The Illinois Suburb That Was Just Named One Of The Best Destinations For Foodies In America
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
There’s a sophisticated suburb just north of the wondrously Windy City that’s been recognized by Thrillist as one of the best in America for people who really love food in all its forms, but we Illinoisans already knew it was great. This foodie suburb has just about every type of cuisine you could imagine, and you don’t have to be a college student or a socialite or enjoy them.
From fine dining to casual settings and American eats to ethnic cuisines, this town has them all. Check it out:
In business since 2009, this unique, chic eatery is a sister restaurant to The Stained Glass, which is a wine bar. Brunch, beer, wine, and cocktails are the specialties at this popular eatery, and menu items include salads, cheese plates, truffle fries, lobster rolls, swordfish tacos, lamb chops, brat stickers, bacon-wrapped dates, and much more. Stop in Monday through Thursday between 5 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Friday between 5 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. as well as Saturday and Sunday for lunch between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and dinner between 5 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. or 10:30 p.m. Find it at 820 Clark St., Evanston, IL 60201.
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Known for its farm-to-table fare, this restaurant's all-homemade menu is simply unforgettable. Guests enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner items like French toast, omelets, monkey bread, pork chops, grilled cheese sandwiches, steaks, burgers, and so much more. Hours are 7 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday. Find it downtown at 703 Church St., Evanston, IL 60201.
Specializing in shakes, hand-cut fries, and freshly ground burgers, this iconic fast-food joint has been a popular part of this foodie suburb since 2009. Its five dollar milkshakes come in a myriad of flavors, and its fries come with a wealth of different topping options. Stop by 1571 Sherman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201 Tuesday through Saturday between 10:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. as well as Sunday between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to check it out.
Featured on many major TV stations over the years, this incredible restaurant is known for its food trucks and marvelous arepas. This Venezuelan specialty is similar to a taco and can be filled with meats, veggies, beans, seafood, and sauces. Guests can also get actual tacos, quesadillas, bowls, and patacones at 1625 Chicago Ave., Evanston, IL 60201. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
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Possibly the most loved restaurant in this foodie suburb, this place opened in 1991 and has been going strong since. It is a great place for any meal but is most popular for brunch. Guests enjoy American comfort foods like pot roast with mashed potatoes, chicken pot pie, eggs Benedict, omelets, pancakes, salads, burgers, pizzas, fried chicken, and much more. Find this place at 514 Main St., Evanston, IL 60202, and stop by between 7:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.
This vibrant eatery helps put this foodie suburb on the map for sure. Great for socializing, it's a bright and open restaurant that does upscale twists on breakfast, lunch, and dinner classics. Fantastic beers, wines, and cocktails abound at 1700 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201, and you can find them Monday and Tuesday between 4:30 p.m. and 11 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday between 11:30 a.m. and 11 p.m., and Friday between 11:30 a.m. and midnight. On weekends, you can get brunch between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and dinner between 3 p.m. and 11 p.m on Saturday and 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
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In business since 1993, this upscale Italian restaurant is the real deal for this foodie suburb. Perfect for date nights and business meetings, this rustic and authentic eatery serves a wealth of traditional dishes like lasagna, wood-fired pizza, strip steak, rigatoni, gnochi, and much more. It is open Monday through Thursday between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m., and Sunday between noon and 9 p.m. Find it at 1571 Sherman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201.
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Also known as Found Kitchen and Social House, this cozy and bohemian restaurant was established in 2012, and it features a farm-to-table menu that changes daily. Guests enjoy shared plates with vegetarian and vegan options for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Even kids will find something to enjoy at 1631 Chicago Ave., Evanston, IL 60201. Unique hours are Tuesday through Saturday between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. for lunch. Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. those same days and at 5 p.m. on Sunday. Sunday brunch is 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. while happy hour is 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
In business for nearly 30 years, this iconic joint is known for its biscuits, BBQ sauce, and perfectly fried chicken that is crispy and flavorful due to the batter on it. It has been recognized by news stations and websites over the years and everyone who tries it is instantly addicted. Check it out for yourself at 2776, 1925 Ridge Ave., Evanston, IL 60201. It is open Monday through Saturday between 10 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. and Sunday between 11:30 and 8 p.m.
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Specializing in Spanish cuisine, this restaurant, which has been in business since 2015, is known for its tacos. While you can get delivery, it is worth a trip out into this foodie suburb to this lovely place (especially when the weather is nice) to enjoy the atmosphere of the dining areas. It is located at 700 Main St., Evanston, IL 60202 and is open daily for lunch between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Dinner hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Yet another great place to dine when the weather is cooperating in this foodie suburb, this place is the town's first brewpub. Menu items include delicious eats like flatbreads, mac & cheese, wings, tacos, soups, salads, fish & chips, burgers, strip steak, ribs, and much more. The brewery is on-site, and guests are allowed to take tours. Check it out Monday between 7 p.m. and midnight, Tuesday through Thursday between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., and Friday between 4 p.m. and midnight. Weekend hours are 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for brunch as well as dinner between 4:30 p.m. and midnight on Saturday and 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.
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This unique spot is a cafe and bakery all-in-one, and it specializes in vegetarian and vegan goods. It has been in business since 1979 and keeps locals coming in with menu items like sandwiches, omelets, stir-fry, tacos, soups, and much more. Find it at 525 Dempster St., Evanston, IL 60201 and stop by Tuesday through Thursday between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m., Friday between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m., Saturday between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m., and Sunday between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Established in 2008, this one-of-a-kind eatery classes up this foodie suburb. It specializes in Detroit-style square pizzas that are a Michigan favorite you won't find around here much. You'll come in for the pie and stay for the atmosphere. Check it out at 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston, IL 60202 Wednesday through Saturday between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. and Sunday between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.
In business since 1973, this fast-food diner is a hot spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is open daily and features classic comfort foods like gyros, wraps, cheesesteaks, hot dogs, burgers, and much more. Find it at 825 Noyes St., Evanston, IL 60201 and stop by Monday through Saturday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. as well and Sunday between 9 a.m and 5 p.m.
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Featuring a wonderful selection of craft beers and American cuisine, this restaurant has been in business since 2002. Specialties include steaks, pasta, fresh seafood, and free-range poultry. Find it at 4407, 1635 Chicago Ave., Evanston, IL 60201 and stop by Monday through Thursday between 11:30 a.m. and 1 a.m., Friday between 11:30 a.m. and 2 a.m., Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 a.m., and Sunday between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.
For more excellent places to dine, check out the 12 most beautiful restaurants in all of Illinois.
Where else in this foodie suburb do you love to eat? Share your favorite restaurant with us below in the comments.
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