As much as I love Northwestern, I was slightly disappointed when I began my freshman year looking for a 24-hour diner or campus restaurant and only found Burger King. The fast food chain is great for fries or a shake, but when studying late-night or coming home from a night out, I’d love some more diverse options. Finding places to grub past 10pm is a challenge, but not one a hangry freshman can’t handle. With a little searching, I found that Burger King isn’t our only hope. Here is your complete guide to late-night eats in Evanston.
Sarpino’s Pizzeria
Address: 2428 Main St, Evanston
Hours: 10am-4am
Price Range: $4.99-$21.99
Check out their menu here
Whether you’re cramming for a test or returning from a night out, there’s always time for carbs. Between pizza, calzones, pastas, sandwiches and salads, Sarpino’s has all of your late-night Italian cravings. If you’re in the mood for something on the sweeter side, dessert pizza and dessert sticks are a must. The best part? If you order through their website, Grubhub, Doordash or Seamless, delivery is free.
Insomnia Cookies
Address: 1725 N Sherman Ave, Evanston
Hours (Retail): Mon-Fri: 9am-3am, Sat-Sun: 11am-3am
Hours (Delivery): Mon-Fri 10am-3am, Sat-Sun: 12am-3am
Price Range: $1.70-$12.40
Check out their menu here
Warm, baked cookies available for delivery until 3am? This is what college is about. If your cravings are calling you to a Chocolate Peanut Butter Deluxe (my go-to) or even just a classic chocolate chip cookie, Insomnia never disappoints. Need a bottle of milk on the side to dip your cookies in? They have that covered, too. When a cookie alone doesn’t satisfy your sweet tooth, try a cookie-wich, which consists of two cookies (any flavor) with ice-cream in the middle. Or, rebel against the norm and ditch the cookies for a scoop (or a pint!) of ice cream.
Address: 1635 Chicago Avenue, Evanston
Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11:30am-11pm, Fri: 11:30am-12am, Sat: 10am-12am
Price Range: $6-$19
Check out their menu here
*Late night menu begins an hour before closing time*
With an extensive menu, Prairie Moon is a great spot when you’re with a group of people. From tacos to salads to burgers and sandwiches, there is something for everyone. If your version of late-night munchies is a table full of appetizers, the “Plates for Sharing” section is amazing (Disco Fries are a personal favorite). If you feel like going out to eat, it’s only a 7 minute walk from South Campus. If not, you can get it delivered through Grubhub.
IHOP
Address: 100 Asbury Avenue, Evanston
Hours: Open 24 hours
Price Range: $6-$12
Check out their menu here
It’s an oldie, but a goodie. If it’s nighttime but you haven’t left your bed all day, breakfast for dinner is always the move. For a sweet treat, try Dark Chocolate Belgian Pancakes. But if you’re in the mood for something savory, the Egg White Vegetable Omelette is a surefire bet. Either way, your favorite breakfast foods are hot off the griddle no matter what time you get out of bed. If you want a true breakfast in bed experience, you can order online until 12am.
Buffalo Joe’s
Address: 812 Clark Street, Evanston
Hours: Sun-Sat: 11am-12am
Price Range: $4-$10
Check out their menu here
Wing lovers, rejoice! This is your go-to spot. Whether you’re eating BBQ, mild, spicy, or hot, your face is bound to get messy, but your stomach will thank you. If you aren’t a huge wings fan, Buffalo Joe’s has burgers, hotdogs and baked potatoes (because who wouldn’t go for a loaded baked potato at 12am?). While they don’t deliver, it’s only a 15 minute walk from South Campus and a 6 minute drive.
The Celtic Knot Public House
Address: 626 Church Street, Evanston
Hours: Sun: 11am-11:30pm, Mon-Sat: 11:30am-12am
Price Range: $6-$15
Check out their menu here
*Late night menu begins at 10pm Fri & Sat, 9pm Sun-Thurs*
In a knot about where to head for late-night eats? How do deep fried pickle chips, chicken fingers and fries, or a caprese stack sound? Celtic Knot is a great spot for large groups and it’s super convenient. Only a five minute walk from South Campus, it could practically be another dining hall. But if you want to stay in, you can order through Grubhub.
Still want more options? There are many other amazing restaurants in Evanston that close earlier. If you know you are going to be up late studying or at an event, order something in and save it for later. Also, most dining halls on campus have to-go boxes available before 8pm and will let you take whatever you want back to your dorm.
We all get hungry late at night. Though we can still crown Burger King the 24-hour convenient go-to, it’s nice to know we have some other options when the BK cashier starts remembering your name.