The Absolute Best Bars in Evanston [Updated 2024]

Having explored and reviewed 12 unique establishments, I've had the pleasure of uncovering a vibrant bar scene that caters to all tastes and preferences.

From cozy hideaways that invite you to unwind with a craft cocktail to lively spots where sports and socializing go hand-in-hand, Evanston truly has something for everyone.

Each bar has its own distinct vibe, making it easy to find the perfect place for every occasion.

So whether you’re a local or just passing through, join me as I dive into the best that Evanston's nightlife has to offer!

Ward Eight

Highlights
Creative food and drink menu
Knowledgeable and passionate bartenders
Delicious smell of pulled pork
Dim, romantic atmosphere
Affordable and artistic appetizers

Ward Eight is truly a gem nestled in Evanston, combining a charming ambiance with a menu that sparks excitement. As I walked through the doors, the rich aroma of pulled pork wafted through the air, making my stomach rumble and setting the stage for a delightful evening. The atmosphere is dim and romantic, perfect for a date night or an intimate gathering with friends.

The real highlight, however, is the creativity found on both the food and drink menus. I was particularly impressed by the knowledgeable and passionate bartenders, who craft cocktails with the kind of enthusiasm that makes you want to try everything. Each drink is an artistic venture, showcasing seasonal ingredients and bold flavors that dance on your palate.

Let’s not forget the artistic appetizers that perfectly complement the drinks. Affordable yet gourmet, they offer an excellent introduction to the culinary delights Ward Eight provides. Every bite and sip is a celebration—a testament to the bar’s commitment to quality and creativity. If you find yourself in Evanston, don’t miss the chance to enjoy a memorable night at Ward Eight; it’s a toast to fun and flavor that you won’t regret!

You might also want to check out the best bars in Schaumburg.

Five & Dime

Highlights
Cute rooftop setting
Delicious food and drinks
Great for casual dates
Convenient location
Quick seating availability

Five & Dime is an absolute gem nestled in the heart of Evanston. Its cute rooftop setting is the perfect escape, where you can enjoy the breeze while sipping on a delightful cocktail. From the moment I climbed the stairs, I was greeted by a vibrant atmosphere that instantly set a cheerful tone for the evening.

The menu is nothing short of mouthwatering. I indulged in a couple of drinks that paired beautifully with their array of delicious food options. Whether you're in the mood for a laid-back snack or a more substantial meal, this bar truly caters to all tastes. The ambiance is ideal for casual dates—the soft lighting and charming decor create an intimate setting without feeling overly serious.

Conveniently located, Five & Dime is easy to stumble upon, making it a great choice for a quick night out. I was pleasantly surprised by the quick seating availability, which is always a plus in the bustling bar scene. If you’re looking for a spot that combines great food, refreshing drinks, and a lively atmosphere, you simply can't go wrong with Five & Dime. Trust me; it’s a must-visit in Evanston!

You might also want to check out the best bars in Oak Park.

The Blue Horse Tavern

Highlights
Cozy Booths
Good Food
Great Service
Skilled Bartender
Great Cocktails

Firstly, the atmosphere at The Blue Horse Tavern is so cozy and inviting. I was seated in one of their comfortable booths which made me feel like I had my own private nook to enjoy my drinks in.

Speaking of drinks, the bartender here is a skilled mixologist. Their cocktails are amazing! I tried their signature cocktail, The Blue Horse, which was a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors. It definitely lived up to its reputation as one of the best cocktails in Evanston.

But it's not just about the drinks here, the food is also worth mentioning. The menu offers a range of tasty options that pair perfectly with their cocktails. I highly recommend trying their truffle fries or chicken wings if you're in the mood for some delicious bar food.

What really stood out to me though was the great service provided by the staff. They were friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about their menu. It's always a plus when you feel welcomed and taken care of while enjoying your night out.

Overall, I would definitely recommend The Blue Horse Tavern as one of the best bars in Evanston. Whether you're looking for a great cocktail, tasty bar food or just a cozy spot to hang out with friends, this place has got you covered!

You might also want to check out the best bars in Naperville.

Bat 17

Highlights
Delicious burgers
Attentive service
Reasonable prices
Great Bloody Marys

Firstly, let's talk about their burgers. Oh my, they were delicious! I ordered the "Bat Outta Hell" burger which was a heavenly combination of bacon, onions, and blue cheese. Each bite was juicy and full of flavor. It's safe to say that Bat 17 knows how to make a great burger.

I also have to give credit to their attentive service. The staff was friendly and made sure that we had everything we needed throughout our visit. They even gave us recommendations on which beers would pair well with our burgers.

Now let's talk about the prices at Bat 17. They are definitely reasonable for the quality of food and drinks they offer. I was pleasantly surprised by how affordable it was considering the prime location in Evanston.

Finally, if you're a fan of Bloody Marys like myself, then you'll be delighted to hear that Bat 17 serves up some great ones. They come garnished with all sorts of goodies like pickles, olives, celery sticks - it's almost like having a meal in itself!

In conclusion, Bat 17 is a fantastic bar in Evanston that should not be missed. From their delicious burgers to their attentive service, there's something for everyone here at reasonable prices. Plus, they serve up some killer Bloody Marys!

You might also want to check out the best bars in Joliet.

Tapas Barcelona

Highlights
Small shareable Spanish dishes
Bacon wrapped dates are outstanding
Great interior design
Delicious sangria
Excellent service

Firstly, the interior design of this bar is simply stunning. From its colorful tiles to its impressive lighting fixtures, Tapas Barcelona definitely has an atmosphere that's worth mentioning.

But let's talk about the real reason people come here - the food and drinks. The small shareable Spanish dishes are a must-try, but what really stood out were the bacon wrapped dates. These little morsels are truly outstanding and I would recommend them to anyone who visits.

The sangria was also quite delicious, and I'm not just saying that because I had a few too many glasses. It was refreshing and fruity without being overly sweet.

Lastly, the service deserves recognition as well. Our server was attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. She even recommended some dishes that we wouldn't have thought to order on our own.

All in all, my experience at Tapas Barcelona was top-notch. If you're looking for a great place to grab some drinks and delicious bites with friends or family, this is definitely one of Evanston's best bars!

You might also want to check out the best bars in Elmhurst.

Bluestone

Highlights
Delicious pizza and salad
Generous with donations
Great daily specials
Best pan seared salmon in Evanston

First of all, let's talk about the food. The pizza and salad were delicious! I mean, I could have eaten them all day long. And when I found out that they were generous with their donations to local charities? Well, that just made me want to order another slice!

But let's not forget about the drinks. Bluestone offers some great daily specials that are sure to please any palate. And if you're a fan of salmon like me, then you will be pleased to know that they serve the best pan seared salmon in Evanston.

The atmosphere at Bluestone is casual yet trendy, making it the perfect spot for either a night out with friends or a date with your significant other. Plus, their outdoor seating area offers a great view of downtown Evanston.

Overall, I highly recommend checking out Bluestone for its delicious food and drinks, charitable donations, and fantastic atmosphere. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

You might also want to check out the best bars in Deerfield.

Firehouse Grill

Highlights
Delicious food
Friendly staff
Clean interior
Reasonable price
Yummy flavors

First things first, the food was absolutely delicious! I ordered their famous cheeseburger and it was cooked to perfection. The meat was juicy and the cheese melted just right on top of it. It was so good that I had to order a second one.

The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming. They made me feel like a regular even though it was my first time there. They were attentive to my needs and always checked up on me to see if I needed anything else.

The interior of the bar was also very impressive, everything is clean and well-organized. The atmosphere is cozy yet modern, making it perfect for a night out with friends or family.

What's more impressive is that the price of their food and drinks are very reasonable compared to other bars in Evanston. You can enjoy great food and drinks without breaking the bank.

One thing that really stood out for me is the variety of flavors they have on their menu, from classic American dishes to more exotic options - there's something for everyone!

Overall, Firehouse Grill is definitely one of the best bars in Evanston! Great food, friendly staff, cleanliness, reasonable prices, and yummy flavors - what more could you ask for?

You might also want to check out the best bars in Aurora.

Celtic Knot Public House

Highlights
Nicer hosts
Amazing split pea soup
Authentic food
Attentive service
Highly recommend

First off, I want to say that the hosts were some of the nicest people I've ever met. They made me feel welcome as soon as I walked in the door. And let's talk about the food. The split pea soup was absolutely amazing! It had just the right amount of seasoning and was served hot and fresh. Speaking of food, they really hit the mark on authenticity. I felt like I was transported to Ireland with every bite.

But it wasn't just the food that impressed me. The service was also top-notch. The staff was attentive and made sure everything was perfect for my visit. They even gave great recommendations on drink pairings with my meal.

Overall, I highly recommend Celtic Knot Public House for anyone looking for a genuine Irish experience in Evanston. From the friendly hosts to the delicious food, this place is definitely a must-visit spot on my list of best bars in Evanston!

You might also want to check out the best bars in Arlington Heights.

Tapville Social - Evanston

Highlights
Variety of drinks
Custom beer flights
Cashless concept idea
Friendly wait staff
Tasty and quickly served food

First of all, let's talk about the drinks. Tapville Social definitely doesn't disappoint in this department. They have a wide variety of drinks available, from classic cocktails to unique craft beers that you won't find anywhere else in Evanston.

One thing that sets Tapville Social apart from other bars is their custom beer flights. You can choose any four beers on tap and create your own little tasting menu. It's like a choose-your-own-adventure book, but with beer!

Another unique feature of Tapville Social is their cashless concept idea. That's right, you won't need to worry about carrying cash or cards around with you because everything is done through their app. It's like the future has arrived early at this bar.

But what really stood out to me was the friendly wait staff. They were always attentive and ready to make recommendations if I couldn't decide what to order next.

Lastly, I have to mention the food - it was both tasty and quickly served! The menu offers delicious bites that pair perfectly with whatever drink you're enjoying.

Overall, I had an amazing time at Tapville Social - Evanston and would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a fun night out in Evanston.

You might also want to check out the best volleyball clubs in Chicago.

Lush Food & Drink - Evanston

Highlights
Fantastic food and service
Accommodating to specific diets
Limited menu executed extremely well
Low-key atmosphere and charming patio
Knowledgeable and friendly staff

Firstly, let me just say that Lush Food & Drink - Evanston is the perfect spot for those looking for a relaxed and low-key atmosphere. The charming patio seating area is the best place to enjoy their fantastic food and drinks while enjoying the sunshine.

Speaking of food, the limited menu executed extremely well! As someone who has specific dietary needs, I was pleasantly surprised by how accommodating they were. Their staff is knowledgeable about their dishes and are more than happy to make suggestions based on your preferences.

Let's talk about service. The staff at Lush Food & Drink - Evanston provides fantastic service from start to finish. They are friendly, attentive, and genuinely care about making your experience memorable.

Overall, I highly recommend Lush Food & Drink - Evanston to anyone looking for a great bar with excellent food and service in Evanston. It's definitely one of my favorite spots in town!

You might also want to check out the best upscale bars in Chicago.

Ridgeville Tavern

Highlights
Great drinks
Phenomenal food
Beer and wine on tap
Friendly staff
Improved decor

First off, let me just say that Ridgeville Tavern is not your average bar. From the moment I walked in, I noticed the improved decor, which gave the place a modern and sophisticated feel. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, making it the perfect spot for a night out with friends or even a date.

One of the highlights of my visit was definitely the drinks. The bartenders were skilled and knowledgeable, crafting some of the best cocktails I've had in Evanston. And if you're more of a beer or wine person, they have plenty on tap to choose from.

But let's talk about the food. Oh my goodness, the food! It was phenomenal. Every dish we ordered was absolutely delicious and beautifully presented. They offer an extensive menu with something for everyone - from small plates to entrees - all made with fresh ingredients.

And what really stood out to me was how friendly and welcoming the staff were. They truly went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience.

In conclusion, Ridgeville Tavern is definitely one of Evanston's best bars. Great drinks, phenomenal food, beer and wine on tap, friendly staff, and improved decor - what more could you ask for? So gather your friends or significant other and head over there for a night you won't forget!

Peckish Pig

Highlights
Lovely patio
Delicious food and drinks
Great service
Accommodating for events
Wide selection of craft beer

First off, I have to mention the lovely patio at Peckish Pig. It's perfect for a summer evening with friends or a romantic date night. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, making it a great spot for any occasion.

Now let's talk about the food and drinks. Oh my! The menu here is absolutely amazing. From small plates to entrees, everything we tried was delicious. And don't even get me started on the drinks - they have a wide selection of craft beer and some tasty cocktails.

The service at Peckish Pig is top-notch. Our server was friendly and knowledgeable about both the food and drink menus. He even gave us some recommendations that were spot on!

What also caught my attention was their willingness to accommodate events. If you're looking for a place to host your next party or gathering, Peckish Pig should definitely be on your list.

Overall, I highly recommend Peckish Pig to anyone looking for a great bar experience in Evanston. With its lovely patio, delicious food and drinks, great service, accommodating event space, and wide selection of craft beer - what more could you ask for?