Evanston Illinois Restaurant Reviews
By Calin Day

Disclaimer:
I don’t purport to be a fine cuisine connoisseur, but I do participate in the great art of eating. I eat more than my fair share of food, and I’ve found it necessary to write down my thoughts about these restaurants so as to remember for myself which ones are worth going back to.

Okay, okay, I'll admit it. I worked in the restaurant industry from age 12 to 24. I've been everything from a dishwasher to a bartender, server, host, manager, cook, fry cook, bus-boy, bell-boy and valet. But now that I have a customer service job at a Healthcare Publisher, I get to judge food in my spare time with an eye trained to see the mosaic from every angle.

My ratings are based on a $10 or less lunch, atmosphere, quality of food, music, and service.

(I’m also a terrible speller, and not much of an editor, oh, and I cuss.)
If you can get past this, Enjoy! - Calin
(Oh, and I don't list addresses or phone numbers, but try to give intersections/streets to help, and they've passed the no-smoking ban in Illinois, yay!)

Quick Links: Breakfast - Coffee - Lunch/Dinner - Alfresco Dining - Non-Evanston Eats
Foods by type: American/French/Greek - Asian - Italian - Worldwide - Spanish/Mexican

Legend: ***** 5 Stars possible. * = Avoid it. *?*=Not reviewed yet. (*’s are not related strictly to cost, but also to quality of overall experience and food.) Those listed with: (Outdoor Seating) have outdoor seating for warm days. (Note: Sherman and Orrington are basically the same street, just different places because they are a 2-in-1 One-Way street set…) Orrington goes North, Sherman goes South, but they are basically the same street set.

 

 

 

 

 

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Breakfast in Evanston

Dixie Kitchen **** (Church/Benson)
What can I say? This place continues to surprise me. It has Cajun style omelets, French powdered-doughnuts, and a wide variety of other breakfast fare. I had the jambalaya omelet, and wasn’t disappointed.
Wing Night, cheap chicken wings on Thursdays after 5pm. yay!

Walker Brothers ***** (Green Bay Road)
You won’t be disappointed with this place either. Unless, of course, you go on a Sunday for breakfast, because the line is literally out the door and down the block! I’ve waited in line for this place for up to an hour or more just for breakfast, so go after noon, or hit it as soon as they open, because when 9-10am rolls around, there’s no seating to be found!

LePeep ** (Church/Benson)
A well-known chain, this place is extremely standard, even though their prices are higher than they probably should be for the quality of the fare they serve up. Not impressive, but breakfast none the less. (Outdoor Seating)

Golden Olympic *** (Davis/Chicago)
Breakfast can be had at this amazingly affordable local joint at any time of the day. Dinner can too, for that matter, which makes this place a good one for fussy folks who are used to having it on their time their way. Great for in-laws and other folks on a budget.

Davis Street Fish Market*** (Davis/Chicago)
Recently renovated, this one-time fish shack and shanty has gone high end. They serve breakfast on the weekends in what I would say is now one of the nicer spots in town. Drop in for a unique spin on the traditional favorites, you won't be disappointed. Just be sure not to drop in until 11am.

Lucky Platter **** (Main street)
This rather interesting place is located east of Chicago on Main, and is usually very busy on the weekends for breakfast, so be sure to have a "plan B" if you arrive and it's full, or arrive early! The fare is also rather off the wall and unique, but if you ask nicely, they'll bring you warm cornbread with your meal, yum!

Blind Faith Cafe ****
I had very low expectations of a vegetarian place for breakfast, but was pleased with what I found to be a wonderful dining experience. (All except for the wait beforehand, that is.) The wait staff here is very professional and attentive, and the quality of the food is exceptional. The patrons were the worst part, but the local Evanston folks like myself can be an odd bunch. It's a bit more expensive than I would like, but natural food always is.

Prairie Moon *** ½?Breakfast Possibly Discontinued? Call Ahead to verify.
Great buffet. A bit pricey $12, and the staff was a bit spaced out on the day I went. But the all you can eat omelets, French toast, pancakes, bacon, fruit, lox/bagels, rolls, and drinks was worth it in a town not well known for it’s breakfast fare. (Outdoor Seating)

Bat 17 *** (Church/Benson)
So I went in for breakfast, and the green chile omelet sandwich was really, really good. Oh, and free coffee? Yep, they have it!

Clarke's Cafe ** Clark (basically Emerson, which becomes Golf, sort of.)
The college kids from Northwestern pack this joint to the gills every waking hour of the day. They have hot sauce on the table, serve excellent sweet potato fries, and a very busy wait staff. Their prices are decent, but the food isn't all that great, nor is the atmosphere, unless you like lots of noise with your food.

Panera Bakery *** (Church/Sherman)
Good bagels and soup. Decent salads and sandwiches. Good coffee and tea. Normal Service, normal prices. The bread, which you can have sliced, is also very good.

Einstein Bro's. Bagels *** (Clark/Sherman)
Good bagel sandwiches. Atmosphere isn’t all that great. Service isn’t bad. Get it to-go. Prices compare to Panera and other Bagel places.

World Bagel, Formerly Bagel Art *** (Chicago/Dempster)
Great local bagel place. Get six to go with a bunch of cream cheese and you won’t be sorry you did. ;-)
Carry-out only, pretty much, but the prices are normal and the bagels almost as good as the New York Bagel on Touhy.

Jamba Juice *** (Corner of Davis and Orrington)
I’d give this place good marks for taste of product. Fair marks for service and cost. Juice, Juice, and only Juice. In the form of smoothies, at this place. Seating is VERY limited, as is the selection of other fare. Get it and go, the best way to experience the smoothies from this place is on a summer day in the grass across the street after you get your order.

Bennisons Bakery **** (Davis, 1 blk. East of the Post Office)
A bakery that’s been in business for quite some time, and will continue to do so. Old fashioned bakery fare that hits the sweet spot right in the kisser. Excellent for pies, cakes, and other baked goods.

Tag's Bakery **** (Central, 3 blks West of Green Bay)
My wife and I ordered our 2nd wedding cake from this bakery, and I must say that the cake was delicious, the price spot on, and the service the local friendly kind you always look for but rarely find.

Prairie Joes * (Just west of Green Bay on Central)
I had high hopes for this local breakfast joint. But alas, it turned out to be a cash-only dirty spoon with a meal I could easily cook at home that would taste better and cost much less. The table was wet. The place needs a good cleaning, the wait staff needs work on their manners and, well, basic job training. Blind Faith Cafe and Lucky Platter kick the farking crap out of this joint any day of the week for almost the same amount of money spent.

Firehouse Grill *** (Chicago/Kedzie, 1 blk south of Main)
I've not had a chance to try their weekend Brunch, but Firehouse now serves breakfast on the weekends. It's a good thing, because those of us who live on the southeast side have very few choices for restaurants in general. I've noticed recently that the Firehouse has become more of a family dining experience in general.

Coffee & Tea Joints in Evanston:

Brothers K Cafe ****
If you're a local, you'll love this place. If you're not, you might not like the wait in line. The Brothers K, (K is for Kim, their last name, as I recall), is a wonderful place to hang out and drink tons of coffee while chewing on their wonderful bread, home made chili, or a scone. They're also two nice brothers who always remember you and what you like to order if you're a regular. The staff and patrons are always filled with interesting characters of the local variety. :-)

Ambrosia Cafe ***
Run by two brothers from Ann Arbor, I love to hang out here with friends and grab a latte or hot tea. It's got a good vibe and the food that's brought in is as good or better than many other coffee joints. It's also across the street from Chase Bank, which makes it easy for us in the downtown area.

Peet’s Coffee/Tea Just North of Chicago/Davis***
Great Dragon tea here. Hand sorted, and in a large hot-pot.

Mozart Cafe, Corner of Chicago/Davis ***
Standard bagel, coffee, and muffins here. They now have free wireless internet access.

The Unicorn Café *** 2 Blks N. of Davis on Sherman
This place dances well to the local beat. The muffins kick ass and the coffee and tea-pot are quite good. (they have fresh beans and leaves) Free reading material and outdoor tables make this place a fave for those looking to unwind in the morning before (or during), the rat-race. (Great outdoor seating on warm days here.) (Outdoor Seating)

The Italian Coffee Bar **** (2 locations - Sherman & Church)
These cats do gelato just right! Excellent stuff. Good service at both locations, reasonable prices and atmosphere, and they make an excellent red eye.

Kaffeen **** 1/2 block north of Davis on Chicago
An excellent coffee/tea house with perks. It's open late, caters to the young crowd at night, but caters to codgers like me who want peace and quiet for lunch during their crazy work day. I love going here for a quiet, (and HUGE!), sandwich for lunch on days when I'm looking to relax.

Argo Tea ***
This little tea shop is just on the corner of Davis and Orrington. It has a very unique vanilla tea and excellent coffee and pastries. The help is friendly and really knows their stuff. Get it to go because the seating is scarce!

Starbucks, North on Sherman from Walgreen’s, also on Main/Chicago***
Haven’t had a Starbucks coffee yet? Worth at least one try! Get a latte, or a cappuccino.

Dunkin Donuts ***
This chain has really stepped up their coffee campaign. It’s on par or better than Starbucks in many cases…

Borders & Barnes & Noble ***
These two monster-sized bookstores also happen to have convienently located Seattle's Best and Starbucks service bars in them. They both serve up a mean latte and have a variety of food choices if you're looking for a place to read and eat in peace and quiet with service that's usually much faster than other places.

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Lunch-Dinner places in Evanston:

American, French, & Greek Cuisine

Jilly's Cafe ***** (Green Bay Road, Near Central)
WOW. I almost didn't write a review for this place, because I want to keep it all to myself. I can't give this place enough stars. It's a hidden gem on Green Bay. The prices are high, but that's okay, because the service and the food will make you forget the cost. Go for a romantic dinner when money isn't an issue, and you won't be disappointed.

Le Petite Amelia ***** (Church St., near Whole Foods) (Closed for Summer 2008!)
Very professional wait staff, nice atmosphere, reasonably priced, and best of all, the food was wonderful. The escargot was particularly good, and the chopped chicken salad rivals the rest in town. Crusty French bread and a long list of drink and dessert choices was also a nice touch. C'est Bon!

Davis Street Fish Market **** Davis and Hinman (East toward the lake.)
Excellent Catfish here. The chowder isn’t as good as it was when I went to New England, but then, nowhere has matched that experience thus far. The prices are typically higher as a result of getting the fresh fish further inland to Chicago, so be prepared to spend a bit more. I’d go for a dinner date, or one of the weekly specials. The service was decent, and the atmosphere a unique mariner style.

The Stained Glass ***** (Benson/Davis, on Benson)
Finally got the nerve to spend the $100+ dollars on this one. And I can honestly say I wasn’t disappointed. It felt like going to a fine day-spa and being pampered by some of the best wait staff I’ve ever had. Do the wine flight, the filet mignon, the duck, and the salad. Go early, get reservations, or don't go. Spectacular! 5 Stars well earned.

Dixie Kitchen (Cajun) **** (Church/Benson)
Home-style Cajun cooking. What more could a fire-breather like myself ask for? Great home cooked pot-cakes and catfish, hot sauce, mashed taters, and all the fixins. Not bad for a bunch of Northerners, even if I do say so myself. (And yes, I’ve been to New Orleans for Mardi-Gras, and the Grilled Alligator down there is much better than up here, but a guy takes what he can get.)

Johnny’s Subs, Subway, Pot Belly
Ahh, the Sub sandwich. You know this song… the prices are almost all the same.
However, the atmosphere is different for each. Get it to go at Subway. Dine in or carry-out at Johnny’s. The same could be said for Pot Belly and Quiznos.
If I had to pit any of them against one another, or rate them from top to bottom, it would go something like this:
*** Johnny’s Subs, good service, not toasted, but good subs and sandwiches. 2 blocks north of Davis, ½ block west of Sherman
*** Subway, what else do I need to say? If you haven’t eaten here, go do it now so you know. 1 block south of Davis on Orrington.
* Pot Belly, sometimes over-the-top corny service, no service, bad service. Often I’ve had bad customers who cut, go past you to pay, order over you, around you, and ignore your existence in general. These folks need to work on their method of building the sub as well, the counter is also too high/far away for you to see the ingredients or for the person building it to hear you in some cases. Right at Davis and Orrington. (Outdoor Seating)
Quiznos closed!

Lucky Platter **** (Chicago then east on Main Street)
Weird Art, Funky Food. Good food, but some of it is rather funky in nature.
;-) The cornbread is very good with honey, as is the jambalaya for dinner. The other dishes, omelets included, are good as well. If you like strange art and decent service with your food, try this little local joint sometime.

Jamacia - Diner and Juice Bar *** - (Sherman/Grove - Near Prairie Moon)
The Jamacian Jerk Chicken was great, as was the Festival. Very interesting. Good prices, service, and authentic food will keep folks coming back to this one. Just over ten bucks for lunch if you do it right.

Big Ka Hoo Na - Hawaiian BBQ *** (Benson/Clark - near Jimmy John's)
Whoa, you really need to try this one! In Hawaii, they love Spam. I'm not sure why, but they do. So, ignore that for a second, because they serve it and list it on their menu. Don't let that stop you! I didn't, and was quite pleased with myself after having an excellent meal of potstickers, Hawaiian iced tea, and Tocino, a Filipino favorite. All this, with good service, for less than $15 bucks. They deliver too!

Merle’s *** (Benson/Church)
Good smoking bar, good ribs, good fries. Decent Caesar salad, decent chili. Welcome to Texas in Evanston. The Lone Star flag hangs from this rib joint, and the food inside is your typical American/Western fare. Decent atmosphere, normal service, standard prices.

Wild Dogz **** (between Kaffein and Gio on Chicago, near Whole Foods)
The grilled chicken salad rivals anything in town, the onion rings sing in their beer-batter, and both the chili dog, italian beef, and turkey-burgers are as good or better than anywhere else I've eaten. All that, and the prices are twice as good as most other places in town. I'll be back in to say hello to the Wild Dogz crew, but I'll stay because the food is both good, affordable, and they have a huge selection to choose from. They even have veggie dogs and veggie burgers for vegetarians on a budget.

Prairie Moon **** (1 blk S. of Davis on Sherman/Grove)
All around good food, good service, pool table and bar included type of place. The prices are normal for an All-American Prairie style dinner. Some good off-the-wall selections of fare help make this place stand out a bit from the rest. Try the chowder, one of the many beers on their list, or a salad. All are good. (Outdoor Seating)

Pete Millers Steakhouse *** (1 blk S. of Davis on Sherman)
Very expensive, nice atmosphere, pool tables by-the-hour. A true Chicago, (once) smoke-filled, meat-eating, hard-drinking heaven. If some crotchety old bastard bitches and whines at you to get out of his way as he plays pool when you enter, tell him to piss off! Then order a drink and try to get a table. (Either a pool table or a normal one, you choose.) Or skip the bar area all together and order yourself a huge slab of meat as you sit in their wood laden dining room. Call ahead to see how busy it is, this place fills up quick on weekends. They don’t do lunch.

Cosi (American Fusion)***
This place is okay for lunch, and they seem to have finally figured out the customization situation. It's still not a place I go often, but the bread is quite good if you catch it fresh out of the oven, and self-serve refills on drinks are always nice.

Golden Olympic (cheap eats, not bad, Greek style) ***
This establishment has the feel of a good diner. It’s definitely priced reasonably, and reminds me of the places many grandparents like to frequent before the “kids” go out to eat. Good chicken, pie, and other “normal American and Greek fare” can be had here for a reasonable price in a recently rehabbed space.

Nevin’s Pub (formerly Tommy Nevin’s) *** 1 blk S. of Davis on Sherman
These guys get an extra star for having Guinness on tap, a live band stage, pool tables, darts, as well as outdoor seating and a formal dining room all in one. The service is okay, the fare decent, and it’s open late. Go here to get a fresh Guinness after a long day at work. (Outdoor Seating)

1800 Club ** (2 blks N. of Davis on Sherman)
Good bar, ½ a dining room. The dining atmosphere is generally quiet. Haven't been here in a while, and they have reduced summer hours, but it's usually a good place to grab a beer on the weekend.

Buffalo Joe’s *** (2 blks North of Davis, then West.)
Hot wings, oh, the hot wings! Gotta love them. These guys do spicy-grease style hot wings like no other. (They’re not as good as Fire House Grill’s hot wings, but then, they’re a shitload cheaper.)

Fire House Grill *** (Chicago Ave. 1 blk. S. of Main.)
Don’t eat here if you’re looking for ultra-healthy! This place has burgers, excellent hot wings, damn good chili, Susan’s salad, and several other delectable delights. They even have what I want in my kitchen… a WALL of FIRE (hot sauce heaven boys and girls.)
If you want to burn down the house, then put it out with a pint of beer, look no further than this beautifully rehabbed Evanston Firehouse gone restaurant. Oh, and the service has always been good here too, and the prices are reasonable. (some outdoor seating on warmer days.) (Outdoor Seating)

Uber Burger *** (Church, 1/2 blk east of Orrington, near the Library) (Closed for Summer 2008!)
So I was pulled in by Uber Burger with the promise of $2 burgers, and quickly found out that the promotion had ended and that my burger was going to cost more around $3 or so. The burger was decent, as were the fries, but the little place can't hold many customers, unfortunately

Cross-Rhodes **** (Chicago Ave., just north of Main)
Damn good Chicken vinegar Greek-fries and Gyros here. Not much on décor, but the price and service is right. Excellent chicken.

Sarpinos Pizza *** (Main/McCormick)
The delivery was prompt, the pizza was good, but the bread sticks and wings need work. I couldn't complain, however, because Sarpinos does it right when it comes to price. Good in a pinch and at a loss for what to serve at a party.

Carmen’s Pizza *** (Church/Oak)
Chicago Style, Deep Dish Pizza is the best weight-gainer any bodybuilder could ever ask for on the market today. And Carmen's is the some of the best damn pizza I've consistently had over the years. Delivery is always an option, and their establishment is fun too.

Giordano’s Pizza ** (Corner of Davis/Hinman)
Fair Chicago pizza. Never had anything else they serve.

D&D Dogs, D&D Finer Foods *** (Noyes/Sherman)
My buddy's family owns this local joint. It's got good gyros, fries, and greek salad, and a full-size grocery store right behind it! The prices are low and the service is quick and friendly. Drop by for a dog!

Coldstone Creamery *** (Sherman/Davis)
Damn good ice cream here. All sorts of goodies to put in it too.

Steak and Shake ** (Far south and west of downtown on Oakton)
If you work at Home Depot, or Petco, you’re probably very familiar with this place. They have very good milkshakes, burgers, and fries. However, my to-go milkshake came in a styrofoam cup, which kind of takes the fun out of it. (that crap lasts like 500 years, you know.) Anyway, it’s a good to go Burger Joint.

Burger King ½ a * (Orrington/Clark)
Fast food, anyone? Ubiquitous Burger Joint. Good for those addicted to McDonalds who don’t have one here anymore. I gave up fast food, by the way, can you tell?

Al's Beef - *. (Davis Street, 1/2 block west of Chicago)
Okay, so I gave these guys another chance. For a fast-food chain, they're fairly normal. The chicken on the salad is cold and definitely not fresh. The soda machine is in an awkward location near the pickup line next to the tables by the bathrooms. Not a very good setup. The fare is what you would expect from any fast food place, as are the prices, but not as cheap as Burger King.

The Rhythm Room * (Century 21 Theatres, Church/Maple)
Nothing against the staff, but the food here is horrible. I've met two people who have been sick after eating here. The drinks are expensive, but the atmosphere and the pool table help make up for it a bit.

Bar Louie * (Sherman/Grove)
Okay, here's a scenario for you: Let's say you'd like to eat at Bar Louie, a chain restaurant, but don't have quarters for the meter right outside. You'd think the waiter, bartender, hostess, or manager on duty would have the ability to exchange a dollar for four quarters, complete with a smile, right? You'd be wrong. Not only did my friend ask nicely, but he was rudely turned down by three employees there, and, I quote, "There is no change in the entire restaurant." said the Bartender. Bullshit, if you ask me. Go next door to Prairie Moon instead. I hear they're willing to change, as obviously, Bar Louie is not. If you absolutely have to eat here, get ready to pay through the nose, as everything is ala-carte. Oh, and they have over-priced martini's too.

The Sher-Main Diner * ½ * (Main Street)
This place barely gets two stars, (ok 1 and a half). Talk about breakfast and grease. This place needs a new roof! It’s definitely cheap, and definitely a local joint. But the tea, service, and food weren’t half bad, so I can’t knock it completely off the list. They’ll cook to order, so have them burn the hell out of your potatoes, and disregard the Russian mafia that eats at the table…

Asian Style Food:

Blu ***** (Orrington/Church, in the Orrington)
When I think of Toro Shashimi or fine unfiltered Sake, I think of Blu with a smile. Even the miso was built custom to order. The clean decor and traditional sushi bar were great together. Almost as good as the Dragon Roll I had. Bring your friend Ben to help pay, but he'd agree, it's worth it.

Joy Yee Chinese **** Davis (East toward the lake/Hinman.)
An excellent place overall. The atmosphere is “busy”, and this place thrives on speedy delivery, both in and out of the restaurant. The exotic blended tea drinks are on par with those from “Jamba Juice” and other “smoothie only” joints, but the food at Joy Yee is some of the better Chinese I’ve ever eaten. The string beans are fresh, the chicken is too. The vegetarian and non-vegetarian egg rolls are good, and their seafood soup, curry, noodles, and rice dishes are all prepared by someone from the old country. The prices are standard, and the service is prompt. If you’re looking for authentic Chinese, look no further.

Cozi’s (Thai) **** (Davis/Oak)
Cute little place, recently did a rehab to update the style, which favors old movie posters and other oddities. The service is very friendly, and the size of the place reminds you what it’s like to have a good cup of soup in a little café somewhere in small town. The curry with crispy rice noodles and chicken is one of my favorites.

Moon **** (Main/McCormick)
Moon is in the mall area near Main/McCormick. It's petite in size, but the Sushi and traditional non-Sushi dishes that I tried were all very good. Their egg rolls were decent and the good service is straight from Japan. (I even heard them having a conversation in Japanese, which happens to be one of my favourite languages to listen to.) ;-) Stop in, they just might surprise you for a place that's in a strip mall. The prices were reasonable and the atmosphere was also very nice.

ZaBo's Home Made Noodles *** (Sherman/ 1/2 blk south of Davis.)
Zabo's just opened. They make home made noodles with Thai and Chinese influences across the board. I had one entree of each type for two different lunches, just to check, and I'm happy to report that the noodle and rice dishes are both very good! They also fall into the $10 or less lunch category and they'll bring you hot sauce if you ask.

Thai Sook Dee (Thai) **** (Church/Oak)
Good service, nice atmosphere, much larger space than their old one, and good authentic Thai food makes high marks on my list. These folks do Thai justice, for lunch or dinner, without breaking your wallet.

Koi **** (Davis/Orrington)
Koi’s sushi was quite good, on par with many a sushi place I’ve been before. The prices are average for the sushi market, and the atmosphere is quite nice with a fireplace in the lobby and plasma screens at the bar in back. They also serve excellent Chinese food. Get ready to wait, however, as the lines for this place add up quick.

Sabai *** (Clark/Sherman, Near Northwestern's Clock Tower)
This little place used to be Vietnamese, but now it's an interesting (and good!) fusion of Chinese, Thai, and other Asian influences. I had excellent service, the prices were very reasonable, and the Kung Pao noodles I had were very unique and quite tasty!

Pine Yard **** (Davis, across the street from the Post Office.)
There is a reason this place has been in business since the 70’s. Damn good service, food, and prices. If you like Chinese food, and haven’t eaten here, you’re missing out! Vegetarians are also welcome, get the broccoli dish, it kicks ass! (and that’s high praise coming from someone who hates broccoli and eats meat!)

Kan Sa Ku **** (Sherman/Grove, 1 blk. South of Davis on Sherman)
It's strange, but I didn't try the sushi here. I tried the pork on a recommendation from two friends. Damn it was good! The atmosphere and service were stellar. The prices seem a bit steep, but it really was good.

Dozika *** (Corner of Chicago/Dempster)
Dozika has fair prices, the sushi was good, but not stupendous, and they have excellent tapioca drinks/shakes. The service was decent, and I found parking at a meter right outside.

Shashimi Shashimi *** (Orrington/Church)
To-go Sushi joint on the corner of Orrington and Church? Across the street from the Library. (I can’t remember street names, so sue me. ha!) Anyway, this place needs something. Atmosphere is sparse. Sushi was normal. Service was good when I went, but it’s pretty much take and go. The prices weren’t bad for Sushi, so I can’t really complain.

Kuni *** (East of Chicago on Main)
So I finally went in to Kuni for dinner. (I live about a block away, so one would figure it would be a given.) At any rate, it was decent sushi for a reasonable price. It's very "California Traditional", if one could say that about Sushi. They give you hot towels, Sake in a square bowl on a plate to drink from, and the traditional choice of Sushi at a reasonable price. They have beef and chicken for those who don't like the fish, and a kind staff who all know what they're doing. They also have valet parking, and they're closed on Tuesdays.

Hunan Spring ** (Chicago/South)
This Chinese joint has grown on me over the years. Their fare is reliable Chinese, and the service is interesting. (Family run/owned) One can get soup, egg roll, and dinner to-go, or delivered, for a reasonable price. Not as good as Pineyard, and only one step below Joy Yee. They’re close to my home, right next to Walgreens on Chicago, and one of the few southern end restaurants. Not bad.

Phoenix Chinese Restaurant *** Davis (East of Orrington.)
A “greasy Chinese spoon”. Very cheap at $5 bucks for lunch, which includes soup, egg roll, hot tea, and entrée. A very good choice for those on a budget looking to whet their Chinese food palette. The service was excellent, though the atmosphere and tables leave something to be desired. I’d order “to-go” (pick up only), if I were to try this one again.

Flat Top Grill *** (Church/Orrington)
I’ve eaten here time and again. Not because I like the atmosphere, but because I love to make my own food and see it prepared on a giant flat top griddle. There is definitely something to be said for making your own food, if you’re into that type of thing. The seating in this place is “a bit close for comfort” sometimes, and don’t come here during the lunch rush if you’re not interested in having a stranger sit next to you. Also avoid this place if you’re not interested in spending more than 10 bucks for lunch. The service is a mix of self-serve and wait staff, as well as the professional plate balancer who brings the food to your table after it’s been cooked. Overall, I’d say give this one a shot if you like stir-fry and self-reliance. (Outdoor Seating)

Siam Paragon **** (Main/Hinman)
Love the atmosphere, the service, and the food. The prices are reasonable and the variety on the menu was unexpected. It fits in well with the other two asian restaurants, Kuni and Oceanique for taste, but is much nicer to your wallet. Try the green tea ice cream. It's very interesting.

Noyes Street, Manchurian-Korean Restaurant *** (Noyes)
Looking for an egg roll that’s out of the way? Want some Bee-Bim-Bop that doesn't’t taste like an American made it? This little out of the way place has some real local charm, some of the best kim-chee that I’ve ever eaten, and damn good service. I love local joints that aren’t so well known. Go to Noyes on Green Bay, take a right, drive until just under the “el” tracks. Look for parking on the north side of the street. Damn good. Now it’s not a secret anymore, oh well.

Lu Lu’s **** (Davis Street/Sherman)
Okay, finally! I don't know what they did, but the menu choices were much more my style, and though the wait staff was still aloof, it didn't ruin the food. ;-) Give this one a chance, and try the Dragon Noodles, if you're looking for something out of the ordinary. The asparagus tempura was also exceptional.

J.K. Sweets ** (Clark/Sherman)
The one-way street, Church? 2 blocks north of Davis, between Orrington and Sherman. Excellent Sushi, provided “mom” is there to make it. Good Miso soup, and free water cooler with cups in the self-service area. These folks also have a full Asian kitchen, and a wide variety of sweets and ice cream. All this for a very reasonable price makes high marks, even though the atmosphere is a bit café, there’s plenty of reading material.

Noodles & Company **
This place should be called: “The Normal Noodle”
The noodle place “isn’t bad”, but not to my taste. The atmosphere is pretty normal, the service is normal, and the food is normal. If you like stir-fry noodles, you’ll like this one. The prices are normal for lunch. Oh, did I mention this place is normal?

Italian Cuisine:

Ommagio **** (Orrington/Church) (Closed for Summer 2008!)
This place opened up late in 2007. Extensive rennovation was done to the interior, and I must say that it was well executed. The restaurant has a lot of natural wood and brick and makes the space seem warm and inviting. I tried the braised octopus appetizer, the insalata anipasto, the wild boar ragu, the Patta chocolate dessert, iced tea, and coffee at the end of the meal. I must say, it was all very good, particularly the octopus. The boar wasn't gamey enough for a country boy like myself, but I'll try the venison next time, and probably won't be dissapointed. The prices are reasonable for the quality of the fair, and the deli attached to the restaurant looks interesting as a to-go option.

Va Pensiero **** (Oak/Davis, on Oak)
This place, under the Margarita Inn, is about as formal as it gets. A valet will park your car out front, but only if you’re dressed appropriately. Oh, and get ready to spend some money, because the good eats and wine here don’t come cheap. Italian fare.

Trattoria Demi **** (1/2 Blk S. of Davis on Sherman/Orrington)
Very good Italian food for both lunch and dinner. The Chicken Salad, Pizza, Sandwiches, and Pasta are all excellent. They bring bread to your table, (olive oil too if you ask.) The prices are reasonable, the service has always been good, and the atmosphere nice. It tends to get crowded, so drop by and see if it’s not too busy to grab a bite before you settle on it. (cozy outdoor seating in the shade on warm days.) (Outdoor Seating) They now deliver! We'll see if it lasts. Evanston is tough for delivery.

Gio **** - ( ½ blk north of Davis on Chicago)
The menu boasts cheap pizza that tastes like 4 stars. An excellent chicken dish with mushrooms and cheese wrapped in a chicken breast, and excellent olive oil with bread for dipping. they also have affordable beer along with their expensive wine. The service for a Thursday night was quite good, though I wonder what weekends hold. (I’m sure they’re packed.) The atmosphere is also quite nice.

Convito Italiano **** (Not Evanston, but feels like it.)
A wonderful little outdoor seating venue, complete with their own Italian store and deli. The food is excellent, the prices reasonable, and the memories of wonderful picnics at Ravinia with wine from Convito is worth the stop at the Plaza De Lago, about 10 minutes north of Evanston on Sheridan.

Symphony *** (Central, 3 blks W. of Green Bay, north side of street.)
The Italian I had in this restaurant was very good, the service decent, and the prices reasonable. Not a bad choice for an out-of-the-way Italian place on an otherwise busy weekend.

Trattoria D.O.C ** (1/2 Blk W. of Chicago on Main)
Good thin crust, wood-fired pizza. However, like Dave's, they don't know how to make a calzone worth a damn. What is it with Chicago and their no-sauce calzone? Come on guys, it's whatever the customer wants in it, lots of interesting non-mozzarella cheeses, and sauce on top. Not dry-ass pizza of single choice folded over with no sauce on top. Look it up! Oh, and both times I went, their service was horrible. I won't go back.

Dave’s Italian Kitchen * (Chicago/Church)
Saturday night, November 2003. The wait was 20 minutes to get in, so my wife and I had high expectations about the place regardless of our previous skepticism. (Dave’s has two stout porters in a bottle, A+ so far.) Then, the service. It was less than exemplary. The Calzone, so unlike Mama’s Boy Restaurant back home where I used to make calzone's, was simply a pizza folded on top of itself. No marinara sauce, no olive oil coating, no special cheese inside. Just a folded over pizza. The pasta my wife ate was very bland. The bread was also bland. The prices were a bit more reasonable than Gio next door. It’s a shame you still get what you pay for, because I had high hopes for this one. Maybe I’ll go back, but probably not.

Other Worldwide Cuisine:

The Celtic Knot *** (Church/Orrington)
As good as it gets for truly authentic Celtic food, if not the atmosphere. The place was “The Roxy”, then “Bombay”, now it’s been re-renovated and made into this excellent Irish Pub/Restaurant. Though the atmosphere hasn't’t changed much from it’s Roxy Days, and the service is new but caring, the food is completely different. So far, I’ve tried the Salmon Plate, an excellent dish of North Atlantic Salmon with a salad, home made vinaigrette, and home made Irish brown bread. Yum! The other dish I’ve tried is “The Ploughman’s Lunch”, heavy Blue and Irish Cheddar cheeses that “will knock you on your arse!.” Most excellent. Oh, and they of course have Guinness and Harp on tap. Go now if you like Celtic food!

Mt. Everest *** (Church/Orrington)
Good Indian buffet, quick service, nice atmosphere. For dinner, the authentic Vindaloo dishes from Nepal will set you on fire, just the way I like it. Their naan is almost as good as on Devon, but the parking is much easier and the prices are about the same.

Pomegranate **** (Orrington/Church)
This place has great air conditioning, the Mediterranean fare is quite good. Try the hummus. Their falafel, chicken, and steak-pita sandwich are all excellent choices as well. They're on Orrington, near the library. Their service and efficiency are welcome additions to their large tables and comfortable atmosphere. And my suggestion to upgrade their paper cups was heard!

Olive Mountain *** (Davis, ½ block East of Orrington)
Good value for lunch, good falafel, nice atmosphere, brisk business. Overall not a bad choice for lunch.

Whole Foods: Salad Bar *** (Church/Chicago)
Overall, I’d say this salad bar is very well maintained. It also has an Oriental Bar next to it, which for the same price, one can mix and match. The price is about 5 bucks a pound, and drinks are near the front, as well as some seating, so overall, it’s not a bad deal. The foods are almost all organic in nature, and the store contributes to the organic movement, so you’re sure to have a clearer conscience when you eat at Whole Foods. The service is grocery-store style, and serve yourself. So if you’re not a good waiter, don’t eat here. ;-) (Outdoor Seating)

Campagnola *** (formerly Champagne)
Highly pretentious, and expensive. However, the service was impeccable, and the food was very tasty, if “a bit skimpy” for this Colorado bred, meat eating, 240 lb. male. (who is used to rather large portions and voluminous fare.) The downstairs would probably be more to my liking, cheaper, more food, and not as fancy. At least the wine was very good, and when you eat less food, you get drunker faster…

Rotary Building Cafeteria ** (Sherman/Grove)
This place is affordable, lots of seating, and buffet style service. The lines can get long, and the food is average, but not bad for a full-force cafeteria on the ground floor of the Rotary building. I hear they have breakfast too.

Noyes Street Café *** (Noyes)
Hmm. What can I say about this place? Oddly eclectic, eccentric? Strange menu with not-so-strange
ingredients. Above average prices, and odd hours. Good luck on this one!

Pita Pete's Healthy Eats ** (Sherman/Grove)
Pita Pete's is where "That Mexican Cafe" used to reside, right next to Convito Italiano, on Sherman. It's relatively new. The staff is friendly, the prices reasonable, and the food very much in line with the other lunch joints in the area. It's a lot like Subway, but with Pita's instead of bread. They have many of the same chip and drink combinations, and the atmosphere is similar to most Sub shops. I'd get it "to-go" if I go again and enjoy a seat outside with my Pita in the Sun. (in the summer, of course.)

Globe Cafe' and Bar * (In the Orrington Hotel)
What can I say about a place that has an ambiguous hostess stand when you first walk in? Or how about the $3.00 Iced Tea with my $9.00 cheeseburger and fries? Maybe it was the wait staff that didn't greet me right away, or the inept plate delivery by someone other than my waitress. Whatever it was, at a grand total of Sixteen bucks after tip, (yes, I tip well even for poor service, as I've worked in a Restaurant since I was 12 years old), I don't think anyone could convince me to go back. Next time, I'll spend that kind of money at Flat Top or on fresh Sushi next door at Shashimi Shashimi. I'll definitely get more bang for my buck that way.

Spanish & Mexican Cuisine:

Tapas Barcelona **** (Chicago/Davis)
The company I work for has had it’s get-together at this fine Authentic Spanish Cuisine restaurant for several years running. They boat a large full bar, a very knowledgeable staff, good service, and some of the very best in authentic Tapas. (small taste portions.) Fresh bread, sangria, and other goodies flow out of the kitchen. All this can be done for a reasonable price, unless you’re really hungry, in which case you might spend a bit more. But overall, I’d say it’s definitely worth at least one try if you’re in the mood for Spanish. (Outdoor Seating)

Chipotle *** (Church/Orrington)
Burritos, “let us help you roll a fatty” is what one t-shirt used to say in this place. Big burritos filled with goodies, or in a bowl, to your liking? Then come on into this place. The prices are reasonable, and the decor a mix of old wood and metal. The place is PACKED during lunch, so don’t expect a seat during the rush. I do like the fact that they serve alcohol, and will make your food SPICY if you wish.

That Little Mexican Café *** (Church/Oak)
Recently, these folks have moved their dine-in authentic Mexican restaurant to a new location, which I've had their lunch buffet in, quiet good. The food is decent, the wait staff pleasant, and the overall atmosphere very typical of a dine-in Mexican place. The prices are a bit high for lunch, but the food a bit above par, while the chips could be improved upon, but at least one basket is still free. (they charge for the second basket of chips, so look out!)

Lupita's Mexican Restaurant *** (Main/Chicago)
This little family run Mexican restaurant isn't bad. The food is traditional for the most part, and the home-made chips and hot salsa really add to the atmosphere. Not as good as my hometown, Durango, Colorado, for Mexican, but hey, a guy takes what he can get here up north.

Chili’s ** (Church/Maple)
Lunch is the same price as dinner at this corporate eats place. So avoid it. Oh, and the service lacked big time last time I was in. No one sat me, so I sat at the bar, and the bartender was so busy he didn’t ask for my order for at least 10 minutes. Not good for those in the lunch rush mode. Food is decent, service rough around the edges. Price much too high in comparison with other lunch joints.

Las Palmas *** (3 blks. N. of Davis, 1 blk West of Sherman)
Another Mexican restaurant that does some justice to the trade. The fajita’s here are decent, and the chips not-so-bad. The service was good the 3-4 times I went, and the atmosphere is also authentic. A good substitute for any other Mexican place that’s overpriced and overbooked. (see Chili’s entry…) The prices here are reasonable too.

Taco Bell * (Sherman/Clark)
Cheap. The cheapest sort-of non-Mexican one can buy. If you’re on a budget, not a diet, then go here and grab 20 tacos for 20 bucks.

Alfresco Dining in Evanston:

al·fres·co:
–adverb 1. out-of-doors; in the open air: to dine alfresco.
–adjective 2. outdoor: an alfresco café.
- Also, al fresco.

My first recommendation: Grab a cooler, something to grill, and head to one of Evanston's parks that have a built-in grill. Bring your charcoal and some friends! The location is free if your event is under 30 people, the food is what you're willing to spend at the store, and the views near the lake are some of the best in the country.

For more information, check out the Park Regulations PDF:
http://www.cityofevanston.org/departments/parks/pdf/ParkPermitRulesJune13.pdf

Also, Outdoor Faires and Festivals go without saying. They're a "No brainer for outdoor food."

That said, "What else is available for outdoor seating in Evanston?"

First, let's define "Outdoor Seating." I think it's important to note that in my book, there are a few types of Alfresco dining in Evanston:

1. A place that has outdoor seating, hopefully with a separate patio and umbrellas.
2. A place that has seats outside, but little or no service at said seats.
3. Places with outdoor seating that I refuse because I don't like the atmosphere enough.

There's a huge world of difference here folks, don't let them fool you!

Keeping my rule in mind, and my other rules for a balance of price, atmosphere, service, and quality of food, I'll leave you with the following list of places to dine Alfresco.

1. Tapas Barcelona (Separate Patio)
2. Prairie Moon (Separate Patio)
3. 1800 Club (Separate Patio)
4. Koi (Indoor windows so big you're eating outside.)
5. Pot Belly Subs/Jamba Juice (Practically a public square.)
6. Firehouse Grill (Separate Patio near sidewalk.)
7. Nevins (Big tables, big sidewalk.)
8. Trattoria Demi (Good service/food, sidewalk.)
9. Noodle Company (Shady, big sidewalk.)

Places that have outdoor seats, usually without service:
1. Whole Foods
2. Unicorn Cafe
3. Brother's K Cafe
4. Starbucks on Sherman

Places that are currently open that have outdoor seats that I don't personally consider, regardless of the quality of their service/food:
1. Argo Tea (Too much traffic, sidewalk.)
2. Le Peep (Too much sun, sidewalk.)
3. Dixie Kitchen (Too much sun, sidewalk.)
4. Bar Louie (Takes up whole sidewalk, expensive.)
5. Davis Street Fish Market (Wind tunnel, traffic, sun, sidewalk.)
6. Celtic Knot (Too much traffic, sidewalk.)
7. Flat Top Grill (Too much traffic/sun, sidewalk.)
8. Chipotle (Too much traffic/sun, sidewalk.)
9. Clarke's Cafe (Not enough tables, sidewalk.)
10. Globe Cafe & Bar (Too expensive, sidewalk.)
11. Kan Sa Ku (Not enough seats, too small, on sidewalk.)
12. Chef's Station (Too expensive, sort of patio/sidewalk.)
13. Bat 17 (Tiny table on a sidewalk, anyone?)
14. A few places on Central in Evanston. (I don't go north enough to have a strong opinion.)
15. I might have missed some, but you get the idea.

Special Reviews for Non-Evanston Eats:

M. Henry, Edgewater - Clark just south of Peterson. *****
It was great! Wonderful atmosphere. Large space, excellent service with a smile. I had the stuffed poblano pepper with adobo sauce, stuffed with eggs & chorizo, and sweet plantains. Go early! They don't take reservations, and they are VERY busy for good reason. We got lucky and were sat almost immediately just before 10AM on Sunday.

REZA's in Andersonville *****
Great price for excellent Mediterranean food, vegetarian options, tons of food, excellent drinks and outdoor seating, indoor atmosphere, and an all around good time.

New York Bagel, Touhy/94-Edens *****
Ok, I know this isn’t Evanston anymore, but these Bagels will kick the ass of any two other bagel joints within 15 miles. The homemade lox style cream cheese is to DIE for, as is any of the other spreads they have. The bagels are homemade on-site, in their giant oven, and well worth the trip. Oh, and they’re open 24 hours a day. What more could you ask for? Yes, they sell sea-salt bagels, and drink too. Definitely worth it, because they’re cheap to boot!

Japan Noodle House, Belmont/Ashland *****
Best Sushi I’ve ever eaten in Chicago! It’s all Japanese folks here, real nice service/staff. Pictures of almost every guest who’s ever eaten there on the walls, and an All You Can Eat Sushi that doesn’t Suck! And only 12 bucks! Excellent place. I’ve made several special trips to go there on several occasions.

Gulliver's Restaurant, Howard street, Chicago ****
WOW! This place is worth the visit if even just to see the interior decor. The owner has collected a vast variety of sculptures, lamps, and other interesting oddities that defy description. The stuffed pizza is spectacular, and the service excellent. Go in for a visit if you haven't had the chance to yet!

Home Run Inn Pizza *****
Yes, they make frozen pizza. No, the review is not for the frozen pizza, which while good, is nowhere near as good as the actual restaurant! I've made two pilgrimages to the original place, and I'll go again. This is Chicago Pizza at it's finest folks, trust me. Check out their locations here: Home Run Inn locations

3rd Coast Cafe **** (Dearborn/1 blk north of Division)
This Chicago establishment has changed over the last couple of years. They used to be open 24 hours, then started closing earlier and earlier, until now I believe they're only open until Midnight or so. The staff and the owner, Janet, (as I recall), are very friendly, and the live music is always good. The menu is well priced for being downtown, and it has something for everyone. I particularly like Diablo's Tacos and their Ceasar salads. The sandwiches are also always good. They used to have smoking, but thankfully that's gone in Chicago now too! Yay! Parking is hard to find, and Sundays are so busy they're bursting at the seams, but otherwise it's a wonderful place overall.

Tsunami ***** (Dearborn/Division)
Excellent Sushi, wonderful atmosphere. You know it's good when patrons come from Japan to eat here. What else can I say? Go now if you have the time and the money. Oh, and parking is tough, so get ready.

The Green Zebra * (Ashland/Chicago in Chicago)
Now I've been to pretentious places before, so I knew what to expect in the vegetarian place. Hence, I ate before I went and I wasn't sad I did. In fact, I almost laughed in the waitress' face when she looked at my rather large frame in shock when I said I was "full" from eating the tiniest bowl of onion soup I've ever eaten for ten bucks in my life. HA HA! Talk about a place for people to blow their money on vegetarian fare I could make at home for 1/10th the cost! Save your bucks and avoid this place like the money-sucking-barely-cooked-almost-good-but-not-really fashion show it is and go to a real Chicago restaurant instead.

Uncle Mel's Ribs and Sauce *****
I met Uncle Mel by chance as he was in a restaurant doing a taste test for the staff, and I have to say that it's the best I've had in Chicago. The Marinade and Southern Original are both from an old Louisiana Recipe, according to Mel, and you'll believe it on the first bite! Damn good stuff. I have to remember to order a jug of marinade for the house!

Mel lives in Wheeling, but you'd swear he imports his stuff straight from New Orleans. Not at all like the store-bought sugar and high-fructose stuff. Only the best goes in these sauces. He makes each batch by hand, and it shows. Oh, and he sells ribs by the rack, heat and eat!

Uncle Mel's, Inc.
Phone: 847-818-8987
ribsandsauce @ comcast.net for pricing and orders. (space included to avoid spam)
Tell him Calin sent you!

Places I’ve yet to review:
Papa John’s Pizza **
Hecky’s *?*
Chicken Shack *?*
Oceanique *?*
Quince *?*
Union Pizza (Wild Geese) *?*

Reviews for places that have Closed:

Gary Poppins Popcorn **** (Sherman/Clark)(Closed!)
Dang. I am sorry to see this place go. The cheese popcorn is definitely for the hard-core cheese heads among us, and I expect to see many great things come from this little shop. I’m so happy this store opened I could just pop! (please forgive the cheese flavored pun.) heh. Oh, and just had the caramel corn, very good!

Jamaican Gate: **(Closed!)
The culture both in the small eatery and the food is authentic to a "J". :-) LOVED the chicken I had, and the service was very up-front and friendly. Ja Mon! Drop in for a bite sometime if you're feeling adventurous. Oh, and the Carrot Cake was excellent. :-)

GNC (General Nutrition Center) ***(Closed!)
Good smoothies, low-carb bars/supplements here. Not much in the way of “meals”, but a good place to grab a healthy alternative to the candy and other crap we Americans eat all the time.

Coach’s Café, Orrington Hotel, Evanston *** (Closed! See Globe Cafe and Bar, if you dare...) 1 blk N. of Davis on Orrington (Sherman)
This little Northwestern University café has a nice little sports bar next to a fairly well put together dining room. The service is good, the food very normal, and the prices typical of a diner. It’s not thought of by the main stream very often, which means it most likely won’t be too busy to pop in and grab a bite. (Unless it’s game night, then look-out!)

Baja Fresh ** (Closed!)
A mixture of fast food style cutlery with a bit of a home cooked touch feel, without the home. Serve yourself a drink style refills and a “salsa bar” with plastic ramekins remind me of all that’s good in an eat-in Mexican restaurant without the atmosphere of an eat-in Mexican restaurant. Price isn’t anything special, neither were the enchiladas. Free chips with order, pretty normal. Salsas weren’t anything to write home about.

Corner Street Bakery **** (Closed!)
Corner street bakery is one of the best overall places on my list. The food is always good, the service is always prompt. I’ve eaten there at least 10 times, and have eaten almost every entrée on their menu. The prices are reasonable for an entrée, ($9 bucks with drink as of Oct. 2003), less for the lunch specials. Their salads, sandwiches, soups, and cookies are all good. Try this place at least once and see what you think. Oh, and the seating is nice too. (Outdoor Seating)

Bombay **** (Closed! Now it’s “The Celtic Knot”)
Good Indian buffet, in fact, so good, I eat there regularly. 10 bucks with tip for lunch. Good atmosphere, good service.

Chicago Dog **½ (Closed!)
Can you say, “greasy spoon”? Wow, cheap eats, fast service, and grease. They all go together for some off-the-wall menu items in this all American style fast food gone extra joint. Get a Hot Dog, a Gyro, a Chicken Sandwich, some soup, fries, and a pickle, and you’re all set. Oh, and don’t forget the soda pop, coke, or other carbonated, sugar laden beverage. You’ll spend about $5 bucks in this joint for lunch. Get it to-go, or get grease on your shirt.

Sherman Café **(Closed!)
Traditional breakfast fare, not that great, but reasonable price and fairly normal.

Aladdin’s Eatery *** Davis (East of Orrington)(Closed!)
Modern but comfortable atmosphere, interesting lighting. Both of my service experiences to this new restaurant in Evanston, (as of September, 2003), I would rate as good.
The carrot cake is VERY delicious. The green bean appetizer was good, as well as the salad and chicken dishes I ate. Standard Greek/Mediterranean food at this place, and the prices are standard.

Meet Farang, formerly Blue Sapphire (Thai) ***(Closed!)
Comfortable atmosphere, good people waiting on you, good food to eat. For Thai, this little gem is worth a try, so long as you can get a seat.

Fusion *** Near Taco Bell on Sherman (Closed!)
This little eatery, formerly known as Camille's, was quite good. As the name suggests, it's a fusion of different ethnic cuisine fused together to create something new. Good to go for lunch, service was very good and the prices reasonable.

Arigato Sushi **(Closed!)
Fair sushi here. Nowhere near as good as “Aki-Hana” on Lake further north, nor anywhere near as good as “The Noodle House” on Belmont/Ashland. But, for Sushi in Evanston it’s either here or “Kuni”, (which I have yet to try.) The prices for lunch are normal for sushi but I’d avoid it if you are a sushi connoisseur.

Cereality ***(Closed!)
Ever wake up in the morning and fly off to work without time for a bowl of your favorite cereal? I have. This place has it all! Even my old favorite cereals are here, and they'll even put in a few custom options for you like honey and bananas. Now all we need is a place that serves grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in a brown bag for lunch like they have in New York... :-)

Asado Brazilian Grill **** (Church/Oak)(Closed!)
Yep, it's too bad. Another interesting-but-expensive niche restaurant has gone away for now. It's a shame, really, but their prices were a casualty of the high competition. There's a lot of vegetarians in town, too. My wife is one. (I'm definitely carnivore though.)

Wolfgang Puck ** (Church/Maple)(Closed. Not surprised.)
For a guy who has his own market, and stuff in the super market, you would think that the fare here would rival some of the best. Well, you’d be wrong. This place is Normal with a capital “N”, and a bit on the expensive side for what I consider normal, as well. The tall German beer is good, but I can get that almost anywhere that sells liquor, and the burgers, soup, chicken, salad, and martini’s aren’t anything to write home about either. Skip this one, then take the money you saved and go see a movie next door. (Outdoor Seating)

**** Quiznos(Closed!) first, best service, best toasted subs. On Davis, just west of Sherman. (Outdoor Seating)

Viva le Crepe(Closed!) **** (1/2 block south on Sherman/Davis)
Viva le Crepe is about as good as it gets for French style food at a reasonable cost in Evanston. Oceanique, which I’ve been told has a bit of a different style, is much more expensive. The Godiva Crepe, the Banana Foster Crepe, and both the Creole and Steak Crepes were all very good. The red pepper soup was wonderful, and the baked Brie was also excellent. Tre Bien!

Tacos Del Lago (Closed!)*** (Clark/Benson)
This authentic Mexican restaurant has some of the best two-dollar tacos in town, and isn't nearly as crazy during lunch as the other joints in town during the lunch rush. Their burrito was pretty good, and their salsa is muy bueno!