Best Live Music Restaurants in Evanston

Aboyer (previously Restaurant Michael) has been one of our favorite north shore spots to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. My husband and I have been following Chef Michael all around the Chicago area for decades now, and although the amazing food has been the key reason, we have always been impressed by his professionally trained staff, who are friendly, knowledgeable and pay attention to details. On this visit, we were celebrating my birthday (2 months late) since we cancelled the first reservation when Covid hit us, and the aftereffects stayed around far too long. The evening here was well worth the wait! After stopping at the bar for a quick hello to Sergio and a Champagne (for me) and a Chardonnay we settled in to the cozy banquette for dinner. We ordered our standard starter, the delectable Gougères, a mainstay that we hope never goes away. I switched to a rich Aviary Napa Cabernet for the rest of the dinner. We were delighted to have Sergio Junior as our server! He obviously enjoys his job and is a real ambassador for the restaurant. We took his recommendations for our entrees, and both were fantastic! I never order pork, and rarely make it at home, except for a roast. The Peppercorn Crusted Berkshire Pork Rib Chop with Cognac Mushroom Sauce was by far the best pork I have ever had. Happy Birthday to me. My husband’s decadently delicious Aboyer Burger was an unexpected item for him to order here, except for how much he loved it. Thank you from both of us, SJ!!! Last night was well worth waiting for. ♥️♥️

Everything about Little Madrid Tapas Cafe was perfect. Having spent many years in Spain, this place is the real deal. They have a fabulous selection of wine and a wide array of traditional tapas and pintxos from anchovies and croquetas to morcilla and queso de cabra. The service was perhaps my favorite part. Our waiter went above and beyond for us and our requests and was very attentive to our needs and experience while also giving us plenty of space to catch up without too many interruptions. This is a gem of a cafe that can serve as both a great date night spot or a place for a casual happy hour with friends or colleagues.

This was my first time seeing a live jazz performance and Andy’s did not disappoint. I have no complaints, and enjoyed everything. Service was incredibly fast and welcoming. Definitely coming back!

Took my friend here for her birthday. We had a very fun waiter and we ordered a ton of food.. all was delicious.. the beet salad, truffle fries!! Monkey bread, Mac and cheese and the fried fish sandwiches and then we topped it off with the the coconut cream pie- YUM We plan on going back .. it was helpful they are located at old orchard so you can walk off your meal

Great place. Just a bit loud. It will not keep me from going again. Really good food and drinks.