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Fathers' Day conjures up all sorts of images for all sorts of people. Happy family dinners, ugly squabbles over the best way to barbecue, sports, neckties, burgers and brats. In my family, the day is usually marked by a grill, some chicken, and lots of desserts. That's not how it works for everybody, however. If you need to get everyone out of the house, or if you just want to avoid the family altogether, there are plenty of other options, many of them right in Andersonville.
"I'm still full," said my mom. "The hamburger was really good, but we ate a late lunch and there was so much food, so now I don't know what we'll do for dinner. Maybe we'll just go to Costco and eat samples." My dad was more straightforward. "The music was so loud." If loud music, drafts, other
people, and so on are too difficult, staying in is For something completely different, there's always the old time diner feel of Svea (5236 N. Clark | 773.275.7738), the less corporate Ann Sather's. That means more Swedish favorites, like super thin and chewy doughy pancakes with lingonberries. Sorry, though, the cinnamon rolls are at Ann Sather's (5207 N. Clark | 773.271.6677). Last, for the traditional
dad, the one who likes the Chicago Bears and brews, head over
to Charlie's Ale House
(5308 N. Clark | 773.751.0140), which opened their Clark Street location
about 5 years ago. There, you'll find plenty to keep him happy,
from sports on the TV to plenty of beers on tap, big ol' sandwiches,
beef, meats, and French fries. This stuff may kill him, but
he'll die from happiness, and isn't that, in a weird way, the
perfect end to another Fathers' Day? |
For the artsy daddy, visit Kopi Café (5317 N. Clark | 773.989.5674), right in the heart of Andersonville. Share a cup
of coffee, or if you and Dad actually like each other and want
to spend some time talking, go for one of the big sandwiches,
a muffin, some cookies, and well, it's easy to get lost in the
pastries here.
Speaking of which, Taste of Heaven
(5401 N. Clark | 773.989.0151) is
just a little further north on Clark and offers their own vast
quantity of sweets. Pies, cakes, cookies, bread pudding (a friend
swears by it), and plenty more. The one room space is bright
and open but easily fills up at peak dining times. Still, it's
worth the wait for large portioned lunches and a very popular
brunch. Service is friendly, and you and Pops won't leave hungry.
Just across the street is Hamburger Mary's (5400 N. Clark | 773.784.6969). Now, this might not be the first
spot that pops into your mind, if you're going to eat with the
folks, but, surprisingly, my parents recently ate here themselves.
Who better to describe the experience then?
understandable.
You might want to bring something to your parents' house. And,
what's better than one of the coffee cakes from Swedish Bakery (5348 N. Clark | 773.561.8919)? I haven't had one that I don't like,
but their specialty is cardamom. If you aren't familiar with
this spice, it is a fragrant variation on cinnamon, vanilla,
and nutmeg. Believe me, you will be the Good Son, walking in
with that coffee cake.