All right ‘Cats, listen up. You are 100% missing out on a fantastic restaurant because you don’t explore. Yes, downtown Evanston is down south. Yes, Chicago is down south, but sometimes you gotta learn to go in a different direction – maybe a more ~Northwestern~ direction?
Pun aside, you actually should head up North to Central Street (the street that Ryan Field is on) and then head West, away from the lake, to hit up Bluestone Café. So what makes Bluestone such an amazing place to eat? Here’s 5 reasons why you should ditch downtown and come up North instead.
1. The Atmosphere
Photo by Dorianne Ma
Bluestone gives off the vibes of a relaxed sports bar. There are TVs not only above the bar, but also in the seating area. But it’s not just about sports and drinking – it’s the kind of place where families go with young kids, where college kids can go for a meal after watching the ‘Cats win at Ryan Field and where senior citizens can go to have an adorable date. It really can serve any purpose that you want it to.
2. Portions
Photo by Dorianne Ma
I mean, look at that. These loaded tots are stunning. They are delicious. There are so many of them. And this is just an appetizer. It is, truthfully, the size of a main dish. I only had half (because I was sharing with someone) but halfway through I was already starting to feel full. Trust me when I tell you that I can eat a lot, so when I start saying I’m full, it’s a sign that there is so. Much. Food.
3. Value
Photo by Dorianne Ma
This goes hand-in-hand with portion, but I’m serious when I tell you that this place is a great deal. Look at the size of this burger.
Do you see how huge this is? Bacon, patty, blue cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion strings. Plus, a side of your choice (and a lot of it) for only $9.15. Trust me when I tell you that if you decide to eat this for lunch, you’re definitely not going to want dinner. That’s two-meals-in-one all for $9.15. Can’t get better value than that.
4. Taste
Photo by Dorianne Ma
I have yet to have a bad meal at Bluestone, and each time I go I eat to the point where I kind of hate myself but also I kind of love myself.
Everything that I’ve tried there so far has been nothing short of excellent. Pictured above is their B.C.O, and honestly, it was an experience. It was a melt-in-your-mouth-pot-roast, kick-from-the-horseradish, crunch-from-fried-onions, holy-crap-this-is-unreal-good, experience.
5. Mac & Cheese
Photo by Dorianne Ma
I know, it seems like a bit of an overkill to put mac & cheese as its own category but I just really, really love their mac & cheese. First of all, there’s bacon. Second of all, it’s baked. Third of all, it’s mac & cheese. Those really should be the only reasons you need to justify putting it in its own category.
Since by now I’ve obviously convinced you to go visit Bluestone, you’re gonna need some recommendations for what to get. While you really can’t go wrong with any of it, some of my personal favorites include the Bluestone Burger, pictured earlier in this article, the B.C.O., the chicken pot pie (only available for dinner!), and obviously, the mac & cheese. Go to Bluestone. Eat anything. You will adore it, I am sure.