Kelsey Shaw Chicago
Andersonville, Chicago

Andersonville: Neighborhood Spotlight

Neighborhood Spotlight - Andersonville Chicago - Kelseyshawchicago.comAndersonville was one of the first neighborhoods I got to experience outside of the usual tourist attractions when I would visit Chicago. In high school my photography class took a field trip to Uptown & I wandered over to Andersonville. I loved Clark St. & the ‘restaurant strip’, the quirky atmosphere of eclectic shops, & the overall diversity that the neighborhood offered. Later, I took dance classes at Gus Giordano Dance School which advanced my love for the neighborhood.

Distinctive to Andersonville is a lack of national chains. Most businesses are local to Chicago & that is something I really love. Bakeries, antique stores, bars, coffee shops, boutiques, & breweries – There is something for everyone.

Must Visit:

  • George’s Ice Cream & Sweets – As you are aware by now, I LOVE ICE CREAM. Despite being lactose intolerant… George’s is the spot in Andersonville for something sweet.
  • Reza’s Restaurant – Come here with an appetite & with a group as the portions are large & it’s common to share – reservations accepted
  • Hopleaf Bar – Belgian-inspired kitchen & insane beer collection. My favorite item on the menu is the Mussels & Frites. No reservations—first come, first served
  • Jerry’s – Don’t miss this place! With so many options in Andersonville I sometimes forget about Jerry’s but whenever I go I wonder why I don’t go more often! Interesting decor, great menu with a lot of solid options, & great beer list. Pro Tip: Get the House Jalapeno Poppers, you won’t regret it – reservations accepted
  • M. Henry – Andersonville has numerous spots for Brunch, but M.Henry is a classic. Straight forward & delicious, you know you will be happy if you come here for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. A late summer sunday brunch is best enjoyed here. – No reservations—first come, first served
  • Octavio – New to the neighborhood, Octavio is a new age Mexican restaurant with an insane collection of tequila + a bright & inspired menu. Also, I will say I come here often for the cool interiors, I am a sucker for design so I love this space. – reservations accepted
  • Lady Gregory’s – By far my fav go-to spot in Andersonville. You always know what to expect: good food, great cocktail, & a huge rotating beer menu. Don’t miss the brunch, because the Brioche Custard French Toast is as good as it sounds. – reservations accepted

Must Do:

  • Midsommarfest – First week of June: The annual street festival along Clark Street between Foster and Catalpa for two days and three nights of music, dancing, kids’ entertainment, and delicious food.

As always, these are just my most recommended & only a few of my favorites, but if you’ve been to Andersonville tell me your favorite spots!

Southport Corridor: Neighborhood Spotlight

Southport Corridor | Where to eat, drink, & play | KelseyShawChicago

Southport Corridor is easily one of my favorite neighborhoods in Chicago. It is a little pocket of Lake View & offers tons of shopping, restaurants, bars, & activities. I have lived & do most of my business in Southport Corridor, so I consider myself a neighborhood expert. Check out some of my favorite spots below.

Must Visit:

  • Coda di Volpe – Southern Italian fare from the family behind The Gage. Lovely interiors with a wonderful, impressive menu, & attentive staff – Reservations accepted & encouraged.
  • Tuco & Blondie – Come for the instagram wall, stay for the margarita’s & amazing patio (dog friendly). Reservations accepted & encouraged.
  • Southport Grocer – Modern, simple, & fun menu. Kitchen set amongst an upscale grocer – but come in early as they close at 3pm. First come, first serve.
  • Real Good Juice – Because sometimes you need to be healthy; Real Good Juice offers locally-sourced, organic juices & smoothies. Not only a juice bar, Real Good Juice also offers delicious food & my favorite – No-yo Fro-yo: almond milk based soft-serve. Favorite Flavor? Bluice Wayne
  • The Butcher’s Tap – Looking to escape the Wrigley crowds? The Butcher’s Tap won’t disappoint. HUGE beverage menu & locally sourced food items. Plus it’s two levels & has the cutest patio. First come, first serve.
  • Lange’s Lounge – Because I love a good dive bar & you should too! If you want to catch a game but don’t want to wait endlessly for a libation in Wrigleyville, come to Lange’s for some reasonably priced beer & great company. No food here, but they welcome you to bring some pizza from D’Agostino’s as long as you give them a slice. First come, first serve.
  • Ella Elli – For a more discerning evening, stop at Ella Elli for a lovely dinner & intricate cocktails. With an outdoor patio, this is definitely the perfect girls night out or date night spot. Reservations accepted & encouraged.

Must Do:

  • Music Box Theater – Music Box Theater has been a staple of the Southport Corridor since 1929. Staying true to its original architecture & design, this charming theater provides an experience unlike any other. Showing primarily independent & foreign films, my favorite time to visit is during the Holidays for the Christmas Sing-a-long. Plus there’s a bar in the theater, so that’s always fun.

If you’ve been to Southport Corridor, tell me your favorite spots!

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