The arugula and grain salad was the best thing we had and we cleaned our plates. After reading other reviews I was a little nervous about the entrees, but I tried the truffle seared chicken breast and my girlfriend had the risotto.
The chicken breast had no indication of truffle, it tasted like it was covered in a sweet and sour sauce. It was good, and cooked well, but completely opposite of what I expected, and the wine I ordered to pair with it didn't match well as a result. I think adding the word "truffle" twice in the description of the chicken breast is misleading, and despite it tasting good, I had to adjust to the sweet sauce rather than an earthy mushroom flavor.
The risotto had a nice flavor but it wasn't the rich, creamy consistency of risotto, it was more soupy rather than creamy. We still enjoyed our meals despite the mains being a little off.
Our server was very nice, and we didn't experience any long waits. I did get a sense that the staff is still learning the ropes - maybe the kitchen, too. I will try this place again to see how the sandwiches and maybe the brunch are, and the bar looked pretty nice, especially given that Evanston has a shortage of cool, upscale bars with knowledgeable bartenders.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 3
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
This was my first visit since Evanston Corner Bistro took over from formerly Thomas & Dutch / Farmhouse and I must say that they hit a home run! I love the new decor and layout and had a wonderful time dining there and celebrating my friend’s 90th birthday. We both enjoyed a delicious brunch (Eggs Benedict with a homemade biscuit and Avocado & Goat cheese sandwich with a fried egg & perfectly cooked breakfast potatoes )
The food was served quickly, looked great and tasted even better.
The portions are generous and provide excellent value for money.
We were equally delighted with our server and the friendly and welcoming hostess.
I will definitely be back soon to try their lunch and dinner menu.
This is a great new dining venue in the heart of Evanston!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Land Benedict
Very nice place beautifully arranged. The food was very good and it came really quick. The only counterpart is that they don’t have a great variety of desserts.
Attention was ok. Not because of their attitude but because of lack of personnel.
Bear in mind they charge an extra 3% on credit card payments, so it’s more convenient to pay cash.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Fries
The place has potential but needs to work on some things. The service was very nice. Our waiter was attentive and the service was neither rushed nor slow, just right. I had the pork chop and it was dry and not much flavor. The apple butter and sliced apples with it were nice. One son liked the fried chicken sandwich the other did not. The fries that came with our meal were not good. My son who eats everything and is very easy over all said he felt they were done in an air fryer. Fries at a bistro need to be delicious. I enjoyed the non-alcoholic apple cocktail, my husband enjoyed his wine and the risotto. I would go back and give them another chance as the atmosphere was nice, the service very good and perhaps we just didn't order the right stuff.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
I live in the neighborhood with my wife and three kids and this place has become our new neighborhood spot! We’ve now been here more times than I can count since it’s opened, so I figured it was time to write a review. Evanston corner bistro (ECB) offers a bit of everything; my kids love the weekend brunch, we’ve enjoyed a few very low key date nights, I work from home and also get lunch on occasion (burger is awesome), and also just had a client lunch and solo dinner at the bar! (Someone let me know if that’s proper punctuation! 😂 ). But back to it, ECB checks all the boxes. If you haven’t been, go. Food is spot on for the market, and that description probably doesn’t do justice to the burger that might be one of the best in Evanston and steak and fries that might actually be the best in Evanston (and I’ve been to all of our steakhouses). Also the brunch is really delicious as well. Really nothing but positive vibes all around for this establishment and I fully encourage more people to check them out. I think the prior tenant missed the mark, but ECB is well positioned to meet this market and particularly locals and families if you are anything like me.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$100+
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Land Benedict
We hosted a New Year's Day brunch for 25 at Evanston Corner Bistro, and could not have been happier with everything. The catering manager was a pleasure to work with - highly responsive and accommodating to our needs. All the food was fresh, delicious, and served at the optimal temperature. And the amount was right on for the number of guests - everyone ate their fill and there was almost nothing left over (so no paying for food that got thrown out). Finally, our server (Gabi) was wonderful, keeping everything moving according to our schedule, making sure everyone had whatever they needed, and all with a kind and positive attitude. The space was very flexible and welcoming; my only complaint is that the elevator (which my mother-in-law needed to get to the upstairs party room) was incredibly slow. I would highly recommend ECB for group events.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
The team here is excellent from front of house to the back kitchen. They were graciously able to accommodate a table of 6 on a Saturday night with no reservations. Everyone in our party enjoyed their food - from the generous double decker burgers that satisfied hungrier eaters to the flavorfully complex salads that were a perfect fit for those looking for lighter fare. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a well curated menu of refined crowd pleasers. The only thing I’d keep in mind is that the dishes seem to reflect hotel pricing rather than a neighborhood spot where locals can come back to every week. But you get what you pay for!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Steak Salad
A great spot for you brunch! We ate there on a Sunday and everything was perfect. Attentive service, plentiful coffee, beautiful ambience and some delicious omelettes. Mine was the mushroom risotto, which had some unique flavors. Looking forward to adding to the rotation.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Came down to IL from WI last night and came to this cute place for breakfast this morning! The food was so good! Everything cooked to our expectations. We got the steak and eggs and they were fantastic. Our server (skyler?) was so great and helpful. Would definitely return if we are back in this area!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
American Breakfast
Giving grace because they are new. Went last night with friends and the service was rather slow and had to ask for our check 3 times. The food we ordered had good parts, but the buffalo chicken sandwich and burgers were unexpectedly sweet.
I'd definitely try this place again, but perhaps after a few months to iron out kinks.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 3
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 4
