Things to do in Andersonville, Chicago

UPDATED JULY 2024
By Dom Bewley
andersonville water tower

Chicago is a great city full of diversity, including from some unexpected places. Andersonville is known locally as 'Little Sweden', thanks to its Swedish immigrant community. So why not go and see what all the fuss is about? These are the best things to do in Andersonville when you vacation in Chicago!

Including:

  • Comic collections
  • Art galleries
  • Historical museums
  • Magic shows
  • New age performances
  • and more!
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Stand up comics

In the past decade or so, comic books have seen a resurgence, thanks to the popularity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America have all become household names in the past decade, with their films bringing in billions. So, it's no wonder that comic shops like Alley Cat Comics are reaping the benefits too! Nestled behind an iron gate, you'll find this delightful shop. Step inside, and you'll discover a world of comics, graphic novels, and books, so if you're in the market for a specific release, or looking to increase your collection, go check them out. They also host weekly game nights, if you fancy sprinkling a little competition into the mix.

Art attack

Andersonville might be called Little Sweden due to its large Scandinavian population, but that brings other continental benefits along with it. In this case, we're talking culture, and by culture, we mean art galleries. if you want to get your art on, Andersonville's got you covered.

For nearly 30 years, Las Manos Gallery has showcased the work of local artists, giving visitors an impression of the area from those who call it home. Now, it doubles as a store, where you can purchase your favorite pieces! A great stop on your tour of Andersonville, if you're looking for things to hang on your dreary walls.

For a more eclectic, community-focused collection of hand-crafted art, clothing, jewelry, and much more, head over to Andersonville Galleria. Over one hundred vendors display their wares across two winding floors, so it's a great place to explore and discover something that's just right for you.

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Historical signifance

Given the influence Swedish immigrants continue to have on the area, it's no wonder Andersonville has a museum dedicated to them. For over forty years, the Swedish American Museum has done just that.

With thousands of artifacts to see, and personal stories to read, it's a fascinating look at how Swedes helped make the US the country it is today. So, if you want to know more about Andersonville's rich culture and history, you know what to do.

It's magic!

Is your life missing a little spark? Is the banality of the real world dragging you down? Well, why not add a little magic to your vacation? Well, take a walk to the Chicago Magic Lounge and discover a world of wonder within its walls.

Expect to find a wide variety of magic shows across its three performance spaces, as well as a fully-stocked bar, a menu of delicious bites, and even kid-friendly performances on Sundays. They really pulled the rabbit out of the hat with this one. Sorry. No, I'm not sorry. Wordplay is the nectar of the gods.

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The Future is now

On the subject of shows, why not catch some theater while you're in town? We're not talking about any of that traditional stuff, either. We're talking weird. We're talking leftfield. We're talking quick-fire theatre.

At the Neo-Futurarium, they specialize in indie theatre. What makes them unique is their signature shows, which are an hour long and contain thirty short plays that lead into one another. In their cozy performance space, you'll be expected to get involved in the action, so be prepared for that should you dare venture forth. And, if you're truly taken by their style, you can even learn from them at some of their in-house workshops!

Caffeine dreams

After all that doing, you might be needing a pick me up to see you through. Luckily, Andersonville has one of the best coffee houses in Chicago! At the Coffee Studio, you'll find a selection of locally-sourced, sustainably-grown coffees and teas in a wide variety of flavors and styles.

And if you want to have a go at making your own at home, they even sell all the tools you'll need to make your own fantastic brews. If you wander in after dark, you'll find this coffee house has transformed into a craft beer and liquor joint, where you can try some local creations of the alcoholic variety!

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Eat, don't deplete

Looking for a nice place to grab some grub during your stay? Andersonville's got you covered with some amazing eateries right on your doorstep.

m.henry offers a wide variety of New American cuisine options for both breakfast and brunch, with some international fusions to keep you guessing. Grab a fried egg sandwich and a continental pastry, and wash it all down with some freshly-squeezed juice. The perfect way to start your day!

Or, if you're looking for something a little spicier, or some amazing ingredients to cook up your own masterpiece, head over to the Middle East Bakery and Grocery. Pick up a falafel wrap, a pie, or some homemade soup along with a delightful selection of spices, fruit, and veg.

Drink, don't think!

And let's end this list on a night out. If you're looking to knock back a few brews before bed, check out our favorite Andersonville watering holes.

Hopleaf has over sixty beers on tap, from local craft brews to international greats. Go see which one is your favorite, and maybe pair it with a little seafood or a meat board if you're feeling peckish?

Or, check out a Prohibition-era speakeasy turned Nordic bar at Simon's. Come for the delicious drinks, traditional mulled wine, and other seasonal treats. Stay for the welcoming atmosphere and fascinating decor!

And that was our list for the best things to do in Andersonville, Chicago! Looking for more to do in the city? Why not make the most of your trip and see all of Chicago's landmarks in one fell swoop?

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Best art galleries in Chicago

A haven for art lovers, Chicago had more galleries than anywhere in the United States bar New York. Its artistic heritage goes right back to the early days of the city, and has escaped its gallery walls to spread across its streets. Chase Tower Plaza provides a home for Marc Chagall’s Four Seasons mural, Daley Plaza a 50 foot sculpture by Picasso, Brunswick Plaza Miro’s Chicago and Millennium Park Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate – otherwise known as ‘the bean’. What’s particularly wonderful about the best art galleries in Chicago is that they encompass all artistic styles and ages – from contemporary photography to outsider art. Nor is it limited to the second city’s grand institutions. Chicago’s smaller independently run art galleries have equally captivating collections. Where should you spend your time as an art lover in Chicago? The answer lies within the next 800 words. Art Institute of Chicago Founded in 1866, the Art Institute of Chicago is the gallery from which much of the city’s pleasure in artistic pursuits has developed. Its collection is both expansive and world class, totaling some 300,000 individual objects from ancient Middle Eastern artefacts to modern textiles. Some of its most famous residents include Hopper’s Nighthawks and Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, alongside Grant Wood’s American Gothic. Museum of Contemporary Art Whilst it cannot compete with the 5000 years of human endeavor covered by the Art Institute, the Museum of Contemporary Art more than holds its own with its rotating series of exhibitions focused on the art of the latter twentieth century to the present day. Its box-like gallery space provides a home for works including Andy Warhol’s Vote McGovern – a ghoulish image of President Richard Nixon. Borrowing much of the art that hangs on its walls both nationally and internationally, a visit is never the same twice. Zolla/Lieberman Gallery It’s only because of Zolla/Lieberman Gallery that the River North Art District exists. When it arrived in 1976, the area was a down-on-its-luck industrial district whose industry had long gone, leaving ‘Smokey Hollow’ all but derelict. Since its first show, the gallery has sought a path which isn’t restricted by either genre or the status of its artist. It supports a great deal of new talent as well as those who have already made their name. Each exhibition lasts just a couple of months. Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art It was the early 1990s which witnessed the birth of Intuit, a gallery created to celebrate and promote the work of outsider and folk artists. It means that many of the 1100 pieces in its permanent collection were created by self-taught artists who felt in some way marginalized, providing a fascinating insight into the thoughts of populations often underrepresented within artistic communities. Their artists may not be household names, but that’s not to say you won’t find something thought-provoking or touching should you choose to visit when in Chicago. Rhona Hoffman Gallery The West Town district’s Rhona Hoffman Gallery is one of Chicago’s small art galleries with a big personality. Heavily involved in community events such as EXPO Chicago, its main remit is to bring young and emerging artists to new audiences. Global in scope, it has historically lent towards female artists, with notables it has championed including Cindy Sherman and Barbara Kruger. As a mixed media gallery, expect anything from video installations to sculpture. Stephen Daiter Gallery Another River North pick, Stephen Daiter Gallery dedicates itself to twentieth century photography from America and Europe. From traditional portraits and still lives to experimental styles and photojournalism, it focuses on the very best vintage photography from the Bauhaus school to the homegrown Chicago School of Design. Its contemporary program brings it right up to date. Vertical Gallery One of the newest kids on the block, Vertical Gallery was the dream of Patrick Hull, former Vice President, Marketing & Sales at Birkenstock USA and opened in 2013. Aiming to rival all the east or west coasts can offer when it comes to street art and pop culture, it has become the jumping off point for several artists entering larger galleries in Chicago and beyond. If their work doesn’t bring a wry smile to your face, you’ll be one of very few who leave unimpressed. Chicago Truborn Literally unmissable due to its front facing multi story mural, Chicago Truborn was unveiled in 2011 as a place to see art in an unintimidating environment. A must-visit Chicago gallery for anyone who’s ever considered becoming a collector, Truborn’s art is some of the most affordable in the city, although this shouldn’t suggest its artists are somehow less talented. What’s more, there’s a new exhibition every five weeks to look forward to from the hottest crop of street, urban and graffiti artists. Corbett vs Dempsey The Corbett in question here has taught at the Art Institute of Chicago for more than 40 years, whilst Dempsey has had an illustrious career as the house manager of a Chicago film center. The result is a gallery just as eclectic. The mix of brick, plaster and polished floors shows off the contemporary paintings well, with film and musical works creating a very special ambience. There’s also an art bookshop and record store selling the gallery’s Corbett vs Dempsey label, whose list contains the likes of Sun Ra. Chicago Gamespace Much has been made of the artistic integrity of video games in recent years, and Chicago Gamespace came about as a living museum of the most important arcade games – most of which can be played. As well as a permanent collection of machines from Pac-Man to Mortal Kombat, the walls hang with stills and origin artworks, with prints available from the onsite shop. Roughly a mile west of Chicago History Museum and the animals of Lincoln Park Zoo, the only downside is that Chicago Gamespace is only open on Sunday afternoons. See the best art galleries in Chicago with Go City What unites the best art galleries in Chicago isn’t the size of their permanent collections or the focus of their curatorial teams, but the energy and love they put into sharing their art with the public. Big and small, classic and contemporary, together they form one of the most important cultural gatherings in the entire country. Head to Chicago with Go City and you can bask in reduced admission to many of the windy city’s top attractions, including the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Ian Packham
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Things to do in Ravenswood Chicago

From ‘90s up-and-coming neighborhood to today’s laid-back residential district, Ravenswood sits in Chicago’s North Side about 500 meters from Lake Michigan’s Montrose Beach. Often spoken about together with its Lincoln Square enclave, Ravenswood is well-connected by metro to the delights of downtown. You won’t find too many places to stay, but head in this direction and you will find a fantastic riverside area and a fine selection of places to eat and drink among cleverly repurposed historic structures dating from around the time of the Great Fire in 1871. Looking for things to do in Ravenswood Chicago? Here’s our guide to the area’s top attractions. Parks and gardens in Ravenswood Chicago With a name such as Ravenswood it’s fantastic to see that green spaces still play a significant part in life in the neighborhood. They comprise a mosaic of public gardens situated at each cardinal compass point. The smallest, on the eastern edge of Ravenswood, is Chase Park, a fun place to get a little physical activity since it contains an outdoor pool, tennis courts (which can be enjoyed from M Bakery) and a running track. Although it also contains an outdoor pool and tennis courts, River Park has a more natural appearance. Taking in North Shore Channel Trail and popular with dog owners, it occupies a beautiful part of the banks of the Chicago River. Welles Park has a historic bandstand-style gazebo, and an indoor pool. Just outside the official boundaries of Lincoln Square and Ravenswood, Rosehill Cemetery is a charming spot from which to take in some of Chicago’s history from a personal perspective. Dating from 1859, its 350 acres contains the graves of North Side residents spanning over 150 years, including soldiers who fought on both sides during the American Civil War. Down time in Ravenswood Whilst its parks and gardens are an awesome addition to the neighborhood, Ravenswood is really known for its post-work and weekend hangouts. Of a long list of places to shop, Ravenswood’s resident bookworms highly recommend The Book Cellar, whose welcoming vibes extend as far as an onsite café where you’ll find a range of sandwiches, soups and freshly-ground coffees. ENJOY, An Urban General Store is one of those treasure trove stores you can’t believe your luck in discovering, with shelves loaded with quirky gifts, cards and stationery. Meanwhile, the thrift store Village Discount Outlet’s humble exterior belies a constantly changing stock of one-of-a-kind second-hand items as kind on the budget as on the planet. When hunger makes its presence felt look no further than River Valley Farmer’s Table, whose mid-morning locally-sourced breakfasts are rapidly gaining legendary status. If you can’t find a spot at this farm-to-table restaurant and grocery store head instead to Pastores Brunch, one of a clutch of favorites on North Lincoln Avenue. For drinks, the Sixth makes for a classy cocktail bar with a cool urban feel. Decked out in black with yellow highlights, this LGBTQ+ friendly location has a bar menu encompassing not only the classics but some homegrown inventions too. Or there’s O’Shaughnessy’s Public House, taking the stereotypical Irish bar to new places and Wolcott Tap, whose atmosphere is second to none and beer list one of the best in town. Things to do in Ravenswood Saved from demolition by community pressure, the Davis Theater has been entertaining Ravenswood with first-run movie screenings for over 100 years. The longest continuously operated movie theater in Chicago, its matinee screenings are particularly good value. Elsewhere, the stage at Chicago Magic Lounge always seems set for slight of hand par excellence, whilst its speakeasy style harks back to the dark days of gangland feuds between Al Capone and Bugs Moran – culminating in the St Valentine’s Day Massacre. It may not be the Field Museum, but the Swedish American Museum does a good job of detailing the influence of Swedish immigrants to the Ravenswood area. Alongside its royal seal of approval – King Carl XVI Gustaf attended its opening ceremony – its collection includes personal objects, paintings and stories. Similarly, the DANK Haus German American Cultural Center aims to preserve the unique cultural contribution of German immigrants through a series of rotating displays and temporary exhibitions from German artists. Not to be missed in Ravenswood The heart of Ravenswood and Lincoln Square is Giddings Plaza, a pedestrianized road of just 20 meters or so. What it lacks in size it makes up for in community spirit, being the place to head to meet up with friends before delving into one of the small boutique stores that surround it. During the festive season it’s the location of a large Christmas tree and the sound of live music often drifts away from it in the warmer months thanks to a summer concert season. Lillstreet Gallery is more gift store than art center these days, though it’s still one of the best places in northern Chicago to check out the work of the next generation of makers – and help them on their way to success with a small purchase. With your help, their work could one day make it into the hallowed halls of the Museum of Contemporary Art, alongside Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol. To peruse another form of art – the skill involved in the production of whiskies and other spirits – look no further than Koval Distillery’s regular tours. Heading behind the scenes of the first distillery to set up shop in Chicago since before the prohibition era, you’ll get insight into the grain-to-bottle ethos and the chance to sample some of the resulting award-winning concoctions. Make your money go further Just a small part of the North Side, there are still plenty of things to do in Ravenswood Chicago. Alongside Lincoln Square, this neighborhood provides a contrast to the bustle of the Magnificent Mile downtown. Whether you arrive by metro, Uber or rental bike, be sure to travel with Go City. Our passes are a simple way to save on trips to Chicago and cities worldwide, giving incredible savings on admission to many of the top attractions around.
Ian Packham
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10+ things to do in Chicago with teens

It's never easy planning a vacation that keeps everyone happy, but we think Chicago has got you covered. Read on for our top tips and crowd-pleasers for teenagers.
Katie Sagal

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