Evanston is a beautiful city just north of Chicago that sits on Lake Michigan. It is home to Northwestern University and has many beautiful places to visit including beaches and lakefront. Downtown Evanston is an extremely walkable area. The Hotel Orrington and the Woman’s Club of Evanston are right in the center of it all! Evanston is full of independently-owned restaurants and shops, if you’re in the mood to pop in, and great green public parks for picnicking. Downtown Evanston is also home to the Northwestern University campus, a beautiful place to stroll! Evanston is one of Chicago’s first suburbs, and gorgeous, stately old homes are around every 90-degree corner. It’s a very walkable city with ample public transportation – we hope you enjoy your time there! Read through our recommendations below!
Local
Lake Michigan is beautiful, huge, and worth enjoying if you have the time during your visit! Generally speaking, walk East until you hit water – there are ample parks and paths along the beautiful lakefront. Clark Street beach is the closest public beach for swimming (there may be a small fee). Arrington Lagoon is nestled within Dawes Park at the end of Davis Street – a lovely place for a stroll and a view of water on water. Slightly more South along the water is Greenwood Street Beach, another great beach option.
Less Local, Still Worthwhile
The Baha’i House of Worship – the only Baha’i temple in North America – is a sight to behold, across from the harbor in Wilmette. The El (to Linden) will get you there easily, and so will a quick car or bus ride. (Or a truly beautiful 45-min walk!)
If we somehow know you AND you’ve never really seen Chicago, we hope you’ll take this opportunity to share in the city we love and call home. The Chicago Architecture Foundation Boat Tour is one of the few touristy outings truly worth the time and money – a way to see what makes Chicago so special from a fantastic vantage point. Take the El or Metra to get there! (And really, every river tour is going to be great.)
Coffee & Breakfast
- Colectivo Coffee is the closest coffee option to the hotel and excellent – the dream of a 90s coffee shop is alive and well, but the food and drink offerings have kept apace with current demands. Expect a short wait!
- Dollop Coffee and Hoosier Mama Pie is a walk away through Evanston’s beautiful tree-lined streets. Excellent coffee and possibly even better pie in a casual, comfortable dining space. Salads, savory hand pies and outstanding quiche round out the menu!
- Newport Coffee – great coffee in a serene, Scandinavian space.
- Le Peep is a longstanding Evanston favorite for breakfast and brunch staples!
- Mensch’s is new, but described as “a love letter to the Jewish deli” – who are we to keep it off this list?! All-day breakfast, and standard deli favorites at a super reasonable price point.
Food (Casual Favorites)
- 10Q Korean Fried chicken – quick and satisfying sandwiches, bowls and wings with EXCELLENT fries. Very reasonably priced!
- Lulu’s is an Evanston staple – casual Asian food in a warm dining atmosphere.
- Bennison’s Bakery is an old-school traditional bakery – come for the smells, leave with a treat!
- Mt. Everest – excellent Indian and Nepalese cuisine in a casual space with casual prices.
- Mench’s is new and promising – bagels, sandwiches and soup!
- Zad by Pita Inn – worth the bus trip (the Skokie Pulse or #250) or Lyft ride for truly outstanding Mediterranean fast-casual. Don’t skimp on hummus, and grab some staples for your hotel room in the Pita Inn Market next door!
- Evanston Corner Bistro is the restaurant inside the Orrington – the people love it!
- If you’re in the mood for a sit-down meal, Campagnola is excellent, and you can often grab a seat at the bar. Excellent wine, cocktails, and food.
Beer & Treats
- Temperance Beer Co. is fantastic, truly, and offers light bites AND the option to bring in your own food. A quick bus or Lyft ride away!
- Sketchbook Brewing is within walking distance (or take either train to the Main Street station) and is another BYOFood option. Good beer, and right next to Hoosier Mama Pie!
- Kilwins’ downtown Evanston location is filled with homemade fudge, candy, and ice cream!
- Zenleaf is a local dispensary ready to help you take a load off!
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