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Evanston Business Districts

Business DistrictsWith nine unique business districts across Evanston, residents and visitors can explore a vibrant mix of delicious dining options, one-of-a-kind local shops, and popular national retailers. Visit the individual business district websites below to learn more, or head to the Enjoy Evanston website for a one-stop guide to everything happening around the city, from upcoming events and local business spotlights to the best places to dine, drink, and shop.

DowntownEvanston
Central Street Evanston
The Main-Dempster Mile
Chicago's North Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau
Evanston Chamber of Commerce

Enjoy Evanston

Enjoy Evanston is your passport to what's happening throughout the city. Learn more and explore at EnjoyEvanston.com.

Enjoy Evanston

Enjoy Evanston emerged from the Evanston Thrives Retail Action Plan. One of the top wish list items we heard from residents and visitors was an easy-to-navigate information hub that listed businesses and offerings in all of our business districts. This reinforced what we heard from local business owners–a place to feature their business and feel connected to the community as a whole. We listened, we designed, and we coordinated to bring you EnjoyEvanston.com.

Downtown

Downtown Evanston features the City's most diverse mx of retail brands, over 60 restaurants, and rooftop bars with a view. Its world-class arts and entertainment—including Evanston's cinema and entertainment complex and the Northlight Theater (coming soon)—are ripe for (re)discovery. Only ½ mile from the shore of Lake Michigan and Northwestern's campus, you can see why over 6 million people visit Downtown every year.

Main-Dempster Mile

This walkable district features something for everyone—from vegetarian fare to Detroit style pizza to Argentine gelato. Check out a live show at Space or browse the many eclectic retail shops, galleries, and studios that line both Main and Dempster streets.

Central Street

This neighborhood district's name says it all— it's a corridor  chock-full of independent stores, bakeries, coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Bookended by two museums—the Evanston Arts Center and the Mitchell Museum— as well as Northwestern University's stadium, you'll find plenty of cultural, creative, and Big Ten inspiration here.

Noyes Street

A stone's throw from Northwestern University, this cozy district is home to long-standing Evanston eateries, including Al’s Deli and Dave's Italian Kitchen, as well as new institutions like Stacked & Folded. After grabbing some hot brew from Coffee Lab, walk through Tallmadge Park and the Noyes Cultural Center, which hosts several performances, exhibitions, and events throughout the year.

Howard Street

This vibrant commercial corridor district connects Evanston and Chicago and offers an impressive array of international food, including Jamaican, Cambodian, Central American, and good ol’ fashioned Wisconsin-style fish fry. Grab a drink from Peckish Pig or Ward 8, stroll the street checking out an amazing collection of murals, and then check out  a live performance at Good to Go Jamaican or Theo Ubique Theatre.

West End

This area has historically been home to Evanston's industrial and manufacturing businesses. Today, the neighborhood includes Temperance Brewing Company, Evanston Rebuild, and other manufacturing companies. Sit out on Temperance's patio and play board games or check out the district's collection of businesses focused on recreation, wellness, and the arts. And while there, don't forget to visit the Valli Produce grocery store, featuring ingredients from all over the world.

Church & Dodge

In the heart of Evanston, this district has had a long history as a cultural center for the City's African American community. Many of the first Black-owned businesses in the City were started in this district, and some have been passed down through generations, like Ebony Barbershop. Indulge in homemade ice cream from C&W Market and Ice Cream Parlor and explore the district and its legacy.

Ashland Arts

This hidden gem of Evanston is just waiting to be discovered. Several warehouses have been re-imagined to house Double Clutch Brewery, Soul + Smoke BBQ, a Native American wellness center, and various art studios. With new investment coming to the area, including the City's skate park and a community school, the district is poised to become a haven for families, foodies, and makers.

West Village

The West Village business district is a unique arts and wellness enclave of small artisanal shops, artist studios, and galleries anchored by Heartwood Center, the Midwest’s oldest holistic healthcare center. Joining the West Village recently is Zentli, a Mexican restaurant aiming to heal the community through incredible Mexican street food and incredible art. Once a Polish meat shop, 1100 Florence Gallery now hosts Joanna Kramer Ceramics, anchoring the Greenleaf & Florence art galleries and studios, which have made this neighborhood district a draw for both locals and visitors..