Alcove - Evanston

First visit to this space in any incarnation. Welcoming staff and very friendly, happy to talk about the menu and cocktail options on a casual friday. Really liked the octopus and the foie. House old fashioned is very smooth. Surprisingly didn’t hear much train noise. Expected that to be much louder.

I was blown away by my dinner at Alcove. I took my mother out to celebrate her acceptance for a new job, and from start to finish Alcove made it an 11/10 experience. We had 2 appetizers, an entree each, 3 deserts, and everything was exceptional. I have lots of respect for local restaurants already but when you don’t cut corners in spite of costs going up, it merits even more. I want to thank you Alcove for such a delightful dinner tonight. It left an impression and will surely return for the next big occasion. Nick was our waiter; he was very easygoing and knowledgeable about the entire menu, just a super kind pal. Bella as well was super helpful with little questions and very respectful, and both Nick and Bella were willing to take pictures of our special night. They were both very hard working and indispensable pieces to Alcove. Credit should also be given to the chefs. Thank you Alcove.

What a great place! The menu has lots of interesting selections -- the kind of menu that would draw me back over and over again to keep trying things -- if only I lived in the area! And for even more options, there's some specials each day that are tempting! The restaurant pays attention to details -- especially in the food. All items ordered were excellent and seemingly prepared without cutting costs. Additionally, the bread service is very good and they provide a sorbet intermezzo before the entree, which is a very thoughtful touch that isn't done often enough at nice meals. The goat cheese tart and yellowfin tuna tartare were both excellent as starters. My braised beef short rib was rich and outstanding. Others in my group had a couple of fish entrees and one had lamb, and all loved it. The wine list has a lot of great selections and most bottles seem priced reasonably for what they are. The service was professional and super accommodating, with the kitchen happy to creatively work around a food allergy. The ambiance is comfortable and nice. Lighting decent. Noise level was low, though it wasn't terribly busy at the time of my visit. My only gripe is the 3% service charge for paying a card (they're very transparent about it though). Actual costs for most businesses are 2% or barely over, and for a fine dining restaurant where 75 - 100 person isn't uncommon, this should be a cost of doing business that's built into the pricing.

What a gem! Really happy to have found this amazing spot right in downtown Evanston. We took mother here for Mother’s Day this year because its close to her place and we absolutely fell in love. I started with the Tune Tartar, which while small was still yummy. The Young Arugula Salad was a sizable portion and enjoyable. On the night we were there they had a special of Chilian Sea Bass which was great and flavorful. I personally kept to the raw diet and had the Steak Tartare which was good, put probably didn’t need the gem lettuce base and could have used some more pieces of French baguette. The cooked steak was also VERY good – and very tender – the chef’s recommendation of medium rare was right on point. Unfortunately, we didn’t have room for dessert. The bar makes a good dirty martini and the service was excellent. The dining room was lovely and the noise level was moderate. Can’t wait to come back and try more of the menu!

Celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary here tonight. It was a perfect evening - from warm, attentive, impeccable service, to the wonderful food. Ambiance was perfect for us - elegant, restrained decor, and no music, so you could have a conversation without yelling. Elegant, restrained decor. Our waitress was fabulous. I followed her recommendations for food which were excellent. I would highly recommend and we plan to return.

Very unassuming looking place with Wonderful food, excellent service, strict attention to allergy concerns, and a quiet environment to just enjoy the food. No ear splitting music or deafening beat. Wonderful preparations. We had pork belly and crab cake as appetizers, roasted duck breast and crispy roasted sea bass with lobster tortellini as entrees, followed by an amazing lemon cream and wild Berry Napoleon. A refreshing sorbet was also served as s palate cleanser between courses. Everything showed a delicate touch of refinement and knowledge or what works.

It is a secluded, lovely, peaceful area, and the food I order will melt in your mouth - friendly staff and very welcoming.

Our third visit, the first time during warmer weather, allowing us to enjoy their outdoor seating patio for the first time which we found quite lovely considering the proximity to the train station. But that is all a part of the allure that is Alcove. We had a wonderful dining experience paired with fantastic service. My wife enjoyed the risotto while I took my time savoring each bite of the duck. We opted not to share a dessert—my choice, not my wife's. I loved the bread pudding. I'll add this was our first night out since having our second child two months ago, and this was the perfect evening for it. Thank you