We asked 1,000 Northwestern students about their preferences on 22 different restaurant categories. Find out where to go now that The Keg is gone, where to satisfy your frozen treat craving and where to find the best burger in town (hint: it comes with truffle fries).
Best Overall Restaurant: Bat 17
Bat’s feel-good atmosphere and unbeatable food set it apart as one of Evanston’s prime spots for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks. Whether you’re in the mood for beer towers, burgers or all-day-long brunch, Bat’s extensive selection and generous portions will leave you satisfied. Treat yourself to a delicious meal and top it off with a slice of a mouth-watering Oreo cheesecake.
$$
1709 Benson Ave
(847) 733-7117
Mon–Thurs 11am–11pm, Fri 11am–12am, Sat 10am–12am, Sun 10am–11pm
By Danny Schuleman
*Bat 17 Bat 17 also won best sandwich! We recommend the California Dreamin’ (pictured), the “Jerk” and the Bodacious. These colossal sandwiches will fill you up for days. Be sure to get the sweet potato fries on the side!
Best Asian Takeout: Joy Yee’s
Joy Yee’s gives menu anxiety like no other Asian restaurant in town. It’s the perfect place for a big group to order from since there is something on the menu for everyone. With endless dish options served in large portions and at low prices, it’s no surprise Joy Yee’s took first place in this category.
$$
521 Davis St
(847) 733-1900
Mon–Thurs 11:30am–10pm, Fri–Sat 11:30am–10:30pm, Sun 12pm–10pm
Best Breakfast: Le Peep
Despite the average 15-minute waiting time for a table, Le Peep takes first place in a competitive category with its traditional breakfast fare, homey décor and affordable prices. Located right in the middle of downtown Evanston, Le Peep is the perfect place to eat away a hangover.
$$
827 Church St
(847) 328-4880
Mon–Fri 6:30am–2:30pm,
Sat–Sun 7am–2:30pm
Best BYOB: Cozy Noodles & Rice
With tasty Thai food, no corkage fee and kitschy décor, Cozy Noodles stands out among the long list of other BYOB places in Evanston. EV1 is conveniently located across the street, so you can pick up wine or beer right before your meal.
$$
1018 David St
(847) 733-0101
Mon–Thurs 11:30am–9:30pm, Fri–Sat 11:30am–10pm, Sun 4pm–9:30pm
By Aurelie Corinthios
Best Late Night: Cheesie’s Pub & Grill
Cheesie’s Pub & Grub stays up almost as late as your average Northwestern student. Cheesie’s manages to fit pretty much anything fried or otherwise deliciously fattening between melted cheese and Texas toast, satisfying your late-night comfort food cravings. Reasonably priced drinks make it the ultimate late-night Evanston destination.
$$
622 Davis St
(847) 868-8686
Mon–Wed 11am–3am, Thurs–Sat 11am–5am
Best Bar: The Keg, World of Beer
It pains us to announce that the true winner of such a crucial
category for college students is no longer open for business. Rest in peace The Keg of Evanston, you will be missed. In close second is Evanston’s newest bar, World of Beer. Cool, casual and BYOF, WOB has became a Northwestern favorite in the few short months it has been open, and with good reason.
$$
1601 Sherman Ave
(847) 328-8688
Mon–Wed 3pm–1am, Thurs–Fri 3pm–2am, Sat–Sun 12pm–1am
Best Pizza: Lou Malnati’s
The votes are in: deep dish wins over thin-crust! Lou Malnati’s brings Chicago’s famous deep dish pies just a block away from campus. Its buttery-crusted, gooey-cheese pizzas come in a variety of sizes, from individual to large (serves 4). Lou’s now makes gluten-free, “crustless” pizza too!
$$
1850 Sherman Ave
(847) 328-5400
Mon–Thurs 10am–4pm, Fri–Sun 11am–11pm
By Alia Wilhelm
Best Burger: Edzo’s
Edzo’s holds the key to every burger-lover’s heart with American beef that’s cut and ground every morning, seasoned with just salt and pepper. Along with one of its succulent burgers, try a Nutella milkshake and some hand-cut, twice-cooked fries for a good ol’ all-American meal (we recommend the truffle fries).
$$
1571 Sherman Ave
(847) 864-3396
Mon closed, Tue–Sun 10:30am–4pm
Best Italian: Dave’s Italian Kitchen
Dave’s brings inexpensive, homemade Italian goodness to Evanston. Red checkered tablecloths, large wooden booths and Dave’s homemade bread make for a warm, relaxed environment. Try any of the generously portioned pastas or the brown rice risotto.
$$
1635 Chicago Ave
(847) 864-6000
Every day 4pm–10pm
Best Grocery Store: Whole Foods
Even though it could be called “Whole Paycheck” for its steep prices, it’s undeniable that Whole Foods stocks some of the freshest, highest-quality groceries around. With organic and gluten-free options, as well as prepared food that’s perfect for college students in a hurry, it’s no wonder NU students are willing to shell out a little extra cash for Whole Foods.
$$$
1111 Chicago Ave
(847) 475-9492
Every day 8am–10pm
Best Coffee Shop: Kafein
With a wide array of eclectic drinks and an offbeat but hip décor, Kafein screams college student coffee shop. Its comfy couches, superb drinks and quirky touches (Trivial Pursuit cards at every table!) make it the perfect place to meet up with friends or study. An added bonus? It’s open late, so you can get your caffeine fix whenever you need it.
$
1621 Chicago Ave
(847) 491-1621
Mon–Thurs 11am–2am, Fri–Sat 11am–3am
Courtesy of Chicago Cupcake
Best Food Truck: Chicago Cupcake
In the mood for moist cupcakes with Italian buttercream and a crunchy cookie crust? Then keep a constant watch on the Chicago Cupcake Twitter account. If you’re lucky, you might be able to meet up with the elusive bakery on wheels as it makes one of its Chicago street corner stops.
$$
Follow them on Twitter to find their locations! Twitter.com/Chicago_Cupcake
Best On Campus Late Night: Fran’s Cafe
Fran’s CAFé
Where do students go to satisfy a midnight craving for sliders, waffle fries or a good old-fashioned milkshake? Fran’s Café in Willard wins number one student choice. It’s open Sunday to Friday until 2 in the morning. The best part? Because it’s on campus, you can leave the cash behind and use meals, points or Munch Money.
$
Willard Hall
1865 Sherman Ave
Mon–Fri 8pm–2am, Sat closed, Sun 7pm–2am
Courtesy of Chipotle
Best Big Chain/Best Mexican: Chipotle
It’s probably no surprise that Chipotle was voted both the best Mexican food and best big chain in town. From spicy burrito bowls to the famous lime tortilla chips, this beloved Mexican joint never fails to satisfy. Chipotle boasts fresh ingredients, often using organic and local produce. Its menu is simple, but every item has zesty flavors that keep us coming back for more.
$
711 Church St
(847) 425-3959
Every day 11am–10pm
Best Frozen Treat: Andy’s Frozen Custard
Andy’s constantly churns out a frozen concoction
creamier than any ice cream you have sitting at home in your freezer. True to its name, Andy’s concretes are sinfully thick and rich, blending everything from strawberries to brownies to roasted pecans into its signature custard.
$
719 Church St
(847) 864-8009
Every day 11am–11pm
Best Date Night/Best Small Plates: Tapas Barcelona
The vividly colorful artwork and friendly waitstaff at Tapas create a contagiously warm atmosphere. And what could make for a better date night meal than bold, flavorful Spanish fare specifically designed to share? The menu features Spanish favorites such as bocadillos and patatas bravas as well as classics like salmon with dill sauce and baked eggplant with goat cheese. In the summer, the outdoor patio, warmly lit by lamps and enclosed by trees, is sure to make for a romantic evening.
$$
1615 Chicago Ave
(847) 866-9900
Mon–Sat 11:30am–10pm, Sun 5pm–9pm
Best Big Group: Flat Top
Flat Top
Who doesn’t like to create their own personalized stir-fry? The large space, quick service, lively atmosphere and DIY aspect makes Flat Top a great place for a group dinner.
$$
707 Church St
(847) 570-0100
Mon–Thurs 11am–9:30pm, Fri 11am–10:30pm,
Sat 10:30am–10:30pm, Sun 10:30am–9:30pm
Best Sushi: Todoroki
Todoroki
Evanston’s favorite sushi restaurant manages to maintain a cool atmosphere, while still offering great deals — unlimited sushi for $22.95 at dinner or $16.95 at lunchtime. The menu is exotic and extensive, and on top of its delicious rainbow rolls and spicy tuna rolls it serves the only hibachi around. The best part? Todoroki also delivers right to your door.
$$
526 Davis St
(847) 750-6565
Mon–Thurs 11:30am–10pm, Fri–Sat 11:30am–11pm, Sun 12pm–9pm
Courtesy of Wings Over
Best Wings: Wings Over Evanston
Whether you prefer boneless or buffalo, Wings Over has it all. Its hand battered creations come in a multitude of flavors, with over 20 sauces to spice up your order. And you won’t have to wait long for this savory late-night meal — delivery is speedy and free!
$
1115 Emerson St
(847) 328-9464
Mon–Wed 4pm–1am, Thurs–Sun 11am–1am