In my younger city days, Ann Sather was the sure antidote to the blues. The smell of their signature cinnamon rolls alone provided an immediate comfort of home. Add an energy-boosting shot of Scandinavian coffee (they make the world’s best), and the soothing service of an easy-going, welcoming waitstaff, and there was little wonder why young professionals, older folks, and families alike adored this heartland eatery. For those of us for whom grandma was far away, it provided an ever-available stand-in.
Recently, during a walk through Union Station, noting Ann Sather’s new cinnamon roll stand, my husband admitted that he’d never actually eaten at Ann Sather’s. As a Swedish-American who lived most his life in Chicago, that was a situation that had to immediately change.
Well-known as the best Swedish restaurant in Chicago with five outlets to choose from in some of the city‘s most interesting neighborhoods, perhaps the best place to first experience Ann Sather’s brand of comfort food is in Andersonville, an authentic Swedish-American stronghold in the city at Clark Street and Foster Avenues.
Step inside the small eatery and you are immediately transported to Scandinavia via the wall murals depicting scenes from famous Swedish fairy tales. It resembles a child’s bedroom with tole-painted borders in primary colors. Here, Nils flies away on a goose, there children set sail on a boat toward fantasy adventures.
The long counter with stools is adequate for singular quick bites or coffee fixes. If you prefer to linger, have one of the friendly, relaxed servers show you to an oilcloth draped table. Order one of the signature dishes; giant egg-rich Swedish pancakes with lingonberries, decadent, gooey, cinnamon roll French toast, or an omelet with a choice of three side dishes (apple sauce, hash browns and fresh fruit among them). Breakfast is offered any time of day so there’s no hurry on Sunday mornings to make it in before the menu changes over.
However, dinners are also a draw at Ann Sather’s where homey, family favorites of pot roast, chicken, meatloaf and daily Sunday dinner specials are gobbled up, gravies and all, by otherwise health-conscious Chicagoans. You really should try the meatballs and noodles. It may change your mind about stroganoff.
The statement painted above the door states, "Simple good food that brings back childhood memories," which more than anything explains why this decidedly non-gourmet, calorie-laden and cholesterol-hiking cuisine has continued to draw crowds across Chicago-land for decades.
I was happy to learn that Ann Sather’s ships their goodies to home-sick Chicagoans. Since my husband is now hooked on the cinnamon rolls (the first hit is free, by the way), we will continue to be loyal customers in spite of having given up our citizenship to the great City that works and bakes the best cinnamon buns in the country.