Enjoy Evanston: Student Food Edition!
Between classes, exams, and all of the studying, the best part of college is exploring your new home. Whether you’re now an official Evanstonian, studying hard at Northwestern, or you’ve decided to wander north from any of the colleges and universities in neighboring Chicago, Evanston is the perfect place to enjoy your time in college.
As the first of many guides to the city, we’ve selected a few of your must-try places for your next study break. Enjoy discovering this small sampling of coffee shops, restaurants, and more!
For Studying
Coffee Lab Roasters | Noyes | 910 Noyes St.
Outside of the many places to grab a coffee on campus, this bustling shop is a go-to for many Northwestern students hoping to sneak in a few hours of studying. Grab a table for your next group project.
Backlot Coffee | Central Street | 2006 Central St
Make your way a little further north to discover Backlot. Both the seasonal drinks and food are worth a try. You’ll find plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. This shop is perfect for meeting up with a new friend or professor.
For Brunch with Besties + Visitors
Ovo Frito | Maple/Foster | 1936 Maple Ave
Close to campus, Ovo Frito specializes in breakfast, lunch, and brunch and they do it so well. You’ll feel right at home with this mexican-American inspired dishes.
The Lucky Platter | Main-Dempster Mile | 514 Main St
This quirky restaurant is the perfect place to take your family when they’re visiting. It’s one-of-a-kind and they’ll tell all of their friends about it when they’re back home. After checking out, make your way to the shop to grab ice cream and other delicious treats at their in-house market.
Stacked & Folded | Noyes | 824 Noyes Street
You’ll find delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner at this local restaurant and hangout. Bring your family and friends when they visit but definitely make it a regular stop for trivia nights and game days!
Students at Tomatae Fresh Kitchen in Noyes
For Off-Campus Dining
D&D Diner | Noyes | 825 Noyes Street
On one side, you have a great shop to pick up all of your dorm room essentials, on the other side you have the perfect place to grab wraps, burgers, hot dogs, and craveable milkshakes.
Tomatae Fresh Kitchen | Noyes | 914 Noyes Street
A few taps on your phone and you’ve got the most delicious tacos, gorditas, and burritos. Don’t skip out on a horchata or any of the fresh, seasonal drinks. Order online and pick up at the window on your way to campus.
Foster Deli | Maple Foster | 831 Foster Street
Sometimes a simple sandwich can keep you from feeling homesick. Stock up on your favorite snacks while you wait.
For the Foodies
Buffalo Joe’s | 812 Clark Street | Downtown
This place is legendary with even students from Chicago traveling up north to check it out. Bring cash and split wings with your friends. Perfect for get-togethers and game days.
Blind Faith Cafe | 525 Dempster Street | Main Dempster Mile
No matter your diet or dining preferences, everyone will love this vegan restaurant with internationally inspired cuisine.
DeSalvo’s Pizza | 1945 Central Street | Central Street
Consistently named one of the best pizzas in Evanston (and Chicago!), DeSalvo’s is the perfect place to indulge. Grab a small pizza and a soda for under $20!
