Andersonville & Edgewater
The stretch of Clark Street that runs through Andersonville offers a balance of quiet and cool with boutique shops and hip bars amidst a more reserved residential atmosphere than its southern neighbor, Uptown. For mouthwatering mussels and one of the most extensive beer selections in the city, head to Hopleaf. There is almost always a wait, so you can start with dessert first at Swedish Bakery, one of the destinations that highlights the neighborhood's Scandinavian heritage. While there aren't an overwhelming number of Swedish residents anymore, Andersonville does honor this rich history with the annual Midsommarfest in June.
If you're traveling by bicycle, take the lake front path all the way to the end at Bryn Mawr to explore Edgewater where you'll find some of the most relaxed beaches on the North Side. Once you're done soaking in the sun, head west to Little India. This section along Devon Avenue lives up to its name with a collection of restaurants serving up steaming dishes of palak paneer, chicken tikka masala and plenty of other south Asian flavors.