Living in our North Chicago suburb apartments around Evanston means you're never too far from great food, but finding a solid meal after 10pm can be a different story. 

Whether you're a Northwestern student pulling a late study session, a young professional working odd hours or just someone who gets hungry when most kitchens are closing down, knowing where to grab dinner late at night is essential.

The good news? Evanston and its immediate surroundings have more late-night options than you might expect. From fried chicken institutions and ramen bars to pizza joints and Mexican eateries, there's something for just about every craving. Here's a comprehensive guide to the restaurants that keep their kitchens running past 10pm!

Restaurants open late in Evanston

Pho Ever Ramen & Bubble Tea House

Pho Ever near Northwestern's campus and has become a go-to spot for late-night noodle cravings. The restaurant stays open until at least 10pm midnight Sunday through Thursday and until 11:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

The space has a colorful, Japanese street food vibe with bright decor that's hard to miss if you're walking down the street. One thing that sets Pho Ever apart from other sit-down restaurants is their ordering system: you scan a QR code at your table to browse the menu, order and pay. It's efficient and means you can get your food fast, usually within 5-10 minutes of ordering.

The menu focuses on authentic ramen dishes with customizable options. Popular choices include the Tonkotsu Classic Ramen, Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen and Miso Ramen. They also serve rice bowls like Gyu Don (beef bowl), appetizers like Takoyaki (octopus balls) and a selection of bubble teas and milk teas. The portions are generous, though some diners note the noodle-to-protein ratio can lean heavy on the noodles.

Evanston Chicken Shack

Located near Northwestern University in Evanston, Chicken Shack is a no-frills takeout spot that has been serving the community for over 30 years. 

If you've lived at AMLI Evanston for any length of time, you've probably heard someone rave about it, and the praise is well-earned! Various surveys have ranked it the No. 1 fried chicken restaurant in both Chicago and Illinois!

The kitchen stays open until midnight most nights and until 12:30am Wednesday through Saturday, making it one of the more reliable late-night options in town.

What sets Chicken Shack apart is their commitment to freshness. The chicken is never frozen, always hand-battered and deep-fried to order, and there are no heat lamps keeping things warm here. Beyond the signature fried chicken (wings, breasts, thighs and legs), they also serve hickory-smoked rib tips, fried catfish, chicken tenders and classic Southern sides like fried okra, mashed potatoes with gravy and spaghetti. The peach cobbler and sweet potato pie are worth saving room for, too!

The restaurant itself is small and unassuming. Some might call it a hole-in-the-wall, but that's part of its charm. You can dine in at the limited seating, order takeout or get delivery. 

Ridgeville Tavern

Named after the original name for the Evanston area (before it was renamed in 1853), Ridgeville Tavern is a neighborhood bar and restaurant near Raymond Park in downtown Evanston. It occupies the former Bar Louie space and is run by that restaurant's former general manager.

Hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 4pm to midnight and Friday through Saturday from noon to 1am. The tavern is closed Sundays and Mondays.

The menu is straightforward tavern fare done well. Fan favorites include the Risotto Fritters, a double smashed cheeseburger, Brussels and kale salad, Southwestern-style skirt steak and a carrot cake that's developed a following of its own. The bar features 20 beer taps with a strong emphasis on local Evanston breweries like Temperance Beer Co, Sketchbook Brewing and Smylie Brothers, along with wine taps and a cocktail list.

The space features large TVs for watching games, a warm atmosphere and outdoor seating with a large glass garage door that opens onto Grove Street in nice weather. It's family-friendly during earlier hours and hosts trivia nights regularly.

Prairie Moon

Prairie Moon has been an Evanston staple since 2002, serving what they call regional American cuisine with a "Moon-twist" from their location on Chicago Avenue. The restaurant is open until 11pm Tuesday through Saturday, closing earlier at 9pm on Sundays and Mondays.

The menu draws inspiration from cooking traditions across the United States. Signature dishes include the award-winning Moon Burger, Pine-Nut Trout, Cedar-Planked Salmon, various Po'Boys, Brick Chicken and Shrimp & Crawfish Etouffée. They also have a raw bar serving fresh oysters, and vegetarians have options too, including the Three Sisters Hash made with roasted butternut squash, toasted corn, white beans and other vegetables.

Prairie Moon takes pride in sourcing locally and working with area purveyors. The bar program features an extensive selection of craft beers, spirits and wines, while live jazz nights add to the atmosphere. The outdoor patio is particularly popular during warmer months, and they also operate Pasta Luna, an Italian delivery concept that runs out of the same kitchen.

Sarpino's Pizzeria

When it comes to truly late-night eating in Evanston, Sarpino's on Main Street by Harbert Park is hard to beat. The pizza delivery chain is open daily from 10am until 3am, making it one of the few options when 2am hunger strikes!

The menu covers all your Italian-American basics: pizzas, calzones, pasta dishes, salads, wings and breadsticks. Everything is made from scratch daily, including the dough. Vegan options with Daiya cheese and gluten-free crusts are available as well!

One of Sarpino's big draws is their late-night Midnight Express Pizza special, a 2-for-1 deal. They also offer free delivery with no minimum order, which is convenient if you just want a quick snack, and online ordering comes with a 15% discount.

The restaurant survives largely on its delivery business and college-town location. The food is reliable rather than exceptional, but at 2am, reliability counts for a lot.

The Supreme Burrito #1

The Supreme Burrito #1 is a neighborhood favorite for affordable, authentic Mexican food. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 10:30am until 11pm and closed Sundays.

This is a straightforward counter-service spot with generous portions and quick service. Popular items include the Cali Style Burrito, Asada Burrito, steak tacos, enchiladas verdes and taco salads. They serve breakfast all day, with options like chilaquiles, huevos rancheros and breakfast burritos.

Prices are budget-friendly, and vegetarian options are available with most dishes. The staff is known for being friendly, and there's a parking lot for pickup orders. It's not fancy, but it delivers on flavor and value.

Hokkaido Ramen & Sushi Bar

With late-night hours on weekends, Hokkaido offers both ramen and sushi under one roof! The restaurant is open until 12:30am Monday through Saturday and until 9pm on Sundays.

The menu features a variety of ramen options, including Spicy Beef Ramen, Garlic Tonkotsu Ramen and Tantanmen, and you can choose from three heat levels on the spicy ramen. The sushi selection is solid, and they offer an all-you-can-eat sushi and ramen deal for $31.95, which is a good value if you're hungry.

Popular appetizers include Gyoza and Bang Bang Shrimp. The space is modern and spacious with high ceilings and colorful murals, and they serve cocktails, beer and specialty teas.

Guzman y Gomez

This Australian-born Mexican chain opened on Sherman Avenue in downtown Evanston in March 2025. Despite being a chain, it differentiates itself from competitors like Chipotle by focusing on fresh ingredients with no added preservatives and by serving alcohol, including Mexican beers and margaritas.

The restaurant is open daily from 7am until 12am or later, with a menu that includes burritos, burrito bowls, tacos, nachos, nacho fries, quesadillas and salads. Breakfast is served in the morning with options like breakfast burritos and avocado toast, and they also serve Metropolis coffee.

The space has a vibrant, colorful design inspired by Mexican street scenes. You can also order in-store, through their app or via delivery services!

Late-night dining in Evanston might require a bit more planning than in areas around our other luxury Chicago apartments, but options exist across a range of cuisines and price points. Sarpino's has you covered into the early morning hours, while Pho Ever Ramen, Ridgeville Tavern and Hokkaido Ramen all keep their kitchens running past midnight on weekend nights.

As always, hours can change, especially around holidays, so it's worth calling ahead or checking online before heading out.

Happy hunting!

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Featured photo by Dan Gold on Unsplash

Second photo by Anton Nazaretian on Unsplash

Third photo by Julia Michelle on Unsplash

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