Alcove - Evanston - Evanston, Illinois

Alison Duncombe

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.

Bill L

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 entrée, 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.

Iwona Urbanska

What a magical spot in Evanston. The Deco takes you to a little French-English town in Europe. The hostess greeted us with big smiles, and the waiter brought us through the menus and course everything perfectly. The energy of this place and team makes you enjoy more of every bite. We started with fantastic steak tartare followed by foie and veal shortbread. We chose for the main course perfectly prepared Duck. I have to munch on our Apple sorbet as a palette cleansing. I felt like I just had a bit of fresh green apple. A fantastic wine selection and dessert will not leave you disappointed. One of the best places I have eaten in a long time. We will be back. Thank you to the Chef and team for creating such a fantastic food experience.

Steven

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 ?

Carlos Manuel

It was the WORST experience I have ever had in a restaurant.

Once the hosted walked my girlfriend and I to the table, we didn't even were glad by any server in the first 20 minutes. It was a disaster 5-course dinner option, and for us, in order to get the food, we had to wait around 1 HOUR for each of the first 3 courses (3 HOURS in total) and by the way we had to remind our waitress that they have just skipped one of the courses, absolutely awful.

The food was good but it was cold once it arrived at our table. At that point, I didn't even care. After all they made us wait, I just wanted to eat.

If you want to waste your money and have a nightmare dinner, this is the place you must go.

Stephen Snow

The Alcove earned 5-stars in Atmosphere, Food and Service. Upon first gazing at the nondescript view from the street, I wondered what lay ahead? What appeared to be a subway entrance, it led us to a handsome red door flanked my large planters. Entering, I was I disbelief. Eye candy. Subdued lighting, contemporary decor and use of color. We were warmly greeted and shown to a nice table with banquette seating. The waitstaff were excellent. The wine was overflowing and the entree’s were superb. This night was a gift for our wedding anniversary and it was such a joyous celebration. Later, we found the real front entrance. Thank you Brian and Stephanie♥️

Jason Sullivan

Great date impromptu date night spot. Small, quaint, quiet, great food, and awesome service. Price point was good for the menu. It was worth every penny and we will definitely return. The menu switches about every 6 weeks so looking forward to seeing the next list of offerings.
Place is nestled under the metra stop. You literally are walking like you are about to get on the train but then these doors and canopy appear! You can't even hear the train as it comes and goes. Definitely a bonus as it adds to the quiet dining experience.
I had the Alaskan Pan seared halibut special. Excellent dish and my girlfriend had the maple duck breast which was delightful as well.
5 stars across the board, you will enjoy!

Adam

A hidden gem, literally. This resturant is tucked away under the train tracks. Believe it or not but you cannot hear them either. Alcove’s dining room was modern and clean. The menu had an assortment of options. Drinks, appetizers, entree, and desert was all fantastic. Look forward to coming back!