Valley Lodge Tavern

Blind Faith Cafe

➤ 525 DempsterIL 60201, Evanston, United States

Cafe • Full • American • Vegetarian

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"We have supported and enjoyed Blind Faith for years but the prices have gotten so high relative to the food served. My mediocre stuffed avocado at $19 with plain lettuce on the side left me unsatisfied, and the still very tasty Blind Faith salad at $17 which is 95% lettuce, overall gives me pause. With 2 drinks and one appetizer of Brussels sprouts our meal was over $80 before tip. The vibe is still, as always, friendly and inviting, and service good. At this price point I feel like I am mostly just offering my support to a local place, rather than getting a meal that I can’t wait to have again."

Whiskey Thief

➤ 616 Davis Street Evanston, IL 60201, 60201-4458, United States

Pubs • American • Breakfast-brunch • Contemporary American

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"Dined here as we were running an errand in the Evanston area and were looking for a new option. Saw this and stopped in because they had brunch and regular options. Loved the décor. Guys will like the many televisions tuned to sports events and the women will like the mirrors and chandeliers. Yep, it's that eclectic, but I think they managed to please everybody. We chose to sit in the oversized barrel seating, but would caution those who don't like drafts. They can receive a draft every time the front door opens, but I like cold, so I was happy. Server was prompt and friendly. We started off with their craft cocktails Murder in the Tropics and At the Darkest Hour and if we didn't have errand to run, I would have worked through several more. They were excellent. Food did not disappoint either. I had the pork belly sliders and could only finish two of them. Think thick slabbed bacon on mini buns. Great size and accompanied by hot and crispy thin fries. My companion chose the Thief burger which he deemed great, accompanied by sweet potato fries. I liked that the latter were similar in size to traditional fries, so liked them as well. I can see myself whiling away an afternoon or evening here or maybe both? . It's a chill vibe and far removed from the busy streets of Evanston street traffic."

Napolita

➤ 1126 Central Ave Wilmette, IL 60091, 60091-2691, United States

Pizza • Cafés • Seafood • Italian

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"I wish I could like this place more, because it is comfortable in our neighboring, but time after the time disappointed it. at our last visit the service was very attractive. three of our four appetizers arrived while the other diner remained. No one seemed to notice until we checked our server that did not seem to care, but at least for the situation. the bar is terrible. it is the second opportunity that I have ordered a drink and found it flat, including the prosecco. eating oktopus in the seafood salad was terrible hard, pizza was watery, and steak drowned in balsamico. last touch was the busboy who dropped dirty cutlery in the lap of my man without as much as an apology. Finally, a back room with tables and chairs without space to maneuver. we are 0 for many tries on this place and unfortunately not back."

Herm's Palace

➤ 3406 Dempster St, 60076, Skokie, US, United States

Seafood • American • Hot dogs • Hamburger

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"Not having visited in a while, we 'd forgotten just how great this joint was. Herman, the original owner, sold his business way back in 1974; since then, the Shane family has maintained the name, traditions, and legendary comfort food. The place is nothing fancy but the wide ranging menu extends far beyond standard hot dog burger gyros fare. Herm 's is celebrated for their decadent Cardiac Sandwich (pastrami, fried salami pepper jack cheese). Other options include a breaded veal sandwich, rigatoni, fish tacos, eggplant parmesan, pizza puffs, chicken gyros, etc., etc. There are salads and other vegetarian items, and they serve beer, too. Most sandwiches run under $10 (sides are extra), and menu items currently top out at $14.75. At least for now, Herm 's is a safe harbor from inflation. I decided to be brave and order a turkey club. I 've rarely seen this sandwich on other hot dog joints ' menus, but Herm 's version was a solid fresh tasting hit with generous amounts of thin sliced turkey and crispy bacon. My Missus said her chicken kabob plate was better than the versions served at many Mediterranean restaurants. But what made the experience extra special for us was the guy behind the counter who adeptly juggled order taking, serving, food prep, and running the whole show in general with an abundance of friendliness. Craig must have a photographic memory, as he somehow manages to get multiple orders and special requests exactly right without writing anything down. He makes an effort to get to know his customers, too. Watching him work and interact with his back room staff and clearly enjoying his work was a pure delight."

Pete Miller's Seafood and Prime Steak - Evanston

➤ 1557 Sherman Ave Evanston, IL 60201, 60201-4897, United States

Fish • Soup • Steak • Seafood

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"The service at this restaurant is excellent! I have been in the restaurant industry for over 20 years and this place has the best service. It is very professional. The food is also amazing. I recently dined there on Friday and I am going back again tonight to have the dry aged Kansas City strip.....again. I appreciate that each steak comes with a side, which is a rare find in a steakhouse of this quality."