In its second year, Downtown Evanston’s “Let’s Eat Challenge” turns local dining into a game, inviting community members to explore downtown’s culinary selection, rack up points and earn rewards.
“It’s a great way to invite people to explore the restaurants in a different kind of way than they might normally do,” Downtown Evanston Executive Director Andy Vick said.
Vick said the organization invited any restaurant, bar or cafe to partake in the program, resulting in 81 participating establishments. Among these are recent 2026 Best of Evanston winners NaKorn Kitchen, Bennison’s Bakery, Joy Yee Noodle and Colectivo Coffee.
To join, patrons must download Vibemap and check in at participating restaurants, where they can leave reviews and add photos. The challenge, which was announced mid-February, lasts until May 15.
Evanston resident Tina Hardy often leaves restaurant reviews on Google, and said she is eager to earn rewards through the challenge.
“One of my favorite things to do is go out to eat and try new restaurants,” she said. “It’s fun. I think it’s great to get people involved and going downtown.”
Downtown Evanston received a portion of the city’s $100 million Community Benefits Agreement with Northwestern, which Vick said it used to launch a history tour in the fall and the “Let’s Eat Challenge.”
Raechel Robertson, the manager of Taco Diablo, said the restaurant offers a special discount for those who participate in the challenge. She said they have yet to have customers show them the Vibemap app this year, but noted many had last year.
“It does help us promote because it gets our name into the students’ minds,” Robertson said. “We’re looking for ways to pull in the students or other adults who are interested in our cuisine.”
Like Robertson, Vick said he aims to encourage more students to frequent Downtown Evanston because the area is “dependent on that business patronage,” he said.
Last year, NU’s Minority Business Association worked with Downtown Evanston to help design part of the challenge and spread the word to businesses and students.
“This is just one of many different ways over the course of the year that we’re very intentionally trying to reach out to the University community,” Vick said. “We’re saying, ‘Hey, you’re here for four years, this is your hometown during those four years, and, as your hometown, we are extending an invitation for you to come out to eat.’”
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