Svea Restaurant dishes up saucy Swedish meatballs and crepe-like Swedish pancakes. The Swedish American Museum tells the story of the community’s move to the city’s north side after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The community (three miles north of Northalsted) retains Swedish character while being the second-largest LGBT-populated neighborhood in the city. In 1900, one in every 10 Swedish-Americans lived in Andersonville. Belt out show tunes on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays at Sidetrack bar or dance to pop music and catch a drag show at Roscoe’s. Indulge in a raspberry truffle shake from Bobtail Ice Cream before exploring funky shops, such as Hollywood Mirror, selling off-the-wall gifts like cupcake pillows. It’s also known for drawing foodies with unique establishments, such as the Chicago Diner, which has been serving vegetarian comfort food since 1983 (the Cajun black bean burger is a perennial favorite). A Legacy Walk of rainbow-color totems with plaques honoring LGBTQ rights advocates lines the main thoroughfare of this anchor to Chicago’s gay scene.
