It’s getting close to that cold time of the year everyone! The warmth of summer is starting to fade and the chilly autumn air is slowly seeping through. It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for: the cozy sweaters, crunchy leaves, festive activities, and of course, best of all, some new hot fall foods and drinks to warm you right back up during the new cool weather. One thing that always sets the fall mood is the flavors. Whether it’s pumpkin spice, apple, or hot chocolate, the fall foods and drinks at various coffee shops around Evanston are always a fun and delicious way to welcome in the new season. Students have started to share many interests on their favorite fall foods and what they’re excited to try out this year, so, after visiting some local spots and sampling their new fall menus, here are some great highlights to check out.
Hoosier Mama: Chicken Pot Pie
Hoosier Mama is a coffee and pie company on the corner of Kedzie and Chicago Ave, just south of Evanston. It’s a very active bakery shop roaming with new customers everyday, being the perfect place to get your first fall snack! Their exciting menu carries loads of yummy worthwhile options to get you straight into the fall spirit. One of their most popular is their classic yet delicious chicken pot pie. With a crispy golden crust on the outside, its inside is filled with shredded chicken thighs, fresh vegetables and a rich, creamy roux. This pie is THE savory treat you can never go wrong with. The Chicken Pot Pie truly is a warm invitation right to your taste buds.
Colectivo: Maple Spiced Cream Cold Brew
Colectivo is a coffee shop on Sherman Ave in downtown Evanston. It’s always bustling with people, whether it’s students studying, hanging out or simply enjoying Colectivo’s mouthwatering menu. The Maple Spiced Cream Cold Brew is an iced cold brew coffee with a sweet, creamy maple foam. Maple is a unique and distinct flavor that pairs wonderfully with this iced coffee.. It’s cold and refreshing enough for the warm September days, but has distinct fall flavors that definitely fit the new seasonal mood. If you like your coffee saccharine and saporous, this drink is perfect for you.
Einstein Bros. Bagels: Maple French Toast Gourmet Bagel
Einstein Bros. Bagels is a local bagel shop located on Sherman Ave in North Evanston. Their shop has a wide variety of bagels to choose from. They even have different choices for breakfast and lunch. They seem to be ready for the upcoming season, as they’ve already pushed out their new Maple French Toast Gourmet Bagel. This fall specialty is made with vanilla and maple syrup. The bagel is then covered in cinnamon sugar streusel for a tasty crumb texture. There’s also great options for what they call, “schmear” to spread on your bagel. A plain or honey almond spread would pair greatly with the contrast of the spicy cinnamon and sweet maple.
Backlot: Caramel Apple Cider
Arguably one of the most popular coffee shops in Evanston, Backlot Coffee is a staple on Central Street. The cafe is decorated with lots of plants, paintings, and a very welcoming vibe that’s noticeable right as you walk in. This hot fall drink, the Caramel Apple Cider, is perfect for the new season! Apple cider is one of the most popular fall drinks, and the addition of caramel is something that people of all ages will enjoy. It’s comforting, flavorful and it’s great for people who don’t love coffee but still want to enjoy autumn flavors.
Patisserie Coralie: Apricot Orange Cream Danish
Patisserie Coralie is a French pastry shop that can be found on the street of Davis and Chicago Ave in NorthEvanston. The cute culture orientated shop is well known for its calming work aesthetic and peaceful atmosphere. But, it’s an even better shop to go to for their amazing Apricot Orange Cream Danish! This delicious puff pastry– a heartwarming snack to bite into this coming fall– is filled with poached apricot and an orange enriched cream. For those who have a sweet tooth, this delicacy is waiting just for you. Patisserie Coralie has many other scrumptious choices to pair with the Apricot Orange Cream Danish, but you can never go wrong with a warm latte.
Starbucks: Iced Pumpkin Chai
One of Starbucks’ most popular fall drinks is the Iced Pumpkin Chai. This sugary, pumpkin-spiked iced tea is sprinkled with pumpkin spice and covered in pumpkin cream cold foam. One of the best things about fall drinks is how people immediately associate it with the season. The Iced Pumpkin Chai does this amazingly. Because Starbucks is so close to ETHS, make sure to grab one before fall comes to an end.
What a way to get warmed up for fall with a good snack or drink! No matter what place you choose to go to, you’ll find a fall treat that suits what you like. There’s so many yummy options to choose from, whether it’s a savory pie or a sweet Danish, a warm cider or an iced Chai, these wonderful picks that will make your tastebuds fall in love.
