***** (5 stars)
Very authentic Korean food in a nicely remodeled atmosphere. The Dolsot Bi Bim Bap is a great dish, served in a hot stone bowl. Identical to one I had in Taejon Korea. Great place.
Koco Table
720 1/2 Clark St
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 866-7055
http://www.yelp.com/biz/koco-table-evanston
** (2 stars)
Adequate barbecue, but nothing special. The rib tips are meaty, and the snack size is a generous serving for two. A BBQ place is all about the sauce, and Hecky’s seems a bit too acidic for my taste. I like a richer, more full bodied sauce. There was certainly a lot of it, though.
The pulled pork sandwich had a nice serving of pork, but the bun was soft and flavorless, not really any point to eating it except to hold onto the pork.
Sweet potato pie is pretty good.
No place to eat, so take out only.
Hecky’s Barbecue
1902 Green Bay Rd
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 492-1182
http://www.yelp.com/biz/heckys-barbecue-evanston
***** (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
**** (4 stars)
This is a very authentic creperie. That is to say, it is French. So don’t expect to find American-style overstuffed crepes that resemble burritos. The crepes here are thin, light, and filled with mostly excellent savory or sweet items. The salad is also extremely authentic, with a Dijon vinaigrette you don’t see many places in the US. I was not particularly impressed with the onion soup, but I like mine with a touch of sweetness, so that’s just me. Cozy, cafe ambiance, and some outdoor sidewalk dining available as well. Owned by the same people as Bistro Bordeaux, a few blocks away.
Creperie Saint Germain
1512 Sherman Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 859-2647
http://www.yelp.com/biz/creperie-saint-germain-evanston
**** (4 stars)
This place serves thin crust pizza with an almost burnt crust, which is my favorite style. Unfortunately they are very inflexible about ingredients, so your only option is to order something and have them leave stuff off. Good selection of beers, and the Caesar salad is excellent. The really neat thing about the place is that SPACE, the world’s best intimate live performance venue is attached. You can have a pizza before the show, or even take it back with you and eat it on one of the cocktail tables while watching the show. Because SPACE is such a great audio environment, it attracts the top small acts. SPACE plus Union Pizza and a nice stout is a definite win.
Union Pizzeria
1245 Chicago Ave
Evanston, IL 60202
(847) 475-2400
http://www.yelp.com/biz/union-pizzeria-evanston
**** (4 stars)
Easily the best Mexican food in Evanston. It seems the place has overcome some early management issues and is running smoothly with good service. The food is excellent. Fresh chips, two salsas (hot red and tangy green) served when you sit down. Everything comes with decent Spanish rice and tasty beans (bacon charro or black). I had three tacos: spicy shrimp (spicy as advertised, good slaw), potato (actually mashed sweet potato, surprisingly good with the fresh cilantro and onions), and catfish (really good, and I’m not a catfish fan). The house margarita, is a bit tart (which I like) flavorful and potent. The premium margarita is superb. Great atmosphere: upscale funky warehouse. Definitely worth a return visit.
Taco Diablo
1029 Davis St
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 868-8229
http://www.yelp.com/biz/taco-diablo-evanston
**** (4 stars)
This might not be the fastest delivery place in the world, but the pizza is excellent. I’ll admit it, I’m not a fan of Chicago style pizza, with its thick, saltine tasting pie crust. Sarpino’s offers a thin crust pizza, and an extra done option that makes it slightly crispy. The toppings are tasty and in the correct proportions. We like the basil pesto pizza and the veggie pizza. Allow 45 minutes to an hour for delivery. Check online for deals like two for ones.
Sarpino’s Pizza
2428 Main St
Evanston, IL 60202
(847) 869-5555
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sarpinos-pizza-evanston
**** (4 stars)
Edzo’s makes a very good burger. Will it change your life? No. Is it the best burger in Chicago? Probably not. In fact, we think the burgers at the nearby Whole Foods are actually just as good. But what is great here are the french fries. I’m not a fan of limp, greasy fries like they serve at Five Guys. Edzo’s are crisp and always freshly made. They also have something called Old Fries that are left in the fryer for a REALLY long time, and they’re crunchy and great. There’s also a lot of exotic flavors of pop by the bottle, and some great shakes.
Edzo’s Burger Shop
1571 Sherman Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 864-3396
http://www.yelp.com/biz/edzos-burger-shop-evanston
**** (4 stars)
I love the outdoor ambiance of this place on a nice evening, although inside is cozy and pleasant, too. Service is great: professional yet friendly. It’s a good sign when I see the same personnel year after year. The food is really top notch, and I feel under-appreciated, as this is a much better meal than at Oceanique, and it’s actually even more French than that place. One of the best upscale dining experiences in Evanston for sure.
Chef’s Station
915 Davis St
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 570-9821
http://www.yelp.com/biz/chefs-station-evanston
*** (3 stars)
This restaurant is often on the “Best Of” lists, but I’m not sure why, Service is fine, but the food is neither remarkable nor particularly French. Both Stained Glass and Quince are better bets for an upscale meal in Evanston.
Oceanique
505 Main St
Evanston, IL 60202
(847) 864-3435
http://www.yelp.com/biz/oceanique-evanston