Guidebook for Evanston
Food Scene
Hecky's Barbecue
1902 Green Bay RdOld-school Evanston BBQ at its best!
Tomate Fresh Kitchen
914 Noyes StIncredible take-out empanadas and other Mexican street food.
Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives featured this great burger spot.
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bopNgrill
6604 N Sheridan RdDiners, Drive-Ins, & Dives featured this great burger spot.
Charmers Cafe
1500 W Jarvis AveSweet Temptations Bake Shop
607 W Howard StGluten-free bakery!
Midnight Mac and Cheeserie
6979 N Sheridan Rd Late night noms.
The Heartland Cafe
7006 N Glenwood AveSol Cafe
1615 W Howard StGreat food at this little gem of a neighborhood cafe.
Lulu's has been a part of Evanston for decades. In this new location, the food is as good as ever. Bento boxes, salads, dim sum, and sushi; a sister restaurant to Taco Diablo with rooftop seating in nice weather.
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Lulu's
1026 Davis StLulu's has been a part of Evanston for decades. In this new location, the food is as good as ever. Bento boxes, salads, dim sum, and sushi; a sister restaurant to Taco Diablo with rooftop seating in nice weather.
Very good tacos and pitchers of margaritas; a sister restaurant to Lulu's with rooftop seating in nice weather.
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Taco Diablo
1026b Davis StVery good tacos and pitchers of margaritas; a sister restaurant to Lulu's with rooftop seating in nice weather.
We love Lucky Platter for breakfast and lunch. This spot has been around since the 90s, and those Swedish pancakes hit the spot every time! They also have a full bar and a phenomenal collection of garage sale art & paint-by-numbers scenes.
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Lucky Platter
514 Main StWe love Lucky Platter for breakfast and lunch. This spot has been around since the 90s, and those Swedish pancakes hit the spot every time! They also have a full bar and a phenomenal collection of garage sale art & paint-by-numbers scenes.
Union Pizza has terrific and simple food. Woodfired pizzas and small plates to share. It's very popular, so go early! There's music in the adjacent space--called SPACE. Check out their website for the performance schedule.
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Union Pizza
1307 Chicago AveUnion Pizza has terrific and simple food. Woodfired pizzas and small plates to share. It's very popular, so go early! There's music in the adjacent space--called SPACE. Check out their website for the performance schedule.
This fast-casual sushi & Japanese grocery is one of the best-kept secrets in town. The food is excellent; it's very low-maintenance as a guest; street parking is plentiful around the corner.
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Sea Ranch Sushi Evanston
518 Dempster StThis fast-casual sushi & Japanese grocery is one of the best-kept secrets in town. The food is excellent; it's very low-maintenance as a guest; street parking is plentiful around the corner.
Argentine-style gelato that should not be missed! Their method and flavor profiles are on-point, and they supply to many local restaurants.
FRÍO Gelato - Evanston
1301 Chicago AveArgentine-style gelato that should not be missed! Their method and flavor profiles are on-point, and they supply to many local restaurants.
Brian Houston, an alum of the One-Off Hospitality Group, opened his own place in Evanston, and the food is amazing. He's also bringing up the next generation of cooks by teaching them the ropes of running a kitchen properly, the correct techniques, and how to have a full & fun atmosphere in the dining room of this popular spot.
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Boltwood
804 Davis StBrian Houston, an alum of the One-Off Hospitality Group, opened his own place in Evanston, and the food is amazing. He's also bringing up the next generation of cooks by teaching them the ropes of running a kitchen properly, the correct techniques, and how to have a full & fun atmosphere in the dining room of this popular spot.
Excellent sushi for years! Kuni himself is still making plates behind the sushi bar, and his wife greets you at the door. An Evanston classic!
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Kuni's Japanese Restaurant
511 Main StExcellent sushi for years! Kuni himself is still making plates behind the sushi bar, and his wife greets you at the door. An Evanston classic!
The newer outpost of Patisserie Coralie, this shop has more seating with the same incredible menu of pastry, sweets, and savory items. Pascal is doing something VERY right here. It's a lovely shop and the staff is so friendly.
Cafe Coralie
633 Howard StThe newer outpost of Patisserie Coralie, this shop has more seating with the same incredible menu of pastry, sweets, and savory items. Pascal is doing something VERY right here. It's a lovely shop and the staff is so friendly.
The best French pastries in town and Julius Meinl coffee... no extra explanation needed! It's fantastic for an afternoon meet-up or a dessert to-go.
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Pâtisserie Coralie
600 Davis StThe best French pastries in town and Julius Meinl coffee... no extra explanation needed! It's fantastic for an afternoon meet-up or a dessert to-go.
Get ready for tacos... these are among our favorites! In warm weather, the front windows of the lounge open onto Main Street, and you can enjoy a short-rib taco and a margarita in style!
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La Principal
700 Main StGet ready for tacos... these are among our favorites! In warm weather, the front windows of the lounge open onto Main Street, and you can enjoy a short-rib taco and a margarita in style!
Trattoria DOC has all the classics of Italian food, and everything is well-prepared. They have a good wine list. The owners, Lucia and her sister Giuliana, are lovely and generous; they are very accommodating for families with kids. They've been in this spot since 2006.
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Trattoria D.O.C.
706 Main StTrattoria DOC has all the classics of Italian food, and everything is well-prepared. They have a good wine list. The owners, Lucia and her sister Giuliana, are lovely and generous; they are very accommodating for families with kids. They've been in this spot since 2006.
Mark and Renee's restaurant is a mainstay of the Evanston restaurant scene. They've been serving delicious, thoughtful, classic yet inventive food since 1989. They have a wonderful bar, and a fabulous wine list, and an excellent dessert cart. This is a special occasion place!
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Oceanique
505 Main StMark and Renee's restaurant is a mainstay of the Evanston restaurant scene. They've been serving delicious, thoughtful, classic yet inventive food since 1989. They have a wonderful bar, and a fabulous wine list, and an excellent dessert cart. This is a special occasion place!
PIE-ALERT!!! Paula's shop always has great desserts, but they're also serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and sweets to-go! Everything is handmade and from scratch and she sources her ingredients from local farmers. An Evanston favorite. Don't forget to pick up her cookbook while you're there!
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Dollop Coffee & The Hoosier Mama Pie Company
749 Chicago AvePIE-ALERT!!! Paula's shop always has great desserts, but they're also serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and sweets to-go! Everything is handmade and from scratch and she sources her ingredients from local farmers. An Evanston favorite. Don't forget to pick up her cookbook while you're there!
Our pal, Brian Kim, owns this neighborhood landmark. He and his older brother transformed it from a sleepy coffee shop to the hub of southeast Evanston. They're serving Metropolis Coffee and a variety of sweet & savory treats from local bakeries.
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Brothers K Coffeehouse
500 Main StOur pal, Brian Kim, owns this neighborhood landmark. He and his older brother transformed it from a sleepy coffee shop to the hub of southeast Evanston. They're serving Metropolis Coffee and a variety of sweet & savory treats from local bakeries.
Hewn has been recognized nationally for its excellence. Ellen and Julie have a beautiful shop and make incredible bread and pastries! But be early... they close when they sell out. They have outdoor seating in the warmer months.
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Hewn
1733 Central StHewn has been recognized nationally for its excellence. Ellen and Julie have a beautiful shop and make incredible bread and pastries! But be early... they close when they sell out. They have outdoor seating in the warmer months.
Drinks & Nightlife
The Oasis Tavern
6809 N Sheridan RdBruno's Lounge
6562 N Sheridan RdThe Glenwood
6962 N Glenwood AveRogers Park Social
6920 N Glenwood AveTerrific cocktails and often live music.
SPACE is a terrific small venue for music. The acoustics are excellent, and they have no shortage of top-billed performers playing there. It's adjacent to Union, and the food & drinks are also fantastic.
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Evanston SPACE
1245 Chicago AveSPACE is a terrific small venue for music. The acoustics are excellent, and they have no shortage of top-billed performers playing there. It's adjacent to Union, and the food & drinks are also fantastic.
Celtic Knot is a fantastic Irish Pub, and their food is outstanding. The servers are friendly and knowledgeable; there is often live music on the weekends. They also offer High Tea for groups.
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Celtic Knot Public House
626 Church StCeltic Knot is a fantastic Irish Pub, and their food is outstanding. The servers are friendly and knowledgeable; there is often live music on the weekends. They also offer High Tea for groups.
The Sketchbook Tap Room is a newer addition to the Brewing Co. You can taste the different products of this nano-brewery that is a subscription-based & community-supported brewery. They're winning competitions locally and starting to hit to the national beer scene. We love this place!
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Sketchbook Brewing Co.
821 Chicago AveThe Sketchbook Tap Room is a newer addition to the Brewing Co. You can taste the different products of this nano-brewery that is a subscription-based & community-supported brewery. They're winning competitions locally and starting to hit to the national beer scene. We love this place!
Peckish Pig has an enormous menu of beer and whiskey. Their food menu has many options, too. If you visit in warmer months, the back patio is amazing for groups... outdoor tables, but also outdoor couches?!? It's a lot of fun for groups.
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Peckish Pig
623 W Howard StPeckish Pig has an enormous menu of beer and whiskey. Their food menu has many options, too. If you visit in warmer months, the back patio is amazing for groups... outdoor tables, but also outdoor couches?!? It's a lot of fun for groups.
Vintage cocktails and a small menu of snacks are on offer at Ward 8. The atmosphere is very Chicago Speakeasy. Cody and his barmen make great cocktails, and the vibe is strong on the weekends. Sunday evenings there's live music, too.
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Ward Eight
629 W Howard StVintage cocktails and a small menu of snacks are on offer at Ward 8. The atmosphere is very Chicago Speakeasy. Cody and his barmen make great cocktails, and the vibe is strong on the weekends. Sunday evenings there's live music, too.
Sightseeing
Lovely campus in this East Rogers Park neighborhood.
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Loyola University Chicago
1032 W Sheridan RdLovely campus in this East Rogers Park neighborhood.
The campus is beautifully landscaped, and there are many different points of interest: ponds, architecture, the observatory, the libraries, and the chapels. The campus aligns along the lakefront and offers beautiful views from the walking paths.
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Northwestern University
633 Clark StThe campus is beautifully landscaped, and there are many different points of interest: ponds, architecture, the observatory, the libraries, and the chapels. The campus aligns along the lakefront and offers beautiful views from the walking paths.
Parks & Nature
Loyola Beach
Basketball in the warm months; ice skating in the cold months! Lots of room to run around and get those ya-ya's out!
Kamen West Park
Basketball in the warm months; ice skating in the cold months! Lots of room to run around and get those ya-ya's out!
Ridgeville Park District
908 Seward StVera Megowen Park
Baker Park
Lee Street Beach
Probably the quietest beach in Evanston, and it's right along the Evanston Parks bike trail.
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South Boulevard Beach
525 Sheridan SquareProbably the quietest beach in Evanston, and it's right along the Evanston Parks bike trail.
Northwestern Beach
Huge and shallow beach adjacent to campus.
Arts & Culture
Noyes Cultural Arts Center
927 Noyes StEvanston Public Library South Branch
900 Chicago AveFrances Willard House Museum
1730 Chicago AveEvanston History Center
225 Greenwood StCharles Gates Dawes House
225 Greenwood StLifeline Theatre
6912 N Glenwood AvePiccolo Theatre
600 Main StBienen School of Music
70 Arts Cir DrBlock Museum of Art, Northwestern University
40 Arts Cir DrIce House Gallery
609 South Blvdouise runs a hidden gem of a plant shop/art gallery/gift emporium. She always has something beautiful in the windows, and there are treasures to explore all around her shop. She features local artists in her gallery shows, and she has a wealth of knowledge about all kinds of unusual plants.
Cultivate Urban Rainforest & Gallery
704 Main Stouise runs a hidden gem of a plant shop/art gallery/gift emporium. She always has something beautiful in the windows, and there are treasures to explore all around her shop. She features local artists in her gallery shows, and she has a wealth of knowledge about all kinds of unusual plants.
Shopping
Open from May through November, the best produce of the region comes on Saturday mornings.
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Evanston Farmers' Market
1800 Maple AveOpen from May through November, the best produce of the region comes on Saturday mornings.
This liquor store carries a wide variety of all kinds of alcohol and mixers.
Binny's Beverage Depot - Evanston
1111 Chicago AveThis liquor store carries a wide variety of all kinds of alcohol and mixers.
Comix Revolution
606 Davis StDowntown Evanston comic book shop
Booked
506 Main StA wonderful kids' bookshop, new in 2018.
Third Coast Comics
6443 N Sheridan RdGreat independent comic book shop.
Our ABSOLUTE #1 FAVORITE TACO STAND is located at the back of this Mexican grocery store. You will not be disappointed... everything is unbelievably delicious, authentic, and very inexpensive. Head into the store, go all the way back and head to your right to place on order. Guacamole is in the fridge right behind you if you're standing at the counter.
Supermercado Chapala
7117 N Clark StOur ABSOLUTE #1 FAVORITE TACO STAND is located at the back of this Mexican grocery store. You will not be disappointed... everything is unbelievably delicious, authentic, and very inexpensive. Head into the store, go all the way back and head to your right to place on order. Guacamole is in the fridge right behind you if you're standing at the counter.
Oh, the chocolate... Piron makes their own molded chocolates to purchase by the pound. Their focus is on the traditional methods and flavors, and they're experts at what they do. They also sell varietal chocolates and specialty bars.
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Belgian Chocolatier Piron, Inc.
509-A Main StOh, the chocolate... Piron makes their own molded chocolates to purchase by the pound. Their focus is on the traditional methods and flavors, and they're experts at what they do. They also sell varietal chocolates and specialty bars.
The Mexican Shop has been around FOREVER (or at least since the late 80s), and it's a source for great jewelry and clothing finds. The owners travel early each spring to select merchandise, and the shop has a well-curated visual appeal.
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The Mexican Shop
801 Dempster StThe Mexican Shop has been around FOREVER (or at least since the late 80s), and it's a source for great jewelry and clothing finds. The owners travel early each spring to select merchandise, and the shop has a well-curated visual appeal.
This is one of the coolest spots in South Evanston since 1970. There are so many sparkly things! Dave's sells rocks, fossils, gemstones for lapidary work, ready-made jewelry, books about everything in the geology-to-archaeology spectrum, and supplies to make your own treasures. There's also a museum of Illinois Fossils that will amaze you if you're into dinosaur-era goodies!
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The Olive Mountain
610 Davis StThis is one of the coolest spots in South Evanston since 1970. There are so many sparkly things! Dave's sells rocks, fossils, gemstones for lapidary work, ready-made jewelry, books about everything in the geology-to-archaeology spectrum, and supplies to make your own treasures. There's also a museum of Illinois Fossils that will amaze you if you're into dinosaur-era goodies!
JD Mills Health Food
635 Chicago AveLocal health and natural foods store.
Essentials
CVS
5205 N BroadwayFull pharmacy and some groceries.
Walgreens
811 Green Bay RdFull pharmacy, some groceries, and liquor.
Romanian Kosher Sausage Co
7200 N Clark StJewel-Osco
1128 Chicago AveTrader Joe's
1211 Chicago Ave