Great Swedish breakfast spot in Andersonville. Service is friendly, food is good, and the interior of the restaurant is really cute, with lots of Swedish decor. My favorite is the Swedish Tease, with one swedish pancake (with lingonberry sauce, of course) and two eggs. Always a good place to meet friends or family for a nice casual breakfast or brunch. read more

It is like an old friend. Familiarity can be good and Svea is a comfy cove in a sea of chaos. The bright chairs against blue paneling and the wonderful old sign keeping you company. The menu is predictable American fare with Nordic accents like Limpa bread and Swedish sausage. The Viking Breakfast is only for a hearty eater. The coffee is strong. The service respectful. When you need authentic comfort, Svea awaits your visit. read more

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The wife and I were trying to go somewhere else that was closed when she remembered we had been here 10+ years ago and we decided it was time to try it again. This ended up being a decent idea. I had the King Oscar Omelette and she had the Svea Special, which is Swedish Pancakes. The omelette did not hold together well so was a little messy, but tasted good. The wife reported that one of her pancakes was overdone and approaching burnt, but they were good. She said that the lingonberry jam did not taste like much. Unfortunately, this restaurant uses Smuckers fake syrup, which is not a good choice. At approximately 9:45, this restaurant was busy and loud. People were waiting outside so arriving early is a good plan. read more

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Went back today with some friends for lunch before a climb. We ordered 2 Swedish tease, 1 veggie omelet, pickled herring to go and one friend got coffee and I got tea. Everything was good for the food however I would caution everyone to check their bill. We got overcharged at $16 for one coffee and one tea order. They walked around offering refills multiple time for my friends coffee and she accepted it for her cup that was still 1/2 full. I asked for additional hot water for my tea. Please note each cup was about 6 oz. They charged $16 for that. If they are to charge full price, at least give us a full cup and additional tea bag and be transparent about it. It left a bad taste in our mouth because it was not mentioned a full charge for not even a full product. Unfortunately because of this we will not be back. read more

Svea - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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My daughter took her father and I here for breakfast. We both enjoyed the food. The potatoes were the stand out for me, these I could eat with our my meals. Second time here the first server was attentive and personable. The second server was crap. Nice place. read more

Note: this place is cash only - they do have a sign on the door, but in our post-workout, food-focused haze, we missed the sign. Luckily, there's a chase ATM just a few minute walk away, so one of us hauled tuchus there after we demolished a delicious meal. It's small, quaint - feels like a family joint, whether or not it actually is doesn't really matter. We ordered the special Swedish pancakes, a perfectly portioned veggie omelette and another large dish with ham... (I can't remember what it was, but rest assured it was inhaled within minutes, so no complaints). Extra lingonberries, please! They obliged and we were blessed with more than adequate Swedish cousins of the cranberry. The coffee runneth over, and so did my joy at trying to new place. Breakfast for 2 with coffee - $28.75 pre-tip. read more

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We had a delightful breakfast here. The inside of the restaurant is so cute and is one of those storefronts you pass all of the time without ever going in and then you wonder why you didn't go sooner. We had Swedish pancakes (more like crepes--light and airy), eggs, fulkurov (swedish sausage) and potatoes. The fulkurov was a standout. Had a great snap! We also tried the North Park special (hot open faced sandwich with meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy). The meatballs were not for me. The texture was not melt in the mouth. Overall, a very cute space to stop in for a good, hearty breakfast. read more

Svea - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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A lovely little Swedish cafe in Andyville. We came here on a Sunday morning caving some Swedish pancakes and we left as two very happy people. The service is great , staff is very friendly. A very nice and cozy place to sit down and enjoy your breakfast. Menu is brief but on spot with what they've on there. I ordered the Swedish pancake and it was delicious. They have good coffee as well. Overall a great place for a calm Sunday breakfast. Check it out if you're in the neighbourhood. Cash only read more

Svea - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Great neighborhood place. A little price but worth it. Nice staff friendly, I got what I needed before asking. There are more food that is in the menus I've been going there for more than two tu years so I ask if mitt in the menu and they prepare it . Definitely a place to support . read more

Svea was great! We came for a weekday lunch. I ordered the Swedish meatball sandwich with a side of Swedish sausages. I don't usually eat sausage, but I thought I'd be open minded. While I can't say I was a fan of the sausage (nothing on the food, just a personal dislike for sausage), the meatballs were very good. Next time I'll have to get the Swedish pancakes, those looked good! My friend got the meatball dinner with the daily soup, which she said she liked. read more

Svea - Swedish Meatballs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I was staying close to the historically Swedish section of Chicago called Andersonville...so when in Andersonville....hit a Swedish restaurant for a wholesome breakfast to start the day. Svea was not crowded at all on a Saturday morning, and we were warmly greeted, and led to a table immediately. I got to try 2 new things on my visit: Limpa, a type of Swedish rye lightly laced with anise, for toast, and Swedish pancakes, with lingonberry sauce. These are a perfectly light and fluffy alternative for the carb-conscious. I had the Gothenburg special. The eggs and sausage were good (not great). The diced potatoes were better due to some good seasoning. The coffee was standard, nothing special. The server was nice, but I just found the atmosphere to be kinda meh. That, combined with cash only policy, gives Svea about a 3.5 star rating. read more

Svea - Gothenburg special - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Nice staff, horrible food that is overpriced, and gave me diarrhea. If I want good Swedish food, I'll go to Tre Kronor.

Great Swedish Breakfast! The Swedish pancakes and Omelettes are delicious. Our order was taken and food brought to us quickly, great service! read more

What happened to Svea??!! Just left without ordering because the window was wide open and the air conditioning was on while it's chilly outside. When we asked to please close the window, we were told, NO- after we ordered coffee! When we decided to leave, we charged $8.85 for two coffees. What the hell! Furthermore, most items were now-$20! Not same the same Svea that we knew and loved. So sad... read more

The last few times I've been to Svea the service was not great. Today I asked for my potatoes crispy, as I always do, and was told, "we will try but I can't promise anything." They were soggy. That's not good. Also, I paid with a $50 and was asked if I wanted change. Ummm, yes, I would. Louis is my usually server and he's always been great. The new hires need some work. read more

3.5 stars. While my friends worked out at Cheetah gym, I went to Svea for breakfast. The place is very affordable and quick, but they take cash only. Not a big deal. I ordered the Swedish pancakes, scrambled eggs and a cup of joe. It was decent. I didn't like the pancakes, but I really like this restaurant. This Scandinavian restaurant has a charming quality to it. It's quaint, sweet and intimate. They were also full, but I happened to score one of the small tables by the window. Perfect spot to people watch. They definitely have a decent menu, but I think I will try other breakfast items next time. read more

Svea - Swedish pancakes and eggs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Love this place. It should be featured on DDD. Try the Gothenburg Special. Eat breakfast like a Swede. Keep neighbourhood businesses thriving. Bring cash. read more

I have lived in Andersonville for 20 years , when I first moved here Svea was wonderful and we frequented the restaurant alot , but then the pandemic hit and we just didn't go out and hadn't thought of Svea for sometime as we are usually gone on the weekends. Well we finally made our way back and boy have things changed and not for the good , the menu is scaled back and not really clear, I have never had to order cheese as a extra ingredient for a omelet anywhere, I ordered a glass of orange juice and I only took a sip as I'm pretty sure it was bad and I didn't want to spend the rest of my day in the bathroom. And the prices are high $5.00 for a side of potatoes, you can buy a 5lb bag of potatoes in the store for less. plus it was a cold morning today and there big heavy front door doesn't shut all the way , so every time someone comes in or leaves the customers are constantly getting up to shut the door to keep the cold out.. I was really excited to go back , but now I really don't need to go again. really disappointed read more

Chicago's Andersonville and North Centre boasts quite a few gems that pander to the palate that indulges Swedish and Scandinavian tastes. I was already aware of Ann Sather and Tre Kronor, but was surprised to find that there are indeed more dining options of the Swedish, Scandinavian, and Danish set. Svea Restaurant is one such restaurant. Eggs. Hashbrowns. Sausage. Swedish pancakes with lingonberries. Arriving just as the door opened for business, I received a greeting that was an indication that the service would be top.Being able to look into the kitchen whenever the door swung open briefly, I knew I would get an authentic Scandinavian breakfast. And that was exactly what I got. The eggs were real, not that scrambled madness from the carton. The hashbrowns were not the shredded get-up that you get at many restaurants, but rather cut potatoes. Sausages are never a must on my list of dining options, but these went well with the dijon mustard. As to the Swedish pancakes, I gobbled them to completion. Oh my God, they were so good. Svea Restaurant has a cash-only policy, so head on over to the ATM before going to get some tasty Scandinavian brekkie. read more

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Still my favorite breakfast, Svea's Swedish Tease, simple and delishe, never disappointes, always perfect, the Swedish pancakes are just like my Swedish grandma use to make. read more

Svea - Swedish Tease - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Great omelettes, great pancakes and crepes!! Very small inside so there may be a wait before you get seated. VERY small bathroom but gets the job done. Staff is super friendly and fast paced, very happy with the brunch I shared with family :) read more

Svea - Coffee :) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We stopped by and got the Viking breakfast. What a deal, delicious food. Definitely get the limpa bread, which is a Swedish bread with a hint of aniseed. Can't wait to go back! read more

Svea - Viking breakfasts - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

With daughter KT and bf living so close to the business district in Andersonville, this was a really easy walk for Sunday breakfast. We went a little late and although they were fairly busy, we were able to get a table immediately. This is a really nice local restaurant filled, like you would find on Main Street in any small town that still has a main street. And like those small towns there is usually an original immigrant group who were the first settlers, leaving the mark of their culture and heritage on the town. In the case of Andersonville, it is Swedish and Svea is a "Swedish" restaurant, featuring some of the traditional fare. The wait staff is very friendly and naturally so. The food is not fancy or creative. You get pretty standard Midwestern breakfast items, but all done well. The food is 3-1/2 stars and I am rounding up for the ambiance, tradition and hometown feel. I really felt comfortable here. We all had eggs and potatoes with a meat choice. The Swedish sausage is like a fine ground ring bologna, well flavored, but not garlicky, which is a nice thing at breakfast. The fried potatoes are probably some of the best I have ever had, clearly homemade and not dumped out of a freezer bag, they were well browned and well flavored. If you stroll in some morning for a pleasant breakfast, be sure to have some of the Swedish bread called limpa which is apparently Swedish for rye. It is delicately flavored with anise in this case. It is delicious. read more

Enjoyed our meal recently - and loved getting Swedish pancakes in Andersonville. Chicago is lucky to have a few places to get them, most cities don't. I've looked! My only hopefully constructive criticism is when we went around 8:30 am, the music was heavy metal - maybe something for prep or before the front of the house opens. I'm not saying you have to play Swedish folk music or Abba but something a little softer or more low key in the AM would be appreciated. read more

Hot, crowded. Would not give us plates allow to serve a birthday cake they said we could bring.

We love having Sunday brunch at Svea. Cash only small cozy restaurant. Definitely get the Viking breakfast.

Yay! What a lovely Swedish diner-esque spot. Loved the cucumber salad we got with our meal, and of course the meatballs were so delicious! Fast service, hearty food. read more

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Svea is an absolute neighborhood gem. This tiny retro cafe serves Swedish dishes along with diner favorites. We went on a Sunday after a long walk in the snow and had the "Viking breakfasts", which were fantastic. The service was wonderful, food was fantastic, and the adorable Andersonville neighborhood makes it a great destination. We loved it! read more

Mostly hype and overpriced. Lured in by the sign but doubtful that this would be enough to satisfy a Viking...and certainly not for over $21 (no drink, not including tip)! Food was nothing special. Won't be back. read more

Svea - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Unfortunately today will be our 1st Sunday not going to breakfast here in many years. We like the rehab and sprucing up of the dining room. We can live with increased prices and decreased portions but service has become abysmal. Service is lackluster and perfunctory at best. Our last visit featured toast burned black. They didn't even try to hide it. It was right on top. Each time I've ordered bacon medium it comes shatteringly well done and cold, apparently cooked in large batches. We could live with this if they were busy but each time we've gone it's early and we are 2 patrons out of 6 or 8. We will give this place a long break and check again in a few months as I've been going there on and off since the mid 60s. read more

Svea may be the last holdout of Swedish Andersonville, and here's hoping it resists the forces of gentrification and unwarranted modernization for a long, long time. It's the kind of place where you can eat in peace (no TV, no music playing) and enjoy solid, straightforward American-style breakfast food --- with a Swedish influence, of course -- for cash. None of that fancy credit card stuff here! You order, you eat, you pay up, and you leave. I had a Denver omelette (hold the ham) and Jen had Swedish pancakes with lingonberries. Everything was cooked perfectly and tasted delicious. A cup of coffee is bottomless. One waitress serves and busses the entire room and the counter, and still manages to get orders taken and food delivered in a timely manner. Prices reflect the no-nonsense business model. Svea is my kind of breakfast restaurant. read more

One of my regular haunts. When trying to be "good" I get the Popeye omelette with sliced tomatoes instead of potatoes. When not, anything goes, but the Viking breakfast and Swedish pancakes with lingonberries are amazing. If you're visiting Andersonville, this is a locals joint. You won't find a restaurant like this anywhere else. Cash only. Don't forget. You're welcome. read more

Restaurant needs to update its hours on Yelp. Says you're open Monday. Well, I drove over here. Nobody home!

My go to breakfast place. Swedish pancakes just like grandma used to make. The yellow split pea soup is yummy, too!

We picked up breakfast to-go on Friday morning and were not disappointed. Because of Covid we did not dine in--although it seems they have a patio!--but if times were different we have loved to bask in their sweet and cheerful decor. We all LOVED our food and the woman that helped me check out was a delight. read more

Svea - Viking Breakfast & Popeye's Omelet - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

very nice hidden Gem. Sadly, understaffed but who isnt? Server is nice to talk too about anything if you come in solo. He knows all the regulars customers orders, it feels like home. I was told that they tried (owner and manager) to change the hours online but they just can't change it. they also DO NOT have a Grubhub, they added them without asking the owner. they now have chicken sausage! current hours wed-Sunday 7-2 also open some Monday holidays. street parking is easy to find on weekdays. I think currently patio is closed now until next year. read more

Sandi and I were on an adult fieldtrip to Andersonville, a Swedish community, in Chicago to visit the Swedish Museum. All of us asked where we should eat if we wanted to experience authentic Swedish cuisine. The Sve Restaurant was the answer. The restaurant is a breakfast and lunch spot not only for the person looking for something Swedish but also for the person looking for a neighborhood restaurant. As we entered we experienced a packed restaurant yet filled with friendly people. One person was leaving and offered us his table. Sandi enjoyed the Swedish meatballs. I ordered the Swedish meatballs open face sandwich. The bread under it all was as authentic as are the meatballs. The meals are reasonably priced. When you pay for them you will need cash. This is a credit card free zone. You can sit at the counter with all the old fashioned cushioned seats or at a table. All of the Swedish decor all the way down to the tablecloths on the tables are something to be experienced. The service was fast and friendly. Stop in for lunch or breakfast when you are in this part of Chicago. read more

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I adore the Viking breakfast if only because I haven't yet been able to eat all of it. This is definitely one of my favorite stops in the whole Andersonville neighborhood. Do not skip the potato pancakes! They are sent from heaven by way of Sweden. read more

Svea is a retro throwback to the days when Andersonville was truly a Swedish enclave. The menu and the decor harken back to another era. It is a great place to grab some breakfast or lunch in a cozy environment. The service is professional and attentive. The food is fine for the most part. The prices are reasonable but don't expect a culinary experience. It was a pretty basic middle-of-the-road meal. The coffee could use an upgrade and the omelet ordered soft was seriously overcooked. I'm sure some people enjoy their eggs like that but I am careful to always order soft because I do not. I hear the pancakes and crepes are good but I didn't order those so I am trusting the friend I dined with that morning. read more

Svea, a last-of-it's-kind Andersonville diner serving up Swedish classics, is a great spot for an exceptional breakfast and a bit of Chicago history. Located in Chicago's historically Swedish district, I knew I had to stop here on a recent trip to the city to honor my own Swedish heritage and to see if their pancakes are as good as Mom's. Decked out in blue and yellow and featuring a huge painting of a Viking ship, Svea's dining room is cute, clean, and like stepping back into the early '60s. After being seated, we perused their menu of both American and Swedish fare, including various Swedish sausages, cheeses and breads, and ordered a couple coffees. For breakfast, she had a cheese omelette with havarti with a side of potatoes, and I went for the popeye omelette with a side of sliced tomatoes. They were light, fluffy, and exceptional, and far exceeded my greasy-spoon expectations. Both came with limpa- Swedish spicy rye toast that really hit the spot. We shared an order of their spongy and delicious Swedish pancakes served with my favorite tart lingonberries. Yes, they were just as good as Mom's, and I was very pleased. Svea is a wonderful gem and a precious little bit of history for one of my favorite Chicago neighborhoods. read more