After living in Andersonville for almost a year, I decided it was finally time to share with you my favorite places to eat, shop, and hang out in the neighborhood!

Where to Eat

Andersonville is loaded with great restaurants. And when I say loaded, I mean LOADED. Pat and I used to go out to eat in Andersonville way before we lived here and I feel really lucky that so much delicious food is within walking distance.

Little Bad Wolf – LBW is an upscale bar that serves craft cocktails, a burger that rivals Au Cheval, and a potato taco that I’ve eaten more times than I can count. Little Bad Wolf is one of our favorite restaurants – casual atmosphere, delicious drinks (get the El Chupacabra!) and an extensive craft beer list, and phenomenal food. The only downside is that they don’t take reservations and you will definitely be waiting for a table. WORTH IT.

Middle East Grill – This place is phenomenal. Best chicken shawarma salad in the city and it’s dirt cheap. They also have a little store next to the restaurant – it’s my favorite place to buy spices and they sell the smoothest hummus of your life. No joke, I have no idea how they get it so smooth!

Immm Rice & Beyond – Immm Rice is one of my neighborhood take-out staples. It’s just a few minute walk from home, but Thai is one of my favorite types of food to get take out. Plus, this place is super authentic (it’s a Thai Select restaurant!) and you must try the Pad Prik Khing!

Vincent – Vincent is our favorite date night spot. It’s small, quiet, and intimate. The menu changes often but there are a few staples that never leave – 4 types of mussels, charcuterie, and the bistro burger. Everything else is super seasonal which makes going their often a lot of fun!

Defloured – A 100% gluten free bakery!! I feel incredibly lucky that defloured is so close to my house… lucky, but it is also very dangerous. Literally any gluten-filled treat, defloured can make gluten free. Their products are amazing! My faves: savory scones (shown above and only made on weekends!), coconut macaroon, and the chocolate peanut butter bar.

Herb – Another Thai restaurant (ps. I LOVE Thai food!) that is doing Thai right. I mean, the food is phenomenal, it’s BYOB, and it feels like elevated Thai food, not just something you could get ordering take out. It’s also been given the stamp of approval from Thai Select and you must add it to your list of places to eat!

Where to Shop

Andersonville Galleria – The Galleria is my go-to whenever I need a gift. They house over 100 local artists under one roof (including my granola!) – the artists make everything from gourmet foods, to enamel pins, paintings, jewelry, apparel, and so much more.

Winifred Grace – Winifred Grace is a handmade jewelry designer and boutique clothing store for women. The jewelry is gorgeous and the sweaters are cozy – I picked up this one a few weeks ago!

Cowboys and Astronauts – Cowboys and Astronauts is a men’s clothing and lifestyle store – selling ‘supplies for the modern man’. Essentially that means they sell everything from clothing and barware to weekender bags and shave kits. It’s also a great place to buy gifts!

Foursided – Foursided is my go-to for greeting cards. Their selection is larger than anywhere else in the neighborhood and they always have lots of Rifle Paper Co. options – my fave!

Martha Mae: Art Supplies & Beautiful Things – The name says it all. This store is STUNNING. It is so aesthetically pleasing, thanks to the Jean Cate, the owner who keeps the store meticulously put together.  Jean’s Cavalier King Charles and the store’s namesake, Martha Mae, is queen bee. She sits on the counter and watches patrons as they shop the store.

What to Do

Antiquing  – Andersonville has tons of antique stores carrying everything from clothing and jewelry to dishes and furniture. You can get your hands on just about anything you like! Be sure to check out Andersonville Antiques, Mercantile M, Scout, Brimfield, and Brownstone Antiques.

Tour the Swedish American Museum! Andersonville is Chicago’s Swedish neighborhood and the culture is still very present today. After you tour the museum, cross the street and enjoy Swedish pancakes with ligonberries from Svea!

Get outside! Andersonville is just a short walk from the lakeshore path and there are tons of green spaces and parks throughout the neighborhood. But, if it’s too cold to get outside, then bring the outside in! Head over to Foyer Shop for your indoor plant needs or Gethsemane Garden Center to check out the gardening classes they offer!

These are just some of my favorite things to eat, see, and do in Andersonville. And of course, let me know if you are ever in town and we can meet up for a lavender latte at Lost Larson!