The best bars & nightlife in North Shore

9 bars & nightlife we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Nightlife · 9 places · showing the latest additions first

Five & Dime

Nightlife

Five & Dime is Evanston’s rooftop escape perched above its sister restaurants in downtown Evanston, with a lively bar, open-air terrace,…

1026 Davis St Upstairs (Evanston)

“Five & Dime is Evanston’s rooftop escape perched above its sister restaurants in downtown Evanston, with a lively bar, open-air terrace, and indoor spaces perfect for casual drinks or dinner with friends.”

From the Arlington Heights newsletter, August 3, 2026

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Evanston SPACE

Nightlife

Cozy venue for acts and musicians featuring pizza takeout.

1243 Chicago Ave (Evanston)

“Cozy venue for acts and musicians featuring pizza takeout.”

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Oskar

Nightlife

Laid-back bar with a long list of whiskeys, plus cocktails, and wine, in a casual setting.

844 Custer Ave (Evanston)

“Laid-back bar with a long list of whiskeys, plus cocktails, and wine, in a casual setting.”

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Lake Bluff Brewing Company

Nightlife

Petite craft brewery & taproom featuring a rotating beer menu, bar bites & live music & events.

16 E Scranton Ave (Lake Bluff)

“Petite craft brewery & taproom featuring a rotating beer menu, bar bites & live music & events.”

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Ward Eight

Nightlife

Cozy neighborhood cocktail lounge serving artisanal spirits, wine & beer plus a small-plates menu.

629 W Howard St (Evanston)

“Cozy neighborhood cocktail lounge serving artisanal spirits, wine & beer plus a small-plates menu.”

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Peckish Pig

Nightlife

Mellow brewpub teaming its beers with cocktails, wines & gastropub grub in a brick-walled space.

623 W Howard St (Evanston)

“Mellow brewpub teaming its beers with cocktails, wines & gastropub grub in a brick-walled space.”

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The Wine Goddess

Nightlife

Combination store/bar for wine & beer, also offering spirits, gourmet items, gifts & classes.

702 Main St (Evanston)

“Combination store/bar for wine & beer, also offering spirits, gourmet items, gifts & classes.”

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Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant

Nightlife

Modern outfit offering American fare and wine tastings from their winery for casual dining.

6731 Dempster St (Morton Grove)

“Modern outfit offering American fare and wine tastings from their winery for casual dining.”

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Sketchbook Brewing Co - Evanston

Nightlife

Brewery & tasting room pouring a dozen or more beers on tap or in growlers, with tours.

821 Chicago Ave (Evanston)

“Brewery & tasting room pouring a dozen or more beers on tap or in growlers, with tours.”

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