Went to Prairie Moon with two friends on a pleasant Saturday night. We got seated right away in their outdoor patio section which was great! I was impressed with their beer list and ended up getting Revolution's Coffee Eugene. The guys kept up with the water refills pretty well and we were given bread to start which was nice. I ordered the Howl at the Moon burger while my friends both got the Black and Blue Burger (it's not on the menu but they still make it). The burgers and sweet potato fries were really good! I definitely recommend getting a burger if that's your thing. Only reason I have to give 4/5 starts is service was rather slow, although our server was very nice. Good place in Evanston to go for dinner, especially this time of year! read more

Really enjoyable meal here. The red bean soup and chicken burger were delicious, but they forgot to add pico de Gallo as I requested and the water fills were a little slow. Overall, I would highly recommend! read more

I would like to give them 2.5 stars but that's just because I'm pissed about the service - which I will explain later. I've been here three times, all on week nights/days... having drinks or a meal with co-workers/friends. I liked that it wasn't crowded or dead. The first time was lunch - I had whatever their horseradish burger is. The burger itself was good and was cooked to my specifications. However, being a horseradish fan, I hardly tasted ANY horseradish in this dish and was somewhat disappointed.... but whatevs. I like the random art on the walls. Next visit was just a drink - not much to say about it. Third time was sort of so-so. My friend arrived before me and was seated (by our waiter, I might add). When I got there we ordered drinks. He made a beer recommendation to my friend which was nice, but she didn't like it. However... I think her taste in beer might be a little immature... so I thought drinks were fine. As we began to peruse the menu we realized that there were not many choices for dinner... how strange. So I ordered the salmon salad ($8.95). It came and it was so delicious. I should have noticed that the vegetables were not "asian" and the dressing was not "sesame soy vinagrette'.... in my defense I was drinking :) When we got the bill my salad was $15.95!!!! It turns out that the waiter had given us lunch menus, which explains why the selection was the pits, and why I thought I had ordered a salmon salad that was half the price. I was pretty miffed to say the least. On their online menu this $16 dollar salad is listed as $12.95.... I don't know if I would ever eat here again. It just rubbed me the wrong way. read more

Great food, huge selection of beers especially specialty bottles like Dragons milk and Delirium. I had there shrimp Po" Boy sandwich which was excellent with fries, I have had their burgers and they were juicy. read more

Another review I wished I could give half stars for (3.5)... Went out to Prairie Moon for dinner and drinks with friends. I had heard amazing things about the painted soup so I tried it, but was underwhelmed at best. The poblano pepper really overpowered any hint of butternut squash and the texture was a little less creamy than I would have liked. I moved on to the Pico Pepperjack Moon Burge while the others had the stinking rose combo, the caesar salad and the Dixie Chicken Po' Boy (blackened). Everyone was happy with their entrees but no one was blown out of the water. I was, however, loving the service (very attentive!) and the beer list....we sampled a lot of good beers and some old standbys (fat tire, magners, delirium). We ended up being some of the last people in the dining room and our waiter gave us each a free shot! I'll be back, but likely only for drinks and appetizers.... read more

Dogfish Head 90 min IPA on tap. I am in heaven!!!! I really enjoy the poyboy here as well as the vege burger. The food comes in large portions and is resonably priced. What makes it even cheaper is the 15% Wildcard discount during the week. Woo hoo! read more

Disclaimer: This review is only for the back room and PM's private party hosting abilities. I've now been to three parties in the back room for both ends of the party spectrum - we're talking funerals and weddings here. The food selection has been amazing! The garlic chicken rocked my world. Actually, the salmon did too. They have a nice little assortment for the dessert tray as well. The staff was incredibly accomodating for the times that I have been there (as a guest, and partial host). I would highly recommend them if you're looking for somewhere in Evanston to host a party. I couldn't say how many the back room holds but I'd guess we got about 50 folks back there at one time... read more

What an interesting place. As you walk in you see a room split down the middle. To the right is a bar bumping loud music, and on the left is a quaint restaurant. It was definitely not what I was expecting. The server led us to a back room that was considered the restaurant. The place needs a little remodeling and a decorator. The room is pretty bland looking. We order a new beer. It was pretty good. Their beer list was lengthy giving you some good options. I ordered fish tacos because I like to make comparisons. I love fish tacos of all kinds. I've really only had one bad fish taco in my life. But not here. The fish tacos were yummy! They serve the tilapia by itself so you can cut it up and create your own taco. I could put as much fish, chipotle, and toppings on it as I wanted. My dates meal was just ok. But he ordered a salad... The service is ok. Nothing special. Non conversational. Didn't smile. So, just ok. I guess I wasn't expecting much from this place. I wasn't displeased but I wasn't blown away. It's a good place to catch a quick lunch or dinner, but don't take your first date there. They won't be impressed. read more

Came here Sunday night with some family and friends. I had a salad with roasted veggies and chicken and it was great. Sad to hear the building will be torn down soon- I hope Prairie Moon re-opens elsewhere in Evanston! read more

Really disappointed with our last visit here for dinner. One of those nights where nothing was good. I gad the tenderloin and shrimp combo. Disappointing to see a skewer of beef instead of a tenderloin filet. Some pieces of steak were grizzly. Although I had quite a bit of food leftover, I didn't even want to take it home. All the food seemed to be overly seasoned ---- nothing that really enhanced the flavor, just some seasoning to mask tasteless food. We will not be returning. read more

The outdoor patio is what attracted me first. With this great weather we have been having I enjoy taking my meals or drinks outside. I think they will find their nitch, kinda of a cross between a rest. and sports bar and an All American diner. Good selection of imported and domestic beers. read more

Prairie Moon - Bars Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

A really great place to just chill at the end of the day with friends. The beer selection is fabulous and the atmosphere is very laid back. All the times I've been there the service has been wonderful. On my most current visit I had the New Mexican Painted Soup, which was a really nice, light dish and for desert, Triple Berry Crumble. Let me just say that the Triple Berry Crumble was phenomenal. The fruit was so fresh, sweet and perfect for summer. Even if you're just there for drinks, it's a great place to stay awhile. read more

Had a special of blackens tilapia with red beans and rice and spinach that was perfectly cooked and delicious. Was there for a late lunch (after 1 pm) and waiter was very attentive. read more

We came here because Ward Eight was a bit pretentious for my tastes, especially when the bartender smiles at us twice without stopping to offer a seat or anything. I like the selection of beer here, but the food was just okay. The gumbo looked nothing like New Orleans style gumbo, but was quite meaty, just on the drier side considering it's supposed to be soupy. I ordered a chimichurri steak tips and my food was cold. After she took it back and came out with what looked like a fresher dish, the food was fine but I wasn't hungry anymore at that point. My fiance ordered the chicken and andouille sausage, but they were out of sausage so it wasn't a dish at its full potential. We probably wouldn't come back unless we were just in the area for drinks. read more

Good food, good party room. I've been here more often for events than for dinner, but it has always been satisfying. The appetizers served at a few work events were actually above average. That said, I think it's a bit generic, and you can have a better, more adventurous meal in Evanston. read more

This place came highly recommended by friends -- one who'd visited Evanston before, and some who went to school at Northwestern -- which is why I decided to check it out on a recent weekend visit to Evanston. Didn't have any food here -- just beers. Beer selection is good, which is the primary basis for my rating. Service was only okay, which is why the rating isn't higher. Would definitely want to come here for a meal and beers next time I'm in Evanston. read more

Been here 5 or 6 times now. Things I like: Burgers-Awesome but occasionally cooked wrong. Fries are good too and you have a choice of veggie that is great. The back room-Pool table, darts, and it's quieter. Love the aura of this room. Beer selection-Wide variety with some decent specials. Fish Tacos-Electrically awesome but expensive (15 bucks) Things I dislike: Inconsistent service. It's never fast, but sometimes it seems like they don't expect to be as busy as they are.....and are understaffed and have one person or two people in the packed front area running around like chickens w/ their heads cut off. Meanwhile there are two bartenders up front casually talking to eachother and not helping them out (this has happened three times) Coke is flat: My fiancee is a badass and orders whisky and cokes. Every single time the coke is flat...I mean every. We tell them and then they find the magical tap w/ the crisp coke....we don't know how this happens...they must grab cans. read more

Too bad for the naysayers, because I had a great experience at the restaurant for the second time. Granted the service could have been better, but it was fine: no errors, the usual/customary pop-ins to make sure everything was ok. Food was served quickly and at the right temperature. But let's be clear: it was a Thursday night and it was 9 pm. My previous visit was on a Saturday night at 7:30 pm and was nothing remarkable, but in both cases, THE FOOD WAS. (was remarkable, I mean.) Some original flavors were invoked, but more importantly, everything tastes so fresh and so balanced. The menu is broad enough for even picky eaters like me. The painted soup looks great, tastes great. Highly recommended. It would've been nice to get some bread or crackers to go with it... but it was delicious enough I didn't really care. My date and I went with small plates and we both loved what we ordered. If the restaurant can maintain its concept, serve tasty, quality, locally-sourced food that satisfies, then I say keep on keepin' on. read more

Went here for a staff Christmas lunch and was very impressed. I haven't been too happy with most restaurants in Evanston, but Prairie Moon had a great menu, and really delivered a fantastic meal. I loved that they had a lot of seafood and veggie options, and I had a really hard time deciding what to get because it all sounded so good. I got one of their lunch specials for the day, a local whitefish with an herb crust, mashed potatoes and broccoli. The fish was a really good size for a lunch portion, perfectly cooked, and had the right amount of herbs (thyme, rosemary, etc.). The mashed potatoes were delicious...probably the best I've had in a restaurant. They used red potatoes with the skin on, and were creamy, but with still some small chunks of potato and really good flavor. The broccoli was still crispy, just the way I like it! I couldn't believe this was only $9.95. Their lunch prices seemed to be $5-7 less than most of their dinner menu. The space itself was cheery and clean, and we got seated in an area with a lot of natural light, which was really nice. Our waitress was attentive and friendly, and my entire group seemed to be happy with what they got. Looking forward to coming back and trying some of the other items on the menu! read more

Great atmosphere, great service, fantastic food, and a stellar beer list all add up to a wonderful dining experience. The staff is friendly and efficient, and the menu is creative, with daily specials rounding out the unique experience. read more

I often take the kids here. The food is good but definitely not great. The service and beer list are excellent though. We always have a good time there. Bluestone has better food. Prairie Moon has a better beer list. Both are really good for families. read more

Gloppy food and imperious wait staff who think it's a privilege to be allowed to dine here. There are many better alternatives.

I love this place. So many great beers to try, always new ones on the specials, great mixed drinks and fabulous food specials. I love the burgers and they're so big and juicy, but when I feel like something "lighter" there are plenty of great food choices. My boyfriend and I always come out for the purpose of trying something new and we've been there many times and they always have new beer choices. Now I feel like a beer snob. Just beware-don't come too late in the evening otherwise you'll be tripping over college students so you can make it to the dining area. When it's not very busy, I love to eat up by the bar. read more

Great bar/restaurant/event space. They have a long and varied menu which has something for everyone. I had one really bad experience with a waitress, though, so that's what I am basing this review on. I told her I was allergic to wheat at the beginning, and she got so excited, saying she had tried going gluten-free for a while (for some undoubtedly frivolous reason...she obviously didn't take it seriously). I ordered one of the small plates and it had fried shallots on top. As I'm eating them, I'm like "wow I can't believe this doesn't have wheat! It really tastes like it does!" Um, yeah. When I said something to this overly excited waitress, she was like "oh I forgot, that has wheat." ughh. When I told her "I'm having an allergic reaction!" she did NOTHING. You need to take people seriously when they say not only "I have an allergy," but more importantly, "I'm having an allergic reaction, from food you told me was SAFE." Shame on you prairie moon. read more

Prairie moon has reopened at a new location (Sherman location closed, now on Chicago avenue). This is our favorite place to eat. Great food, good beer, and not pretentious or too hipstery. read more

Decent food, poor service. Couldn't handle the basics of bringing enough silverware or taking drink orders for the group for their Easter brunch. When we asked if we could order more drinks, our waiter said they had to save the mimosas for other paying customers as if we weren't paying customers. OK fine but can we order some more drinks? Never came back to take that order or service the table I'm any way. It wasn't really that busy but as it's a special circumstance of doing a buffet day I'm not gonna write off the place completely. Just can't recommend it. read more

Why isn't this place packed - on weekend nights at least? I've been half a dozen times over a year and a half. The food is straightforward. It may not be subtle or succulent, but some dishes are scrumptious. (My favorite: the fish tacos blackened.) The menu is broad enough to be interesting, but narrow enough that the kitchen can do a good job. Almost every item has some flair, like a regional twist. But you don't come here just for the food. The beer and wine selections are great on a middling budget. Prairie Moon always has a nice range of brews on tap ranging for Belgian styles to pale ales. Microbrews dominate, although you can always get an Anchor Steam if you don't feel like experimenting. Other Evanston restaurants have better wine selections, but none better for the money. (The menu promises they'll never mark up a wine more than 2 times retail, and more expensive wines are supposedly marked up less.) But you don't go just for the wine and beer either. You go for the gestalt. This is a great college town restaurant. It's casual, without being cheap or dumpy. They've got soaring ceilings and big windows and glass doors (with prairie motif elements). In the summer the doors open on to open-air dining in the back. There are some student types and some professor types and some townies. The tables are spaced comfortably. Even the artwork on the wall adds to the charm because it's tasteful but -- how should one say? -- unselfconscious. The main drawback to the place is the very ordinary-looking bar, with pool table and TVs, which you see as soon as you walk in. And even the bar, if your in the right frame of mind, adds to the comfortable-with-itself sophistication of the place. So, go. Often. read more

Prairie Moon got it right. They give you better than good food and a fantastic drink selection at a price that totally works. The environment is top notch as well in terms of dining rooms and multiple bars as well as a great out door seating area. I love the back bar and if you need to host a large event, this is the place to hit up for sure. read more

Delightful lunch experience. Top marks to the man who seated us; it was sunny and hot, most of the outdoor tables were taken, but after investigating he suggested, correctly, that my elderly mother and I would be comfortable at a partially shaded table near the back. We were quickly provided ice water, and our server, though quite busy, promptly and smilingly delivered my frosty pint of hefeweizen (his recommendation, and perfect for the weather--even if he did not know where specifically in Germany the beer was brewed). My mother was very pleased with the Blue Crabcakes and fruit; our server was most helpful in bringing her fries unsalted. (She's had appetite loss since recent heart trouble, but relished the food here!) Unlike her I'd eaten a full late breakfast, and so ordered a small plate: Wild Mushroom Quesadillas. It was, I have to say, exquisite! Exclamation mark-worthy--delicious to the point I found myself reminiscing about San Diego/Baja hybrid high points. The El was intermittently audible, but by no means loud. To my ears pleasant. read more

Very uneven bartending. Came in a year ago and had a great old fashioned. I've been back maybe 10 times since, and never the same old fashioned twice. Some have been pretty good, some (like last night's) pretty bad - nothing muddled, no simple syrup (had to add 3 packs of sugar... The meal was great, though. read more

Prairie Moon is an eclectic spot in Evanston, with ample seating, art and menu items. We arrived on Saturday evening, the restaurant bustling, and were promptly seated. The space is huge, the building goes on and on, much larger than appears outside, good for large parties (plus they have a patio). I ordered guacamole ($9) as an appetizer and the BBQ combo (beef + pork, $15) with red beans + rice and polenta fries. The guac was a good appetizer with house-fried chips, though a little skimpy on guac served, we were left craving. My main course was on point however, the BBQ meats were tender, juicy and well-sauced. Red beans + rice was a win with a tasty, spicy mix of creole lovin' but, the real winner, were the polenta fries! Simply stunning, crisp strips with a soft, unbelievably flavorful inside. I only want polenta like this from now on, bravo! Also they served warm, house-made sourdough bread which was pillowy, chewy and oh so delicious! They have a large bar with quite the selection of drafts and cocktails. Though I wasn't in a drinking mood then, drink service will happen next time! My table service was severely lacking and made me question restaurant operations but luckily, the food speaks for itself. read more

Prairie Moon - Bars Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Best food and place to grab a drink in Evanston. Down to earth people. Awesome atmosphere!

Visited the new location last night for dinner - food, drinks, & staff are as good/friendly as ever! Delicious pulled pork sandwich, superior slaw with a nice kick, and excellent, strong old fashioneds. We'll be back soon! read more

5 stars!! Ordered carry out today (during the closures). Easy to order from their website, they offer delivery, carry out or curb side delivery. Food was ready in less than 15 minutes. Went inside to pick it up, you can tell that they clearly want to keep everything clean and safe for customers. Lots of hand wipes and sanitizers throughout the restaurant. Gentleman behind the bar was so sweet and welcoming, I will definitely be back. Also - haven't eaten the food yet but it smells SO GOOD. Will update once I devour this burger. Thanks for being open!! read more

Food and service were both mediocre. The space itself is unusual with no windows to the outside world. I suspect this may be a better place to hop down to for a beer, but if you are looking for lunch I would give it a swerve! read more

I stop by infrequently, but always enjoy myself. The selection of Belgian and "Belgian-style" ales compliments their menu nicely. Good eats, great beers, and only a few blocks west of the lakefront. Prairie Moon is perfect for daytime snackin' or mellow evening hanging out. read more

I had a nice Easter Brunch at PM. The wait staff was friendly. I enjoyed the cedar-planked salmon with a tasty barbeque butter glaze. The grilled sirloin steak with a garlic herb butter was tender. Although the dishes had great taste, they were not served warm enough for me. There were no burners under the meat plates. My favorite was the french toast with real maple syrup and bananas foster. The egg bake with vegetables and provolone cheese...yum. Mango mimosa was delicious and complimentary. read more

Prairie Moon - Easter Brunch - Bars Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

The food was adequate, but overpriced. The fish tacos are really nothing special, ditto for the fish po boy. The service was really poor too. There were not enough waitresses on hand and it took way too long to have our order taken and to get our food. The worst was that our waitress threw out the food we asked to have wrapped to have taken home. She politely apologized and offered to have the kitchen prepare new meals for us. Since the first round of food took so long, we declined. I know that a service staff gets busy, but that shouldn't happen. Probably won't be going back. read more

Was looking for a place to eat and watch some football. While I didn't get my wish as far as watching football (I was a bit disappointed in that I thought this was a sports bar/grill from reading descriptions), I did have a good meal in a cool place for a good price. There is a bar/grill part to this place, which is the front. 2-4 tvs, a bar and some barroom type tables and booths. We were sat in the back dining area, which was nice and airy. There are outside seats on a private patio, as well, and a cool "back" room with a bar and a pool table and a couple of tvs. Didn't know if this was actually up and running, though. I had the fish chowder, which was really good. I'm from the gulf coast of Florida and it certainly competed with various chowders and soups you'd get in that area. Now, here's where it is really cool. They have "small" plates and "large" plates. This seems to be somewhat common in Chicago, which I really like. I went with the small plate of Gulf Shrimp Louise and it was delicious. I didn't have desert. The service from the waitress was OK, nothing great. She acted as if she was a bit perturbed with everyone, honestly. But she was hustling and getting around. The bus staff was great and the gentleman running bread, etc. was uber friendly and really on top of it. All in all, we really liked it and we will go back again. read more

With a bar up front and large restaurant in the back, this is a fun place for a group outing in Evanston. We went for New Year's Eve and had a great time. I know others have had graduation parties (Northwestern Univ. is nearby) and holiday parties for work here. The menu is pan-American. Tons of options across all genres. I got the surf/turf with steak and lobster tail, which was good. Huge beer and cocktail list with a great selection from North America and Europe. For a place with the word "prairie" in its title, it has a lot of seafood and Gulf South faire. It's all higher quality than a chain restaurant. Not too formal or stuffy. Great place for a group or party. read more