While not technically a part of the Chicago city limits, Evanston is just 12 miles away from the downtown area, and neighbors the Rogers Park on the north side. The area has an abundance of places to eat, ranging from cheap and easy to expensive and worth the wait.

Peyton & Octavian – Joy Yee Noodle

This pan-Asian restaurant is a local chain, with several locations in the Chicagoland area, one of them being located on Chicago Ave in Evanston.

As is the case with most pan-Asian restaurants, the menu here boasts a larger variety of vegetarian options, most of which involve some sort of Tofu. However, outside of that, the menu also contains an impressive amount of variety, ranging from seafood to BBQ to noodle soup. For the most reliable experience, the noodle soups are a tried and true order, and contain a wide variety of both mild and spicy options depending on your own tastes.

These noodle soups are also very affordable, most of them ranging from $7-$10.

But that’s only half of the meal. Freezes, smoothies, coffee, and tea are all offered with options by the dozen. However, you’ll have to cash out for one of these drinks, as even the least expensive ones will run you up to $3-$4.

 

Peckish Pig

Alex

Home of Northwestern University, Evanston holds some secretly amazing restaurants. The Peckish Pig, located in the heart of Downtown Evanston, is a restaurant that caught my eye two years ago when I first got to Chicago. The Peckish Pig is known for its locally sourced produce as well as their amazing vegetarian friendly options. The overall atmosphere in this restaurant cannot be beat. It is industrial, yet homey and the light fixtures give it a modern flare. During my most recent trip to Evanston about a week ago, I could not help but stop by my favorite spot for a quick bite to eat. I decided to try something different and ordered the roasted peach flatbread and the smoked chicken tacos. Both items were even better than what I expected. One more perk about this cozy getaway is their outdoor patio that is perfect for a warm summer evening or fall afternoon.

Although this restaurant is a bit more pricey, you are definitely getting a bang for your buck. Each menu item is absolutely delicious and the Peckish Pig is the perfect place to go on a date with anyone of your choosing!

 

thepeckishpig.com

Buffalo Joe’s

Buffalojoesevanston.com

Grace and Rachel

Having a craving for some artery clogging, soul warming food? Look no further than Buffalo Joe’s. Serving up the epitome of “game day food” Buffalo Joe’s offers many options such as hotdogs, Italian beef, wings, burgers, and fries. The self proclaimed best wings in the North Side certainly lives up to their name with delicious flavors like BBQ, mild, spicy, and for the bold among us: suicidal.

The restaurant has called Evanston home for 31 years now, so the quaint storefront certainly reflects their 80’s beginning. The atmosphere is very casual and laid back, the exact vibe you’re hoping for when you’re about to gorge yourself on the best that Buffalo Joe’s has to offer.

If the drool worthy food isn’t enough to send you running to their front door, the prices just might put you over the edge. The only thing on the menu that surpasses the ever so high $10 mark, is the double-order of wings, which if we’re being honest is technically two things in one still for only $15. So if you’re balling on a budget, but looking to fill your belly with food, or looking to test your strength with the suicidal flavored wings – Buffalo Joe’s is the place for you.