First, start with two thick pieces of Texas Toast, lightly grilled. Then, add a cheesy layer of Merkt’s Cheddar and American. Finally, stuff the sandwich with a hearty helping of homemade macaroni and cheese. The sandwich is known as The Mac and it’s a delicious concoction of cheesy goodness.
The restaurant is called Cheesie’s Pub and Grub, and while it specializes in serving gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, it doubles as a bar. Last school year, it was my favorite destination in Chicago. But this year, it will be my favorite destination in Evanston. Cheesie’s second location is officially open at 622 Davis Street.
Cheesie’s owner Chris Johnson is excited about the rapid growth of his restaurant. The original opened just a year ago on Belmont in Lakeview. The Belmont location has already doubled in size and Johnson is now looking forward to working in Evanston.
"I am thrilled for Northwestern to be our first Big 10 location and excited to help cater to the hunger of the student when they are up late 'studying' every night of the week!" Johnson wrote in an email.
And cater to the student, he most certainly will. His dual atmosphere of pub and grub is exactly what Northwestern students need. To start, the grub is filling, tasty, and affordable, ideal for lunch, dinner, and a late night snack. I speak from experience here — the only meal I have not had at Cheesie’s is breakfast.
The sandwiches range from $4 to $9. The Mac is my personal favorite, but the menu is 11 strong. The Tenderizer, for example, is stuffed with cheddar, mozzarella, hot sauce, barbeque sauce, bacon, and fried chicken tenders. The Napoleon is the perfect mix of bleu cheese crumbles, tater tots, bacon, hot sauce and cheddar.
Beyond the grub and for those of age, the pub is classy and affordable. Domestic beers cost $3 and all other beers, shots, drinks and top shelf is $5.
Johnson is already working hard to make Cheesie’s a staple food choice at Northwestern. He plans to give discounts on grilled cheese for munchies in the dorms and for Sunday night dinners at the fraternities. He is willing to partner with student groups for discount nights as well.
He also offers a 10 percent WildCARD discount. And then for repeat customers, both students and locals, he will give out a ten percent discount Cheesie’s wristband. On Wednesday nights, Cheesie’s has a double discount night of twenty percent for wildcats with wristbands. We’ve got Keg Mondays and Deuce Thursdays: How about Cheesie’s Wednesdays?
Cheesie’s stays open late, until 3 a.m.. For people on South Campus looking for a late night snack while the rest of Evanston sleeps, 622 Davis Street is a short walk away, where Austin’s Tacos used to be, around the corner from Edzo’s Burger Shop. And for North Campus students, Cheesie’s will be delivering starting in mid-October. Delivery will most likely run until 3 a.m. as well.
I am a repeat customer of Cheesie's. I’ve been down to the location on Belmont six times and this year I plan on going to the new location on Davis once a week, at least. So the next time you're feeling hungry, you’ve got my recommendation.