The Latest and Greatest in Evanston

By Emily Fiffer

You love to hate on the suburbs. But the truth is, every time you visit, a little voice inside you goes, “Ahh.”

It’s green! It’s quiet! And — thanks to new shops, restaurants, and bars — almost, dare we say, cool. Here are a few of Evanston’s newest offerings.

Hewn
Rustic bread is the name of the game at this charming carb hub (810 Dempster Street, 847-869-4396). The interior, made entirely of salvaged materials (barn roof, pickle barrel, white oak tree), reflects Hewn’s mission to craft honest, handmade food. Three daily breads range from traditional (country, baguette) to more unusual (polenta, pumpkin seed, rosemary; heirloom potato, parmesan, garlic; whole wheat Gruyere). Snag a kouign amann or pineapple brioche from the pastry case and a cup of Minneapolis’s Dogwood coffee for a pick-me-up. Flatbreads (tomato basil), sandwiches (tomato mozzarella with shallot confit), and salads (beet with candied pecans) are also on the menu.