My favorite Evanston spots

Evanston is the perfect escape from the city—a cute college town with a laid-back, walkable atmosphere. With so many fantastic shops, cafes, restaurants, and bakeries, it was tough to choose, but here are some of my top picks…

Shops

Stella Boutique
Nestled on Central Street, Stella Boutique is a delightful spot featuring stylish and unique women’s clothing, artisan jewelry, accessories, and home decor and gifts.

niceLena & Friends
Located on Chicago Avenue near Trader Joe’s, this curated gift shop offers a wonderful selection of handmade home goods, jewelry, candles, and locally crafted items. Their earrings and tees are a must-see.

Thrift stores

Crossroads Trading
This consignment store on Sherman Avenue is a treasure trove for secondhand fashion, where I’ve scored finds like a pair of Diane von Furstenberg pants for just $12!

Goodwill
Conveniently located on Dempster Street.

Salvation Army
A new addition on Oakton, opened just a year ago.

Cafes

Backlot Coffee
One of my favorite spots. It’s always packed on weekends, but the coffee and pastries are worth the wait. Plus, it’s in the heart of the Central Street shopping district.

Cupitol Coffee & Eatery
Found on Grove Street, this café blends a cozy coffee shop vibe with a full restaurant menu, making it ideal for a laid-back hangout.

Patisserie Coralie
This adorable French café on Davis Street is the perfect place for exquisite pastries and a delightful ambiance.

Evanston Coffee Lab
Popular for studying and just hanging out, they have delicious butter mochi cakes and Filipino-inspired dishes made fresh to order.

Collectivo Coffee
A beloved Milwaukee-based chain, where you’ll find a relaxed spot to work. Fantastic coffee and rotating lattes.

Sweets

Bennison’s Bakery
A classic Evanston spot, Bennison’s on Davis Street is known for its mouthwatering selection of pastries and breads.

Hoosier Mama Pie Company & Dollop Coffee
Their pies, especially the savory chicken pot pie, are absolute perfection. THEN we get to the sweet pies. While I’d typically put them under cafés, their food really steals the show.

FRÍO Gelato
Located on Chicago Avenue, this gelato shop offers authentic Argentinian flavors..

Great Harvest Bread Co.
A woman-owned bakery with an impressive array of breads and sandwiches. Don’t miss the indulgent monkey bread with a steaming cup of coffee.

Restaurants

Tomo Japanese Street Food
Tomo serves up fantastic, casual Japanese dishes like ramen, udon, takoyaki, and house-made pork belly. Get a bento box if you’re unsure. The vibe is laid-back, with anime and Japanese tunes setting the scene.

Inspired Indian
A hidden gem on Noyes Street, Inspired Indian takes Indian cuisine to the next level with creative dishes like the Paneer Tikka Masala Sandwich.

Lucky Platter
This cozy Main Street eatery is known for its eclectic menu and vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.

Got any favorite spots of your own? Feel free to share!