Guidebook for Evanston

Christopher
Christopher
Guidebook for Evanston

Food Scene

Old-school Evanston BBQ at its best!
7 locals recommend
Hecky's Barbecue
1902 Green Bay Rd
7 locals recommend
Old-school Evanston BBQ at its best!
Incredible take-out empanadas and other Mexican street food.
Tomate Fresh Kitchen
914 Noyes St
Incredible take-out empanadas and other Mexican street food.
Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives featured this great burger spot.
43 locals recommend
bopNgrill
6604 N Sheridan Rd
43 locals recommend
Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives featured this great burger spot.
16 locals recommend
Charmers Cafe
1500 W Jarvis Ave
16 locals recommend
Gluten-free bakery!
Sweet Temptations Bake Shop
607 W Howard St
Gluten-free bakery!
Late night noms.
Midnight Mac and Cheeserie
6979 N Sheridan Rd
Late night noms.
21 locals recommend
The Heartland Cafe
7006 N Glenwood Ave
21 locals recommend
Great food at this little gem of a neighborhood cafe.
25 locals recommend
Sol Cafe
1615 W Howard St
25 locals recommend
Great 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.
8 locals recommend
Lulu's
1026 Davis St
8 locals recommend
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.
Very good tacos and pitchers of margaritas; a sister restaurant to Lulu's with rooftop seating in nice weather.
15 locals recommend
Taco Diablo
1026b Davis St
15 locals recommend
Very 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.
45 locals recommend
Lucky Platter
514 Main St
45 locals recommend
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.
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.
50 locals recommend
Union Pizza
1307 Chicago Ave
50 locals recommend
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.
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.
12 locals recommend
Sea Ranch Sushi Evanston
518 Dempster St
12 locals recommend
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.
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 Ave
Argentine-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.
13 locals recommend
Boltwood
804 Davis St
13 locals recommend
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.
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!
9 locals recommend
Kuni's Japanese Restaurant
511 Main St
9 locals recommend
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!
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 St
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.
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.
12 locals recommend
Pâtisserie Coralie
600 Davis St
12 locals recommend
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.
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!
20 locals recommend
La Principal
700 Main St
20 locals recommend
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!
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.
20 locals recommend
Trattoria D.O.C.
706 Main St
20 locals recommend
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.
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!
8 locals recommend
Oceanique
505 Main St
8 locals recommend
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!
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!
37 locals recommend
Dollop Coffee & The Hoosier Mama Pie Company
749 Chicago Ave
37 locals recommend
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!
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.
24 locals recommend
Brothers K Coffeehouse
500 Main St
24 locals recommend
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.
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.
20 locals recommend
Hewn
1733 Central St
20 locals recommend
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.

Drinks & Nightlife

8 locals recommend
The Oasis Tavern
6809 N Sheridan Rd
8 locals recommend
Bruno's Lounge
6562 N Sheridan Rd
23 locals recommend
The Glenwood
6962 N Glenwood Ave
23 locals recommend
Terrific cocktails and often live music.
72 locals recommend
Rogers Park Social
6920 N Glenwood Ave
72 locals recommend
Terrific 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.
57 locals recommend
Evanston SPACE
1245 Chicago Ave
57 locals recommend
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.
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.
13 locals recommend
Celtic Knot Public House
626 Church St
13 locals recommend
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.
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!
23 locals recommend
Sketchbook Brewing Co.
821 Chicago Ave
23 locals recommend
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!
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.
66 locals recommend
Peckish Pig
623 W Howard St
66 locals recommend
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.
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.
42 locals recommend
Ward Eight
629 W Howard St
42 locals recommend
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.

Sightseeing

Lovely campus in this East Rogers Park neighborhood.
53 locals recommend
Loyola University Chicago
1032 W Sheridan Rd
53 locals recommend
Lovely 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.
80 locals recommend
Northwestern University
633 Clark St
80 locals recommend
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.

Parks & Nature

47 locals recommend
Loyola Beach
47 locals recommend
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 St
Vera Megowen Park
Baker Park
15 locals recommend
Lee Street Beach
15 locals recommend
Probably the quietest beach in Evanston, and it's right along the Evanston Parks bike trail.
7 locals recommend
South Boulevard Beach
525 Sheridan Square
7 locals recommend
Probably the quietest beach in Evanston, and it's right along the Evanston Parks bike trail.
Huge and shallow beach adjacent to campus.
Northwestern Beach
Huge and shallow beach adjacent to campus.

Arts & Culture

6 locals recommend
Noyes Cultural Arts Center
927 Noyes St
6 locals recommend
Evanston Public Library South Branch
900 Chicago Ave
6 locals recommend
Frances Willard House Museum
1730 Chicago Ave
6 locals recommend
16 locals recommend
Evanston History Center
225 Greenwood St
16 locals recommend
7 locals recommend
Charles Gates Dawes House
225 Greenwood St
7 locals recommend
16 locals recommend
Lifeline Theatre
6912 N Glenwood Ave
16 locals recommend
Piccolo Theatre
600 Main St
Bienen School of Music
70 Arts Cir Dr
20 locals recommend
Block Museum of Art, Northwestern University
40 Arts Cir Dr
20 locals recommend
Ice House Gallery
609 South Blvd
ouise 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 St
ouise 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.
8 locals recommend
Evanston Farmers' Market
1800 Maple Ave
8 locals recommend
Open 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 Ave
This liquor store carries a wide variety of all kinds of alcohol and mixers.
Downtown Evanston comic book shop
Comix Revolution
606 Davis St
Downtown Evanston comic book shop
A wonderful kids' bookshop, new in 2018.
Booked
506 Main St
A wonderful kids' bookshop, new in 2018.
Great independent comic book shop.
6 locals recommend
Third Coast Comics
6443 N Sheridan Rd
6 locals recommend
Great 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 St
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.
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.
8 locals recommend
Belgian Chocolatier Piron, Inc.
509-A Main St
8 locals recommend
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.
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.
9 locals recommend
The Mexican Shop
801 Dempster St
9 locals recommend
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.
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!
14 locals recommend
The Olive Mountain
610 Davis St
14 locals recommend
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!
Local health and natural foods store.
6 locals recommend
JD Mills Health Food
635 Chicago Ave
6 locals recommend
Local health and natural foods store.

Essentials

Full pharmacy and some groceries.
55 locals recommend
CVS
5205 N Broadway
55 locals recommend
Full pharmacy and some groceries.
Full pharmacy, some groceries, and liquor.
16 locals recommend
Walgreens
811 Green Bay Rd
16 locals recommend
Full pharmacy, some groceries, and liquor.
11 locals recommend
Romanian Kosher Sausage Co
7200 N Clark St
11 locals recommend
69 locals recommend
Jewel-Osco
1128 Chicago Ave
69 locals recommend
66 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
1211 Chicago Ave
66 locals recommend