Looking for the best places to eat in Evanston? This popular Chicago suburb offers plenty of dining options for all tastebuds, budgets, and cravings. From a downtown area with diverse cuisines within walking distance to Evanston’s exclusive Restaurant Row, this neighborhood has something for all foodies.
8 Best Places to Eat in Evanston: Restaurants, Quick-Service, & Bars to Try
Below are the eight best places to eat in Evanston with their most popular menu options, directions on getting around this Chicago suburb, and why they made the list. However, before you head out, we recommend contacting restaurants as they may have specific hours.
1. Soul & Smoke
If you’re searching for the best BBQ meats in Evanston, Soul & Smoke is loved by the locals. With smoked meats by the pound like house-cured pastrami to locally made ‘Nduja sausage with Calabrian chillis, it’s no wonder why pre-ordering is recommended before they sell out daily.
Their five in-house-made sauces are a must-try for delicious dipping and explosive flavors, like Cajun buffalo, jerk with soy-based pineapple, and ginger mustard. They also have indoor and seasonal outdoor patio seating for al fresco eating.
Soul & Smoke is off of N McCormick Rd and Green Bay Rd. For public transportation, the Ashland & Payne Street bus stop via Bus 206 drops you off at the entrance. The nearest train station is the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Foster Metra, a 15-minute walk via the Purple Line.
2. Bennison’s Bakery
Whether you have a sweet tooth or enjoy freshly made artisan bread, Bennison’s Bakery has been a staple family-owned bakery in Evanston since 1983. They specialize in European-style baked goods, like authentic Parisienne macarons, Swedish confections, Bavarian pretzels, and German Apfelstrudel.
Their award-winning artisan breads are a must-try. In addition to international recognition, their breads are fermented for 36 hours with unique baking techniques, like steam basking and sponge mixing for the perfect textures. From olive sourdough to onion walnut loaves and classic French baguettes, you can eat them on their own or as sandwiches.
Benninson’s Bakery is in downtown Evanston and is conveniently located outside two public transit options. The Davis & Maple bus stop takes you to the entrance via Buses 93, 201, 208, 213, 250, and 422. The CTA’s Davis Street/Evanston Metra station is also a two-minute walk via the Union-Pacific North (UP-N) Line.
You can also catch Benninson’s Bakery at multiple Chicago farmer’s markets, including Green City Market in Lincoln Park and West Loop.
3. The Barn Steakhouse
The Barn Steakhouse is one of the best Evanston restaurants because it offers a vintage fine dining experience in the heart of downtown. Originally a horse and buggy milk delivery barn, it’s been transformed while keeping its classic structure with 20-foot ceilings, a massive chandelier, and an 1880s-style brick structure. You can order pre-fix menus, traditional dining, and outside seating, guaranteed.
Enjoy popular menu options, like the top-quality Heritage Black Angus Beef with red wine demi-glace and Grand Central Caviar Sandwich with paddlefish caviar. They also have a wide drink selection with delicious flavors, like Mezcal Old Fashioned and oak with caramel-flavored bourbon.
The Davis Metra station is less than a five-minute walk via the Purple Line. The Church & Asbury bus stop takes you to the entrance via Buses 206, 208, and 422.
4. Koi
Do you love Asian fusion cuisine? Then add Koi to your go-to Evanston eats list. Koi has an extensive selection of fine Cantonese, Japanese, and Thai dining. From Dim Sum bottomless brunches to organic teas and traditional Maki sushi rolls, you can enjoy delicious foods from over eight Asian regions.
Koi is located in Evanston’s Restaurant Row off of Davis St, where you can check out other local dining options nearby. The Davis St & Benson Ave bus stop is a one-minute walk via Bus 213. The Davis Metra station is less than a five-minute walk away via the Purple Line.
5. Tapas Barcelona
If you want to find the best places to eat in Evanston for date night without breaking the bank, Tapas Barcelona has served the finest Spanish cuisine at an affordable price since 1995. From bacon-wrapped dates to grilled baby octopus and seasonal gazpacho (cold soup), you can enjoy high-quality entrées under $30.
Tapas Barcelona is in downtown Evanston and a few blocks from North Shore, where you can walk to stunning lakeside views. The Davis Metra station is a seven-minute walk, or get off the Chicago Ave & Church bus stop via Bus 201, which is only a two-minute walk.
6. The Peckish Pig
The Peckish Pig is a casual restaurant brewery serving brunch, lunch, dinner, and Sunday afternoon teas with delicious in-house and locally sourced dishes. The food options are incredibly diverse, such as goat cheese lamb burgers with lime mango mayo, pesto margherita flatbreads, and watermelon mezcal cocktails.
They’re located on the historic W Howard St with multiple bus stops within a minute’s walking distance, including Howard & Clyde and Howard St & Damen Ave/Cluster Ave. The Jarvis Metra is the nearest train station, a 15-minute walk or five-minute drive away.
7. PICNIC
If you’re looking for vegan Evanston food, PICNIC offers a plant-based menu for casual takeout and delivery. Their dishes include Mediterranean-style grain bowls with lentils, homemade hummus with olive oil, and build-your-own salads with vast topping options, like pickled shallots and marinated cannellini beans.
The Davis Metra station is a seven-minute walk or get off the Chicago Ave & Davis bus stop via Buses 201 or 206, only two minutes away.
8. Mensch’s Deli
Recently opened in July 2024, Mensch’s Deli is the sister restaurant of PICNIC offering full-service seating and takeout. In addition to traditional bagels and breakfast sandwiches, they also offer brunch and lunch menu options. From chicken matzo ball soup to in-house made pickle plates and seasonal fruit turnovers, Evanston locals are excited for their new opening.
The Davis & Orrington bus stop is a three-minute walk away via Buses 201 and 203. The Davis Metra station is a six-minute walk via the Purple Line.
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Evanston is a charming area with plenty of things to do and is only a 45-minute drive into Chicago. Residents enjoy the best of both worlds with quieter suburban living and metropolitan exploring nearby.
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