Who says suburban restaurants need to be boring or limited to chain restaurants? Downtown Evanston has one of the most vibrant food scenes in the Chicagoland area. From farm-to-table to ravioli and Asian eats, all your cravings are just a stone throw’s away and easily accessible via CTA Purple Line and Metra North Line.
I headed out with some of my Instagram friends and checked out a few #EvanstonEats the best way possible… via a walking tour. If you’ve read about the Downtown Evanston Dining Tour 2016, you’ll know walking and stretchy pants are a necessity.
TOUR 1:
We started TOUR 1 at Farmhouse in the heart of Evanston…
1) Farmhouse
Farmhouse focuses on Midwestern fare, using locally-sourced and sustainable ingredients. They make just about everything from scratch and the menu changes with the seasons. The décor and furnishings are built with refurbished materials from old barns and factories. The menu highlights beautiful veggie boards, fresh salads, tender meats, and juicy burgers.
Nothing says the Midwest like cheeeeese curds. Farmhouse’s version has a crispy, beer-batter exterior and a warm, stretchy interior. Oh, so pull-worthy!
Eat cheese like no one’s watching.
Fab Happenings: Downtown Evanston Dining Tour 2018 // @fabsoopark at Farmhouse Evanston // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
It’s hard to resist a warm, soft Bavarian pretzel especially when served with Wisconsin beer cheese and spicy habanero Backwoods Mustard. The key is to tear off a sizable piece and generously dip in the sauces… double dip, triple dip, we’re all family here.
Good things come in threes. The soft, pillowy Potato & Cheese Pierogis with lemon herb butter glazed spring vegetables, carrot purée, and black garlic crumble were a crowd favorite.
Grass-fed and pasture-raised from Strauss Farm, the Marinated Tri-Tip Steak topped with Béarnaise sauce was thoroughly tender and splendidly plated with local asparagus and beef fat Rosefinn potatoes.
Fab Happenings: Downtown Evanston Dining Tour 2018 // Marinated Tri Tip Steak at Farmhouse // Photo: @fabsoopark
We couldn’t resist the Warm Blondie Sundae topped with vanilla bean ice cream, honey caramel sauce, dark chocolate fudge sauce, salty sweet cream, Luxardo cherries. It almost made we wonder if blondies do have more fun? Almost…
FAB TIP: Book a party. Event packages available. More info on their website.
{Location}
Farmhouse Evanston
Evanston || 703 Church St || P: (847) 492-9700
2) LuLu’s
Next we headed to LuLu’s, an Evanston staple for Asian fare. The menu features dishes with influences from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand and beyond. From snacks & shareable plates to fresh salads and rice & noodle dishes, it’s a solid spot to get your Asian food fix.
I have a weakness for chicken wings and LuLu’s version had a little bit of sweetness, little bit of spice, and a lot of crisp. Just the way I like it.
Fab Happenings: Downtown Evanston Dining Tour 2018 // Spicy Chicken Wings at LuLu’s // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
You can’t have noodles with Instagrammers without an epic noodle pull. Justine’s (@chicagofoodaffair) capture of the Peanut Sesame Noodles were 🙌🏼!
You also can’t have an Instagrammer dinner without 👇🏼 happening.
Fab Happenings: Downtown Evanston Dining Tour 2018 // Instagrammers: @jeneatschi, @chicagofoodstories, and @vieatswell // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
Or, this…
Fab Happenings: Downtown Evanston Dining Tour 2018 // Instagrammers: @jamesmalnati, @topchicagoeats, @vieatswell, @jeneatschi, @chicagofoodaffair, and @thefoodiefriend // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
You gotta do, what you gotta do to get the perfect shot in natural daylight.
Fab Happenings: Downtown Evanston Dining Tour 2018 // Panang Curry Noodles, Poké, and Beef Bulgogi Big Bop Rice Bowl at LuLu’s // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
The portions were plentiful, plates creative, and ingredients fresh. I can see why they’re a neighborhood favorite.
FAB TIP: Get 10% off your first online order via their website here.
{Location}
LuLu’s
Evanston || 1026 Davis St || P: (847) 869-4343
3) Boltwood
For stop #3, we stopped in at Boltwood, one of my favorites in Evanston. The chef-crafted, ever-changing menu is driven by the seasons and the availability of ingredients from local farmers and purveyors. The dishes are bright and thoughtfully curated with an emphasis on quality.
Chef Brian Huston puts care into every dish he makes, even down to the soups. Our table couldn’t get enough of the Cool Asparagus Soup. It was light and ideal to eat on a hot Chicago day.
If you’ve never had Brun-Uusto Cheese aka “bread cheese”, you’ll definitely have to try it at Boltwood. Technically there is no bread in the cheese but it’s baked creating a caramelized crust and served warm. The mild flavored cheese was gratifying with the salty cured ham and sweet chili-apricot jam.
Fab Happenings: Downtown Evanston Dining Tour 2018 // La Quercia Ham & Brunuuosto Cheese at Boltwood // Photo: @topchicagoeats
For all you veggie lovers, try the Vegetable Grain Bowl. Karen (@chicagofoodstories) describes it as…
“This Mixed Vegetable Grain Bowl: featuring farm fresh local grilled asparagus, a delightful strawberry & pineapple salad, farro, and house made falafel and tahini sauce. It was truly delicious. The freshness of the greens paired so well with the grains. And who doesn’t love a good falafel?”
On Tuesdays, they feature a special Homemade Pasta Night menu. For $20/ person, the prix fixe menu includes salad, pasta of the night (option to add meat for an additional charge), and a glass of wine. What a deal!
Fab Happenings: Downtown Evanston Dining Tour 2018 // Carrot Top Tagliatelle at Boltwood // Photo: @topchicagoeats
FAB TIP: Kids Menu available. Children 12 and under eat FREE on Sundays.
{Location}
Boltwood
Evanston || 804 Davis St || P: (847) 859-2880
4) La Cocinita
For our fourth stop (yes, fourth!), we headed to La Cocinita, which translates to “Little Kitchen” in Spanish. You might recognize the name since they’ve been featured in a few television shows including Food Network’s “Eat Street” and the Cooking Channel’s “Taco Trip”. La Cocinita started as a food truck and continues to run in Chicago and New Orleans. The Evanston is their first brick-and-mortar by owners, Benoit & Rachel.
The counter-service restaurant focuses on Latin American street food with a build-your-own concept. You can choose your vessel (tacos, bowls, etc.), then your protein, and sauces. These Carne Asada Tacos are calling your name.
They also serve Venezuelan dishes you may not be as familiar with. Arepa is a ground maize pattie stuffed with meat and cheese while the Patacones are fried green plantains stuffed with meat and cheese.
The name of the game here is stuff everything with meat and cheese and we’re not mad about it.
Fab Happenings: Downtown Evanston Dining Tour 2018 // Carne Asada Patacones at La Cocinita // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
If you want something a little more filling, grab a Caribbean Bowl, which has rice, beans, and of course… meat and cheese. Add a little “Stupid Hot” sauce. You won’t regret it.
Fab Happenings: Downtown Evanston Dining Tour 2018 // Caribbean Bowl at La Cocinita // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
And… FOOD COMA. We could not fit another single thing into our stomachs.
{Location}
La Cocinita
Evanston || 1625 Chicago Ave || P: (847) 332-1625
FAB TIP: Check out the Chicago truck locations here.
TOUR 2:
There were a lot more restaurants to explore in Evanston so I invited another group of friends to come check out four more restaurants. I starved myself all day because I knew what was about to happen.
1) Rock ‘n Ravioli
Three venues situated in one building known as Evanston Rocks, seriously rocks. It’s one of most unique venues I’ve been to. You have Evanston Rocks (Live music venue. See upcoming events here), Rock ‘n Ravioli (Italian restaurant), and 1012 Bourbon ‘n Brass (1920’s speakeasy and showroom). Cool murals of legendary artists adorn the walls while lavish chandeliers hang from the ceiling.
Fab Happenings: Downtown Evanston Dining Tour 2018 // Rock ‘n Ravioli // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
Here’s a sneak peak behind the speakeasy bar that is tucked away behind a secret door. This picture doesn’t do it justice so you’ll have to go in and see for yourself. While you’re there, check out the VIP private rooms, which overlooking the stage. It’s truly a rock star experience.
Fab Happenings: Downtown Evanston Dining Tour 2018 // Bourbon ‘N Brass // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
We headed down to the restaurant and it was beginning to look a lot like cocktails. Happy hour starts here with a Flapper Floozy.
Fab Happenings: Downtown Evanston Dining Tour 2018 // Flapper Floozy at Rock ‘N Ravioli // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
Rock’ N Ravioli serves Italian recipes passed down from generations to generations with an array of homemade sauces and filling. You can’t go to a place called Rock ‘N Ravioli and not get ravioli. We sampled a variety of lightly Toasted Ravioli stuffed with cheese, meat, spinach & artichoke, and more.
Fab Happenings: Downtown Evanston Dining Tour 2018 // Toasted Ravioli Dippers at Rock ‘N Ravioli // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
They also serve a special “Floating Ravioli”. OK. Just kidding. I made that up. Rosie (@eat.around.the.rosie) caught an awe-inspiring visual effect that has everyone talking on Reddit.
[I Ate] Fried Cheese Ravioli with Marinara Sauce
byu/Eat_Around_the_Rosie infood
The menu also features Rock ‘N Starters like Ron’s World Famous Rock ‘N Roll Meatballs as well as pastas, sandwiches, pizzas, and dessert. The flatbreads are hand-stretched and come in an assortment of toppings with entertaining names like Ramones (roasted veggies with red sauce and mozzarella topped with fresh arugula), Fleetwood Mac Anna Cheeza (aged cheddar, parmesan, mozzarella, swiss, provolone, and pepper jack cheeses with maple-glazed thick bacon, and ditalini pasta topped with toasted breadcrumbs) and Temptations (sautéed mushrooms, sweet onion, and maple-glazed thick bacon).
FAB TIP: Gluten-free and vegan pizza available. The Madonna ‘za is made with a cauliflower crust and topped with roasted veggies.
Who knew Rock ‘n Roll and Ravioli would go so well together?
{Location}
Rock ‘n Ravioli
Evanston || 1012 Church St || P: (847) 859-2021
2) Hearth
Located in the The Homestead in Evanston, Hearth is an intimate, charming restaurant with a menu focused on sustainability and simple ingredients. Not only are they conscientious about the sourcing of the ingredients and creating delectable flavor profiles, they are also very attentive about plating and making the dishes visually appealing.
We couldn’t get over how pretty the dishes were. Evidence here.
Fab Happenings: Downtown Evanston Dining Tour 2018 // Instagrammers: @mattchavez_tv, @afullliving, @topchicagoeats, @weeatchicago, @eat.around.the.rosie, @chanelogy, and @tinaeatschicago // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
Lights, camera, action!
The Ahi Tuna Ceviche was a garden on a plate with fresh strawberries, green almonds, plantain chips, and leche de tigre. Eat the rainbow.
The Ricotta Gnocchi was my favorite dish with the ramp salsa verde, tomato, fresno chili, and parmesan brodo. It leaves you with a sense of comfort and warmth.
We ended our meal with the Mascarpone Cheesecake Mousse. The basil shortcake paired nicely with the fruitiness of the macerated strawberries and zest from the lemon curd.
{Location}
Hearth
Evanston || 1625 Hinman Ave || P: (847) 570-8400
FAB TIP: Check out the weekly wine specials here.
3) Edzo’s Burger Shop
Edzo’s Burger Shop is your go-to spot in Evanston for burgers, hot dogs, fries, and more. It’s not a burger shop that tries too hard with outrageous toppings or crazy prices. Instead you’ll find a classic burger joint with handcrafted, high quality food that will make you feel nostalgic about your childhood.
Chef/Owner Eddie Lakin comes from a fine dining background and sets a high standard when it comes to his menu items by using organic and locally-sourced ingredients. The beef in the infamous burgers are ground and made fresh every day ensuring the best taste.
You can get the Griddled Burger with everything – ketchup, pickle, mustard, and onion and even stack it up with a double or triple patty.
Fab Happenings: Downtown Evanston Dining Tour 2018 // Griddled Burger at Edzo’s Burger Shop // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
Edzo’s plays homage to classic Chicago food like the Maxwell-Style Polish, which is topped with grilled onions and mustard.
Fab Happenings: Downtown Evanston Dining Tour 2018 // Maxwell-Style Polish at Edzo’s Burger Shop // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
There’s nothing that says Chicago like a Chicago Style Hot Dog and Edzo’s version is a solid representation of the classic. No ketchup allowed.
The loaded fries were all the rave in the group. A heap of fresh, hand-cut potatoes are topped with bountiful amounts of cheese, bacon, green onions, and sour cream.
And if #eatingfortheinsta couldn’t get any better, we got to try this version of the loaded fries with generous amounts of lobster.
FAB TIP: Option to order online here.
{Location}
Edzo’s Burger Shop
Evanston || 1571 Sherman Ave || P: (847) 864-3396
Breathe in, breathe out… we have one more spot.
4) Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge
When we arrived at our final spot, Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge, we were greeted with a meal fit for a king with a spread of sushi, sashimi, and specialty menu items. We couldn’t fit everything into one photo but Chanel’s (@chanelogy) pic will give you a good idea. Along with Japanese cuisine, they specialize in Chinese cuisine from eight different regions of China so we tried some customer favorites like the Sesame Chicken and Mongolian Beef.
Two words… Truffle Tuna. The seared big eye tuna nigiri was topped with truffle oil, truffle salt, parmesan, and sliced avocado. I could have eaten ten more.
Fab Happenings: Downtown Evanston Dining Tour 2018 // Truffle Tuna Nigiri at Koi // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
The Salmon Brûlée Bundle came in four pieces and placed on a plate like a blossoming flower. The flavor of the seared salmon was intensified by the yuzu mayo & tobiko, caramelized cane sugar, fried shallotsm and mango.
Fab Happenings: Downtown Evanston Dining Tour 2018 // Salmon Brûlée Bundle at Koi // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
Pure raw beauty is how I can best explain the sushi and sashimi plate.
Fab Happenings: Downtown Evanston Dining Tour 2018 // Sushi & Sashimi Plate at Koi // Photo: @fabfoodchicago
The Ohana Tuna Poke Bowl had copious amounts of fresh tuna and topped with grilled pineapples, cucumbers, avocado, tobiko, fried shallots, and more. Koi’s version had a unique twist with plum soy sauce.
Now that we were done taking pictures, we gathered around the table and did what we do best… eat (our fourth dinner but who’s counting).
{Location}
Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge
Evanston || 624 Davis St || P: (847) 866-6969
As you can see, there’s no short of dining options in Evanston. From casual eats to special occasions and burgers to sushi, Evanston continues to draw in crowds from all over Chicago.
FAB TIP: Check out the summer Thursday Night Live concert series at Fountain Square in Evanston. Lineup here.
Live the Fab Food Life,
Soo
//Special Thanks//
Thank you Chicago’s North Shore and Downtown Evanston for hosting such a fun night!
Thank you for coming out!
@afullliving, @chanelogy, @chicagofoodaffair, @chicagofoodstories, @eat.around.the.rosie, @thefoodiefriend, @jamesmalnati, @jeneatschi, @mattchavez_tv, @redbeyondfood, @tinaeatschicago, @vieatswell, and @weeatchicago
Congrats Instagram winners! We’re so excited you could join us!
@jtreeeez & @nas_kilig
Fab Team:
@fabsoopark & @topchicagoeats
Note: This post was sponsored by Chicago’s North Shore and Downtown Evanston. However, the views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.
Loved every stop during our walking tour! Thank you FabFoodChicago ladies for always hosting awesome events!
Thank you for joining us! It was great seeing you.