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 Enjoy: Women-Owned Businesses Making History
In Evanston, approximately 1 in 3 businesses are owned and operated by women. From your favorite local restaurant to retailers that customers travel far and wide to visit, we have a league of entrepreneurs who build their businesses, elevate public spaces, and provide for the local community.
Join us this March in celebrating Women’s History Month by supporting some of our favorite women-owned businesses.
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Claire's Korner | Church & Dodge 📍1827 Emerson Street
An Evanston Legacy Business Member
Claire’s Korner is a beloved local eatery offering authentic Jamaican cuisine, known for its bold flavors and hearty portions. Owner Andrea Claire Bhalai has been serving the community for over 20 years with signature dishes like jerk chicken, oxtail stew, and plantains. This cozy spot is a must-visit for anyone craving Caribbean comfort food.
The Wine Goddess | Downtown Evanston📍702 Main Street
Owned by Diana Hamann, The Wine Goddess is more than just a wine store—it’s an experience. This charming shop offers a carefully curated selection of wines from around the world, wine-tasting events, and educational workshops. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a casual sipper, this women-led business provides an inviting atmosphere to explore and enjoy wine culture.
Beards and Bellas | Howard Street📍751 Howard Street
Beards and Bellas, owned by Shelley Carillo, is committed to providing the best in clean beauty care products for all gender identities. Their collection of minority-owned brands offers a diverse range of options to suit your needs and style. Shop the selection of beard oils, skincare, makeup, and more today.
niceLena & Friends | Main Dempster Mile📍1235 Chicago Avenue
Lena Kim’s boutique, niceLena & Friends, is a haven for unique, handcrafted gifts and artisan goods. This eclectic shop features jewelry, home decor, and accessories from independent designers and makers, many of whom are women. Shopping here means supporting a small business that values creativity, sustainability, and community.
Tag's Bakery and Tag's Café | Central Street📍2010 Central Street
An Evanston Legacy Business Member
Tag’s Bakery, under the ownership of Gretchen Vetter, has been an Evanston staple for decades. Known for its delicious cookies, cakes, and pastries, this bakery combines tradition with innovation, offering both classic treats and new, seasonal delights.
Tomate Fresh Kitchen | Noyes📍914 Noyes Street
Established by chef and founder Tania Merlos-Ruiz, Tomate Fresh Kitchen started among Chicago’s farmer’s market selling her beloved fruit & spice-infused sorbets and hand-crafted empanadas! A well-kept secret among Northwestern students in Evanston, Tomate Fresh Kitchen opened her doors in 2013, transforming typical Latin street foods to a gourmet experience. Tomate Fresh Kitchen takes an innovative approach to her cuisine, using locally sourced fresh ingredients.
Chicago Ballet Arts | Maple Foster📍915 Foster Street
Chicago Ballet Arts is a premier dance school offering top-quality ballet training for students of all ages and skill levels. Led by artistic and executive director Maliwan Diemer, this women-led institution is committed to fostering a love for dance while emphasizing technique, discipline, and creativity. The school provides a supportive environment where aspiring dancers can refine their skills and express themselves through movement.
Heartwood Center Evanston | West Village📍1818 Dempster St
Heartwood Center Evanston is a holistic wellness center dedicated to providing alternative healing practices, including acupuncture, massage therapy, and meditation. Founded by wellness practitioner Nancy Floy, the center is home to a diverse group of practitioners who focus on integrative health and well-being. Heartwood Center is a peaceful retreat for anyone looking to rejuvenate their mind, body, and spirit.
Brella Productions | Ashland Arts📍1601 Simpson Street
Brella is a strategic event optimization agency for corporate meetings, events, and learning programs led by Bernadette Burke. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, Brella Productions helps brands connect with their audiences through high-quality multimedia content.
Dance Center Evanston | West End📍1934 Dempster St
Dance Center Evanston, led by director Bea Rashid, has been a cornerstone of the local dance community for years. Offering a variety of classes in ballet, jazz, contemporary, and tap, the studio welcomes dancers of all ages and skill levels. Known for its strong technical training and supportive environment, Dance Center Evanston is dedicated to fostering creativity, discipline, and a lifelong love of dance.
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Let’s Keep Making History
These ten businesses are just a small sample of the many women-owned enterprises that contribute to Evanston’s vibrant economy and culture. By supporting women-owned businesses, we help foster a more inclusive and thriving local economy for everyone.
 Photo Credit: Joerg Metzner
Guitar Works celebrates 45 years
Founded in 1979, Guitar Works is one of many long-standing businesses on Main Street, and one of our favorite Legacy Businesses! Excited to see them celebrate 45 years! Read more about their journey.
 Find you March Mindfulness on Central Street
Find March Mindfulness during March Madness! Self-care is so important for managing stress and replenishing our emotional reserves. If you're looking for resources to improve your physical and mental health, and nutrition, Central Street has just what you need
 Central Street Restaurant Week April 7-13
Join in for a flavor adventure during the first annual Central Street Restaurant Week featuring specials and special menus from 13 businesses, including: Celtic Knot Public House, Comida Cantina, Curt’s Cafe, DeSalvo’s Pizza, Foodstuffs, Great Harvest Bread Co., Hartigan’s Ice Cream Shop, Jilly’s Cafe, Leonida’s, Parlor on Central, Pinto Thai, Ten Mile House, and The Fat Shallot.
 Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at Celtic Knot
Celebrate St. Paddy's Day weekend by attending Celtic Knot's Hooley XX 2025, an Irish version of a Hootenanny. Their 20th St. Patrick's Day celebration will include food, drinks, music, and dance all weekend long. Find the full schedule of events here.
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
West End
Howard Street
Enjoy Evanston
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.
 Check out new businesses in Evanston!
Make sure to visit these recently opened businesses and look out for other new businesses coming soon!
Cozy Noodle & Rice📍1741 Maple Ave.
At Cozy Noodles & Rice you can expect to find quality consistent food that taste great every single time. Eat delicious food, grab a drink, and relax!
Guzman y Gomez📍1710 Sherman Ave.
From breakfast burritos, guac on toast and horchata coffee, to tacos, nachos and enchiladas - Guzman y Gomez's delicious, fresh and flavor-packed menu is perfect for everyone any time of the day.
La Cocinita📍521 Davis St.
La Cocinita have been serving up Latin American street food to Evanstonians for nearly a decade and recently moved to a bigger location. In additional to grabbing world famous tacos and arepas, you can now expend to find expanded seating and a full bar.
Life Time Evanston📍1618 Sherman Ave.
Life Time Evanston welcomes you to new levels of wellness. Enjoy 60,000 square feet of best-in-class amenities. It's the new pulse of Life Time - in the heart of the city.
 Take the Downtown Evanston Let's Eat Challenge
The Downtown Evanston Let’s Eat Challenge is your ultimate guide to discovering the best bites, sips, and dining experiences Downtown Evanston has to offer—while earning exclusive, limited-edition badges and exciting rewards along the way!
Download the Vibemap App to view the Downtown Evanston Let’s Eat Challenge, check in at participating locations, and earn badges to unlock amazing prizes!
 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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