hidden galaxies to eat at in evanston

bill’s drive in:

just as the American cheese does from one of the restaurant’s griddled burgers. Since its opening in 1949, Bill’s has been the kind of classic Chicago fast food where you’ll have to some five minutes after a customer places it, a the other every now and again.

But that performance, that vibe, is why Bill’s Drive-In is best experienced in person. And therein lies the issue for most Northwestern delicious fried chicken, Evanston Chicken Shack is your spot. It’s hard to find on food apps, and it’s in a nondescript building tucked beside train tracks and a Subway shop, which is why it’s less known than some other fried chicken restaurants in the area upon entering freshman year. But the quality is hard to beat and is a big reason why most NU students know about it by the time they graduate.

My favorite order is the boneless wings with garlic parmesan sauce and fries, but there’s something for everyone on the menu. If you don’t like chicken, they even have pasta, fish and rib tips. Plus, Chicken Shack serves party pans if you’re looking to cater.

Chicken Shack was named one of the 21 best fried chicken spots in the country by Thrillist in 2015. It’s also been awarded the No. 1 fried chicken place in Illinois by Mashed. Plus, NU students have voted it best late night bite in Evanston for several years in a row.

Nicole Markus

and it’s quick, convenient and delicious.

Patrons are seated, usually immediately, at one of the intimate tables and order and pay from their phones. This system is a game changer for groups with indecisive diners like myself. A server brings the food within minutes, from the kitchen located a foot away from the tables.

I’m a big fan of the karaage chicken rice bowl and ramen. However, the wide range of ramen, udon and small plate options all promise flavor and freshness, making Tomo a great restaurant to keep in mind while exploring Evanston dining options.

thing but average.

Located at 1512 Sherman Ave., the restau rant’s cozy environment and delicious break fast fare make the extra few minutes from campus well worth the walk.

Mid Kitchen’s offerings range from shakshuka to breakfast bowls to different types of eggs benedict. From s’mores French toast to a green superfood omelet, the menu runs the gamut in terms of breakfast food, making Mid Kitchen the perfect spot for lovers of the sweet and salty. Vegan and gluten free options are available for many menu items as well.

The restaurant’s food is fresh and flavorful. The ambiance is chill, and the employees are kind and welcoming. The varied menu and high quality of food at Mid Kitchen continues to draw customers back for more.

NU students frequent, but the extra five-minute walk down Chicago Ave is worth it for the pizza at the small shop.

Union Squared serves up Detroit-style, not the traditional deep dish or tavern-style typically found in Chicago. Whenever a new friend or family member visits me in Evanston, I bring them to Union Squared, and I’ve even gotten a few “this is the best pizza I’ve ever had” remarks. You can’t beat the fluffy crust and fresh ingredients.

If you are trying Union Squared for the first time, I recommend the burrata margarita, which is a crowd pleaser. On a nice day, sit outside in their lovely seating area, where you can play bocce while you wait for your food.

Nicole Markus

By BEATRICE VILLAFLOR daily senior staffer @beatricedvilla

Moving to the United States as an international student can mean cramming your life into suitcases, visa interviews and saying extended goodbyes even before you get to campus.

Here’s The Daily’s rundown on navigating your first year here as an international student.

Before you get here:

For F-1 visa holders, familiarize yourself with the document’s restrictions.

Weinberg junior Antonia Carlsson said one of the biggest differences that came up between her and American friends is the limitations associated with a student visa.

For example, while U.S. citizens can work at any part-time job or internship they qualify for, international students have to be authorized, Carlsson said.

“The job that I have now, I applied for it a year in advance,” Carlsson said. “It took me three or four months to actually get the job offer letter to then get the Social Security Number.”

Other technicalities, Carlsson added, include taking at least three classes per quarter, because becoming a part-time student might complicate an international student’s visa status.

Looking at those constraints online and are still confused?

Use on-campus resources like the Office of International Students and Scholar Services to answer your questions.

While it’s good to be prepared, remembering all the legalities around a visa is difficult. OISS is the primary resource for concerns about immigration. Staff members can advise on how to get an SSN or whether that phone call you got from “Immigration and Customs Enforcement” was a scam (it really happens).

“The OISS staff members are some of the nicest people that you will ever meet,” said Bienen and Weinberg sophomore Dami Akanni. “Definitely utilize these people because all they want to do is help out and make our experience much smoother.”

Akanni and Carlsson are also on the executive board of International Peer Advisers. Like Peer Advisers in Wildcat Welcome, IPAs are there to give advice from the international student’s perspective. They also lead programming for International Student Orientation. Often, they are new students’ first point of contact in a non-academic sense.

While you’re here:

Don’t worry too much about finding friends immediately. It’s better to choose wisely.

Akanni said he struggled to relate to topics of conversation during his Wildcat Welcome, which initially made it hard to connect with domestic students. He said he didn’t even know Northwestern was located in the Midwest.

But after acclimating to his new environment, Akanni said he eventually found his people. Similarly, students are going to find their friend groups “no matter what,” as long as they give it time, he said.

“You’re going to find people who make the college experience worthwhile, so don’t be very pressed about making friends,” Akanni said. “Because if you do, you’re just going to end up making friends with people who really are not worth your time and energy.”

Akanni and Carlsson both added that they did not know how to connect with the international community at the beginning of their time here.

Carlsson had International Student Orientation and WW online because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which she said made it difficult to socialize with other international students specifically.

“I didn’t have any way to really reach out to people who were international,” she said. “I’ve been really bad at making friends with internationals, which is why I decided to be an IPA, because I wanted that outreach.”

If you find yourself wanting to reach out to those with similar experiences, there are affinity spaces like the International Student Association and more specific organizations like the Chinese International Student Association. Akanni advised new students not to “shell up,” even if they feel like they don’t belong.

“Definitely keep striving to express your thoughts even if it seems like… this is not something that (other students) relate to,” Akanni said. “Have that confidence to speak what you want to say and what you want to contribute to that conversation.” beavilla@u.northwestern.edu

Find your community with Northwestern

SOA is the hub for all organizations and activities at Northwestern. Here is just a taste of what we offer to students!

At our physical location (the SOURCE, on the third floor of Norris), you can find...

Resources for club operations (i.e., school supplies, printing, computers, and banner printing) A collaborative working space with tables, whiteboards, and clickshare

Individual workspaces with scenic lakefront views

Find out more about us by going to linktr.ee/soa_nu

Virtually (on our website and social media), you can find...

Wildcat Connection, an all-in-one platform for finding and joining a club community

SOA Instagram for upcoming event details and student club giveaways

SOA Website for useful club operations and Campus Life Staff