Evanston Hot Spots

Evanston Hot Spots

Before or after the game, Evanston has amazing new culinary options as well as a few watering holes not to be missed. In town for Northwestern University graduation weekend? Explore our guide to Evanston.

If you’re a fan of both fabulous food and football, then the fun really begins when the 4th quarter ends at Ryan Field. After you’ve worked up a championship-sized appetite cheering on the Wildcats, you’re just a few mouth-watering minutes away from the some of the newest restaurants and bars in Chicagoland in Northwestern’s home of Evanston. Seriously folks, you won’t know which delicious direction to go in first. Après-Game choices range from sophisticated and spicy to Mom’s comfort food, so you need to make an extra point to eat in Evanston early and often!

Restaurants


Lulu's

1026 Davis St., Evanston, IL
(847) 869-4343

The biggest bowls of fresh Asian noodles, crispy-crunchy ginger salads and homemade dumplings all washed down with cold beer or tasty tropical cocktails topped with little paper umbrellas. Confucius says, ‘Eat Well, Have Fun, Be Happy!’


DB3 Donuts

1704 Central St., Evanston, IL
(847) 859-2109

Small batch donuts and custom blend coffee served fresh daily at this boutique donut shop. Enjoy basic and fancy donuts with rotating flavors every two weeks. Only steps to Ryan Field!


The Barn Steakhouse

1016 Church St., Evanston, IL
(847) 868-8041

The Barn is a meat-centric hideaway, tucked away down an alley in the heart of Evanston. Sourcing the finest quality ingredients, meats and Prime Heritage Angus, proprietor Amy Morton’s restaurant is lively and smart with old school table-side service.


Blind Faith Cafe

525 Dempster St., Evanston, IL
(847) 328-6875

For over 30 years, guests have enjoyed the innovative vegetarian food at this premier certified green restaurant. Curried chopped salad, black bean ginger tofu, and the ever popular macrobiotic plate exemplify their dedication to offering beautifully prepared natural. Bakery items included sugar free, vegan and gluten free options. Superb selection of beer and wine.


Cupitol Coffee & Eatery

810 Grove St., Evanston, IL
(847) 868-8078

A casual, all-day lounge that brings together the best elements of a restaurant, a bakery, a café and an exclusive bar. European-style counter service offers guests unique espresso drinks, pastries, freshly squeezed juices, as well as everything you would desire from breakfast to dinner.


La Principal

700 Main St., Evanston, IL
(224) 307-2444

Whether you desire a quick cup of coffee and churro in the morning, a new lunch spot, a unique watering hole to watch the game, or have your main taco fix, La Principal is ready for you. Contemporary Mexican street food served in chic, relaxed digs with a bar and a walk-up coffee window.


Hecky's Barbecue

1902 Green Bay Rd., Evanston, IL
(847) 492-1182

Located in Evanston, Hecky's has been serving up some of the best BBQ in the nation for more than 25 years. As it’s said, the secret is in the sauce and their award-winning sauce comes from an old Creole family recipe. Options range from succulent pulled pork, rib tips and baby back ribs to sweet potato pie and peach cobbler. Gumbo and jambalaya too! Catering and shipping available.


Taco Diablo

1029 Davis St., Evanston, IL
(847) 869-4343

An independent, locally-owned restaurant, giving a respectful nod to Mexican cuisine that's rooted in authentic Mexican cooking techniques. What you will find is hand crafted product, traditional moles, fresh made salsas, served in a lively and casual atmosphere by friendly people. Beverages celebrate Mexico's production of high quality tequila and mezcals. Proud to be members of a community that recognizes and supports local small business. Buen Provecho!


Lucky Platter

514 Main St., Evanston, IL
(847) 869-4064

Steps from the Main Street train stations, this long time Evanston favorite keeps guests guessing with their off-beat vibe serving “funkalicious” creations at breakfast, lunch and dinner. All creations are made from scratch daily, including their famous Apricot Cheese Flakies, Chicken Pot Pie, Tandoori Chicken Salad and Butterscotch Pudding! Serving wine, beer and spirits.


Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge

624 Davis St., Evanston, IL
(847) 866-6969

Located right in the heart of Evanston’s charming restaurant row, Koi brings bold flavors of eight different regions of authentic Chinese cuisine and fresh sushi to every dining experience. Koi offers a modern relaxing atmosphere, perfect for a night out with friends, dinner for two or private parties. Come and see us and enjoy the weekly specials at bar after work. Be creative, live long, be happy and follow your own path.


NaKorn Kitchen

1622 Orrington Ave., Evanston, IL
(847) 733-8424

A full service Thai restaurant specializing in fresh, bold flavors of Thai cuisine with a causal, yet exceptional dining experience. NaKorn chefs have worked to perfect old-Thai recipes with a modern presentation, for unique dishes layered with flavor while encouraging the traditional practice of family-style dining. The restaurant and full-service bar provide a nostalgic glimpse of the past reminiscent of 1970s Thai shophouses in a stylish yet warm and cozy vibe.


The Hoosier Mama Pie Company

749 Chicago Ave., Evanston, IL
(847) 868-8863

A comforting slice of Americana awaits you at one of Evanston’s sunniest spots, The Hoosier Mama Pie Co. & Dollop Coffee & Tea Co. With a head-spinning variety of freshly baked-before-your-eyes pies, choose your favorite and pair it with a steaming mug of espresso. Breakfast lovers can cozy up to the counter for buttermilk biscuits or stop by for lunch or dinner for savory pie plates, sandwiches, and salads.


Oceanique

505 Main St., Evanston, IL
(847) 864-3435

Located on Chicago's North Shore, Chef Mark Grosz offers a seamless fusion of traditional French Cuisine and Modern American fare with just a dash of Japanese influence. Boasting an impressive wine list, Oceanique has garnered the Wine Spectators "Best of Award of Excellence" with consistent recognition from the prestigious Zagat guide as Chicagoland's best seafood restaurant.


Hewn

1733 Central St., Evanston, IL
(847) 869-4396

Everything here is made in-house, from scratch, daily. Sourcing local and seasonal ingredients from small, local farmers when their flavors are at their peak. All breads are hand-mixed, hand-shaped and naturally fermented without commercial yeast. Allowing bread to ferment with wild yeast allows a richer, more complex flavor to develop. Seasonal sandwiches, salads and grains adhere to a philosophy of serving food that promotes a healthy body.


Peckish Pig

623 Howard St., Evanston, IL
(847) 491-6778

Seasonal suds, guest beers, craft cocktails and gastropub food (house-smoked and fried ham hocks with salted-caramel drizzle, tuna wellington, and much, much more including vegetarian options) are on offer at this relaxed, brewpub on the edge of Evanston. The loft-like open space is done in exposed brick and wood, with beamed ceilings, industrial ductwork, polished tables and utilitarian stools at the long bar. Save room for dessert, Chef Deb’s offerings are not to be missed.


La Cocinita Restaurant

521 Davis St., Evanston, IL
(847) 332-1625

Located in downtown Evanston, La Cocinita serves Venezuelan street food, as well as beer, wine and cocktails such as jalapeno-cucumber margaritas. Specialties include homemade arepas (Venezuelan cornmeal patties) and cachapas for brunch (sweet corn pancakes). The husband-wife proprietors also operate a food truck for local catering and special events.


Bluestone

1932 Central St., Evanston, IL
(847) 424-0420

When you need a taste of comfort that reminds you of Mom’s home cooking, head over to Bluestone! You’ll feel right at home next to the crackling fire with Baked MAC & Cheese, BBQ Meatloaf or Chicken Scaloppini. Elbows off the table for some Country Chicken Pot Pie, Grown-Up Grilled Cheese or a Steak & Chipotle Quesadilla with loaded tots.


Five & Dime

1026 Davis St., Evanston, IL
(847) 869-4343

Evanston’s only rooftop restaurant and bar allows gorgeous sunset views above the street hubbub. Comfy couches, tables for larger groups and an indoor and outdoor bar give you plenty of options to enjoy their unique twist on creative bar food. Great meeting spot to enjoy dinner or some libations. Bored? Play Ping Pong in the game room or try one of the vintage pinball machines.


Ten Mile House

1700 Central St., Evanston, IL
(847) 905-0669

A social house for the thriving Evanston community, Ten Mile House serves thoughtful comfort food and beverages in a vibrant, welcoming setting. Only steps from Northwestern's Ryan Field!


Libations


Ward Eight

629 W. Howard St., Evanston, IL
(847) 420-7353

An exceptional neighborhood cocktail bar. Creative craft cocktails made by inventive, unpretentious mixologists, unique wines and local beers accentuate a menu of small plates. Dimly lit interior with tables and plenty of seats at that bar. A friendly, lively gathering place for locals and inviting to visitors.