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The Alcove- Evanston, Evanston, IL
The Alcove- Evanston, Evanston, IL
The Alcove- Evanston, Evanston, IL
The Alcove- Evanston, Evanston, IL
The Alcove- Evanston, Evanston, IL

The Alcove- Evanston

4.7
4.7
415 Reviews
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Chef Elio Romero curates an inventive American-inspired experience at Alcove Evanston, tucked under the Metra’s Davis Street stop. Taking cues from seasonal produce availability, Alcove’s menu is always evolving to guarantee freshness—check back often to stay updated on the restaurant’s culinary offerings. ****Please view our menu on our website for the most updated items. Menus across other platforms are not always 100% up-to-date, as our dishes change with the seasonality of their ingredients. Thank you!****

Make a reservation

2 people

11:00 PM


Booked 10 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, French, French American
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (847) 570-9821
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Owned/operated by
    Latinx or Hispanic
  • Executive chef
    Chef Elio Romero
  • Catering
    Full on-site catering available. Please give us a call or email us at alcoveevanston@gmail.com for details about private party pricing and menus. The Chef is happy to work with any requests to make your party a success and evening to remember.
  • Private party facilities
    Please give us a call or email us at alcoveevanston@gmail.com for details about private party pricing and menus. The Chef is happy to work with any requests to make your party a success and evening to remember.
  • Private party contact
    General Manager: (847) 570-9821
  • Neighborhood
    Evanston
  • Cross street
    Maple and Davis (South entrance off Davis. West entrance on Maple)
  • Parking details
    There is street parking available and a number of parking lots / garages nearby. The closest parking lot is located just across the street from our Maple street Entrance. Free street parking on Sunday.
  • Public transit
    Metra Davis Street Stop <br /> <br />CTA Purple Line Davis Street Stop
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 415 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Contemporary American

415 Reviews
  1. Julie

    Chicago

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is the most conversation friendly restaurant that we have ever been to. The food was superb! We had the special: skate with lobster tail, lobster mashed potatoes was the most delicious and memorable meal we’ve ever had. There were four of us, all loved their entrees. White tablecloth experience. It’s slightly hidden since it’s under the Metra, but very worth finding it!

    The Alcove- EvanstonResponded 4 days ago

    Hi Julie, What a pleasure it was to see your review! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed your meal and that the ambiance was to your liking. We're so glad you found us! Hope to see you again soon.

    Is this helpful?

  2. maraeats

    Chicago

    46 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    46 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful experience! Great restaurant for special celebration

    Is this helpful?

  3. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding dining experience. Service was fantastic, food exceptional — appetizers, mains, deserts, and palate cleansers. The dining area was extremely quiet, be prepared if in a larger group.

    The Alcove- EvanstonResponded 4 days ago

    Hi there, thank you for taking the time to leave a review! We're so happy to hear that you were satisfied with your time at the Alcove. Happy holidays!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Robert

    Los Angeles

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Server was wonderful. The ambience was excellent overall however, it is located under an EL/train station, which makes it kind of unique. However, when we left, we did see a rat skitter by. I’m not saying the location as rats but train tracks do. It was a bit unsettling. But loved every other part of the night.

    The Alcove- EvanstonResponded 4 days ago

    Hi Robert, Thank you for taking a minute to jot down your thoughts on your experience--we're so glad to hear that you were impressed with the service, and will pass along your compliments to our staff. So sorry to learn that you spotted an unwanted guest outside. We wanted to confirm that we are incredibly vigilant in maintaining our hygiene and sanitation standards in the restaurant and will pay extra special attention now that we have this information--thank you! Happy holidays.

    Is this helpful?

  5. luv2dance

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Second time we have had dinner here - such a lovely, elegant, quiet restaurant - perfect for special celebrations. Service was excellent and the food delicious. The prices are a bit high, especially for the portions, which are adequate but not overly plentiful. We will continue to come back for special occasions - it is a real find!

    Is this helpful?

  6. RMD21

    Chicago

    22 reviews

    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent expérience. Have not been since it changed from Chef's station to the new management/name. Food was delicious. Had the foie gras and the sea bass. Both were delicious. Will be back.

    The Alcove- EvanstonResponded 4 days ago

    Hi there, thanks for your review! We're thrilled you gave the Alcove a shot and that we surpassed your expectations. Hope to see you again soon!

    Is this helpful?

  7. JudyK

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect place for good food and conversation friendly atmosphere

    Is this helpful?

  8. Hoodrat

    Chicago

    24 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    After many years, Alcove remains our go to restaurant in Evanston. Always excellent food and attentive service. This visit the noise level was higher than usual, but the quality of the food and service compensates for that. We indulged in the warm flourless cake for dessert. Superb! My/our only negative is that the chairs are too high for my short body. I'll stick to the banquettes in the future.

    The Alcove- EvanstonResponded on November 14, 2023

    Hi there, thank you so much for choosing to spend your evening with us--and for the complimentary review! We appreciate your feedback on the noise level, and will pass along your compliments to the chef. We hope to see you again soon!

    Is this helpful?

  9. JohnS

    Chicago

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Thrilled to find a little gem tucked away near some music venues we enjoy. The ambience was fun, service friendly, and food truly memorable. Flavors and textures absolutely fantastic. Best foie gras I have had in the US (and I have sampled many). Octopus also had similar excellence of textures and flavors. Mains (a beef dish for one of us, branzino the other) were well delicious. Wines by the glass had lots of great options, and those I enjoyed paired really well. We'll be back!

    The Alcove- EvanstonResponded on November 7, 2023

    Hi John, thank you for your feedback--we're thrilled to hear we made your "top foie gras" list 😊 We look forward to seeing you next time!

    Is this helpful?

  10. BethH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    If you want to converse while dining on excellent food, the Alcove is the only place to do it. It’s expensive but so worth it!

    Is this helpful?

  11. JoeJoe

    Greater Boston

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is one of those places that is expensive but worth every penny.

    The Alcove- EvanstonResponded on October 25, 2023

    JoeJoe, thanks for taking the time to leave us your thoughts! We appreciate your business.

    Is this helpful?

  12. TildaS

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything that we had was delicious! Rack of lamb, monkfish special, bread pudding. The foie gras could have used a little more salt.

    The Alcove- EvanstonResponded on October 25, 2023

    Hi there Tilda, We're happy to hear you had a great experience & will pass on your compliments (and feedback!) to the chef. Thank you!

    Is this helpful?

  13. LindaM

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The venue is unique and elegant. Food is amazing. White asparagus soup is the best soup I've had!! The service was superior. I'll return when I'm in Evanston

    The Alcove- EvanstonResponded on October 25, 2023

    Hi Linda, We're honored by this review--thank you! (And the soup of the day is one of our favorites, too!)

    Is this helpful?

  14. KristyR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was the perfect meal and environment for our work dinner!

    Is this helpful?

  15. Wendi

    Chicago

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on October 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything is phenomenal here! We ordered crab cakes, halibut and duck. Prepared very well with a lot of flavor. The service was outstanding as well. Evanston is fortunate to have such an incredible restaurant.

    The Alcove- EvanstonResponded on October 11, 2023

    Hi Wendi, Thank you so much for your kind review--it was a pleasure to serve you. We hope to see you again soon!

    Is this helpful?

  16. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonder food, fantastic wine and excellent service. We really enjoyed our meal and will be returning soon.

    The Alcove- EvanstonResponded on October 11, 2023

    Hi there! We sincerely thank you for taking the time to leave such a glowing review! Our team will be happy to hear it. We hope to serve you again soon!

    Is this helpful?

  17. greentail

    Chicago

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The duck was great. Wine list was sparse but the Bordeaux we drank was so good we bought 6 bottles.I highly recommend the Alcove for an intimate dinner.

    The Alcove- EvanstonResponded on October 11, 2023

    Hello, Wow, six bottles! We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your wine choice--we have recently reworked our wine list to tailor it closely to our culinary offerings. We will take your feedback into account as we continue to refine it. Thank you for your kind review!

    Is this helpful?

  18. anon

    Chicago

    49 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    49 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Every course we and our friends ordered was superb. And the drinks were also expertly made. The octopus and goat cheese tarts for appetizers were excellent, as was the rack of lamb, sea bass, and beef tenderloin entrees. And while the turtle sundae and lemon berry tart were both very good, the butterscotch honeycrisp apple bread pudding and goat cheesecake were absolutely divine! Our server was also very attentive, welcoming, and genuine. A wonderful dining experience.

    The Alcove- EvanstonResponded on October 11, 2023

    Hi! This review is incredibly kind, our team thanks you! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience. Hope to serve you again soon!

    Is this helpful?

  19. horriblewait

    Denver

    37 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Food was good. Service good. Choices of entrees were good. We ate outside and the noise of the METRA was a little too much. The inside was too cold.

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  20. chifoodie

    Chicago

    51 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    51 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Another excellent meal with equally excellent cocktails at The Alcove. Enjoyed the patio seating, but be warned that noisy Metra trains will come by every half hour. Excellent service as always.

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  21. Hoodrat

    Chicago

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Alcove has only slightly disappointed once in many visits. Indeed, we were delighted when Chef Romero agreed to provide a sizzling hot meal for an important family event. The result? Ten stars. Thank you Chef Romero!

    Is this helpful?

  22. PAFoodLover

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A special place doing extraordinary food. It’s one of the best meals in Chicago, let alone the North Shore.

    Is this helpful?

  23. PauletteA

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We love the Alcove. The food is excellent, as is the service and the ambiance. It's a great place for a special occasion.

    Is this helpful?

  24. TORiaJ

    Chicago

    181 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    181 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Outdoor dining was spacious and despite being under the train tracks generally quiet. There weren't too many trains and they just stopped a minute or so when they came. Food was terrific and the menu is the perfect size and selection for everyone to find something they like. Service was "leisurely" but perfect for our four-top who were catching up with each other. Food came hot and was to everyone's liking. Hubby recommended the lamb and I had risotto which was excellent as well.

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  25. chifoodie

    Chicago

    51 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    51 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Alcove never disappoints. Met well-traveled friends with sophisticated palates, one of whom had a number of allergy restrictions, the other night and our server and the kitchen took great care to make sure the restrictions were kept and the food was delicious as always. So were the cocktails and mocktails! Their reaction: “Best meal we’ve had in ages!” Thanks to the entire staff for making a reunion with special friends extra special indeed.

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  26. JenK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was delicious. Great service! It’s a hidden gem.

    Is this helpful?

  27. richards

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience4
    We eat here often because my wife really enjoys the food. My problem is the slow service. If we want to wait over a hour for our dinner that’s fine.if you make us wait, it isn’t.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Overall a good experience- I think my guests were a little noisy but the food was excellent

    Is this helpful?

  29. Chitownfoodie

    Chicago

    58 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    58 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We did sit outside, so it was quiet. We were glad we weren't seated indoors... The inside of the restaurant was way too cold for our summer clothing. Why do restaurants do that? Food and service excellent as usual. I've always loved this place.

    Is this helpful?

  30. picky

    Denver

    35 reviews

    4.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    White tablecloths, napkins, and, a more formal atmosphere.

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  31. KaylaA

    Chicago

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely lovely. The food was fantastic. I’m particular we adored the green apple sorbet. We’ll definitely be back

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  32. Lorenzo

    Chicago

    27 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I am so glad to see that Alcove has become popular. People are realizing what a fantastic restaurant it is. The cooking is as fine as you can find in the Chicago area. Every dish is cooked perfectly, with wonderful seasonings and sauces. The service is very capable and attentive. Highly recommended!

    1 person found this helpful

  33. Kingfish

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Reliably  excellent food and a quiet atmosphere. Good service and conveniently located.

    Is this helpful?

  34. OpenTable Diner

    Austin

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was awesome! Really enjoy the experience and food.

    Is this helpful?

  35. Hoodrat

    Chicago

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on July 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Alcove always pleases us. Our out-of-town guests were impressed by everything except the very noisy table adjoining us. Keep it up!

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  36. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 7, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    The food tasted phenomenal, and the portion size was adequate. This was my 2nd time here, and this time, the goat cheesecake had a much milder flavor from the goat cheese. It was mainly present on the finish and very mild. That being said, I would order every dish I had again.

    Is this helpful?

  37. LoveGoodFood

    Chicago

    108 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    108 reviews

    Dined on July 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have been to The Alcove before and it is still exceptional. I had a drink which was very good. My sister and I shared the beet salad which was also very good. I had the rack of lamb with vegetables and my sister had the halibut with vegetables. Both were excellent. For dessert we shared a chocolate souffle which the chef made special for us. It was really good. This was one of the best meals we've had in a long time. Plus, our server Nick was very personable, professional and very attentive. Also, the busboy, who unfortunately I don't remember his name, was very friendly and very attentive to our needs. This is a restaurant one should definitely visit for a great meal and great service.

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  38. luv2eatout

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on June 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was great, tasty and well presented. The server helped us with selections on wine and dishes. Would surely visit again

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  39. Hwons

    Kansas City

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went for a belated Father’s Day dinner and the food, service, vibe were all amazing. Loved the somewhat hidden entrance and the restaurant ambiance inside. We ordered escargot, lamb chops, and duck breast; everything was cooked to perfection and the sauce for each entree was unforgettably tasty. Hostess and waiter were very friendly and attentive. They wrote “Happy Father’s Day” on our goat cheesecake for us, which I thought was extra nice of them. They were also very accommodating for the six-month old baby that joined us. 10/10 would recommend and we can’t wait to go back!

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  40. RachelK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was truly the best food I have ever eaten, and my husband is a professional chef (he agrees with me 100% so it's okay lol). The food was on another level. It was so good that it's hard for me to describe. We ordered the tuna tartare, and I got the halibut and my husband had the lamb. Every dish was exceptional.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff temperature check required

FAQs

The Alcove- Evanston offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (847) 570-9821.

The Alcove- Evanston is rated 4.7 stars by 415 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

11:00 PM


Booked 10 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Alcove- Evanston

1625 Maple Ave, Evanston, IL 60201

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Maple and Davis (South entrance off Davis. West entrance on Maple)
  • Neighborhood
    Evanston
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, French, French American
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    There is street parking available and a number of parking lots / garages nearby. The closest parking lot is located just across the street from our Maple street Entrance. Free street parking on Sunday.
  • Public transit
    Metra Davis Street Stop CTA Purple Line Davis Street Stop
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Owned/operated by
    Latinx or Hispanic
  • Executive chef
    Chef Elio Romero
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (847) 570-9821
  • Catering
    Full on-site catering available. Please give us a call or email us at alcoveevanston&#64;gmail.com for details about private party pricing and menus. The Chef is happy to work with any requests to make your party a success and evening to remember.
  • Private party facilities
    Please give us a call or email us at alcoveevanston@gmail.com for details about private party pricing and menus. The Chef is happy to work with any requests to make your party a success and evening to remember.
  • Private party contact
    General Manager: (847) 570-9821
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