Category Archives: Cafes

La Macchina Cafe

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**** (4 stars)

This is one of the better Italian restaurants in Evanston, despite the confusing name that makes it sound like it’s a coffee place. They do indeed have good espresso, but it really is an Italian cafe.

I tried two specials of the day. The first was the “artichoke fritters” which weren’t actually fritters, but lightly battered artichoke pieces deep fried. A better choice was the mussels in cream sauce. These were nicely done, and the cream sauce was delicious without being too heavy. A basket with two types of bread was provided, and one of them proved perfect for dipping in the leftover sauce.

There is a thoughtful list of wines by the glass, including many Italian selections, and the pours are generous.

A macchiato was the perfect way to finish off the meal.

La Macchina Cafe
1620 Orrington Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 425-1080
http://www.yelp.com/biz/la-macchina-cafe-evanston

The Alcove

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**** (4 stars)

With 12 seats inside, and about as many on the sidewalk, the Alcove may not be the smallest bar/restaurant in America, but it’s certainly a contender. The food menu is limited to basically several paninis or a cheese plate, but the smoked turkey panini I had was delicious, and the salad that accompanied it was almost European in character, in keeping with a number of European wines and spirits on offer. Service is friendly, and the atmosphere is definitely cozy and unique.

The Alcove
512 Main St
Evanston, IL 60202

http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-alcove-evanston

Delbe’s Corner

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***** (5 stars)

Wow, I’d eat here even if the food wasn’t good. This was a fantastic service experience, the kind that is rare these days. It’s not that anything exceptional occurred. That’s what was so fantastic. It’s just that I can anticipate the same exact level of service on my next visit, because it’s clear that the culture here is to hire nice people who are engaged in what they do, and serving their customers.

I was greeted when I walked in, chatted with as I ordered, met with a friendly smile when my food was delivered, and thanked for my business when I left. And none of it was because the young man behind the counter had been told he had to do that. It’s because he wanted to make sure he had happy customers. This sounds basic, but it happens so rarely, in such an honest fashion, that it really stands out.

Oh, and yes, the sunrise breakfast sandwich on an everything bagel was delicious. Pretty good coffee, too.

Delbe’s Corner
1100 Davis St
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 424-1006
http://www.yelp.com/biz/delbes-corner-evanston

Le Café De Paris

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***** (5 stars)

Café De Paris provides one of the more authentic French experiences in town. Sandwiches just like you’d get in Paris, and they have excellent croissants and coffee. The savory crepes are about the best I’ve had.

Now newly expanded, there is plenty of seating indoors and out. When the weather is nice, it’s pleasant to eat on the sidewalk, an authentic Paris sidewalk cafe experience, and it’s even away from the street, so it’s better than that!

The owners are very hands-on, which is reflected in the food and service.

Le Café De Paris
5170 Dr Phillips Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 293-2326
http://www.yelp.com/biz/le-caf%C3%A9-de-paris-orlando-2

Kafein

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**** (4 stars)

Dumpy old furniture, cave-like ambiance, everything you expect in a college-oriented coffee house. I love it. The food, whcih takes awhile since there’s often not much staff, is surprisingly good, the coffee drinks are Starbucks-killers, and the wifi is free. My favorite coffee house in Evanston.

Kafein
1621 Chicago Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 491-1621
http://www.yelp.com/biz/kafein-evanston