Best of Evanston 2025

Best All-Around and Brunch: Ovo Frito Café delivers tasty brunch favorites

Eunice Eunsoo Lee

Best Sustainable Organization: Evanston Public Library continues its streak of sustainability

David Samson

Best Movie/TV Show Shot in Evanston: The Bear wins in a landslide

Kamran Nia

Best Bakery: Bennison’s Bakery continues its winning streak

Marisa Guerra Echeverria

Best New Business: Lefty’s Righteous Bagels makes yours the right way

Luluya Tekle

Best Place to Find A Gift: niceLena & Friends has a perfect gift for almost everyone

Cayla Labgold-Carroll

Best Comfort Food: Soul & Smoke offers comfort food to soothe cravings

Maya Heyman

Best Coffee Shop: Backlot Coffee blends coffee and community

Hannah Webster

Best Vegetarian: Blind Faith Cafe serves delectable plant-based dishes

Jake Epstein

Best Outdoor Space: The Lakefill is Evanston’s grassy oasis

Henry Frieman

Best Place to Take Your Family: Tapas Barcelona offers bite-sized plates for big appetites

Rachel Schlueter

Best Sweet Treat and Best Date Spot: FRÍO Gelato offers delectable flavors for everyone

Micah Sandy

Best Takeout and Late-Night Spot: Evanston Chicken Shack fulfills your late-night takeout cravings

Luluya Tekle

Best Budget Menu: 10Q Chicken fries chicken and saves cash

Dov Weinstein Elul

Best Ramen: Table To Stix Ramen serves up ramen in cozy atmosphere

Marisa Guerra Echeverria

Best Hidden Gem: Sea Ranch Sushi appeases Evanston hearts and wallets

Audrey Pachuta

Best Pizza: Union Square Detroit-style pizza better than deep dish to Evanston

Teresa Ayala Leon

Best Burger: Bat 17 serves creative burger options that suit everyone’s taste

Teresa Ayala Leon

Best Splurge: Campagnola dishes up Italian comfort food worth every penny

Emily Lichty

Best Bar: Ward Eight provides Evanston with crafty and classy drinks

Maya Ikenberry

Best Building: Grosse Point Lighthouse lights the way for over 150 years

Nineth Kanieski Koso

Best Spot to People Watch: Fountain Square unites community with creative events

Emily Lichty