Things To Do - Evanston

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan and less than a half-hour from downtown Chicago, Evanston is a very desirable place to visit. Enjoy Evanston’s beaches and tree-lined streets and experience excellent restaurants, music venues, theatre and shopping. Or, take a short train ride and visit Chicago, a world-class city offering something for everyone.

Eat & Drink

  • Bangers & Lace: A bar/restaurant offering 32 draft beers and an extensive bottle selection.
  • Bar Louie: Martinis, cocktails, beer, small plates, burgers.
  • Bat 17: A breakfast, lunch and dinner pub serving huge sandwiches, wraps, and more. A Northwestern student destination spot.
  • Cheesie's: A fast food spot with burgers, hotdogs, milshakes, and a big selection of specialty grilled cheeses sandwiches.
  • Cozy Noodles and Rice: Thai restaurant with eclectic decor.
  • Farmhouse: Farm to tavern concept with local ingredients.
  • Found Kitchen: Rustic, new American restaurant open for lunch and dinner.
  • Giordano's: Chicago-styled pizza. Deep dish!
  • Koi: Chinese cuisine and fresh sushi.
  • Lao Sze Chuan: Asian cuisine in a modern restaurant.
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria: More Chicago-styled pizza, including deep dish!
  • Smylie Brothers Brewing: A craft brewery and smokehouse.
  • Tapas Barcelona: Fine Spanish tapas and sangria.
  • World of Beer: 50 craft beers on tap and over 500 in the cooler.

For more recommendations, visit Downtown Evanston's website.

Entertainment

Sights

  • Alice Millar Chapel: Beautiful stained glass windows
  • Deering Library: An architectural beauty.
  • The Lakefill: Located behind Norris Univeristy Center, the lakefill is a popular outdoor hangout spot when the weather is warm. 
  • Norris University Center: Northwestern's student center, overlooking Lake Michigan.
  • Ryan Field: Northwestern's football stadium.
  • The Arch: A Northwestern staple.