There are tons of bars in Evanston, Illinois! No matter what vibe you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it. Check out our list below and find a new spot for your next night out!
Bat 17
Bat 17 adopted a high-end culinary philosophy when choosing its vendors and suppliers.
Its delicious, lean corned beef and pastrami are sourced from Kelly Eisenberg Gourmet Deli Products, a reputable purveyor of gourmet deli items in Chicago since 1929.
The exceptional products are well-known for their superior quality. Additionally, the free-range chicken and turkey offer unbeatable freshness and taste.
1709 Benson Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201
Sun – Thur 11 AM – 9 PM, Fri & Sat 11 AM – 10 PM
(847) 733-7117
bat17evanston.com
Celtic Knot Public House
Located in the heart of downtown Evanston, this modern Irish pub serves up a diverse menu of pub grub, traditional tavern favorites, fresh salads, and daily made exceptional entrees and desserts.
Various imported beers, domestic craft brews, an extensive worldwide wine list, a whiskey selection, and a full range of spirits are available for guests. The interior features a warm, welcoming ambiance with dark wood accents and ample seating, including a bar and a spacious, candlelit restaurant.
Live entertainment, including weekly live music and storytelling, is a regular feature, and there is never a cover charge.
626 Church Street, Evanston, IL 60201
Sun – Thur 4 PM – 9 PM, Fri & Sat 4 PM – 10 PM
(847) 864-1679
celticknotpub.com
Firehouse Grill
If you’re in the mood for a cold beer and a char-grilled burger, head over to Firehouse Grill, where you’ll find the perfect spot. Housed in a decommissioned firehouse dating back to the early 1900s, Firehouse Grill is an Evanston favorite.
Take your pick between the spacious outdoor seating area or cozy up inside near the bar. The Firehouse Burger or the Big as Your Head Grilled Cheese Sandwich are must-try items for lunch. And for dinner, try a classic Pan Pizza, guaranteed to satisfy you and your family.
No matter the weather, you’re covered with delivery, dine-in, and carryout options.
750 Chicago Avenue, Evanston, IL 60202
Sun 11:30 AM – 9 PM, Mon 4:30 PM – 10 PM, Tue – Thur 11:30 AM – 10 PM, Fri & Sat 11:30 AM – 11 PM
(847) 733-1911
firehousegrill.net
Peckish Pig
It all started right here with Evanston’s first brewpub. Peckish Pig’s brewery is located on-site, and you can even take a tour! Their 3 1/2-barrel brew house and two 7-barrel fermenters produce a range of 8-10 house-brewed beers on tap, which are rotated approximately every other week.
You can order any beer in a half-pint, full-pint, or refillable 64oz growler. Not sure which beer to choose? Try a flight, the perfect way to sample different brews before committing to a pint.
To keep up to date on what’s currently on tap, be sure to check out the drinks page.
623 West Howard Street, Evanston, IL 60202
Mon, Wed & Thur 4:30 PM – 9 PM, Tue Closed, Fri 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM, Sat 10:30 AM – 2 PM, 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM, Sun 10:30 AM – 2 PM, 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
(847) 491-6778
thepeckishpig.com
Ridgeville Tavern
In the heart of Evanston, at the intersection of Sherman Avenue and Grove Street, you’ll find Ridgeville Tavern. A welcoming neighborhood bar that strives to provide quality tavern fare and top-notch drinks to all who visit.
With a warm, inviting, and clean atmosphere, guests can enjoy their food and drinks while taking in the beautiful corner view of downtown Evanston. The friendly service adds to the overall experience.
The bar menu boasts 20 beer taps, featuring many local Evanston breweries, such as Temperance Beer Co and Sketchbook Brewing. Additionally, there are four wine taps and a carefully crafted cocktail list. The large screen TVs placed strategically throughout the bar allow guests to follow the game without detracting from quality conversation time with friends and family.
The food menu is a single page of delicious and accessible options that appeal to almost anyone. Popular dishes include the Risotto Fritters, a double smashed cheeseburger, Brussels and kale salad, and a one-of-a-kind carrot cake.
1520 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201
Sun & Mon Closed, Tue – Thur 4 PM – 12 AM, Fri & Sat 12 PM – 12 AM
(847) 905-0485
ridgevilletavern.com
Tapville Social – Evanston
Tapville is a hospitality establishment that aims to enhance your experience by eliminating the pain points of traditional, contemporary dining. Its focus is on quality time with friends and family.
Order at your convenience from a table-tablet, sample various craft drinks from the self-pour taps, and use the express check-out when you’re ready to leave. The extensive beverage list includes rotating varieties of craft beer, wine, and hand-crafted cocktails.
Tapville Social serves American classic menu items that are approachable with an ingenious twist, recreating favorites with unique ingredients and flavors.
810 Grove Street, Evanston, IL 60201
Mon – Thur 4 PM – 10 PM, Fri 4 PM – 11 PM, Sat 11 AM – 11 PM, Sun 11 AM – 9 PM
(847) 905-0873
tapvillesocial.com
The Blue Horse Tavern
The Blue Horse Tavern is a casual neighborhood kitchen and gathering place for locals and visitors. It focuses on great food and drinks made with care and rooted in classic technique, without any fuss or pretension.
Creative cocktails, thoughtfully curated wines, and an extensive selection of quality bourbons and whiskeys (including some hard-to-find options) complement the menu.
You’re invited to take a break, put your device away, and enjoy a good meal with your friends and family. Share a bottle of wine, sip on a good bourbon, and have a few laughs.
Walk-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis.
1026 Davis Street, Evanston, IL 60201
Sun 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM, Mon – Sat 11:30 AM–9:30 PM
(847) 869-4343
bluehorsetavern.com
Vybz Rooftop & Good To Go Jamaican Cuisine
Vybz Rooftop is a rooftop bar and live entertainment space within Good To Go Jamaican Cuisine. The fusion of delectable Caribbean cuisine paired with innovative tropical cocktails and craft beer sets Good To Go apart.
The restaurant’s signature dishes, such as Jerk Chicken, Oxtail, Brown Stew Chicken, Curry Goat, and Jerk Pork, will tantalize your taste buds. Complement your meal with a refreshing tropical cocktail, authentic Jamaican beverages, freshly squeezed vegetable juices, or island smoothies.
Tony and Lenice Levy are the dynamic husband-wife duo behind Good To Go, founding the restaurant in 2002. Initially opened on Howard Street’s Chicago side, they purchased and refurbished the building after 16 years of business on the Evanston side of Howard Street.
711 W Howard St, Evanston, IL 60202
Sun 10 AM – 9 PM, Mon – Thur 10 AM – 10 PM, Fri & Sat 10 AM – 12 AM
(847) 868-8226
goodtogorestaurant.com
Ward Eight
Ward Eight is a cozy cocktail lounge nestled in the neighborhood. Stop in and choose from a selection of artisanal spirits, wine, and beer, complemented by a menu of small plates.
Ward Eight got its name from a cocktail spun from the well-known whiskey sour, mixing rye whiskey, lemon, orange, and grenadine.
Its moniker, however, has historical significance: the drink was initially crafted to commemorate Martin Lomasney’s election to the state legislature, with the crucial support of Ward 8 district in the city.
629 W Howard St, Evanston, IL 60202
Sun – Tue Closed, Wed & Thur 5 PM – 12 AM, Fri & Sat 5 PM – 1 AM
General Inquiries: [email protected]
Events: [email protected]
Chef: [email protected]
wardeight.com
Find more places to visit on our neighborhood page and in our blog!