Guys - coming to Evanston for the game next weekend, first timer. Can anyone help out on pre game places to hit up? Looking forward to it. Will be taking the train up Saturday AM.
Game day in Evanston
- Thread starter Maroon&Gold28
- Start date
Mustard's is a local fave right across from the stadium, but would imagine it gets jam-packed on game days
http://mustardschicago.com/
Thus, it might be better to check out the Farmhouse in Evanston proper. Not near the stadium, but suspect it will be far less crowded: Have to get off the train and back on, though.
http://farmhouseevanston.com/
Others here will likely have some good suggestions as well.
http://mustardschicago.com/
Thus, it might be better to check out the Farmhouse in Evanston proper. Not near the stadium, but suspect it will be far less crowded: Have to get off the train and back on, though.
http://farmhouseevanston.com/
Others here will likely have some good suggestions as well.
Are you looking for places to go Friday or after the game as well? When I was in Evanston for homecoming I stumbled upon a "new" Fusion type place that was recommended to me by the crew at Barnes & Noble. Proved to be pretty economical as well since many of the menu items were Happy Hour priced. As I recall it was on Davis Street. I'll check back and add a link when I find one.
(I ordered the shrimp dumpling appetizer, the crab stuffed wonton appetizer and a California Roll which were all on the 1/2 price menu and had enough left over to eat for breakfast the next morning as well.)
OK, it is Koi Fine Asian Cuisine. Below is a link to their website. Here is part of one of the reviews I located regarding the discount pricing:
"We especially enjoy the weeknight 1/2 price discounts on drinks and appetizers when you eat at the bar! It works great when we go to the movies on discount Tuesday nights, for example! You just have to order before 6pm.
We LOVE the chicken or shrimp Soong (which is NOT available as a discounted appetizer, but is well worth the full price!), a lettuce wrap with Asian crispy noodles, plum sauce, lovely chicken or shrimp, and rice. it's wonderful."
http://www.koievanston.com
(I ordered the shrimp dumpling appetizer, the crab stuffed wonton appetizer and a California Roll which were all on the 1/2 price menu and had enough left over to eat for breakfast the next morning as well.)
OK, it is Koi Fine Asian Cuisine. Below is a link to their website. Here is part of one of the reviews I located regarding the discount pricing:
"We especially enjoy the weeknight 1/2 price discounts on drinks and appetizers when you eat at the bar! It works great when we go to the movies on discount Tuesday nights, for example! You just have to order before 6pm.
We LOVE the chicken or shrimp Soong (which is NOT available as a discounted appetizer, but is well worth the full price!), a lettuce wrap with Asian crispy noodles, plum sauce, lovely chicken or shrimp, and rice. it's wonderful."
http://www.koievanston.com
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"new" is correct...Koi has been around for over a decade! Good stuff though.
I think to truly get a taste of Evanston, one must either visit Clarke's our the 24 hour BK...now that's the stuff.
If you go to Burger King. Request the food and the bag separate and then bag it yourself for a throw back to the old days.
Is the location "new" though? I recall there used to be an Asian Fusion restaurant next to the Davis Street Fish Market further east on Davis - was it Koi? The one I went to during this year's homecoming was closer to the intersection of Orrington and Davis.
For a throw back to the really really old days one has to go to San Diego County. I understand somewhere near La Jolla the original "Spot" has been recreated by its owner that moved west.
I lived above The Spot for a year when I was a senior. I can still smell greasy pizza and, of course, Spotburgers! And, I can still hear the L train stopping at Foster.
I believe Koi has always been in that location. The place you're probably thinking of is Joy Yee, which has also been around for a long time.
The Peckish Pig on Howard St (technically, in Evanston) is a great brew pub destination.Very good menu. Easy drive from stadium.
http://www.thepeckishpig.com/
http://www.thepeckishpig.com/
At least you could use the weekend pass and not get hit for separate charges but schedule on weekend likely to be pretty challenging
I believe Davis Street Fish Market is gone. There is a noodles place just to the West that I think was on Campus Eats. We always doTapas Barcelona at least once a year. They used to have a great outdoors area but with the retirement home building in the area, they lost that and went just to the sidewalk. Inside sort of interesting with shades of Miro, Dali and Picasso. It is in downtown Evanston. Nevins Pub can be good. Steak Bites are tasty but place can be up and down.
Alaskawildkat - I guess this is the place you mentioned: http://www.thespotonline.com. Looking at the menu, I would say the owners have gone a bit more upscale than when they operated the joint on Foster Street in the '70s (when I was at NU).
However, this place would probably smell better than the restaurant I lived above. I wonder which smelled better (from a neighbor's viewpoint): The Spot, Yesterday's or the Big Pickle?
Pretty stoked to check this one off the list of road trips! Plus you can't beat Chicago for the food and such. There were $79 RT flights in and out Saturday, great deal for anyone going last minute!
Thanks for the suggestion. Spanish tapas are a great way to enjoy a variety of tastes analogous to Chinese dim sum. I will have to try doTapas Barcelona, hoping they match our introduction to tapas in Malaga.
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Thanks for the link. Does confirm its Evanston heritage. If we end up at the Holiday Bowl that could be a great location for a Purple Party. Definitely has moved upscale, but I am sure we could get the chef to resurrect some grease pies in homage to its humble origin there near the clanking "L" on Foster Street.
From your link:
"This landmark restaurant, on Prospect Street, earns its title for its friendly atmosphere and excellent cuisine. It offers a full service bar and large selection of fine wines. The SPOT Restaurant first opened in Evanston, Illinois and relocated to the sunny shores of southern California, in the late 70's, bringing along its signature Chicago style pizza. Since then it's become a favorite for fresh fish, steaks, ribs, burgers, and salads. It also offers child-friendly choices.
Come see for yourself why The SPOT remains one of the areas most popular eateries among locals, visitors, young and old."
I loved the Spot Boy. Great sub sandwich and when they would put it on special for a month each year...
Not sure if it will match that but it is pretty interesting. Good Sangria. I like the octopus. Plenty of choices both hot and cold. Decor much better than what you show Place has been there for 20 years or more so they are definitely doing something rightThanks for the suggestion. Spanish tapas are a great way enjoy a variety of tastes analogous to Chinese dim sum. I will have to try doTapas Barcelona, hoping they match our introduction to tapas in Malaga.
I don't think it is still owned by the original owners from Evanston. If I remember correctly that is per a friend who ate there and asked the staff.
For one year as an undergrad I lived about two blocks down the street from the Spot on Foster.I cannot begin to tell you how many times I ate there, and even more than that the number of times we got a pizza to go.
You can stop at Main Street on the El or Metra and grab breakfast at The Lucky Platter. Good breakfast before the 11am start and then continue on the train to Central Street and walk to Ryan Field.
Or if you're looking for something lighter, you can get a crepe at the place on the North side of Central just west of Green Bay. Leaneatas.
The Spot's Italian beef sandwiches were great. I also liked their thin pizza. I will be in San Diego next week, any info on their location
1005 Prospect Street in La Jolla.
Let us know if the current ownership has preserved the taste of those Italian beef sandwiches. They claim to have held onto the Evanston sourced Pizza recipe though they describe it as Chicago deep dish style rather than the thin pizza you and I recall.
http://www.thespotonline.com
Sad to say, there is nothing remotely similar to the great Minneapolis breakfast icon Hell’s Kitchen, but if you don’t mind driving to the north side of Chicago, Bang Bang is awesome.
I have been going to The Spot in the village of La Jolla for decades. The owner of original The Spot in Evanston supposedly vacationed in La Jolla years ago and decided to open another restaurant there. The La Jolla Spot has changed ownership over the years but subsequent owners have maintained a solid Chicago-style options on their menu. While The Spot has always had a nice deep dish pizza I actually prefer their thin crust with ground beef. They have a nice bar but the place is very dark. It could be a location for a Holiday Bowl Purple Party be we'd have to take over the entire restaurant, which I don't think would be an option. Here's a Yelp link:
The Spot La Jolla
https://yelp.to/qTKq/ivuiNO6R4H