The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views of Spoon University.
Although it’s already March, it’s never too late to add “explore Evanston’s food scene” on your list of resolutions. While it may seem like just a small suburb, this city is full of delicious and fun bites– if you just know where to look.
Here is a bucket list of foods to eat in 2025 that will take you through some of Evanston’s best and most exciting eats.
The Herbie Breakfast Sandwich from Backlot Coffee
Located on Central Street, Backlot is a popular coffee spot– but italso arguably serves the best breakfast sandwiches in Evanston. Go in the morning and treat yourself to The Herbie. Although it is vegetarian with just an egg, it’s also unexpectedly refreshing and flavorful with accompaniments like housemade tomato jam, cucumbers, and roasted garlic aioli.
A baguette and breakfast pastry from Hewn
Also on Central Street is artisan bakery Hewn, an artisan bakery known for freshly baked bread and pastries. I’m a big fan of the Everything Croissant and Mini Monkey Bread. Go early in the morning for the best bread selection and a chance to snag a baguette before it sells out.
Bottomless Brunch at Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge
Koi’s bottomless brunch deal is hard to ignore. Every weekend from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Koi serves bottomless mimosas or Bloody Marys for $12. During this time, it also serves dim sum with an extensive selection offering buns, dumplings, congee, noodles, meats, and more.
A Carnitas and Tilapia Taco from Tomate Fresh Kitchen
Tomate’s tacos are well-priced and delicious. First, a shoutout to its many delightful vegetarian options like sweet potatoes, yucca, and spicy mushrooms. My personal favorites, however, are the crispy pork carnitas and fried tilapia with pineapple salsa!
The Paulie Walnuts Sandwich at D&D Finer Foods
Tucked inside D&Ds grocery and liquor store is a deli selling fantastic gourmet sandwiches. There are many great options but I’m a sucker for pesto, so I recommend Paulie Walnuts– stuffed with mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes, onions, and mozzarella.
Fried Fish Fillet with Chili Pepper from Peppercorns
Peppercorns in downtown Evanston can be criminally underrated. The menu is full of unique dishes, but the Fried Fish Fillet with Chili Pepper never disappoints. The fish is ultra-crispy and seasoned with lots of spices. The portions are also big, so bring a friend to share.
Queso de Cabra con Tomate from Tapas Barcelona
With a wide variety of Spanish tapas and delicious sangria, Tapas Barcelona is the perfect weekend dinner spot. You absolutely cannot miss the Queso de Cabra con Tomate, which is a baked slab of goat cheese in tomato sauce served with toasted bread.
Rib Tips from Hecky’s Barbecue
Everybody in Evanston knows about Hecky’s, but have you tried Hecky’s? It’s a legendary institution, founded and spearheaded by Hecky Powell until his passing in 2020. His legacy lives on as the place still serves up delicious rib tips and other meats with its special sauce, winning the Chicago Tribune’s Readers’ Choice Award for the Best Chicago-style Barbecue in 2023.
A Maple Bacon Long John from Bennison’s Bakery
Bennison’s Bakery has been a beloved staple in Evanston for years, selling breads, pastries, cakes, and more. Undoubtedly, its best item has to be the Maple Bacon Long John. It is a superior donut – maple glazed topped with a crispy slice of bacon. Talk about the perfect blend of sweet and savory!
Sushi from Sea Ranch
Sitting on Dempster street, Sea Ranch doubles as a restaurant and mini asian grocery store. It’s reminiscent of a true Japanese “konbini” (convenience store). If you’re craving some quick Japanese food and good sushi, Sea Ranch is your best bet.
A scoop (or two, or three) from FRÍO Gelato
Right after some delicious sushi, head to FRÍO Gelato across the street. It has some truly unique flavors like Queso y Miel (cheese and honey) and Sambayón (Egg Custard with Marsala Wine), alongside the typical ones. Personally, I always order a scoop of Mascarpone con Frambuesa (mascarpone cheese with raspberry) and Tramontana (vanilla with caramel and chocolate chips).
Pad See Iew from Siam Splendour
Siam Splendour serves up legitimate Thai food with a wide variety of authentic options on the menu. The Pad See Iew – flat rice noodles stir fried with sweet soy sauce and your choice of meat – is consistently delicious and always a crowd pleaser.
The Evanston Chicken Shack $6 deal
This might be the cheapest meal you’ll ever eat in Evanston. The Quarter Dark Thigh & Leg chicken dinner is exactly what it says, with fries and a slice of bread – bonus points if you order it past 10 p.m.. Just remember:any order under $10 is cash only.
Literally everything from Hoosier Mama Pie Company
I saved the best for last. Hoosier Mama always delivers with their freshly made pies, quiches, and sandwiches. Savory standouts include the Chicken Pot Pie and Spinach Mushroom Quiche. Its menu changes daily – more of a reason to keep coming back!
While there are so many other great eateries in Evanston, this is the ultimate bucket list of must-trys. Eat up!