I'm visiting Chicago from Denver and love exploring all the fun neighborhoods. I'm staying in Evanston and my friend Linda suggested that we pop in The Alcove for a glass of vino. It was great. The glass of wine was only $6 and it was delicious. Scott the owner was very friendly. Get there early. It's very tiny and fills up quick. It felt very European. Don't miss this place.
Review Source:If this place was a little bit larger, it would get 5 stars. Â This place literally seats... 12 people max?! Â I suppose if you had it all to yourself, it would be cozy and adorable, but when I came in with a friend for dinner (random night, between 8-8:30), we literally had to squeeze ourselves through the door opening and ended up sharing a (tiny) table with a couple. Â Super cozy, indeed.
The menu is not very large, but the sandwiches were delish. Â Spot on with the flavors. I didn't try the drinks, but the owner assured us they were good.
Word of warning: this place is cash only, and if you want to avoid the atm free from the random machine in the convenience store next door, bring cash. Â My friend and I didn't know this at first, and the owner actually told us he'd "take us on our note" or something to that extent. Â He meant he'd let us dine there on our word that we'd pay him back later. Â Super cool of him, but it felt weird, so we both sucked up the atm fee and got cash. Â Totally worth it though... good food, chill ambiance, awesome owner.
This place has personality and character. That is simply the best way to describe it. The menu is limited though it sounds like there is a bit more now than when it first opened (3-4 different paninis, a salad, one beer, few different wines, and any cocktails that Scott can make!).
They have done a great job with this small space (10-12 inside seating and another 8-10 outdoor) and making it unique and attractive.
I've been walking past this charming little spot since it opened and finally got the chance to stop in for dinner last night. Â It did not disappoint!
The menu features self-proclaimed "old man drinks", old music (mostly standards that contribute to the laid back energy in the place), a cozy European cafe style ambiance and assortment of paninis made to order behind the bar.  The ingredients were all fresh and the flavors harmonious; after a couple of well-mixed Manhattans we enjoyed the ham, cheese and pear panini with a lovely dry rosé wine for dinner.  This is the kind of place you go when you have a great conversational partner or are looking to find one over a classic drink or Italian cordial. Â
Bonus points for the lack of TVs; the house-provided deck of cards on the bar while you await the bartender's ministrations was a nice touch.
If they have the house made pear pie, try it. Â The flavor and texture were out of this world! Â A perfect balance of sweetness, acidity and accenting spices, I'm glad my partner had the good sense to order it when I demurred.
I hope they can accommodate enough people in the space to sustain the business during the winter months when the patio is no longer in service.
We will be back.
I like the person who said her wine was served in a cup instead of a wine glass. That is the more classic way to serve wine (visit Italy) and also there is only space enough for one keg. If you want a bigger place, then go to a bigger place. This is a great small neighborhood place to get a drink. Very unique!
Review Source:Just wanted to say we've been there a few times now and are still loving it. I can tell this place won't be for everyone, which is great because there aren't enough seats for everyone, haha. The service was a little faster the last time we were there, but it's still slow. Honestly, I've grown to like that. When I come here I know I'm going to relax for a while and enjoy my drink. I love the atmosphere of the place--it's sort of old school in a way. Each time we've been there they've been playing big band type music, they do a good job with classic drinks, and have a small but carefully selected wine list. This isn't a trendy place, that's for sure. But if you like that kind of atmosphere, you'll like The Alcove. Every time we've been there it's been nearly full, which is great. Hopefully it does well and continues!
Review Source:I'm being a little generous with the star rating b/c the place is new and I'm sure they're going through growing pains. In general, the food was good, the drinks decent and the ambience cozy - perhaps a touch too cozy,.
My two friends had the beer on tap which they enjoyed and I asked for a pinot grigio, but it tasted more like chardonnay, so I might have been given the wrong drink, but I didn't want to complain b/c even though there were two waitresses (where do they fit them in such a tiny, tiny place?) they seemed to be overwhelmed. It took more than 45 minutes to make our three paninis, even though when we arrived, a few tables had cleared out and weren't filled.
The waitress was nice, but inattentive; we had to flag her down for water - she never seemed to notice that we needed anything.
The food was really tasty and wine problems notwithstanding, I will go back to try it out again, but perhaps after they've had a few more weeks under their belt.
Went to the Alcove tonight for a quick drink on a Sunday evening. We ended up having a wonderful time and meeting some very pleasant neighbors. This is the smallest bar I've been to; the owner, Scott, pointed out that it's smaller than the Matchbox in Chicago. But have a little faith in the growing and changing menu. Engage in a a little exploratory conversation and you'll be amply rewarded. A great addition to the neighborhood.
Review Source:I'm so glad to have this inviting, grown-up place to spend quality time outside of the house. You know, on those evenings when you want to get out, but you don't want it loud, and you don't want to stare at a TV screen in some generic bar. The space is cozy, classy, and just what South Evanston needed. Small list of quality, affordably-priced drinks are what I look for on a no-fuss evening. I will spend many wonderful evenings there in the seasons to come, meeting neighbors, making new friends, and being entertained by Scott, the owner. He's thought through this entire set-up, and the result is tasteful.
Review Source:It kind of kills me to give 3 stars to a local business.....but it had to be done.
It's a cute little place, but there are literally ten seats inside. The menu consists of two paninis (props for one being vegetarian), 4 wines (2 white, 2 red), one beer, and cocktails.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, but if you don't like the limited choices on the menu, you're out of luck.
I had a glass of wine (served in a cup not a wine glass) and my boyfriend had the one beer they serve (I think it's Scottish Ale). The wine and beer were good, and only $5 each.
I realize it's not easy to start a small local business, but I think in any competitive market, it's important to stand out. Maybe adding some tables/chairs outside to increase seating? Or even adding another beer or two to the menu.
It IS open til 11, which is unusual and nice in South Evanston!
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