Here’s the Cliffs Notes version of Evanston 101, everything you need to know about this new place in which you’ll soon be living.
WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO GO:Necessities:If you haven’t realized it yet, downtown Evanston is pretty upscale. You won’t find a grocery store or supermarket within easy walking distance of campus, but you’ll find the basics at CVS (1711 Sherman Ave.). Health food freaks will be relieved to hear their organic seaweed slices and all their favorites can be found just south of campus at Whole Foods Market (1640 Chicago Ave.). Otherwise, try to make friends with someone who has a car because Jewel-Osco, a Chicago-area supermarket chain, is a little further down the street at 1128 Chicago Ave. Otherwise, on Sundays, hop aboard the free and easy Shop-N-Ride Shuttle, which will take you to Dominick’s, Jewel and other prime shopping spots, from various locations on campus.
Entertainment: Any college town has to have an overpriced movie theater. Evanston’s (Century Theatres, 1715 Maple Ave.) is just south of campus, near Borders Books and Music and some chain restaurants. Because it’s the only cinema in town, it’s often overflowing with local middle and high school students. As sad as it sounds now, don’t be surprised if you spend some time at Burger King (1740 Orrington Ave.), Evanston’s only 24-hour fast food restaurant within walking distance of campus. Kafein (1621 Chicago Ave.) is a good place to check out for coffee drinks and live music. Food takes a long time, but Trivial Pursuit cards on the table will keep you entertained. The city is trying to close off its bars to under-age patrons, but, uh, 21-year-old college freshmen will want to check out Prairie Moon (1502 Sherman Ave.), Tommy Nevin’s Pub & Restaurant (1450 Sherman Ave.), Bill’s Blues (1029 Davis St.), 1800 Club (1800 Sherman Ave.) and The Keg of Evanston (810 Grove St.), despite the shooting that happened there two years ago.
Shopping: Shop-a-holics who want to get a fix without having to take a 30-minute train ride to Michigan Avenue will be happy to know that downtown Evanston has its own supply of stores. So used to the heat wave that you forgot to buy a coat? No problem. Check out Uncle Dan’s (700 Church St.), which has everything you’ll need to survive the Evanston winters. Looking to pick up textbooks at prices less than Norris Center Bookstore? Hit up Beck’s Book Store (716 Clark St.). For other books, music and movies, there’s a Borders Books & Music (1700 Maple Ave.) and a brand new Barnes and Noble Booksellers (1630 Sherman Ave.) just a few blocks away from each other. You’ll also find The Gap (1706 Sherman Ave.) about a block south of campus, along with countless other clothing chains like Urban Outfitters (921 Church St.) and American Apparel (950 Church St.). On Sundays, the Shop-n-Ride Shuttle will take you to Skokie’s Old Orchard Shopping Center, which has all your favorite shopping mall staples like Abercrombie & Fitch and Apple Store.
Restaurants:Considered the dining capital of the North Shore, Evanston has everything from fast food favorites like Taco Bell at 1743 Sherman Ave. (one of the cleanest restaurants in Evanston, according to health inspection ratings) and Subway (1551 Sherman Ave.) to some classier places to try out on parent’s weekend like Pete Miller’s Steakhouse (1557 Sherman Ave.) and Davis Street Fish Market (501 Davis St.). Any visit to Evanston isn’t complete without a stop at Clarke’s (720 Clark St.), which has all sorts of options from pancakes to hamburgers. Sandwich joints like Potbelly Sandwich Works (630 Davis St.) and Panera Bread Bakery and Cafe (1700 Sherman Ave.) are good stops for a quick bite, whereas anyone craving Chinese food can find it at Joy Yee’s Noodle Shop (521 Davis St.) or Flat Top Grill (707 Church St.), just to name a few. All in all, untraditional palates can find anything from Jamaican to Indian, Greek to Middle Eastern, in downtown.
Coffee Shops:Unfortunately, you won’t find a Starbucks wherever you turn in Evanston — there are only six of them (including one in the student center). Luckily, there are enough coffee shops to keep you awake before that big chemistry exam. Unicorn Cafe (1723 Sherman Ave.) and Cafe Ambrosia (1620 Orrington Ave.) are nice places to sip on a cappuccino and check your e-mail at the same time. If you don’t want Dunkin’ Donuts (1728 Sherman Ave.), Peet’s Coffee & Tea (1622 Chicago Ave.) is a student favorite for a quick caffeine fix.
TOP ISSUES IN EVANSTON:1. DevelopmentThe majority of discussion during Evanston City Council meetings is about how and where to build bigger buildings in the city. Most building proposals involve condominiums with price tags in the hundreds of thousands, making affordable apartments a growing issue. Two plans currently are battling for space on the southeast corner of Church Street and Sherman Avenue, in the heart of downtown. 2. NU-City relationsNorthwestern University first opened its doors in 1855, eight years before the city was officially established. Since then, the university has been exempt from paying property taxes on its beautiful lakefront property. Today, the city views this potential loss of millions of dollars as an issue, making residents less than pleased to deal with rowdy college parties and swarms of new students.
3. SafetySafety is an issue for both NU students and Evanston residents. The areas around campus and into downtown are pretty safe most of the time, but last year several robberies occurred during the late hours on or near campus, raising concerns with the school’s administration.
QUICK FACTS OF EVANSTON
BASICS:Founded in 186313 miles from downtown Chicago Population – 74,239 (2000 Census)Demographics:65% Caucasian, 22.5% Black, 6% Asian,0.2% Native American, 6.3% OtherLargest age bracket is 25-34 year oldsMedian household income: $56,335
POLITICS:- Mayor: Lorraine H. Morton- City Council – Nine aldermen, elected in 2005 for a four-year term- Cheryl Wollin, 1st, and Elizabeth Tisdahl, 7th, cover the NU campus.
SCHOOLS:District 65 includes the Evanston and Skokie elementary and middle schools. Evanston Township High School makes up School District 202.
Reach Laura Olson at [email protected] Matt Presser at [email protected].
