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Winners

A person holding a plastic cup of boba with a black sticker on it that reads “Happy Lemon.”

Best Boba:
Happy Lemon

Happy Lemon has sunshine pouring in through floor to ceiling windows...
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A pile of golden-brown croissants.

Best Bakery:
Bennison's Bakery

Just a five-minute stroll from Fountain Square in downtown Evanston...
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A red sign reading “Collectivo” shines over a pedestrian walking in snow.

Best Coffee Shop:
Colectivo

Stepping into Colectivo feels like walking into a warm embrace from an old friend...
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A red, black and orange awning connected to a brick building that reads “Soul & Smoke” and “Keep it saucy and soulful.”

Best Takeout:
Soul & Smoke

Soul & Smoke not only caters to your need for a barbecue: It also makes it easy to grab a lunch or a late dinner...
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Assorted meats and fruits hang from the ceiling above a bar.

Best Ambiance:
Tapas Barcelona

Paella, delectable drinks and tapas ― what more could you ask for from a restaurant?...
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People walk around store aisles.

Best Grocery Store:
Trader Joes

Some of my favorite college memories have involved gathering with friends and eating food from Trader Joe’s...
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People sit in a restaurant with yellow walls.

Best Brunch:
Ovo Frito Café

The superiority of every one of these staples secures Ovo Frito its place as the best brunch spot...
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A building with a red roof and white stone walls.

Best Late Night Bite:
Chicken Shack

Evanston Chicken Shack has won the title of best late night bite multiple years in a row...
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A sandwich with tomato, cheese, avocado and mushroom sits on a plate.

Best Vegetarian:
Blind Faith Cafe

Whether searching for a fresh twist on vegetarian food, Blind Faith Cafe has you covered...
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A neon sign in the shape of a pizza slice reads “Bob’s Pizza.”

Best Bar:
Bobs's Pizza

All skill sets show up Tuesday evenings week after week to wage points over cheesy pizza and discounted beer...
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A plastic restaurant menu is displayed on a table.

Best Pizza:
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria

You can’t tell me deep dish pizza is only a tourist-favorite if you’ve never visited Lou Malnati’s...
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Tomate Fresh Kitchen storefront and pickup window. Signs and directions to order online are displayed next to the company's tomato logo.

Best Bite for Your Buck:
Tomate Fresh Kitchen

If you haven’t already, briskly bolt for a bite of these banging burritos...
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A mural of books with gold lettering that reads “Bookends & Beginnings.”

Best Hidden Gem:
Bookends & Beginnings

Evanston’s best hidden gem just became a little less hidden...
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An assortment of bags and purses hang from a rack.

Best Clothing Store:
Crossroads Trading Co.

As a chronic online shopper, I often struggle with finding a place to return my purchases that just don’t fit right...
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Norris University Starbucks with people studying at tables, waiting for drinks, and workers making drinks.

Best Place to People Watch:
Norris University Center

Norris is THE place on campus for people watching...
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A view of Lake Michigan, partially obstructed by leaves. A trail of sand in the midst of grasses and wildflowers leads to the lake.

Best Beach:
Lighthouse Beach

The peaceful atmosphere of Lighthouse Beach is the exact reprieve Northwestern students need from our bustling campus...
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Lake Michigan bordering green grass and the city skyline in the background.

Best Landmark:
The Lakefill

Imagine this: On a warm day in May, you’re lying in a hammock on the Lakefill...
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An art gallery with pieces hung up on a white wall.

Best Local Art:
Evanston Made

Art expert or not, stopping by one of Evanston Made for a one of a kind...
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Two people walking on a beach covered with snow at night with a glass building next to them.

Best Place to Cry:
The Beach at Night

It’s a miracle Lake Michigan still has freshwater after the tons of tears Northwestern students have shed into it...
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