Chicago and Dempster
EVANSTON | Eclectic world of shops, restaurants to be found just off beaten path
Outsiders visiting Evanston for the first time might check out the bustling downtown area near the far southern end of Northwestern University's campus and think they've seen it all.
But just a bit south and east, at Chicago Avenue and Dempster Street, is an eclectic array of shops and restaurants where you can get everything from handmade pottery to the best Ethiopian food in metro Chicago. The vibe is a bit like Madison, Wis., but with a bigger lake and better public transportation. Locals are looking forward to the Young Evanston Artists Festival on Saturday and the annual sidewalk sale July 27-29.
(Tom Cruze/Sun-Times)
It's impossible not to find something at this 40-year-old local favorite, whether it's a funky pair of sunglasses, a new purse, a trendy empire-waist blouse, inexpensive earrings or George W. Bush toilet paper. The only danger is blowing all your money in one place.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday.
A refreshing variety of American folk art, antique quilts, vintage jewelry and pottery awaits browsers as well as serious shoppers. Everything is hand-made by American artists. The gallery organizes 11 themed shows a year, including a popular Americana show in June.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; first Sunday of the month, 1-5 p.m.; open all Sundays September-December.
Pop in for a healthy vegetarian or vegan meal at one of the metro area's most famous veggie restaurants. This Evanston institution serves up fresh, wholesome, organic food for breakfast, lunch and dinner -- including seitan fajitas and the popular macrobiotic plate. Don't miss the homemade flourless chocolate cake.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
The playground's hippest kids shop at lollie, a boutique featuring unique threads for newborns up to size 6 for boys and size 8 for girls. Check out the cool graphic tees. Favorite slogan on a onesie featuring an Academy Award-like statuette: "Best Baby/Best Performance: Eating or Sleeping."
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday. Call for summer hours.
Everything the home jewelry-maker needs, from unusual glass beads to strands of semi-precious stones. If you don't know how to bead, don't worry -- they have classes for beginners on up. Owner Bernie Superfine is opening a related store, the Monkey Gallery, this month at 609 Dempster; it will focus on knickknacks and jewelry from around the world.
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m.
Need a singing Michelangelo pillow or an Eiffel Tower Christmas ornament? How about a cool greeting card or earrings by a local artist? There's something here to delight everyone.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Hours extended in summer.
It's time for dinner -- and a fragrant, spicy one at that. This 14-year-old former Wrigleyville favorite moved to Evanston in June 2006, delighting its fans by continuing to serve flavorful siga tibs (spicy steak); chicken, fish, lentil and chickpea dishes, all paired with plenty of fresh injera bread. The food is served on a platter fitted into a large shallow basket, and communal eating (no forks!) makes for a fun meal.
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, noon-9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon-10:30 p.m.
Everything in this store is made by American craftspeople, from the wooden oval Shaker boxes to the floral greeting cards, vases, glassware, pottery and jewelry. A unique seat: handmade Shaker-style rockers with cotton weaving.
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday.
Exhausted from the day's events? Schedule a massage at this place that specializes in sports therapy, chronic conditions, functional fitness or corrective posturing. There are also hot stone massage, relaxation massage, prenatal massage and personal training. A free, 10-minute consultation will point you in the right direction.
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; late, early or Sunday bookings by appointment.