There were some things Gus left intact when he took the helm as owner of Wiener and Still Champion in 2005. He kept the name—voted into existence in 1982 by area grade-school children—and he has refused to change the standards for the all-beef hot dogs and fresh ground burgers that the establishment has been serving for more than 30 years. Despite his dedication to preserving the past, Gus has integrated his own creative culinary vision into the menu. The additions separates this hot dog stand from most others of its ilk, as echoed by the Chicago Reader, who said, “In a city blessed with so many Vienna Beef hot dog stands, Wiener and Still Champion stands out.” Take, for instance, the dipping dogs—all-beef hot dogs hand-dipped in a freshly-made cornmeal batter, or the country fried bacon, a golden brown take on the beloved meaty strips with a crispiness perfectly tempered by an Argentine garlic and herb sauce. Deep-fried pickle chips, a vegetarian falafel burger, and double-fried French fries are more examples of the spin Gus has put on traditional hot dog stand fare.

The first of it's kind specializing in Mediterranean cuisine & fresh seafood since 1992 located in the heart of Downtown Evanston.

Boltwood: A User’s Guide Farm to Table | James Beard Award Semifinalist Chef | Seasonal Dishes and Drinks | Shareable Plates | Stumptown Coffee Sample Menu Appetizer: Island Creek oysters, on ice or grilled Shareable plate: beets with whipped blue cheese and pistachios Main plate: hanger steak with shishito peppers, avocado puree, and pumpkin seeds Dessert: fredonia grape sorbet Drink: Tom Skilling with El Dorado five-year rum, ginger cordial, lime, and soda Who’s Running Things Brian Huston, 2015 James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Great Lakes. Huston is widely regarded as among the best farm-to-table chefs in the region, working for six years as Chef de Cuisine of The Publican before co-founding Boltwood. John Kim, who established his knack for hospitality at nearby The Brothers K Coffeehouse before opening Boltwood with Huston. Where to Sit: Grab a spot by one of the windows, which look out onto the street and sidewalk. The nighttime is especially nice as the windows let the street and moonlight filter through. If you enjoy seeing the chefs at work, sit near the open kitchen. You might see a whole yellowfin tuna get filleted. When to Go: When you fancy the menu. Boltwood’s chefs prefer their ingredients to be as seasonal as possible, getting them straight from local suppliers such as Slagel Family Farms whenever possible. It’s worth checking the online menu regularly, as it continually changes. When you fancy the daily special, which can range from $1 oysters on Tuesdays to half-price cocktails on Thursdays. Like the menu, specials may change up regularly, too. While You’re Waiting Saunter over to the bar and watch all the work that goes into making a fresh, seasonal cocktail. You might pick up some tips to dazzle friends with. See if you can guess the aromas emanating from the kitchen, which could be anything from house-smoked whitefish to freshly plucked petals for a flower salad. Inside Tips Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are encouraged, which can be made online or over the phone. The name, Boltwood, reflects to both Evanston and the founders’ vision. Boltwood was the name of the freshman wing at Evanston Township High School. The owners chose it because they believe it captures the energy and enthusiasm that comes at the start of a new journey. While You’re in the Neighborhood Before: Visit The Brothers K Coffeehouse to see where co-owner John Kim’s reputation for superb hospitality started (500 Main Street). After: Amble over to Dawes Park, which offers well-manicured walkways along Lake Michigan that stretch up to the Northwestern campus (Davis and Sheridan).

Find flavorful, affordable, and high-quality groceries for your home or office kitchen at First Cut Produce in Evanston. Fresh produce fills the shelves here, so you can stock your fridge with healthier options. A healthy and light snack from First Cut Produce is a great way to keep your energy up throughout the day. Every kitchen requires oil and vinegar. When you need something acidic to balance out a recipe, vinegar will do the trick, or when you need something slick to grease the pan, oil is often a cook's first choice. Stay healthy on the regular with the produce available here. It's super fresh and can be used with any meal. Go under the sea with a few fresh catches, and enjoy a meal rich in protein and flavor. The drinks available here are a great way to restore your body's natural balance, so start sipping. Add a little bit of sweet goodness to all your baked goods for top-notch flavor and form. Pick up your staples at First Cut Produce. All your favorite cereals are stocked on the shelves here. When the heat gets the best of you, water is more important than ever. Cool off no matter where you are with a bottle from First Cut Produce. First Cut Produce serves up the most delicious freshly-baked bread in town. Head on over and pick up a loaf today. Chicken, beef, sausage, and more are all available from this fine establishment for your cuisine. Looking for comfort food? What's better than spaghetti or a savory pasta dish? Grab some of this pasta today and your next meal will be on-point! Do you meet your recommended calcium intake? If not, pick up some dairy products and put yourself on the path to a healthier lifestyle. Everyone knows that home-cooking beans can take literally almost forever. Save yourself the time and effort by picking up some from the amazing canned food selection at First Cut Produce. If you need that extra push to get you through your workday, a coffee or tea from First Cut Produce will do the trick. Feeling hungry? Make your breakfast, lunch, or dinner even better with some great seasonings and spices from here. Dinner is on the table in one, two, three with a microwavable meal (you'll be surprised how great it tastes, too!). Frozen food will fill you up, so you can eat some now and save the rest for later. Make use of the safe parking options near First Cut Produce and reap the great benefits of parking close by. The folks at First Cut Produce in Evanston put you first, offering only the highest quality foods and ingredients. Make sure to stop by for all your grocery needs!

Find your basic grocery items and more at Connoisseur Oriental Rugs in Evanston and get all of your grocery shopping done in one stop. Add a little bit of sweet goodness to all your baked goods for top-notch flavor and form. Pick up your staples at Connoisseur Oriental Rugs. The cuts of meat here are tender and fresh. Pick up a selection of meats today and start your weekend off with a barbecue. If you're planning out your weekly meals, you will appreciate the assortment of snacks at Connoisseur Oriental Rugs. Vinegar is a great way to add that extra zing of flavor, and oil goes quickly in the kitchen. Pick these up now and use today or save for later. If you're looking for an alternative to everyday cooking, the frozen bites here are a great way to go. Dairy is packed with the essential nutrients your body craves, so help yourself out. Dairy products have everything you need. Take advantage of Connoisseur Oriental Rugs' memorabilia and souvenir offerings to buy the gifts that will honor your memories in the coming years. Find a large array of bold and flavorful coffees and teas at Connoisseur Oriental Rugs and sip your way through tasty goodness. Looking for comfort food? What's better than spaghetti or a savory pasta dish? Grab some of this pasta today and your next meal will be on-point! If your hydration habits could use some work, pick up some delicious beverages to drink with a meal or on the go. If you need a quick and affordable lunch or dinner option, browse the selection of tasty TV dinners here. You can't beat the health benefits of fresh fish, so find a few you like and get to cooking! The bread baked at Connoisseur Oriental Rugs gets rave reviews, so taste it yourself today. Add some produce to your next dinner plate for a delicious meal jam-packed with vitamins and nutrients. Stock up on tasty canned goods from Connoisseur Oriental Rugs and quickly pull together last-minute dinner ideas. With a bottle of water in hand, it's easy to refresh and refuel. Grab a couple drinks from Connoisseur Oriental Rugs and stay on the go all the time. A classic breakfast option, cereal is always good to have on hand. A box is sure to ease everyone's morning appetite without taking too much time off the clock. Turn your kitchen into a gourmet chef's paradise with the great spices and seasonings. Here you can find close and safe parking for you to take advantage of during your visit. Remember when you need groceries in Evanston, don't go just anywhere, head to Connoisseur Oriental Rugs' premier location.