Although it may feel like everyone is going home for Thanksgiving except you, staying in Evanston for the holiday is not the end of the world. More than likely you’ll know someone else staying, and if you and your friends are looking for somewhere to eat for Thanksgiving dinner, check out the places below. Be advised to call ahead for reservations.
Ann Sather
909 West Belmont Avenue
Distance from campus: 8.2 miles
Thanksgiving Day hours: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
773-348-2378
Price: $18.95
Right off of the Belmont Red Line stop, the iconic Swedish restaurant has an ambiance that matches the stereotypical trip to grandma’s. There are also several other locations spread throughout the city, such as in Andersonville and Southport. A traditional Thanksgiving meal of soup, roast turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, cranberry sauce and homemade pie will make you feel like you really did go home for break. Also, get some of their famous cinnamon rolls before you leave. Check out their website for the full menu and details on their other locations.
Joy Yee’s Noodles
521 Davis Street
Distance from campus: <1 mile
Thanksgiving Day hours: 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
847-733-1900
Price: Varies; a meal with an entree usually will not cost over $20
Any Northwestern student should already be familiar with Joy Yee’s. Just south of campus, the restaurant is a convenient place to get your some pan-Asian noms on. It might not have a Thanksgiving menu offered for the holidays, but it’s open and is close to campus if you’re looking to treat yourself to dinner. The menu may lack cranberry bubble tea or sesame turkey, but the originals are tasty enough to compensate for the lack of a Thanksgiving option.
Jacky’s on Prairie
2545 Prairie Avenue
Distance from campus: 1.6 miles
Thanksgiving Day hours: 12 - 9 p.m.
847-733-0899
Price: $42
Northwest of campus, Jacky’s on Prairie is just a few blocks away from Ryan Field. The restaurant was the brainchild of Blind Faith Café’s owner, David Lipschutz, and chef Jonadab Silva, who combine the classic French traditions of the former Jack’s Bistro, which used to be in the same space. For Thanksgiving, Jacky's is offering a meal consisting of free range turkey au jus and brioche-walnut stuffing, with a warm bourbon bread pudding dessert. Check out the full menu here.
Pensiero Ristorante
1566 Oak Avenue
Distance from campus: <1 mile
Thanksgiving Day hours: 3 - 7 p.m.
847-475-7779
Price: $49
For those willing to spend a bit more on a Thanksgiving dinner, Pensiero Ristorante is an option to consider. The restaurant will be serving a three-course menu with both modern Italian and traditional foods. There is a variety of different options to choose from, such as a fennel salad and green beans baked with almonds to baked salmon and the original turkey breast. Also, for those over 21, the Evanston establishment has an extensive wine list.
Or, do it yourself
Jewel Osco
1128 Chicago Avenue
Thanksgiving Day hours: 6 a.m. - 4 p.m.
847-869-7950
Whole Foods
1640 Chicago Avenue
Thanksgiving Day hours: 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.
847-733-1600
Why not do Thanksgiving yourself? All residential halls, colleges and communities have kitchens if you’re staying on campus for break. Get some friends together and either potluck it or cook everything together. This is a great way to build camaraderie during the holiday. The food might not turn out amazing, or your cooking skills may surprise you. Extra points if you recreate the original Thanksgiving dinner with costumes of pilgrims and Native Americans.
