Union Pizzeria

**** (4 stars)

This place serves thin crust pizza with an almost burnt crust, which is my favorite style. Unfortunately they are very inflexible about ingredients, so your only option is to order something and have them leave stuff off. Good selection of beers, and the Caesar salad is excellent. The really neat thing about the place is that SPACE, the world’s best intimate live performance venue is attached. You can have a pizza before the show, or even take it back with you and eat it on one of the cocktail tables while watching the show. Because SPACE is such a great audio environment, it attracts the top small acts. SPACE plus Union Pizza and a nice stout is a definite win.

Union Pizzeria
1245 Chicago Ave
Evanston, IL 60202
(847) 475-2400
http://www.yelp.com/biz/union-pizzeria-evanston

Taco Diablo

**** (4 stars)

Easily the best Mexican food in Evanston. It seems the place has overcome some early management issues and is running smoothly with good service. The food is excellent. Fresh chips, two salsas (hot red and tangy green) served when you sit down. Everything comes with decent Spanish rice and tasty beans (bacon charro or black). I had three tacos: spicy shrimp (spicy as advertised, good slaw), potato (actually mashed sweet potato, surprisingly good with the fresh cilantro and onions), and catfish (really good, and I’m not a catfish fan). The house margarita, is a bit tart (which I like) flavorful and potent. The premium margarita is superb. Great atmosphere: upscale funky warehouse. Definitely worth a return visit.

Taco Diablo
1029 Davis St
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 868-8229
http://www.yelp.com/biz/taco-diablo-evanston

Sarpino’s Pizza

**** (4 stars)

This might not be the fastest delivery place in the world, but the pizza is excellent. I’ll admit it, I’m not a fan of Chicago style pizza, with its thick, saltine tasting pie crust. Sarpino’s offers a thin crust pizza, and an extra done option that makes it slightly crispy. The toppings are tasty and in the correct proportions. We like the basil pesto pizza and the veggie pizza. Allow 45 minutes to an hour for delivery. Check online for deals like two for ones.

Sarpino’s Pizza
2428 Main St
Evanston, IL 60202
(847) 869-5555
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sarpinos-pizza-evanston

Edzo’s Burger Shop

**** (4 stars)

Edzo’s makes a very good burger. Will it change your life? No. Is it the best burger in Chicago? Probably not. In fact, we think the burgers at the nearby Whole Foods are actually just as good. But what is great here are the french fries. I’m not a fan of limp, greasy fries like they serve at Five Guys. Edzo’s are crisp and always freshly made. They also have something called Old Fries that are left in the fryer for a REALLY long time, and they’re crunchy and great. There’s also a lot of exotic flavors of pop by the bottle, and some great shakes.

Edzo’s Burger Shop
1571 Sherman Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 864-3396
http://www.yelp.com/biz/edzos-burger-shop-evanston

Todoroki Hibachi and Sushi

**** (4 stars)

The all you can eat sushi special here allows you to get exactly what you want, and it’s darn good sushi. If you’re really craving sushi and you’re hungry, this is the place to go. For better quality, Kansaku is a better choice, and for cheap, Sashimi Sashimi is your best bet. But for a lot of good sushi in a nice environment, this is a great choice. Also, there is a teppan grill, so it’s a good place for larger parties and for kids.

Todoroki Hibachi and Sushi
526 Davis St
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 750-6565
http://www.yelp.com/biz/todoroki-hibachi-and-sushi-evanston

Chef’s Station

**** (4 stars)

I love the outdoor ambiance of this place on a nice evening, although inside is cozy and pleasant, too. Service is great: professional yet friendly. It’s a good sign when I see the same personnel year after year. The food is really top notch, and I feel under-appreciated, as this is a much better meal than at Oceanique, and it’s actually even more French than that place. One of the best upscale dining experiences in Evanston for sure.

Chef’s Station
915 Davis St
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 570-9821
http://www.yelp.com/biz/chefs-station-evanston

Quince

**** (4 stars)

Quince is almost a great restaurant. The service is superb. The dining rooms are homey and a touch formal. And the food is good. There’s just no over the top dish to take it to the next level. A good reliable upscale meal in Evanston, better than Oceanique, not as good as Stained Glass.

Quince
1625 Hinman Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 570-8400
http://www.yelp.com/biz/quince-evanston-2

Siam Splendour

**** (4 stars)

A pretty decent Thai restaurant that has parking, quite the novelty in Evanston. The barbecued pork skewer appetizer and the Thai salads are the stand outs, and the Pad Thai is pretty good, too. The chive dumplings were doughy and undercooked. Extensive menu, so there’s lots to explore.

Siam Splendour
1125 Emerson St
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 492-1008
http://www.yelp.com/biz/siam-splendour-evanston-2