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 Enjoy: Outdoor dining and patio season!
Warm weather is here and Memorial Day weekend is fast approaching. Not to worry! Evanston has you covered for all your al fresco dining and patio drinking needs.
Custer Oasis: Named one of the best dining patios in Evanston, the Custer Oasis in the Main-Dempster Mile offers residents and visitors the perfect spot to gather outside. With table service from La Principal, The Wine Goddess, and Trattoria D.O.C., patrons have a lot of options - from tacos to pasta to just drinking frosė all day.
Five & Dime: During the summer season, get transported to a vacation style oasis at Five & Dime's stunning rooftop patio space. This local spot maintains the casual comforts and no attitude demeanor of a neighborhood gathering place.
Peckish Pig: The spacious patio behind Peckish Pig on Howard Street is made for summer fun. Colorful umbrellas, a mural and string lighting make this an especially festive space full of neighborhood charm.
Comida Cantina on Central: In the heart of the Central Street neighborhood, you’ll find Mexican and Latin American-inspired cuisine in an upscale cantina setting at Comida – complete with open-air rooftop deck.
Fat Shallot: This husband-and-wife owned business is now open in Evanston! Enjoy their made-to-order sandwiches and sides on their amazing back patio. The Fat Shallot will definitely have you coming back for more.
Good to Go: This Howard Street staple has two amazing outdoor spaces. The Vybz Rooftop sports comfy lounge furniture, plenty of plants, and outdoor string lights, making it the perfect place to hang out or host your next special event. They also have a street-level front patio.
Firehouse: Adjacent to the restaurant is a quaint patio originally housing horse stables. The patio’s cobblestone pavement and tree-lined border provide a secluded urban escape. A legend in its own time, you're invited to experience culinary excellence and impeccable service at this applauded neighborhood restaurant.
 Support Main Street businesses during construction
The City is in the final phase of the Main Street Corridor Improvement Project, promising smoother roads and enhanced streetscapes. While construction is necessary, it can be tough for local businesses. Make sure to shop and dine local along Main Street throughout the summer!
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C&W Market and Ice Cream Parlor feeds their community
"An Evanston couple with a little store and big hearts is making a difference by fighting food insecurity in their community and beyond..." Read more about C&W Market & Ice Cream Parlor and owners Clarence and Wendy Weaver in this story by CBS2 Chicago.
See below for upcoming events and start planning your weekends! You can find the full calendar of events on the Enjoy Evanston website.
Downtown Evanston
Central Street
Ashland Arts
Maple / Foster
Church & Dodge
West Village
West End
Noyes Street
Other Enjoy Evanston events
Have a upcoming event?
Help us add to our calendar! We encourage you to submit all your upcoming events through our website.
Please review the following submission guidelines:
- Only public events may be listed
- Cannot be solely retail in nature
- Cannot be solely religious or political in nature
- Cannot be solely fundraisers or networking events
- Should be leisure time or recreational activities
Event eligibility is also evaluated on a case-by-case basis. At this time, we are only able to accept event listings in English.
 Meet Aom Fletcher, Yasotorn Thai
Meet Aom Fletcher of Yasotorn Thai. Located in the Main-Dempster Mile, this restaurant has unique and special flavors deeply rooted in traditional heritage from the northeastern province of Thailand, Yasothon. This rich history has informed the culinary traditions you'll experience at Yasotorn. See the full interview below.
KB: Can you share some of the history of your business?
AF: I am originally from Yasotorn, a small town in north eastern Thailand. Our food recipes originated from farmers on rice patty farms - flavorful, fresh and healthy. Food from Yasotorn is very famous in Thailand and since I have the opportunity to live in America, I like to bringing my hometown food here to Evanston.
KB: How does the Main-Dempster Mile district support your business?
AF: The Main-Dempster Mile District is always helping and support me with everything I need or any questions I may have. There is always a very quick response, and they are always coming up with new events and activities for the community.
KB: What can folks expect if they come to Yasotorn?
AF: At Yasotorn, you can expect to find a quiet, relaxing environment with traditional Thai decor. Fresh products are bought daily from local retail stores. People will also find flavorful food and beautiful outdoor deck seating.
KB: How do you set yourself apart from other restaurants?
AF: We are 100% Thai Cuisine with beautiful outdoor deck seating. This is a first generation American family and woman-owned restaurant. Everything here is done right and with pride. I am thankful for all the opportunities America has given me.
KB: Any specials or services you’d like people to be aware of?
AF: We have gluten-free and vegan options for our guests. We also offer catering to fit all of the budgets.
KB: What is your favorite thing about owning a business in Evanston?
AF: It's a small town feel in relatively big city. I appreciate the support from the City and city agencies to make sure our business is successful; for example, the grants available to help businesses grow. We also very much appreciate the support from Evanston community that always wants us to succeed and from Northwestern University for catering orders.
Celebrate and support all local ASPA businesses!
May is Asian, South Asian, Pacific Islander American Heritage Month! Did you know that Evanston has over 70 Asian-owned businesses? From restaurants to galleries to automotive shops, there is a wide variety of businesses to support this month and beyond.
 Get to know Noyes Street
After grabbing some hot brew from Coffee Lab, walk through Tallmadge Park and the Noyes Cultural Center, which hosts performances, exhibitions, and events throughout the year.
 Did you know?
The Chandler’s Dept. Store, a furniture store located downtown at the corner of Davis and Sherman, was opened in 1985 and founded by Henry Ellsworth Chandler – also known as the “Father of Evanston’s Playgrounds." In fact, the Chandler-Newberger Center is partly named after him. Before closing 100 years later in 1995, it was run by three generations of the Chandler family and expanded with seven regional stores. It even survived the Great Depression. The location of their flagship Evanston store is now an Evanston landmark known as Chandler Plaza.
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