25 Essential Evanston Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Evanston.
Campagnola
Illinois
Serving simply prepared Italian dishes using local ingredients in a comfy space with exposed brick.
Zentli
Illinois
an everyday essential table known for disciplined mexican restaurant cooking, strong local gravity, and Beam Score momentum at 86.4.
IHOP
Illinois
Long-standing chain serving a wide variety of pancakes & other American breakfast & diner fare.
YOKO
Evanston, Illinois
Service options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
Blind Faith Cafe
Evanston, Illinois
Casual restaurant with on-site bakery serving creative vegetarian & vegan fare plus baked goods.
Portillo's Skokie
Evanston, Illinois
Chicago-born chain for hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches & more, plus beer & wine, in retro digs.
The Clove Indian and Nepali Cuisine
Evanston, Illinois
Service options: Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great tea selection, Live music.
Taco Diablo
Evanston, Illinois
Nondescript joint dishing Mexican favorites, including tacos & memorable margaritas.
Sea Ranch Sushi Evanston
Evanston, Illinois
This casual, counter-serve sushi spot also stocks a selection of Japanese grocery items.
Trattoria D.O.C.
Evanston, Illinois
Italian favorites plus wood-fired pizzas served up in an open, bright space popular with families.
Hackney's on Harms
Evanston, Illinois
Long-running local chain serving burgers on dark rye, sandwiches & signature onion rings.
Peckish Pig
Evanston, Illinois
Mellow brewpub teaming its beers with cocktails, wines & gastropub grub in a brick-walled space.
Tapas Barcelona
Evanston, Illinois
Festive, warm space for Spanish small plates is adorned with colorful modern art & posters.
Napolita Pizzeria & Wine Bar, Wilmette
Evanston, Illinois
White-tiled spot pairing handcrafted Neapolitan pies & other Italian fare with wine, beer & grappa.
EJ's Pizzeria
Evanston, Illinois
Kosher establishment offering pizza, pasta, soups & a big salad bar plus signature garlic rolls.
Bar Siena
Evanston, Illinois
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Great dessert.
Chuck Wagon Restaurant
Evanston, Illinois
Tiny, old-fashioned fast-food eatery serving gyros, burgers & hot dogs since 1974.
Dozika Restaurant
Evanston, Illinois
Identifies as Asian-owned. Service options: No-contact delivery, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great tea selection. Popular for: Lunch.
Avli Restaurant
Evanston, Illinois
Reimagined Greek fare delivered in a comfortable space with exposed brick, high ceilings & a patio.
Taco Nano!
Evanston, Illinois
Compact, family-friendly taqueria featuring seasonal, made-to-order tacos in relaxed surrounds.
Bluestone
Evanston, Illinois
Classic American fare is served in a cozy eatery with a fireplace & sports on TV.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
Evanston, Illinois
Family-owned local chain for Italian classics & Chicago-style, deep-dish pizzas with buttery crusts.
Evanston Chicken Shack
Evanston, Illinois
Bare-bones haunt offering Southern-style chicken, fish & rib dinners, mostly for takeout.
Lucky Platter
Evanston, Illinois
Casual space for globally inspired comfort food & breakfast, with American folk-art decor.
Gigio's
Evanston, Illinois
Long-standing counter-serve outfit offering pizza, sandwiches & tacos in a no-frills setting.