Evanston is such a great respite from the city—a college town mixed with a walkable, community vibe. There are so many great shops, cafes, restaurants, and bakeries, it was hard to narrow it down, but I did try…
Shops
Stella Boutique
Located on Central Street, Stella Boutique is a charming shop filled with fun and funky women’s clothing, artisan jewelry, unique accessories, and eclectic home accents and gifts.
niceLena & Friends
On Chicago Avenue near Trader Joe’s, niceLena & Friends is a curated gift store offering handcrafted home goods, jewelry, candles, and items from local artists. I love their earrings and tees.
Thrift shops
Crossroads Trading
A popular consignment store on Sherman Avenue, known for its curated collection of secondhand clothing. I’ve found Diana von Furstenberg pants for $12 here!
Goodwill
Located on Dempster Street, this store offers a wide range of donated items.
Salvation Army
It just opened a year ago, on Oakton.
Coffeeshops
Backlot Coffee
I love this spot. It’s always packed on weekends but the coffee and pastries are worth it. It’s also in the middle of prime shopping on Central St.
Cupitol Coffee & Eatery
Located on Grove St, this café offers a blend of coffee shop and restaurant, perfect for a casual meet-up.
Patisserie Coralie
A boutique French coffee shop on Davis Street, offering handcrafted pastries and a charming ambiance.
Evanston Coffee Lab
Delicious and popular for studying or working, food include butter mochi cakes and Filipino meals made to order.
Collectivo Coffee
A local Milwaukee chain, I love to work here and try their ever-changing lattes.
Desserts
Bennison’s Bakery
A long-standing bakery on Davis Street, celebrated for its wide array of pastries and breads.
Hoosier Mama Pie Company & Dollop Coffee
Their chicken pot pie and delicious pies are just divine. I’d put it under coffeeshops, but I feel like their food is the highlight.
FRÍO Gelato
Situated on Chicago Avenue, offering authentic Argentinian gelato with a variety of flavors.
Great Harvest Bread Co.
A woman-owned bakery with so many bread and sandwich options. I’m particularly fond of their monkey bread with a huge coffee.
Restaurants
Tomo Japanese Street Food
Tomo offers casual yet delicious Japanese cuisine, including ramen, udon, takoyaki, and house-made pork belly. So relaxed and friendly, you’re surrounded by anime and Japanese music playing throughout the day.
Inspired Indian
Located on Noyes St, this spot offers innovative Indian sandwiches like the Paneer Tikka Masala Sandwich.
Lucky Platter
A cozy eatery on Main Street, known for its eclectic menu and vibrant atmosphere.
Have any favorites to share?
