Restaurants in Evanston
Best Restaurants
“Had a very nice lunch with a friend. Tried the bits and a lunch plate. The shallots were cooked perfectly with a wonderful chili sauce. The chicken with mushrooms and small potatoes were in a wonderful sauce. Service was terrific.”
3
Papa Bop
“Ordered the oxtail soup and the japchae- good taste & great portion for japchae! I haven't found oxtail soup or restaurants that serve radish kimchi + potato banchan nearby so was super excited to find :)) went in late afternoon so the staff/cooks were eating too, but one of the waiters was very helpful and attentive. offered to refill our banchan when he noticed it was low. the interior gives cafe vibes with a lot of light & white, kinda minimalist decor. overall really good, I hope more Northwestern students make the short walk or take the shuttle to here!”
“First time didn’t know what to expect. Just park on the street the lot won’t have a space. Went to see a friend in a band, they were great, no cover. Full food and bev available. Menu is solid albeit pricey for some items ($14 cheese curds is heresy) but the beer is surprisingly reasonable and good and you can take home a four pack for $14. Huge space beer made on premises, eclectic car collection on display as well as antique gas station memorabilia.”
“To start off the food with some of the best food I've ever eaten The inside was nice, cozy and clean and the staff were amazing and were very cooperative when I lost my Fitbit”
“Good food. Great service. Nice place. Be aware that the ramen noodles is heavy and you might get charged if you're not able to finish it as part of your buffet.”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“Amazing restaurant with a fabulous menu, atmosphere, and a wonderful staff! Denise is an outstanding woman that has made me feel welcomed and loved and consistently delivers delish dishes! My family and I have been going here for 6 years and it is our favorite! Would highly recommend you go here!”
“Came here on New Years Eve after a Google search in the area....thank you Google! The food, the service and everything was so good! We had the big charcuterie board for our appetizer and it was delicious. For our mains, we had the nachos (huge), the scallops, pork belly, salmon burger and grilled cheese. Everyone loved the food and we all left happy! If you're in the area, stop here, you won't be disappointed!”
“One of the better Mexican restaurants I have tried in recent memory. The Margaritas were outstanding (and 1/2 price on Thursday) and the Pollo en Mole was a great entree. Even the chips and salsa were a notch above. Recommended!”
Restaurants with Delivery
“Make a reservation! Drinks are amazing, love the mezcal options. The decor is really great and atmosphere is fun , but loud. Not a “quiet night out” place, but great for fun with friends. Food is outstanding. Everything is fresh and homemade. Tortillas are amazing. This time we got the specials which were mole enchiladas (they know how to do a solid mole) and fish tacos. Both excellent.”
“Ordered the spicy spring roll salad for lunch today and it was delicious! It can be easily made gluten free if you ask them to switch Super Grains for the Rice/Quinoa blend. They accidentally forgot to put the dressing in the salads before they were delivered, and when we called to let them know, someone from the store drove them to our location right away. Amazing service!”
“The pizza is so good! Quick service, no wait, and AMAZING PIZZA! The best food for picky kid eaters and for stopping by! You can get your food to go or you can eat in! I WOULD SO RECROMEND!”
“Everything was very tasty and excellent. From the food to the service, it was a very enjoyable evening. The appetizers and main entrees that were ordered tasted fantastic. I didn't have enough room to eat more. Even the cocktails were very tasty. Definitely a great recommendation for folks to visit. Hoping more folks will plan time to visit and enjoy the wonderful menu items. Also want to note that everything is very reasonably priced for the quality and amount that you receive.”
“Hands down, my favorite bakery!If you want quality bread, this is the place for you. They also have sweet rolls (cinnamon rolls, chocolate croissant, scones, etc) garlic Parmesan loaf on Wednesdays!But you will love their sourdough!”
“Had a very nice lunch with a friend. Tried the bits and a lunch plate. The shallots were cooked perfectly with a wonderful chili sauce. The chicken with mushrooms and small potatoes were in a wonderful sauce. Service was terrific.”
“Ordered the oxtail soup and the japchae- good taste & great portion for japchae! I haven't found oxtail soup or restaurants that serve radish kimchi + potato banchan nearby so was super excited to find :)) went in late afternoon so the staff/cooks were eating too, but one of the waiters was very helpful and attentive. offered to refill our banchan when he noticed it was low. the interior gives cafe vibes with a lot of light & white, kinda minimalist decor. overall really good, I hope more Northwestern students make the short walk or take the shuttle to here!”
“First time didn’t know what to expect. Just park on the street the lot won’t have a space. Went to see a friend in a band, they were great, no cover. Full food and bev available. Menu is solid albeit pricey for some items ($14 cheese curds is heresy) but the beer is surprisingly reasonable and good and you can take home a four pack for $14. Huge space beer made on premises, eclectic car collection on display as well as antique gas station memorabilia.”
“Hidden treasure in Evanston close to the University. I had the best lamb I have ever had. For the atmosphere the prices were reasonable. Great service. Close to the University.”
“To start off the food with some of the best food I've ever eaten The inside was nice, cozy and clean and the staff were amazing and were very cooperative when I lost my Fitbit”
“Good food. Great service. Nice place. Be aware that the ramen noodles is heavy and you might get charged if you're not able to finish it as part of your buffet.”
“Amazing restaurant with a fabulous menu, atmosphere, and a wonderful staff! Denise is an outstanding woman that has made me feel welcomed and loved and consistently delivers delish dishes! My family and I have been going here for 6 years and it is our favorite! Would highly recommend you go here!”
“Came here on New Years Eve after a Google search in the area....thank you Google! The food, the service and everything was so good! We had the big charcuterie board for our appetizer and it was delicious. For our mains, we had the nachos (huge), the scallops, pork belly, salmon burger and grilled cheese. Everyone loved the food and we all left happy! If you're in the area, stop here, you won't be disappointed!”
“One of the better Mexican restaurants I have tried in recent memory. The Margaritas were outstanding (and 1/2 price on Thursday) and the Pollo en Mole was a great entree. Even the chips and salsa were a notch above. Recommended!”
“Philz in Evanston has a very roomy interior and a nice patio area. It’s built with more than average room between seating which offers a better sense of privacy while studying. The various food options are coffee shop yummy. But it’s also an ideal location to meet owing to its proximity to train stops.”
10
Philz Coffee
“Philz in Evanston has a very roomy interior and a nice patio area. It’s built with more than average room between seating which offers a better sense of privacy while studying. The various food options are coffee shop yummy. But it’s also an ideal location to meet owing to its proximity to train stops.”
“Friendly, efficient, accurate service with good recommendations. Chilaquiles, quiche, tacos, and carrot cake were delicious! On a very rainy day, we each lucked out and found street parking right in front of the entrance. Always have good food and service here.”
“Nice atmosphere; good pizzas with decent vegan options! Great restaurant to enjoy before seeing a show at SPACE. Delicious cocktails too!Vegetarian options: Lots of vegetarian options; fewer vegan options but there are some.Dietary restrictions: Have gluten free crust too.”
Online Reservation Available
“Friendly, efficient, accurate service with good recommendations. Chilaquiles, quiche, tacos, and carrot cake were delicious! On a very rainy day, we each lucked out and found street parking right in front of the entrance. Always have good food and service here.”
“Nice atmosphere; good pizzas with decent vegan options! Great restaurant to enjoy before seeing a show at SPACE. Delicious cocktails too!Vegetarian options: Lots of vegetarian options; fewer vegan options but there are some.Dietary restrictions: Have gluten free crust too.”
“We just had the most delicious dinner at the Barn. We all ordered a prix fixe meal each selection was Absolutely delicious! The waitstaff is warm and professional . The play list set the atmosphere as the lighting invited a relaxed vibe . The Barn is Perfection . Thank you for hosting our lovely evening . Paula, Estelle & Sasha”
“What's not to love? Pie is great, sandwiches are great, coffee is great. The only problem is just how close I live to this location and how dangerous for both my bank account and waistline it is, hahaha. Seriously, this place is great.”
“Just celebrated my wife's birthday. Food was fantastic. Some people in our party don't eat meat. The chef made up a vegetarian soup they said was great. The chef made a birthday cake that was wonderful. Great experience. Will definitely go back.”
“Menu is not overly complicated, but everything is creative and delicious. Don't miss: buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, stuffed tater tots, cauliflower, quinoa bowl, and south by northwestern salad, the local beer menu, among other things. Prices are high, so be sure you have time to sit and enjoy the atmosphere while you're there.Vegetarian options: Buffalo cauliflower, roasted cauliflower, quinoa bowl, South by northwestern salad, Chile rellenos, plus moreKid-friendliness: $10 kids menu, but everything is yummy”
“The prices are good and the owner provided great customer service and was very kind and gave us time for us to try the flavors and help us out. Also loved the recliners very comfortable and cozy ”
“I dined at Oceanique for my birthday during Restaurant Week, so my friend and I enjoyed a special three-course menu. I had the striped bass and my friend had swordfish. We finished with the pot de crème. Everything was a-maz-ing! Harry was our waiter, and the service was impeccable.”
“Those were probably the best arepas I have eaten in my life. Wow. Do the staff a favour and order in advance though, there’s not a great spot to wait and you’ll be in the way. The food was amazing, quantity was perfect. Seriously delicious.”
“Another "not my first time here, but first Google Review" for this place! Been going here ever since their first day but not as frequently as imagined. They definitely have some unique beers as well as fun events throughout the years, one notably was an outdoor hip hop concert with Twista, Big Boi and Sleepy Brown, which was 1yr post-COVID. Recently went for their whopping 10 year anniversary (Fri 12/15/23) and the beers were absolutely and generously flowing. They opened up the back for a nice 80s cover band concert and also had pop up food and wine vendors. Videos here of that night. Whether for an event or not, this brewery is worth coming back to again and again.”
“Shinsen is a contemporary Thai and Japanese restaurant that I have been patronizing for a few years now.One of my go-to orders is their Yakitori (grilled chicken) Don and Yakiniku (grilled skirt steak) Don. I especially like the soy reduction that accompanies the rice, which I think is house-made and brewed for several hours.Another one of my go-to orders is their Shallot Fried Rice with shrimp. It's unique and not like your traditional Thai or Japanese fried rice. My only complaint is that it comes with only three pieces of shrimp chopped up into little bite sizes. Shrimp fried rice at most, if not all, other restaurants come with at least five shrimps.I also really like their robata skewers. Among the more ordinary skewers are shrimp, chicken wings, and asparagus while their more exotic skewers, if you are adventurous, are grilled chicken gizzard, chicken heart, and pork jowl (cheek). All of the skewers that I have ordered are good. It's a shame, however, that they have removed their pork belly skewer from the menu.My second and final complaint, which I think is really important and therefore want to highlight is the way the skewers are packaged for carryout orders.Every order of skewer is wrapped in aluminium foil and packed in its own styrofoam box, which is wasteful. If they're going to wrap every order of skewer in aluminium foil, then there's no problem with packing them in the same container. I also wish Shinsen would use a more environmental-friendly material rather than styrofoam containers for their skewers. I'm generally not a tree-hugger, but styrofoam is really harmful to the environment, cannot be recycled, and takes an incredibly long time to degrade.I know that Shinsen cares a lot about presentation for their carryout orders, but there are ways to maintain good food presentation while being thoughtful about wastage and the environment. I hope Shinsen can be more conscious about this issue.”
“So the food was good but we were disappointed that the salud style tacos didn’t come on blue masa tortilla like it said on the menu and they were unfortunately out of the Empanadas De Yuca which was the thing we were the most looking forward too.Also we were not served any rice or beans which I’m not sure if that is still a thing here but on the menu I have it said this.I definitely recommend the fried Elote it was absolutely amazing an I would definitely get it again.Drinks were good definitely recommend the lavender mojitos and the Mexican mule drink.”
“Last week, my wife and I met another couple at Jilly's. I'd never been there before. Although the place was full, the service was fast, friendly and helpful. The food and wine were great. I had bouillabaisse, and it was large and perfectly done, with lots of shellfish and saffron. Prices were very reasonable. The decor was warm and welcoming. I will definitely be back.”
“Consistently delightful in all respects since my first experience in the Oakton street location. Even as the establishment has grown, like a son or daughter, it has become more refined and sophisticated with age. I truly enjoy the food and the hospitality and reflect in the joy of experiencing it's growth and sharing with friends.P.S. I truly appreciate that no alcohol is served in keeping with their cultural and religious convictions. I believe BYOB iss an option for those who need to have it”
“I stumbled into this gem of a restaurant by accident and has been a patron 1-2 times a month. I have brought friends and visitors and they all loved the food, service, and ambiance. Everything that I have tried is delicious and you will not regret dining in this restaurant.”
13
Campagnola
“All I will say is this. It’s what I said to the man running the bar. “It took a while to get a reservation here. Thank you for having us.” We will be returning there again. Amazing everything. Definitely checks the big 3 with 5 stars each.”
“We just had the most delicious dinner at the Barn. We all ordered a prix fixe meal each selection was Absolutely delicious! The waitstaff is warm and professional . The play list set the atmosphere as the lighting invited a relaxed vibe . The Barn is Perfection . Thank you for hosting our lovely evening . Paula, Estelle & Sasha”
15
Ward Eight
“Outstanding cocktails in a very intimate space with cozy atmosphere. The food is quite good, especially the steak. I'm begging you to stock ketchup for the fries!”
24 Hour Restaurants
“The atmosphere was very relaxed and enjoyable. The service was friendly and helpful. When I had questions, the waitress cleared up what I thought was one thing, but it turned out to be a different item. The food was hot and delicious.”
“There are three locations near our house, but this is the only one that does ice cream cakes. My daughter wanted one for her birthday and online ordering was easy and convenient. Hubby's birthday was the month after and he wanted one too! Again, easy ordering and both were ready as promised. No complaints. They are a Dunkin Donuts too and have a drive thru. They take coupons and honor their rewards program for great deals.”
“Thanks to McDonald’s am/pm staffCooperative cool and calm collectiveGreat place to relax and chillRoute1solutionsRay SmithParking: There are about 13 parking spots plus parking for waiting for your order if high volumeKid-friendliness: Love for kids and catering for the elderlyWheelchair accessibility: Plenty of space to eat and relax”
“Came back to E-Town with my kids for a visit and SO happy I could get my Dunks within walking distance of where we were staying! Its not the best one ever but I'm biased I guess.”
“The kid working the the counter is awesome. Very cheerful & knew the offerings (sauces, etc.) well. My day was going OK. Then he made it great. That's the type of employee u hardly see, especially McD's.”
“Just celebrated my wife's birthday. Food was fantastic. Some people in our party don't eat meat. The chef made up a vegetarian soup they said was great. The chef made a birthday cake that was wonderful. Great experience. Will definitely go back.”
“Menu is not overly complicated, but everything is creative and delicious. Don't miss: buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, stuffed tater tots, cauliflower, quinoa bowl, and south by northwestern salad, the local beer menu, among other things. Prices are high, so be sure you have time to sit and enjoy the atmosphere while you're there.Vegetarian options: Buffalo cauliflower, roasted cauliflower, quinoa bowl, South by northwestern salad, Chile rellenos, plus moreKid-friendliness: $10 kids menu, but everything is yummy”
18
Oceanique
“I dined at Oceanique for my birthday during Restaurant Week, so my friend and I enjoyed a special three-course menu. I had the striped bass and my friend had swordfish. We finished with the pot de crème. Everything was a-maz-ing! Harry was our waiter, and the service was impeccable.”
Takeout Restaurants
“friendly staff, reasonably priced coffee, and decent food - got the cardomon rose latte & recommend it! free wifi and seating available when I went on a Saturday afternoon ?”
“100% Vegan Restaurant & delicious Burgers! I have ordered the following items and will rate them with the help of my tastebuds and opinion! My favorite burger was the „Korean BBQ Chik‘n Burger" with added ranch. 5/5 - Soft, tasty, juicy burger buns and delicious chik‘n! The second favorite burger was the Mammoth Burger! Also great taste! Both came with a side of fries. The fries are regular fries. Fries: 3.5/5 in addition to the fries, I ordered sauces/dips: ranch dip: 5/5. Sriracha Aioli: 2.5/5 spicy and little to almost neutral taste. Next burger in my personal ranking would be the Buffalo Chik‘n. I have been a vegan now for close to 4 years. I do however remember the tastes of food from before I was vegan. This here burger may not be my favorite because I never really was a buffalo fan I. The first place BUT! Very authentic and close to its original taste. Therefor, I can recommend this to the Buffalo lovers! Last burger in my ratings is the „Eleburger" the name made me curious, I ate it and it's classic, standard, nothing out of the ordinary burger. 3.5/5. in my opinion, the mustard taste was slightly too dominant. All in all, I will say that this is a great place to order from! I never visited the restaurant itself and only ordered and can therefore not speak on the actual restaurant itself. It is however a wonderful experience, ordering from a 100% vegan restaurant, without having to ask about animal cruelty free ingredients. 100% plant based and I can and will recommend this Restaurants menu! I have pictures, they may not look fantastic; but the taste sure was. Enjoy and Bon Appetit! Take care! #Veganuary”
“All I will say is this. It’s what I said to the man running the bar. “It took a while to get a reservation here. Thank you for having us.” We will be returning there again. Amazing everything. Definitely checks the big 3 with 5 stars each.”
“All I can say is… holy cow. This place is delicious, best Mediterranean food I’ve ever had. I got the chicken shawarma plate, amazing. The lentil soup, amazing. The red sauce, amazing. white sauce, amazing. Do yourself a favor and check this place out!”
“Tomate Fresh continues to be one of my favorite restaurants in Evanston. Considering prices and quality, few restaurants compare in my eyes. There's no in-house seating, but it's ready so fast and it's so delicious that there's no need to linger. (It's also across the street from a park for an easy picnic.) My favorite dishes include anything with their black beans and grilled cheese combination (not a grilled cheese sandwich, but just a glorious pile of crispy cheese). Make your day instantly better with a visit to Tomate! Thanks, Tomate. I love you.Vegetarian options: Tomate Fresh gives vegetarians a lot to consider! In either burrito, Taco, or gordita form, one can choose: tofu, black beans, sweet potato, yucca, spicy mushroom, or carmelized onion filling. There are also, on occasion, vegetarian empanadas and tamales. These veg options don't even consider the quesadilla options (like sweet potato or spicy mushroom) or the salads on their menu. It's a refreshing change from only having one or two veg options at a restaurant.”
“A Evanston essential featuring East Asian inspired panko fried chicken sandwiches, wings, rice bowls and other snacks. I always go for the 10Q sandwich, as the pickled radish and togarashi mayo is simple but insane how unique this flavor is. The sandwiches feature panko fried chicken breast that are large. The chicken is so juicy, and the buttered brioche bun wraps it all together. The combo comes with fries, and the portion is always huge. Seriously, I always have leftovers of fries from this place. They are double fried (I believe) and are super crispy. The prices are fair for what you get. You can eat inside but it's nothing special, as this pretty much is a fast food place. Your food will come quickly and the service is good. They used to have this matcha soft serve that was phenomenal until their machine broke and I am so sad they don’t have it anymore. (Please bring it back sometime <3) I would recommend this place for a quick lunch or dinner.”
“Wonderful food, with a short wait time. The staff work efficiently and are usually very friendly.Vegetarian options: The Vegi burrito is probably the best I've had.”
“My boyfriend has been wanting to take me to Cross-Rhodes forever as they have one is his favorite burgers; The Rhodes Burger, which is a half pound burger patty with cheese, topped with gyros meat on a sesame seed bun. It sits on a bed of steak cut Greek fries, which are equally loved. It's a big burger and will keep you full for most of the day. He asked for it to be cooked medium, and it was perfectly medium. I took a couple of bites, and the meat was so soft and juicy and the gyros was perfectly crispy. They don't skimp on the gyros. I ordered chicken souvlaki with grilled vegetables and tzatziki sauce. Chicken kabob in general is pretty similar from restaurant to restaurant, but their chicken kabob was one that I especially enjoyed. It had great flavor, wasn't dry, but also wasn't swimming in juice and had a beautiful char. I love a char on my meats, so it was pretty hard to not finish my plate. The tzatziki was very good - thick, with good flavor and not overly garlicky. The service was wonderful. We were greeted upon arrival and as we left by who I assume was the owner. Our waitress was very sweet and personable and made you feel right at home. Very cozy place. If you're in the area, be sure to give it a try.”
“The food was Excellent, and the Menu was extremely diverse. Service was great, friendly and quick. The Ambiance was Excellent, the restaurant was filled with Northwestern students and faculty with their families, most of whom appeared to be of Chinese descent. Which probably explains why the menu is in Chinese and English. The place is spotless and as I said earlier, the food is excellent, with very reasonable prices. It was absolutely a positive experience, that we intend to repeat. Very informal and friendly.”
“By far. By far. My favorite Jamaican food spot. The portions are big and every bite is so flavorful and delicious. The people there are kind and sweet and will remember you! Love this place and I get food from here every chance I get. Always satisfied and happy coming here.”
“These two people can easily give competition to young age People.They work so hard and also prepared food very fast and with delicious taste.One of the best broasted chicken ever had.Too yummy. must visit ”
“Our go-to Japanese food in Evanston.Always tasty, always fresh, balanced traditional food. Our Japanese friend was the person to introduce it to us and it has been a favorite ever since.I'm actually salivating thinking about the food there.”
“Definitely a place to people watch as much as just get a coffee. It has a big, open, bright interior. Some table seating and some more lounge-like. Always seems busy but the turnover is pretty fast so I’ve always been able to get a good place to sit. I appreciate that it’s not Starbucks.Parking: If you can grab a street parking spot in front count yourself lucky. It’s hit or miss. Worst case is you have to park a block away.”
“Great Taco restaurant! Outstanding tacos, delicious food. Great atmosphere. We found parking easily.I love the sign at the bar:” Hell is empty. The devils are all here” ?Great service by the way!”
“Was born & raised in Evanston. My niece brought me here, talk about a blast from the past, loved it. Great food, excellent service and a real throw back type of diner. Hopefully they'll be there for many more years!”
“The food was Excellent, and the Menu was extremely diverse. Service was great, friendly and quick. The Ambiance was Excellent, the restaurant was filled with Northwestern students and faculty with their families, most of whom appeared to be of Chinese descent. Which probably explains why the menu is in Chinese and English. The place is spotless and as I said earlier, the food is excellent, with very reasonable prices. It was absolutely a positive experience, that we intend to repeat. Very informal and friendly.”
“Those were probably the best arepas I have eaten in my life. Wow. Do the staff a favour and order in advance though, there’s not a great spot to wait and you’ll be in the way. The food was amazing, quantity was perfect. Seriously delicious.”
“Another "not my first time here, but first Google Review" for this place! Been going here ever since their first day but not as frequently as imagined. They definitely have some unique beers as well as fun events throughout the years, one notably was an outdoor hip hop concert with Twista, Big Boi and Sleepy Brown, which was 1yr post-COVID. Recently went for their whopping 10 year anniversary (Fri 12/15/23) and the beers were absolutely and generously flowing. They opened up the back for a nice 80s cover band concert and also had pop up food and wine vendors. Videos here of that night. Whether for an event or not, this brewery is worth coming back to again and again.”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“Just right light food, good drinks, warm staff, Beautiful space. Wonderful variety of people both behind and in front of the counter. Last time, we found ourselves chatting with the artist of the works on the wall right behind us”
“Everything was really good, very hot, fast, and fresh! The only reason I have 4 stars for food was because I could taste the grill on the burgers which I'm not a big fan of. Other than that I'm really glad my partner and I stopped in before a play at Northwestern!”
“I often picked up my sub here and it now doesn’t allow dine in due to covid. Every time, my sub is prepared in time and good. I like Jimmy John’s tuna and beef subs with a relatively decent price.”
“I love potbelly. The Sandwiches never lose quality never.But today that changed. I don’t think there washing the soda machine because my stomach is other upset after i have a drink there”
“I mean, the sandwiches are standard for any JJ's, you either love them or hate them. I tend to gravitate more towards customer service, and this place, in particular, is very good at making people feel welcome and addressing their needs, Even for something as simple as a sandwich. Great staff, friendly and fast. Even wished me a happy birthday. ?”
“Very Nice service excellent I would say specially in the afternoon the lady name Nadiya she is so polite and nice she gave the stuff so fast that I ordered and it was so good. loved it”
“Food was great. Service was great. The best part about BK though is the incredible rewards app. I play their games in the app every day.Kid-friendliness: My kids love it.”
“Great burgers but I think the best thing are the milkshakes, they have a lot of flavors: Oreo, snickers, Kit Kat, butterfinger, Reese’s and shakes are delicious.”
“Start off with the service was really friendly took my order quickly. The Dunkin donuts was clean and sanitized a really nice friendly folks. My breakfast sandwich was hot delicious got me going for breakfast in the well-done Dunkin donuts keep up the good work and keep producing some ”
“I had ordered a custom ice cream cake for my child's upcoming birthday through the online website. It was the Oreo sandwich cake. When I went to pick it up the cake was missing the oreo sandwich decorations on the top (one of the main reasons my child picked the cake). The staff said they can add the missing decorations and the cake would be ready the next day at noon. So I just got back from picking up the cake and to my surprise they went above and beyond to fix it. They have me a brand new cake that looked exactly like the picture online! And they let me keep the first cake that was missing the decorations. I highly recommend this location for the friendly staff and superb customer service! Thank you for making my child's birthday extra special!”
“Our go-to Japanese food in Evanston.Always tasty, always fresh, balanced traditional food. Our Japanese friend was the person to introduce it to us and it has been a favorite ever since.I'm actually salivating thinking about the food there.”
23
Shinsen
“Shinsen is a contemporary Thai and Japanese restaurant that I have been patronizing for a few years now.One of my go-to orders is their Yakitori (grilled chicken) Don and Yakiniku (grilled skirt steak) Don. I especially like the soy reduction that accompanies the rice, which I think is house-made and brewed for several hours.Another one of my go-to orders is their Shallot Fried Rice with shrimp. It's unique and not like your traditional Thai or Japanese fried rice. My only complaint is that it comes with only three pieces of shrimp chopped up into little bite sizes. Shrimp fried rice at most, if not all, other restaurants come with at least five shrimps.I also really like their robata skewers. Among the more ordinary skewers are shrimp, chicken wings, and asparagus while their more exotic skewers, if you are adventurous, are grilled chicken gizzard, chicken heart, and pork jowl (cheek). All of the skewers that I have ordered are good. It's a shame, however, that they have removed their pork belly skewer from the menu.My second and final complaint, which I think is really important and therefore want to highlight is the way the skewers are packaged for carryout orders.Every order of skewer is wrapped in aluminium foil and packed in its own styrofoam box, which is wasteful. If they're going to wrap every order of skewer in aluminium foil, then there's no problem with packing them in the same container. I also wish Shinsen would use a more environmental-friendly material rather than styrofoam containers for their skewers. I'm generally not a tree-hugger, but styrofoam is really harmful to the environment, cannot be recycled, and takes an incredibly long time to degrade.I know that Shinsen cares a lot about presentation for their carryout orders, but there are ways to maintain good food presentation while being thoughtful about wastage and the environment. I hope Shinsen can be more conscious about this issue.”
“Definitely a place to people watch as much as just get a coffee. It has a big, open, bright interior. Some table seating and some more lounge-like. Always seems busy but the turnover is pretty fast so I’ve always been able to get a good place to sit. I appreciate that it’s not Starbucks.Parking: If you can grab a street parking spot in front count yourself lucky. It’s hit or miss. Worst case is you have to park a block away.”
Cheap Eats
“Our family loves C & W the restaurant, the ice cream and the pantry. The food is yummy - love the cheesesteak in particular. The owners The Weavers are amazing people who give back a TREMENDOUS amount to the Evanston community like holding walk up food pantries on a regular basis for those in need. A wonderful business to support!”
“This is the best. We order from little island almost every other week and are never disappointed. Prices can't be beat as well!Straight forward service that delivers everyday they are open. Great local spot to stop in for literally anything.”
“I ordered an atomic cake for my birthday and it was the best I've ever had. Each layer was amazing and the frosting was perfect! I will definitely be going there for every cake from now on! And the prices were very affordable!”
“Consistently fresh and delicious bagels(especially Egg Cheddar Avocado and Loch Ness Monster!). AshLee, Anastasia, Evan, Sara, Marie, Yoko, Ben and other staff always go above and beyond to provide a great, efficient and friendly customer service even during a rush hour, and they all deserve a bonus and a promotion! ?”
“Excellent gelato at an affordable price. We've had almost their entire menu (excluding seasonal items) so far and everything has been velvety and decadent. Not too sweet, and very unique flavors.”
“Delicious every time! Highly recommend the fried okra and the spaghetti as sides! I usually order for delivery but orders can also be placed ahead of time for pick-up.”
“We love Hartigan’s so much it’s not even funny! They have so many flavors to choose from but we especially love that they have Peppermint Stick year-round! That’s our favorite. It also has ample outdoor seating and such charm. We can’t wait to continue building memories here!”
“This place is your classic home feeling diner. Nothing better than home cooking and that's what you'll get here.Kid-friendliness: What kid doesn't like pancakes? French toast and bacon? Of course, it's kid friendly.”
“We tried a couple of sandwiches from this spot! It was interesting to see the limited open hours as the reviews rave about their sandwiches. They have a small menu of sandwiches, salads and refreshments which makes it an ideal location for a local lunch spot if you have flexibility with open hours. We tried the Singapore Tikka and the Sesame chili tuna sandwich which didn't take long to receive. The tuna sandwich with the chili oil and banh mi toppings was really good. They asked if we wanted it to be spicy but I didn't taste anything spicy about the sandwich but the flavors were well put together. I wasn't a fan of the tikka sandwich which needs maybe the tikka sauce to bring the ingredients together.”
“I honestly do not think I have had a significantly bad experience here the past 4-5 years since I started going. I have ordered delivery and pick up and sometimes dine-in. Food, drinks, and snacks are always good and they try to accommodate dietary stuff when possible. The one time they made a mistake the manager offered me a gift card so I could replace my meal for no charge (I think it was like $10 total back then). I definitely recommend their bento boxes! They're filling portions that are relatively healthy with veggies and are also super tasty :)”
“This is a legit taqueria, something North Evanston has been in need of forever. I feel badly that I waited so long to try the food (from the name I assumed it was Americanized Mexican/fusion). Don't make the same mistake. The food is traditional and well made by very attentive and authentic owners. I can't speak to the burgers (haven't tried them), but the Burritos, tacos, and flautas are all solid, the salsa's are excellent, and the Mexican fries are crisp and tasty. Great service too.”
“This is the best CM location thus far. Service is wonderful and despite being in a busier area, the prices are relatively similar. Food quality is amazing. I want to dedicate this review to Cordell and Sarah as a thank you for being so welcoming and always taking care of me. You guys made up for the service that the Glenview location lacks so drastically as of recent times. Sarah, thank you again. I will be back, possibly even today!!”
“The food was delicious! I ordered the surf and turf!!! You get to choose as many veggies as you want. I chose mozzarella cheese. It’s so filling that I at some yesterday and finished the rest for lunch! The staff is very polite and professional!Vegetarian options: You can choose as many veggies as you want to put on your potato.”
“Cute cafe on the main street in Evanston. Nice selection of salads, soups and sandwiches. The reuben was delicious. Stuffed with meat on toasted marbled rye. The adjoining bakery sells a beautiful selection of baked goods and desserts as well. Service was friendly and our food arrived quickly. Definitely recommend stopping in for a quick bite in between shopping.”
“Wee Korean restaurant in a little neighborhood business area. Half a block from the Noyes purple line stop.Pretty small place (15 or so tables), so the place was nearly packed by 6:30. REALLY amazing broths and well balanced spices. Gungjung tteokboki is my new favorite thing. Definitely going out of my way for a return trip.”
25
Taco Diablo
“Great Taco restaurant! Outstanding tacos, delicious food. Great atmosphere. We found parking easily.I love the sign at the bar:” Hell is empty. The devils are all here” ?Great service by the way!”
26
Jilly's Cafe
“Last week, my wife and I met another couple at Jilly's. I'd never been there before. Although the place was full, the service was fast, friendly and helpful. The food and wine were great. I had bouillabaisse, and it was large and perfectly done, with lots of shellfish and saffron. Prices were very reasonable. The decor was warm and welcoming. I will definitely be back.”
“Consistently delightful in all respects since my first experience in the Oakton street location. Even as the establishment has grown, like a son or daughter, it has become more refined and sophisticated with age. I truly enjoy the food and the hospitality and reflect in the joy of experiencing it's growth and sharing with friends.P.S. I truly appreciate that no alcohol is served in keeping with their cultural and religious convictions. I believe BYOB iss an option for those who need to have it”
“I miss Hecky Powell, but his family is keeping the food and service up to par! The BBQ is one of the best in town. The bread pudding, peach cobbler and sweet potato pie are excellent. I prefer rib tips, the big turkey drumstick and of course the fries. When it comes Down to it, though, with BBQ, it is the tenderness of the meat and the sauce! The only sauce that comes close is "Baby Rays" and the Evanston Chicken Shack. Hecky's squeaks past both of these as you will see!”
“I stumbled into this gem of a restaurant by accident and has been a patron 1-2 times a month. I have brought friends and visitors and they all loved the food, service, and ambiance. Everything that I have tried is delicious and you will not regret dining in this restaurant.”
“I will always be grateful to Yasotorn for taking my order right before closing on a weekday night. I had a long day at work and called in 15 minutes before they close at 9pm. The server who answered my call was very friendly and said that I can still place an order.I recommend trying their Hoi Tod – Thai omelette with mussels and beansprouts. The accompanying sauce paired well with the omelette.If you're looking for good, reliable Thai food with some unique options and friendly customer service, I recommend visiting Yasotorn.”
Latest Reviews
“Thanks to McDonald’s am/pm staffCooperative cool and calm collectiveGreat place to relax and chillRoute1solutionsRay SmithParking: There are about 13 parking spots plus parking for waiting for your order if high volumeKid-friendliness: Love for kids and catering for the elderlyWheelchair accessibility: Plenty of space to eat and relax”
“I really liked this place! I ordered the combo #2 double cheeseburger and French fries. Everything was cooked fresh and the fries were especially good. Inexpensive and fast.”
“My 6 piece j*** chicken wings with fries was OUTSTANDING!. Very well seasoned and I honestly recommend! Thank you Chicago wings around the world * *Located on church and dodge”
“Wonderful stay at the Graduate Evanston. A prime location - blocks from shopping and the beautiful lake. The bar and homestead room were super cozy with nice food and drinks. The hotel put nice touches on the smaller details that made the stay comfortable. Appreciated the windows allowed to open in rooms. While this isn't new, big or luxurious, it is quaint and very comfortable.”
“Note to self. Only take out so we did not eat here. The menu looked good. Maybe next time. The restaurant is in Evanston. Right across the street is Chicago where you can use the Chicago park app?”
“One of my great experiences at this restaurant, The employees are friendly, sincere and helpful in their services, one of my fav food in here is butter chicken and chicken tikka masala, whoever reading my review must two of these items you won’t regreit it, it’s finger licking good, i am really thankful to the working staff.”
“The pizza is so good! Quick service, no wait, and AMAZING PIZZA! The best food for picky kid eaters and for stopping by! You can get your food to go or you can eat in! I WOULD SO RECROMEND!”
“Ordered the spicy spring roll salad for lunch today and it was delicious! It can be easily made gluten free if you ask them to switch Super Grains for the Rice/Quinoa blend. They accidentally forgot to put the dressing in the salads before they were delivered, and when we called to let them know, someone from the store drove them to our location right away. Amazing service!”
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“Attended the special women James beard winners dinner. Great time, amazing food, great wine pairings. Overall an excellent evening. My only complaint about LeTour, after about four times there, is they need shades for the western facing windows as the sun is in your eyes right during dinner time in that room.”
“Great experience having brunch here. Casual atmosphere, delicious food. And my friend and I had lots to talk about and the staff let us chat without any pressure to leave the table - so appreciated! I’ll be back!”
“I pay for a metra ticket here at least once a month because it is the best coffee in Illinois and totally worth the extra money to get to go. Also the banana bread is delicious. But cannot go wrong with any ”
“The most tender and fresh tasting meat. Great ambience, staff is always friendly and checking in with you, you can also find parking. From their Croquettes, patatas bravas, salmon with asparagus beef tenderloin with caramelized onions and horse radish, garlic shrimp and more..! Everything was perfect!”
“Make a reservation! Drinks are amazing, love the mezcal options. The decor is really great and atmosphere is fun , but loud. Not a “quiet night out” place, but great for fun with friends. Food is outstanding. Everything is fresh and homemade. Tortillas are amazing. This time we got the specials which were mole enchiladas (they know how to do a solid mole) and fish tacos. Both excellent.”
“100% Vegan Restaurant & delicious Burgers! I have ordered the following items and will rate them with the help of my tastebuds and opinion! My favorite burger was the „Korean BBQ Chik‘n Burger" with added ranch. 5/5 - Soft, tasty, juicy burger buns and delicious chik‘n! The second favorite burger was the Mammoth Burger! Also great taste! Both came with a side of fries. The fries are regular fries. Fries: 3.5/5 in addition to the fries, I ordered sauces/dips: ranch dip: 5/5. Sriracha Aioli: 2.5/5 spicy and little to almost neutral taste. Next burger in my personal ranking would be the Buffalo Chik‘n. I have been a vegan now for close to 4 years. I do however remember the tastes of food from before I was vegan. This here burger may not be my favorite because I never really was a buffalo fan I. The first place BUT! Very authentic and close to its original taste. Therefor, I can recommend this to the Buffalo lovers! Last burger in my ratings is the „Eleburger" the name made me curious, I ate it and it's classic, standard, nothing out of the ordinary burger. 3.5/5. in my opinion, the mustard taste was slightly too dominant. All in all, I will say that this is a great place to order from! I never visited the restaurant itself and only ordered and can therefore not speak on the actual restaurant itself. It is however a wonderful experience, ordering from a 100% vegan restaurant, without having to ask about animal cruelty free ingredients. 100% plant based and I can and will recommend this Restaurants menu! I have pictures, they may not look fantastic; but the taste sure was. Enjoy and Bon Appetit! Take care! #Veganuary”
“So the food was good but we were disappointed that the salud style tacos didn’t come on blue masa tortilla like it said on the menu and they were unfortunately out of the Empanadas De Yuca which was the thing we were the most looking forward too.Also we were not served any rice or beans which I’m not sure if that is still a thing here but on the menu I have it said this.I definitely recommend the fried Elote it was absolutely amazing an I would definitely get it again.Drinks were good definitely recommend the lavender mojitos and the Mexican mule drink.”
“Good food, but they run out of food quickly, and their cabbage isn't steamed. It's tossed like a salad, which is something to consider if you prefer traditional soul food. My Oxtail didn't have a lot of meat on the bone either.Vegetarian options: Vegetable sidesKid-friendliness: Kids are welcome upstairs”
“I am so happy your franchise is popping up everywhere. So so happy. The food is amazing healthy and mostly organic which I can t find very often around the city.”
“The pizza is so good! Quick service, no wait, and AMAZING PIZZA! The best food for picky kid eaters and for stopping by! You can get your food to go or you can eat in! I WOULD SO RECROMEND!”
“Love their spicy wings!! It comes with HELLA sauce it’s perfect! Most wings spots skip out of the sauce but this place right here!! If you complain about paying cash, go somewhere else. Your taste buds don’t deserve good food, that’s natural selection at its finest.”
“The atmosphere was very relaxed and enjoyable. The service was friendly and helpful. When I had questions, the waitress cleared up what I thought was one thing, but it turned out to be a different item. The food was hot and delicious.”
“Parking: Paid street parking is available along Dempster St (which Pour is on), as well as around the corner on Chicago Ave.Wheelchair accessibility: Access is street level - no ramps needed. However, the doors are manually operated, so handicapped people may need to have someone open the doors for them.”
“My go to! I used them to cater a birthday party a few months ago, and after an excellent service experience i’ve been ordering from Big Wig’s ever since! The steak bowl is my favorite. It’s a good sized portion, and consistently hits the spot. The guac is exactly what you need it to be if you like it mild with a zing. Shout out the the Evanston team for getting it right even when I order through DoorDash.”
“Had a really nice lunch here today. I ordered a scramble the food was very good. We sat near the window which had great natural light. I used to go here a lot back in the 1990's, it's great to know the place is still going strong. The tables were full and they were doing a good lunch business. Would totally return and recommend to friends.”
“Everything was very tasty and excellent. From the food to the service, it was a very enjoyable evening. The appetizers and main entrees that were ordered tasted fantastic. I didn't have enough room to eat more. Even the cocktails were very tasty. Definitely a great recommendation for folks to visit. Hoping more folks will plan time to visit and enjoy the wonderful menu items. Also want to note that everything is very reasonably priced for the quality and amount that you receive.”