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Briar Street Theater has been running the classic Blue Man Group performance so long, it's become rare to meet anyone in Chicago that hasn't seen this show. That said, this fun production is...
Briar Street Theater has been running the classic Blue Man Group performance so long, it's become rare to meet anyone in Chicago that hasn't seen this show. That said, this fun production is different every time in that the blue men always choose audience members to participate. This is a fun place to take out-of-towners who don't think they'll like theater. Surprise them with this fun show, and watch their enthusiasm afterward. The blue men walk around the lobby after the show, which is a thrill for kids in the audience; they can see those strange guys up close. You'll wonder, too, just how do they get and keep that blue stuff on?
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Photographer's Edge has a big following among photographers because they sell all sorts of greeting card products and other photographic supplies. This is the perfect spot to get greeting card...
Photographer's Edge has a big following among photographers because they sell all sorts of greeting card products and other photographic supplies. This is the perfect spot to get greeting card holders for that special vacation snapshot or family Christmas card. They have a bare bones website where they sell via product numbers found in their catalogs. To order a free catalog (with discount on your first order) call 1-800-550-9254, and ask them to put you on the mailing list. The catalogs come out quarterly so your mailbox won't be bombarded...just a gentle reminder of how to use that photo you love so much. Photos featured in the catalog come from their customers, so you will get a really practical idea of how to make a great greeting card statement with your pictures.
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Fire House Grill has had a few previous lives, one as a Mexican restaurant, but it finally seems to have matched up its location (and old fire station) and its personality (standard American bar...
Fire House Grill has had a few previous lives, one as a Mexican restaurant, but it finally seems to have matched up its location (and old fire station) and its personality (standard American bar fare, like burgers and salads). There is a full bar, and this is a good place for lunch on the weekend. There always seems to be plenty of room to sit (and park, a rarity in Evanston). I've had pretty good service here, but friends have complained. If you need a good place to meet a friend and are craving a burger and a beer, this is a good place to hook up.
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Bagel Art serves up standard bagels and drinks. This is basic food and service, a no frills affair. The most compelling reason to stop in is Bagel Art's location, which is right next door to one of...
Bagel Art serves up standard bagels and drinks. This is basic food and service, a no frills affair. The most compelling reason to stop in is Bagel Art's location, which is right next door to one of the main laundromats in Evanston, another no frills spot. So if you need a distraction from the dryers or just a good nosh, this is your best bet in the area. The staff are friendly, but this is a get-your-bagel-and-go kind of place, which works well enough. Don't expect much, and you won't be disappointed.
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Judy's Bakery is a great place. They serve up a wide selection of both sweet and savory goods. I like their spinach pinwheels in particular. There is some window seating, although the bakery itself...
Judy's Bakery is a great place. They serve up a wide selection of both sweet and savory goods. I like their spinach pinwheels in particular. There is some window seating, although the bakery itself isn't very atmospheric. The bakery gets a lot of business, and the staff always seem harried and anxious to get you out the door, so be forewarned. It's still worth a stop, and beats out Bennison's by a mile.
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Bennison gets a lot of traffic based on its location in Evanston only a block from the Davis Street El. There are a lot of items that are nothing beyond the ordinary. However, the one item I really...
Bennison gets a lot of traffic based on its location in Evanston only a block from the Davis Street El. There are a lot of items that are nothing beyond the ordinary. However, the one item I really love is their coconut donuts. I discovered this one morning when I had a craving. They also make excellent coffee (and it's much cheaper than those boutique coffee bars), and they have a crowd mid-morning from all the local businesses. I've bought cakes and cookies here, but I wouldn't go out of my way for them. Their croissants, however, are another matter entirely.
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Jamba Juice is well known in the Chicago area, and this store in the Evanston area is one of the best for enjoying those tasty smoothies. When the weather is fine, there are tables outside to enjoy...
Jamba Juice is well known in the Chicago area, and this store in the Evanston area is one of the best for enjoying those tasty smoothies. When the weather is fine, there are tables outside to enjoy your selection. It's also next door to Potbelly's so those friends who don't like Jamba Juice (is there really anyone who doesn't like Jamba?) can get something next door. Most of the juices are on the large size, but good for sharing. You can also add protein powders to rev up your juice. It's a bit on the pricey side, but a very nice treat.
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The North Main Animal Clinic is a great place to get your pets treated. The vets on staff truly love animals, and it shows. Although the building's outside appearance isn't much to talk about, it's...
The North Main Animal Clinic is a great place to get your pets treated. The vets on staff truly love animals, and it shows. Although the building's outside appearance isn't much to talk about, it's all about the care that's shown once you walk though those doors. In Rockford, when you adopt a pet from a shelter, it comes with a free visit, and the vets at North Main Animal Clinic treat every animal like the beloved pets they are, whether it is a gratis visit or you payed. All the staff is very friendly, from the receptionist to the vets. It's a great place to bring your animals.
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I used to live close to this bakery, and having freshly baked bread became something I got very, very used to. Dinkel's has been around for many years, and it has the feel of an old time bakery....
I used to live close to this bakery, and having freshly baked bread became something I got very, very used to. Dinkel's has been around for many years, and it has the feel of an old time bakery. They offer the usual baked goods: cakes, cupcakes, cookies, pastries, donuts, and drinks for those who like to eat and run. There are a few tables inside, but it's not really conducive to lingering, although the staff are plenty friendly. I've gotten cakes here on numerous occasions, and the biggest stand-out I ever brought to a party was a brownie cake (imagine a chocolate cake with brownies sitting at an angle all around the top rim of the cake); people were swooning when I brought the cake in. Hey, with baking this good, why find yourself sweating in your own kitchen? My only warning: Sundays offer shortened hours, and coffee cakes sell out quickly, so plan ahead.
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This is one of my favorite stores. It's similar to Pier One in the quality and type of items sold, with one exception. Cost Plus World Market has a pretty good wine selection, with specialty foods,...
This is one of my favorite stores. It's similar to Pier One in the quality and type of items sold, with one exception. Cost Plus World Market has a pretty good wine selection, with specialty foods, too, at reasonable prices.They sell spices in bigger bags than you will find at a grocery store for more reasonable prices. You can find all types of kitchenware, some furniture, rugs, curtains, bath accessories, frames, and more. It's a great place to shop around the holidays when they bring in imported ornaments, decorations, and foodstuffs from Europe. Although the merchandise you get here isn't top quality, it's good value for the money. If you like an ethnic style or have a bohemian slant, it'll suit you fine. Staff is generally helpful, and I have found the folks in the wine section to be pretty knowledgeable about their products.
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