Legends of the North Shore

Local legends gain their reputations based on consistently delivering quality service, food and home/fashion/gift goodies for years…and years! You know when you want that one special thing. And you know where you’re going to go to get it from these beloved favorites of the North Shore.

Explore these legends and more on Chicago’s North Shore Food + Drink or Shopping listings.

FEELING FANCY

The gorgeous, handmade jewelry designs of award-winning Eve Alfillé (pronounced "Al-fee'yay") of Eve Alfillé Gallery & Studio (623 Grove St., Evanston, since 1987) dazzle with exotic pearls, unusual gemstones, high-karat metals and fine diamonds. Dress up your home, too, with the consistently exquisite assortment of smartly curated tableware, furniture, lighting and artifacts at Material Possessions (954 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka; founded 1977). Wrap up your shopping day with a restaurant industry icon. Yes, Bob Chinn’s Crab House (393 S. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, since 1982) still offers the customary lobster bibs and their mouth-watering seafood and steak menu remains peerless. Or, head over to Allgauer's on the Riverfront (2855 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook) which has been serving up delicious American cuisine on the North Shore for over 45 years in a picturesque riverside setting.

CREATURE COMFORTS

A landmark for decades, Kaufman’s Bagel and Delicatessen (4905 Dempster St., Skokie; established 1955) continues to serve up some of the greatest bagels outside of NYC. Max & Benny’s Restaurant and Deli (461 Waukegan Rd., Northbrook; three decades strong) devotedly makes classic deli favorites from scratch; their Matzo ball soup and Corned Beef and Pastrami Skyscraper sandwiches are a must. Ayla’s Originals (1511 Sherman Ave., Evanston; official since 1998) is a sought-out resource for experienced beading experts and novices alike with Ayla’s outstanding array of gemstones, crystals, supplies and classes, plus finished jewelry and gifts.

THE SPICE OF LIFE 

Downtown Evanston’s restaurant scene has flourished along with Dan Kelch, a successful multi-restaurant entrepreneur for nearly 30 years. Part of his trio of restaurants stacked on Davis Street, Taco Diablo (1029 Davis St., Evanston) serves up devilish delights with their traditional moles, fresh-made salsas and craft margaritas. The Spice House (1941 Central St., Evanston; founded 1957) may have fresh owners, but their commitment to being a renown purveyor of the finest spices, herbs, blends and extracts stands. Johnny’s Kitchen & Tap (1740 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview; founded 1995) boasts the tang of their special recipe BBQ sauce on their genuine, wood-fired, slowly-cooked ribs.

KEEPING TRADITIONS ALIVE

Some legendary places simply can’t be rivaled. If you’ve got a taste for Hackney’s (1740 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview), nothing else will do. They’ve been serving up deliciousness since their Great Aunt Bebe started selling the now Famous Hackneyburger® and beer on her back porch during Prohibition. Independent bookstore and local institution The Bookstall at Chestnut Court (811 Elm St., Winnetka; established 1940) stocks an exceptional selection of fiction, children's books, cookbooks, biographies and more along with acclaimed literary events. Annie’s Pancake House (4900 Oakton St., Skokie; incorporated in 2001) is a hands-down family favorite with tasty stacks and “eggceptional” skillets, while Morning Glory Flower Shop (1822 Glenview Rd., Glenview; founded 1990) has cheerfully beflowered brides, celebrated birthdays and lifted spirits with their floral designs for decades. For more than 25 years, the Village Inn Pizzeria Sports Bar & Grill ( 8050 N. Lincoln, Skokie) has been dishing out mouth watering pizzas, wings, sandwiches and more in Downtown Skokie. Try one of the specialty pizza's like Randy's Favorite Pizza (extra thin crust with sauce, oregano and mozzarella cheese) or create your own thick or thin crust, pan or stuffed pizza masterpiece.   

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