Runner-Up: Colectivo

At the heart of downtown Evanston lies Colectivo: a warm and welcoming coffee shop. Students always fill the tables due to the perfect study environment and the functional indoor and outdoor seating. Not only do they have special holiday decorations and seasonal food and drink, but the staff always welcomes you with a warm smile too. 

Senior Karolien Van Mieghem enjoys the study environment. “I like the ambience and how everyone else is studying around me. It’s the perfect amount of noise for me to study. It’s not too loud but not too quiet.”

“I love the environment inside, it feels very cozy and a great place to hang out with friends and study,” sophomore Josephine Bonney adds. “I especially love it during the holidays because they put up seasonal decorations.” This adds to the aura and charm that one experiences when visiting Colectivo. 

“It’s a super cute cafe,” freshman Lilla Johnson exclaims. The shop has many places to sit and plants throughout the cafe, which add to its great environment, and makes it a community area that is very welcoming. 

Aside from the cozy environment, they also have a great selection of food, including many delicious seasonal options. Johnson says, “I like their iced chai and the pumpkin spice French toast.”

The huge menu has everything from sandwiches to smoothies to lattes. The seasonal specials also never disappoint. 

A highlight of Colectivo’s menu are the vegetarian and vegan options. A favorite is the impossible burrito which includes tofu, sweet potatoes, impossible meat, and salsa.

Colectivo is accessible by foot, as well as public transportation and has ample parking available. It also accommodates large groups with its long tables that also are great for taking your time to study—perfect for ETHS students. 

With a great menu coupled with its great atmosphere, it is a place you should be sure to visit in the future.