Where to Eat and Drink in Evanston

Salmon

Mentioned in Eater’s November 2022 edition

Because it is a suburb, Chicagoans sometimes overlook Evanston as a viable destination for dining out. That’s an error in judgment, as it directly borders Chicago to the north and is easily accessible via car, or even the CTA’s Purple Line.

A charming college town, Evanston is packed with places for cheap eats, from late-night pancakes and eggs to casual spots for lunch and dinner, to coffee shops for working and studying. It also has upscale dining spots for seafood, steaks, and wine. Below, find Eater Chicago’s picks for its essential bars and restaurants.

Alcove Evanston

This revamped suburban hit — known for more than two decades as Chef’s Station — leans toward fine dining with intricate dinner options such as pan-seared foie gras (caramelized peaches, toasted brioche) and oven-roasted New Zealand rack of lamb. Find it under the Davis Metra stop.