All-nighters, 9am classes, and crowded basement parties make college the prime place to catch a cold. It's time to face the facts. No number of vitamin-C packets or trips to the bathroom to wash your hands *just in case* can keep you from getting sick. And somehow, Evanston winters seem to make a common cold last even longer. Thankfully, the city knows its downfalls, so it has armed itself with the perfect bowl of chicken noodle soup and a whole slew of other sick-day necessities to help us feel healthy again in no time.
Cupitol
812 Grove St, Evanston, IL 60201
Nothing makes you miss home like being sick in college. But when your mom isn’t there to make you soup and bring it to you in bed, Cuptiol is the next best option. Their chicken noodle soup is by far the best you will find in Evanston, and it is only a post-mates order (or 10 minute walk from South campus) away. If you're really feeling down, the “Boost Juice,” with carrot, orange, ginger and lemon, will help your immune system fight back.
Table to Stix
1007 Davis St, Evanston, IL 60201
If you're a ramen lover, Table to Stix has your ultimate healing and comfort food. This is a great place to “feed a cold” because the bowls are huge. While you often lose your appetite when you feel sick, I promise you that just one look at these bowls will bring it right back. You can customize your ramen by choosing from a variety of toppings and broths. Snuggling up with a giant bowl of soup in this small, cozy atmosphere is the ideal sick-day lunch or dinner.
The Spice and Tea Exchange
1615 Sherman Ave, Evanston, IL 60201
Right in the heart of downtown Evanston, The Spice and Tea Exchange has just about every tea and spice you need to help boost your immune system. In addition to a wide variety of tea leaves (pictured above), they sell custom blends of spices, spice and herbs, salts and peppers. Love tea but don't have a teapot back in your dorm (or got it taken away by your RA)? You can purchase all of the silverware and cooking utensils you need right in the store. The Ginger Turmeric Tea is the best option for aiding any pain relating to inflammation or congestion.
Bennison's Bakery
1000 Davis St, Evanston, Illinois 6020
Everyone knows that calories don't count when you're sick. And sometimes, nothing is more comforting than filling up with carbs and sugar. Bennison's has all of the cupcakes and cookies you need to sweeten up your sick-day. The bakery has something for every mood, even if you're just craving rolls to bring back and dip in the ramen you plan to microwave back at the dorm. Unfortunately, Bennison's doesn't offer a wide array of gluten-free options, but be sure to try the macaroons and flourless chocolate cake before you write it off.
Lisa's Cafe
2332 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60201
Okay, so Lisa's likely isn't the first thing that comes to your mind when you're thinking about the best places to cure your sickness, but for all of my fellow north campus-ers, Lisa’s Cafe is actually the secret haven for all of your sick-day needs. Throat Coat Tea, Ricola cough drops, and Vitamin-C Powder Packets are common cold essentials that promise to make you feel better. Lisa's also offers a selection of soups that are always available to order, and you can also choose from an endless supply of ramen and instant soups to bring back to your room.
GoPuff
https://gopuff.com/categories
Evanston is cold. When you don’t feel well enough to brave the snow and wind to trek to the closest drug store (especially if you live on North Campus), GoPuff can deliver all of your cold necessities right to your dorm. From every over the counter cold medicine, to cough drops, tissue boxes, easy to make soup, and saltines, GoPuff has as everything you need to battle your cold without having to battle the actual cold to go get it.
Of course, nothing beats the comfort of home and doting parents when you're really sick. Luckily, Evanston really isn't the worst place to be stuck with a cold, and if you play your cards right, you might just have some friends doting over you (and sneaking some of your chicken noodle), too. Try to stay warm, maintain a healthy sleep schedule, and always remember to wash your hands. But when you do finally (inevitably) get sick, know that everything you need to feel better is just a short walk or call away.