(4th in a series on Chicago's bike-friendly neighborhoods. Previously covered: Wicker Park.)
Anchored by the "Anchor of Andersonville," Simon's Tavern, on North Clark Street at Foster, the charming Swedish heritage of Andersonville and greater Edgewater exudes low-key style.
Two main north-south laned bike routes serve the area, the already mentioned Clark Street and Damen Avenue. The former has been gentrified for quite some time and older establishments rub shoulders with newcomers.
The Hopleaf has been transformed from a sleepy beer-snob hangout to probably the biggest draw of the area (by the Check Please! phenomenon). The wait is worth it. You won't find a more complete Belgian selection in the city.
Resi's and Andy's serve reliable Mediterranean, and several long-time Swedish players - Wickstrom's and Erickson's delis, Svea (home of the Viking Breakfast), and of course Ann Sather - complete the most trafficked area of this neighborhood.
Don't be afraid to travel farther north or west - what you'll find is well worth the search.
The Edgewater Lounge is still the Northside's best kept secret: always a table available outside, a stellar beer selection with a personal connection to Oregon's Rouge Brewery, and a solid menu with veggie-friendly options. And the bbq ribs and homemade slaw on Fridays are not to be missed.
There is far too much to list them all without this article running to multiple pages, but check out Hamburger Mary's, Sunshine Cafe (great homemade Japanese noodles), and The Swedish and Taste of Heaven Bakeries (made infamous by their very public spat with parents of unruly toddlers some years back).
And now to the most important part - the local shop. Edgewater is served by Johnny Sprockets' far north store, located at Brynn Mawr and Kenmore. Just blocks from the north end of the Lakefront Path, it's cramped and always busy, but the solid service always brings out compliments from local racers who frequent and live in the area. However, they have a large selection of folding and commuter bikes, and are very friendly to the casual cyclist.
Streets for cycling
Damen Avenue:
• North to Rogers Park (via Ridge) and beyond
• South to Roscoe Village, Bucktown, West Town, West Loop, United Center, Southside
Clark Street :
• North to Rogers Park, and beyond
• South to Uptown, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Old Town, Downtown
Foster Avenue:
• West to Portage/Jefferson/Gladstone Park
• East to the Lake
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