(Clockwise from top left) The Haymaker Shop, Marguerite Gardens, Milk Handmade, Jameson Loves Danger, Scout, and Great Lake
The Swedish-rooted area has local shops and original eateries galore, but it’s the home furnishings stores that attract visitors from around the world to this little corner of Chicago.
ANDERSONVILLE WINE & SPIRITS
[1] Chicagoans faithfully trek to this jam-packed liquor store for its obscure varietals and beers. 5201 N. Clark St., 773-769-0858, andersonvillewineandspirits.com
THE COFFEE STUDIO
[2] Crackerjack baristas brew Intelligentsia beans at this sleek studio space, which takes pride in displaying local art. 5628 N. Clark St., 773-271-7881, thecoffeestudio.com
THE HAYMAKER SHOP
[4] The home furnishings bazaar features uncommon yet stylish goods made in the Midwest, like minimalist-chic side tables from Skokie-based Iron & Wire. 5507 N. Clark St., 773-681-0798, haymakershop.com
GREAT LAKE
[3] With homemade sausage and fresh mozzarella, the gourmet ’za satiates with each slice. No seats? Get it to go and eat at Simon’s (No. 11). 1477 W. Balmoral Ave., 773-334-9270
HOPLEAF
[5] The tables teem with steamed mussels and steak frites, but it’s the bevy of brews—over 300 offered, including 41 on tap—that draws the crowds to this gastropub. 5148 N. Clark St., 773-334-9851, hopleaf.com
JAMESON LOVES DANGER
[6] Where else can you pick up peanut butter and honey treats for Fido? The pet lovers’ paradise even has a grooming station in the back for hair styling and nail coloring. 5208 N. Clark St., 773-754-8816, jamesonlovesdanger.com
JOHNNY BROWN BAG
[7] From the team behind Lincoln Park’s Via Carducci, this BYO spot offers heaping portions of Italian faves. 5406 N. Clark St., 773-270-2522, johnnybrownbag.com
MARGUERITE GARDENS
[8] Ditch the baby’s breath for some waxflower or calla lilies and craft a truly unique bouquet with the ace florists at this charming flower shop. 5059 N. Clark St., 773-506-6295, flowerpowerchicago.com
MILK HANDMADE
[9] Hallie Borden’s fresh clothing boutique carries independent designers from near and far, such as the handmade hats of Chicago’s Squasht by Les and the organic patterned hoodies of New York’s SevenBlooms. 5137 N. Clark St., 847-833-6309, milkhandmade.com
SCOUT
[10] Vintage-goods spotter Larry Vodak rescues and restores rustic wood furnishings and quirky knickknacks—no wonder it’s designer Nate Berkus’s go-to shop. 5221 N. Clark St., 773-275-5700, scoutchicago.com
SIMON’S TAVERN
[11] The friendly barflies welcome every patron at this watering hole, where the well-stocked jukebox occasionally pauses for a local band. 5210 N. Clark St., 773-878-0894
SWEDISH AMERICAN MUSEUM
[12] Trace Swedish immigration to the city and explore more than 13,000 historical artifacts at this heritage center. 5211 N. Clark St., 773-728-8111, swedishamericanmuseum.org
THREE DON’T-MISS JANUARY EVENTS
Beat the post-holiday blahs with pH Comedy Theater, the local troupe that stages 11 shows a week, from the G-rated pHamily the Musical to the raunchier pHrenzy pHucked. . . . Enjoy reenactments of classic TV moments from Friends, Seinfeld, and more at a special performance from A Reasonable Facsimile Theatre Co. at Mary’s Attic on January 2. . . . The Andersonville Farmers Market reopens for one day only this month at the Swedish American Museum. Stock up on fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and even tofu on January 20.
ON THE HORIZON
Casual Indian eatery Marigold opens its new location (5413 N. Clark St., marigoldrestaurant.com) after moving from Uptown in the fall of 2012. . . . The Andersonville Honors Gala, an annual awards ceremony for the neighborhood’s best businesses, will take place this spring (andersonvilledevcorp.org).
Photography: Travis Roozée