and a variety of Mediterranean food, it is a nice spot on the Belmont Avenue strip of restaurants and shops.
Spin
800 West Belmont Avenue
773-327-7711
Gay club
Spin is friendly and comfortable, whether you're gay or straight. There are three bars and a dance floor. Music videos play constantly on a big screen. Daily specials include $1 Drink Wednesdays and Retro 90s Thursdays, which is guaranteed to bring back memories with music and videos from the 90s all night long. Cover on Wednesdays and Saturdays only.
