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 Photo credit: Becca Heuer
Enjoy: Game Day in Evanston
Football season is here, and there's no better way to show your Wildcat pride than by diving into the full game-day experience! Whether you're looking to grab a bite, watch the game with friends, or tailgate in style, Evanston has plenty of options for Northwestern students and football fans. Here are some top spots to hit up for your next football outing:
Pre-Game Breakfast or Brunch Spots
Start your game day right with a good meal with friends. If you’re hoping to go off-campus, here are a few favorite spots that will set you up for success:
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Ovo Frito | Maple Foster: Perfect for early risers, Ovo Frito starts serving up scrambles at 7 a.m.
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Blind Faith Café | Main Dempster: For a more eclectic vibe, try Blind Faith Café. They specialize in vegetarian and vegan options, perfect if you're looking for a lighter but satisfying pre-game brunch.
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Stacked & Folded | Noyes: Steps away from campus, you’ll have entered Wildcat Country. Stacked & Folded has tons of TVs to watch the game and delicious food.
Where to Watch the Game
If you’re not making it into the stadium, there are a few fantastic spots nearby to catch all the action on the big screen:
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Buffalo Joe's | Downtown: The TVs are plentiful, and the classic sports bar vibe adds to the excitement. Grab some cheese fries, wings, or their famous waffle fries. Also, perfect for catering if you plan to watch the game at home.
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Double Clutch Brewing | Ashland Arts: Come for the game, stay for the award-winning craft beer. There is always something going on at Double Clutch. Grab a bite from their delicious menu or start your own tasting of their beers while you watch the game.
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Bluestone | Central Street: Tucked away on Central Street, Bluestone brings the cozy game-day atmosphere along with all of the treats that make game-day great. Bring tons of friends so you can split the loaded nachos, smoked chicken wings, and cheese curds. Football season is short, it’s time to indulge.
Post-Game Eats
Whether you’re celebrating a win or comforting yourself after a tough game, Evanston has plenty of late-night eats to satisfy any craving:
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Taco Diablo & Five & Dime | Downtown: Perfect for a post-game bite, Taco Diablo has a modern vibe and serves up delicious tacos with creative twists. Folks love the fresh food! Located on the rooftop above Taco Diablo, Five & Dime is a fantastic spot for a more upscale post-game experience. They offer creative cocktails and bar bites, with a great view of the Evanston skyline.
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Peckish Pig | Howard: Venture past Downtown to Howard and you’ll find a few amazing spots. Peckish Pigs might be one of our favorites for their amazing patio space.
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Soul & Smoke | Ashland Arts: Enjoy award-winning barbecue and a newly renovated space. We love to select a few different cuts of meats and sides and share with friends.
Apparel
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Campus Gear | Downtown: You can grab Northwestern gear on campus, at your local Target, or at nationwide shops like Hollister and Abercrombie. However, we think the best-kept secret are shops like Campus Gear on Sherman Avenue where you can stock up in person right before game day.
Whether you’re a die-hard Wildcats fan or just looking to enjoy the atmosphere, there are so many ways to make the most of your game-day experience.
For more game day information, check out resources on Northwestern Now.
 Arrington Lagoon Café now officially open
The City has opened its window-service café located in the shelter building at the Arrington Lagoon, 1631 Sheridan Rd. The café will provide service on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with hours to be adjusted based on demand. The menu currently features coffee and tea drinks and food items like local pastries and other simple breakfast items.
 Nina Barrett opening the door to Bookends & Beginnings Middles used bookstore, on the morning of the store’s soft launch. Credit: Joerg Metzner
Middles Used Books now open in Downtown
Bookends & Beginnings owner Nina Barrett recently opened a new pop-up store, Middles Used Books, at 1620 Orrington Ave. The new space allows the bookstore to expand its capacity for the used book market. Make sure to stop by and check it out!
 Downtown Evanston Holiday Shop + Stroll Nov. 9
Get into the holiday spirit early with Downtown Evanston’s Sneak Peek Holiday Shop + Stroll on Saturday, November 9! Kick off the season with festive shopping at local businesses offering exclusive treats or drinks, and special holiday deals to brighten your day.
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
Main-Dempster Mile
Central Street
Ashland Arts
West Village
West End
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.
 Photo credit: Becca Heuer
Enjoy self-care with Maple/Foster businesses
Evanston combines a university town's charm with a small city's energy – making it the perfect destination for a self-care day. Recently we shared, Enjoy Evanston: A Night Out in Howard, this week, we’re sharing the perfect self-care day in Maple Foster.
Morning Brunch at Ovo Frito Cafe
Kick off your day with a hearty brunch at Ovo Frito Cafe, a cozy spot known for its comfort food and creative breakfast dishes. Tucked away with a warm ambiance, Ovo Frito Cafe serves up everything from Tres Hermanos Egg Skillets to their mouth-watering Viva La France French Toast.
Treat Yourself to a Hair Refresh at Studio SLK
After brunch, head over to Studio SLK, a sleek salon that prides itself on giving clients a fresh look while focusing on hair health. The talented stylists here know how to help you look your best, whether you’re in the mood for a trim, color refresh, or a whole new look.
Relaxation time at Carrie Brown Massage + Lash Squared
Next on the agenda is some serious relaxation at Carrie Brown Massage. Known for her personalized approach, Carrie offers a variety of massage techniques tailored to your needs. From soothing Swedish to targeted deep tissue, her massages are designed to release tension, improve circulation, and bring your mind to a calm, centered state.
While you’re there, give yourself a new look at Lash Squared. Get pampered for a special occasion with full, volume lashes, or keep it classic with everyday lash extensions.
Both spots are perfect for local students looking to treat themselves to something special in between classes or on the weekends.
Lunch at Foster Street Deli
Round out your self-care day with a delightful lunch at Foster Street Deli. Try their signature sandwiches, loaded with high-quality meats, cheeses, and fresh veggies. The turkey and avocado or a classic roast beef with horseradish are local favorites. Pair your sandwich with one of their freshly made sides or a bowl of soup for a warm, comforting end to your self-care day.
You don’t have to travel far for a self-care day in Evanston. Maple Foster offers quick, easy access to the perfect self-care day staples.
 What do YOU enjoy about Evanston?
With ten unique business districts, there is something for everyone to enjoy! We want to hear about your faves. Tell us about your favorite places for health and fitness, your favorite store or art gallery to explore, or your favorite place to eat! Send us an email about your favorite spots at hello@enjoyevanston.com.
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