Where To Eat
The Barn Steakhouse
With soaring twenty-foot ceilings, a striking chandelier and raw natural brick, The Barn Steakhouse exudes both elegance and rustic charm.
Photo by Neil Burger
1016 Church St. Rear / Website
Veteran restauranteur Amy Morton leads the charge at this intimate, elegant downtown spot, which serves up heritage Angus beef filets, ribeyes, New York strips and more with red wine demi-glace and German marrow butterball potatoes.
Blind Faith Cafe
Blind Faith Cafe, a longtime vegetarian favorite and certified green restaurant, serves standout dishes like the Kung Pao—velveted gardein and shiitake mushrooms sautéed in a spicy sauce, garnished with peanuts and served with cucumber salad and jasmine rice.
Photo courtesy of Blind Faith Cafe
525 Dempster St. / Website
Globally inspired vegetarian cuisine stars at this landmark 1979 Evanston spot for the meat-free set, with menu highlights including black bean ginger tofu, spinach lasagna, barbecue seitan sandwiches and more.
Burl
2545 Prairie Ave. / Website
Midwestern ingredients take center stage at this Central Street newcomer, where a wood-fired menu highlights seasonal vegetables, housemade pastas and thoughtfully sourced meats, all rooted in a network of local farms and purveyors.
Hecky’s Barbecue
Hecky's Barbecue has been an Evanston staple since it opened in 1983 on the northwest corner of Emerson Street and Green Bay Road.
Photo by Genie Lemieux Photography
1902 Green Bay Road / Website
From baby back ribs and pulled pork shoulder to rib tips, brisket and tempting sides of mac and cheese, slaw, baked beans and greens, this Evanston institution has been satisfying barbecue cravings since 1983.
Hewn
Specializing in made-from-scratch breads, Hewn uses organic flour and grains sourced in partnership with several local farmers.
Photo by by Siège Food Photo
1733 Central St. / Website
Handmade artisan bread is the feature at this bakery, which also wows with muffins, croissants, scones, biscotti and more, plus a full espresso bar featuring Tala Coffee Roasters.
Le Tour
Le Tour’s bar pairs sleek design with a curated selection of craft cocktails, French wines and Moroccan-inspired flavors.
Photo by Kim Kovacik
625 Davis St. / Website
French-inspired brasserie with Moroccan influences, Le Tour serves dishes like steak frites, chicken tagine and a decadent double smash burger.
Oceanique
Oceanique’s Wild Maine lobster is served with beets, red onion, basil potato and a yuzu-saffron sauce.
Photo courtesy of Oceanique
505 Main St. / Website
A seafood favorite since 1989, this is one of Evanston’s most elegant restaurants and continues to impress with plates of Argentinean shrimp, lobster salad and wild Maine day boat scallops.
Union Pizzeria/Union Squared
Union Squared Pizzeria’s Supreme pie lives up to its name with a hearty combination of mozzarella, brick cheese, sausage, pepperoni, mushroom, onion and green pepper.
Courtesy of Union Squared Pizzeria
Union Pizzeria, 1245 Chicago Ave.; Union Squared, 1307 Chicago Ave. / Website
Delectable pizzas—wood-fired Neapolitan at Union Pizzeria, Detroit-style at Union Squared—star at this bustling pair of dining concepts a stone’s throw from each other on the Chicago Avenue strip. Pre-concert goers pack the Pizzeria, while Squared beckons with bocce courts. Either way, you’re in for a tasty night.
Where To Shop
Belgian Chocolatier Piron
509-A Main St. / Website
From signature chocolates to nougat, nut bark, English toffee, candied fruit and much much more—all made by hand—this beloved sweets store is led by a Belgian-trained master chocolatier.
Marie Parie
508 Main St. / Website
This Paris-inspired gem beckons with a lovingly curated selection of women’s apparel, accessories, gifts and more.
Stella
2116 Central St. / Website
An eclectic mix of women’s apparel, jewelry, accessories, home accents and unique gifts can be found at this chic boutique.
Stumble & Relish
Stumble & Relish’s gift wrap station completes the thoughtful gifts on offer.
Photo courtesy of Stumble & Relish
1312 Chicago Ave. / Website
From jewelry and accessories to art, stationery, handmade goods, home decor and more, this inviting shop is dedicated to presenting an inventory that surprises, delights, and keeps customers coming back.
What To See & Do
Block Museum of Art
Ron Adams (born 1934), "Blackburn" (2002, color lithograph, edition no.: 55/80, 25 x 35 inches)
40 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston / Website
Northwestern University’s Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of art across media; the collection of more than 6,000 items is particularly focused on works on paper, including prints, drawings and photographs. Explore thought-provoking exhibitions that celebrate art and culture from around the world, and don’t miss the Block Campus Art Walk, a series of 16 sculptures that were gifted to the university.
Evanston Art Center
1717 Central St. / Website
Established in 1929, this nonprofit is dedicated to fostering art appreciation and expression among diverse audiences and boasts a robust schedule of programming, from exhibitions and classes to workshops, seminars and more.
Grosse Point Lighthouse
Central St. and Sheridan Road / Website
A symbol of Evanston’s maritime heritage, the Grosse Point Lighthouse is a majestic historic landmark that celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2023. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Michigan.
Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum
3001 Central St. / Website
Dedicated to honoring and celebrating the survival and perseverance of all Indigenous communities, this museum features regular event programming, private tours, film screenings and an ongoing exhibit showcasing traditional Indigenous life.
Nichols Concert Hall
1490 Chicago Ave. / Website
Set in the former First Church of Christ, Scientist, a stunning 1912 building that has been converted into a world-class 550-seat performance space, this building serves as the home of the Music Institute of Chicago and hosts regular concerts featuring notable musicians and performers across various genres, from classical to jazz.
Northwestern University
633 Clark St. / Website
One of the Midwest’s most prestigious institutions of higher learning, this Big 10 school boasts a picturesque 240-acre campus on the shores of Lake Michigan that’s worth a visit even if you’re not a student. From gridiron games at Ryan Field to live performances and classes at various venues, there’s always something buzzing at the home of the Wildcats.
Space
1245 Chicago Ave. / Website
One of the most eclectic, intimate music venues anywhere in Chicago, this cozy 330-seat room has hosted the likes of The Lumineers, Alabama Shakes, Graham Parker, Nick Lowe, Dr. John, Lucinda Williams and more.
Where To Stay
Graduate By Hilton Evanston
1625 Hinman Ave. / Website
In the heart of downtown Evanston a stroll from Northwestern University, this historic hotel blends classic elegance with modern comfort, all with a contemporary, college-town vibe.
The Hilton Orrington/Evanston
1710 Orrington Ave. / Website
A contemporary gem in the heart of Evanston, this Hilton property offers well-appointed rooms and excellent dining options in Evanston Corner Bistro, ideal for unwinding in style after a day of exploration.
Hyatt House Chicago/Evanston
1515 Chicago Ave. / Website
Apartment-style guest rooms and primo location near public transit and local attractions make this smart, updated property a solid option for college visits or a North Shore staycation.
