The area within the boundaries of Davis Street, Clark Street, Ridge Avenue and Sheridan Road is the virtual extension of Northwestern University—filled with restaurants, coffee shops, bookstores and boutiques populated by college students from September to June. But this area is more than just a sprawling hangout for the 18-22-year-old set. As the official “Dining Capital of the North Shore,” as well as the home to veritable cultural offerings and a certain quaint charm, Evanston can hold its own with more urbane settings. It’s no surprise that such fertile ground has undergone many changes in the past couple of years, most impressively the addition of the Church Street Plaza—home to the Century Theater and Wolfgang Puck’s among other attractions. While in town, check out these old classics and new favorites.
IN-THE-KNOW SPOT:
Marly Chocolates
Even if you’re not a chocolate lover, it’s hard to resist the European charm of Marly Chocolates. With a French chocolaterie vibe, this shop boasts an impressive array of spectacular confections that make you wonder how you could ever go back to mundane Hershey bars. Arranged on a large table near the entrance are goat cheese truffles, marzipan and chocolates with accents of cayenne pepper and other surprising flavors. Guests of the shop’s petit café—a small nook with cozy seating—enjoy a chocolate beverage, fondue and a selected treat as part of a prix fix menu. Private parties can take advantage of the entire space (which holds about 20) while watching Chocolat or Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
WHERE TO CHILL:
Café Hookah
The obvious attraction at this Northwestern hangout is the ancient Egyptian water pipe resting on each café table. Hookah fever has hit Evanston, introducing patrons the tobacco in more than 30 exotic flavors from apple to pistachio to vanilla. For $15 you can rent a hookah to enjoy with friends amid the sounds of funky Arabic music. If smoke is not your thing try the Oxygen bar at the back for a hit of “sublime,” apple spice or kiwi. The slow and relaxing pace of the hookah is what makes visitors linger, but the delicious Mediterranean fare rounds out the experience. Menu items include panini sandwiches, falafel and hummus, and almost everything listed is under $5.
BEST OF THE NIGHTTIME WORLD:
Pete Miller’s
In addition to featuring arguably the best gourmet pastas, seafood and aged steaks in the Evanston area, Pete Miller’s also serves up nightly jazz with its cocktails. Enjoy a bottle of wine while listening to the sounds of regularly featured artists, like the Bobby Broom Trio or the Ron Perrillo Trio, as well as additional scheduled performers. Seductively dim lighting and a classic old-style ambience are a perfect accompaniment to the sounds and tastes of this steakhouse. Performances begin at 8:30 p.m. A second bar to the left of the restaurant houses several pool tables along with its spirits.
Also check out:
Bill's Blues Bar
Filling the blues void between Chicago and Milwaukee is blues veteran Bill Gilmore’s latest endeavor. Featuring live music “365 days a year,” Bill’s Blues Bar means business. Open since early August, the joint has already gathered a following—devotees to the Chicago-style blues find a lively scene Monday through Saturday, while folk acts are featured on Sundays. Admission ranges from $5 to $15.
DINNER DATE DESTINATION:
Chef's Station
Seemingly hidden beneath the train tracks is this Zagat-rated gem that, despite its five year run, is often overlooked. The prices may be a bit steep, but the charming atmosphere is the farthest thing from stuffy, with its cozy mix of decorative accents and a friendly staff. Sit outside when the weather is nice, and when you’re feeling festive, reserve the chef’s table in the back of the restaurant. The regularly rotating tasting menu features French bistro cuisine; among the most popular entrees are the Braised Beef Short Ribs and the Bluefin Sushi Tuna Tartare. Don’t forget to impress your date by taking advantage of the restaurant’s impressive wine list that recently garnered a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for 2003.
CHEAP EATS:
Joy Yee Noodles
Don’t let the plastic-y displays of exotic food in the window (tapioca teas appear to be topped with kidney beans) or the neon green walls inside alarm you—this place could easily become a favorite. A noodle shop with much more than just noodles, this joint has one of the most extensive and inexpensive menus around, with most entrees costing $7-$10. The food ranges from the tried and true (pad thai) to the more exotic (cuttlefish meat balls), but almost any choice guarantees that you’ll have leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch. On its Web site, Joy Yee flaunts its real claim to fame: the 10-year-old joint is the first in the Midwest to feature Taiwanese style bubble teas. This place is serious about its beverages—fresh fruit freezes with tapioca balls, crystal jelly freezes, shaved ice and more.
Also check out:
Gigio's Pizzeria
With popular deep-dish joints like Giordano’s and Lou Malnati’s, Evanston has many options for pizza-lovers. Those favoring the thin-crust greasy variety complete with a pared-down atmosphere should check out Gigio’s. Just a few steps off the el is the home of un-exciting but reliable grub: pizza by the slice for $2.16-$2.39, chilidogs, tacos and more. Sit at one of its picnic tables and enjoy a slice, an order of fried mushrooms balls served with Ranch dressing and a soda (perhaps even an obscure one, as they seem to have just about every kind)—all for under $6.
PLACE TO BE SEEN SOLO:
Unicorn Café
What separates this 12-years-and-running college student hangout from other coffee shops is not its fare (although the low-fat muffins are a sweet find), but rather, its comfortable atmosphere. If you want to actually enjoy your coffee in the morning—instead of breezing in and out of a nearby Starbucks—this is the place for you. No Styrofoam cups here. Actual glasses, plates and utensils, paired with a stack of newspapers in the back, funky music and local art on the walls, contribute to the stay-a-while feel. Savor your latte and scone among the other loners absorbed in books, typing feverishly on their laptops or simply scanning the crowd.
NO WALLET NEEDED JOINT:
Lagoon, Dawes Park
Leave your money, cell phone, and cares at home for the lakefront pleasures of Dawes Park. Relax under a shady tree, ride along the bike path or gather a group for a picnic. Easy access to the beach and the annual Evanston Lakefront Arts Festival, a collection of the works of 125 artists, make it an ideal summer hangout. Come winter, relive childhood by ice skating on the park’s lagoon.
FOR THE ARTISTE:
Maple Avenue Gallery
Heading out to an evening movie at the Century Theater? En route, check out this gallery, which, unlike many of its peers, is inviting and approachable with its bright, contemporary paintings and sculptures in an equally impressive high-ceilinged 4,500 square-foot space. Even if you’re not in the market for artwork (the pieces range from $600-$6,000), the flowing gallery is ideal for strolling. Take your inspiration next door to The Art Store (1755 Maple), the depot for everything art-related, to stock up on acrylics, canvases and clear, rainbow-hued plastic storage bins.
SAFETY RATING:
On the whole, this bustling area is pretty safe. But with an increase in reported purse-snatchings around Northwestern lately, it’s best to travel with a buddy after hours.
PANHANDLER RATING:
Taking advantage of the yearly influx of college students, panhandlers are prevalent but generally stationed on select corners and thus possible to avoid.
Subscribe in your favorite reader using the links below. To learn more about feeds and RSS, click here.
