Chicago's Best Restaurants Restaurants near Hotcakes Cafe restaurant

Tomo Japanese Street Food

Based on the long lines out the door at Tomo Japanese Street Food, apparently Evanston has been waiting for the food served in the street and casual restaurants of Japan.

Spice House - Evanston

Since-1957 spice purveyor doling out rubs, house blends & imported salts in a tin-ceilinged space.

Cafe Aroma

Fuel

Little Island

The double bacon cheeseburger at this tiny Evanston spot weighs in at a pound and a half. Regulars also go in for the Vesuvius (a burger served on French bread and topped with pizza sauce, mozzarella, peppers and onions), massive baskets of seasoned cheese fries and regulation Chicago hot dogs, but there's a huge menu to choose from.

Mirani's

Schaefer's Wines, Foods & Spirits

Charcoal Oven

Hotcakes Cafe

Cahn Auditorium

Northwestern University's largest performance space, home to both college and outside performances. Parking can be challenging, so allow extra time.

Trattoria Demi

Warm space & sidewalk seats for Italian staples from shrimp scampi to meatball sandwiches & wine.

Convito Cafe and Market

The Celtic Knot Public House

Boisterous saloon featuring Irish pub grub, booze & live music in comfortable surroundings.

Depot Nuevo

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria - Evanston

Family-owned local chain for Italian classics & Chicago-style, deep-dish pizzas with butter crusts.

Sarkis Cafe

Small mainstay draws crowds for its classic breakfast fare served in a diner-style environment.

Walker Bros. Original Pancake House (Wilmette)

McCormick & Schmick's Seafood - Skokie

Bakers Square - Wilmette

Ridgeview Grill

Siam Splendour

Extensive Thai food menu with veggie options offered in basic environs, plus a popular lunch buffet.

Smylie Brothers Restaurant & Brewery

This Evanston brewpub and smokehouse specializes in wood-fired pizzas, Texas-inspired barbecue, and craft beer.

Ten Mile House

The quintessential neighborhood restaurant and gathering place, Ten Mile House serves as a bastion for creative comfort foods in Evanston.

Mustard's Last Stand

Chockablock with Northwestern memorabilia, this eatery near Ryan Field serves Vienna Beef hot dogs, Polish sausages and burgers to students and college sports fans.

Jilly's Cafe

Intimate & popular establishment featuring French bistro fare with an American twist plus brunch.

Bennison's Bakery

A North Shore institution since 1938, this full line bakery in Evanston specializes in European-style pastries, cookies, custo-decorated cakes and breads. Its staff includes two Certified Master Bakers and owner Jory Downer, whose father bought the bakery in 1967, was a member of the winning U.S. team at the Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie international bread bakers' competition in Paris in 2005.

The Barn Steakhouse

First things first: How do you enter The Barn? It's straight down an alley in downtown Evanston, with a reclaimed green barn door welcoming in guests.

Mt. Everest Restaurant

Warm, bright spot serving Indian & Nepalese food plus popular lunch buffet & imported Indian beers.

Maggiano's - Old Orchard

Tu Do'