Best of Evanston, IL
The best restaurants, cafés, bars, shops and things to do in Evanston, IL — mapped and organized by category.
About Evanston
Evanston is a city in Cook County, Illinois, situated on Lake Michigan 12 miles north of the Loop. As a Chicago suburb, it is bordered by Wilmette to the north, Skokie to the west, and Chicago to the south. The city had a population of 78,110 as of 2020.
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Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum
The Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum, located on Central Street Evanston, focuses on North American native peoples and highlights Chicago’s Native community and Great Lakes tribal nations.
The museum was established as the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian in 1977.
View details →The best of Evanston
Best Hotels in Evanston
19 places · Where to stay, from budget-friendly to boutique.
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Doubletree Hotel Chicago - North Shore Conference Center
Doubletree Hotel Chicago - North Shore Conference Center is a hotel located in the Skevanston neighborhood.
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Hilton Garden Inn Chicago North Shore/Evanston
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago North Shore/Evanston is a hotel located in Downtown.
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Hyatt House Chicago/Evanston
Hyatt House Chicago/Evanston is a hotel. It is located in Downtown.
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Residence Inn Lincolnwood
Residence Inn Lincolnwood is a hotel situated in the Edgebrook neighborhood.
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SpringHill Suites Lincolnwood
Located in the Edgebrook neighborhood, SpringHill Suites Lincolnwood offers comfortable accommodations for travelers visiting the area.
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Super 8 by Wyndham Chicago
Super 8 by Wyndham Chicago is located in Jarvis Square.
Best Restaurants in Evanston
118 places · Where to eat, from neighborhood staples to standout kitchens.
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Ann Sather
Ann Sather is a Swedish restaurant located in the Edgewater Glen neighborhood.
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Annapurna Simply Vegetarian
Annapurna Simply Vegetarian offers a vegetarian Indian menu in Little India.
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Cozy Noodles & Rice
Cozy Noodles & Rice serves Thai dishes in the Downtown area.
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El Pulpo Loco Restaurant
El Pulpo Loco Restaurant serves Mexican cuisine in the Glenwood Arts District.
Best Cafés & Coffee in Evanston
46 places · Coffee shops, roasters and casual spots to linger.
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Alchemy Coffee House
Alchemy Coffee House is a café located in the Ashland Arts District, serving coffee drinks.
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Don Julio Cafe
Don Julio Cafe offers Mexican cuisine in the North Edgebrook neighborhood.
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Loaves and Witches
Loaves and Witches is a café in the Edgewater Glen neighborhood that serves pastry, coffee, and tea.
Best Bars & Nightlife in Evanston
36 places · Cocktail bars, pubs and where the night goes.
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Cary's Lounge
Cary's Lounge is a local bar located in the Granville Gardens neighborhood.
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Fatpour Tap Works
Fatpour Tap Works is a bar located in the Edgebrook neighborhood that serves American cuisine.
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Greenlight Korean Pub & Karaoke
Greenlight Korean Pub & Karaoke is a bar located in Arcadia Terrace.
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Ireland’s Pub
Ireland’s Pub offers a relaxed atmosphere in the Edgewater Glen neighborhood.
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R Public House
R Public House is a bar located in the Jarvis Square neighborhood.
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Rogers Park Social
Rogers Park Social is a local bar located in the Glenwood Arts District.
Best Things to Do in Evanston
14 places · Museums, landmarks and the experiences worth your time.
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Emily Oak Nature Center
Emily Oak Nature Center is a local attraction located in the Edgebrook neighborhood.
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Evanston Ecology Center
The Evanston Ecology Center is located in the Ashland Arts District, offering educational programs about local ecosystems.
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Evanston History Center
The Evanston History Center is located in the Evanston Lakeshore Historic District.
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Exploratorium
The Exploratorium is an attraction located in the Skevanston neighborhood.
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Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum
The Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum, located on Central Street Evanston, focuses on North American native peoples and highlights Chicago’s Native community and Great Lakes tribal nations.
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Kenilworth Historical Society
Kenilworth Historical Society is an attraction in Gross Point.
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Wilmette Historical Museum
Wilmette Historical Museum showcases the former Gross Point Village Hall, a Victorian two‑story brick building that once housed the village’s government and community center.
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Folkworks Gallery
Folkworks Gallery is an attraction located in the South Evanston neighborhood.
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Perspective Group and Photography Gallery
Perspective Group and Photography Gallery is an attraction located in the South Evanston neighborhood.
Best Shops in Evanston
97 places · Independent boutiques, bookstores and places to browse.
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Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble is a shop located in the Gross Point neighborhood.
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Citi Trends
Citi Trends offers a variety of trendy apparel and accessories in the bustling area of Jarvis Square.
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Hat-Box-Suit Central
Hat-Box-Suit Central is a shop located in the West Ridge neighborhood.
Best Parks & Outdoors in Evanston
115 places · Green space, gardens and room to breathe.
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Berger Park
Berger Park is a small recreational area in Edgewater Beach that borders Lake Michigan and includes the historic Downey House.
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Central Park
Central Park is a public green space located in the Skevanston neighborhood.
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Donald W. Lyon Park
Donald W. Lyon Park is located in the Edgebrook neighborhood.
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Emmerson Park
Emmerson Park is a public park located in the Winchester-Hood Garden Homes neighborhood.
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Green Briar Park
Green Briar Park is a park located in the Arcadia Terrace neighborhood.
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Gross Point Park
Gross Point Park is a public park located in the Skevanston neighborhood.
Nearby cities to explore
More guides within driving distance of Evanston.
- Skokie, IL 7 places
- Wilmette, IL 41 places
- Lincolnwood, IL 194 places
- Morton Grove, IL 43 places
- Winnetka, IL 61 places
- Glenview, IL 137 places
- Niles, IL 7 places
- Harwood Heights, IL 170 places