Estación, nestled at 633 W Howard St in Evanston, is truly a culinary gem that blends Puerto Rican authenticity with contemporary flair. Guests rave about the vibrant flavors and artful presentations found in dishes like the Jibarito and Garlic Shrimp, with many highlighting the restaurant's ability to craft "fresh, flavorful" meals. Reviewers such as Dante Taylor commend Estación for its prompt service and attentive staff, exemplified by servers like Arturo, who create a welcoming atmosphere. Tara Miksik refers to the establishment as a happy accident, noting that the "portion sizes were nice," which is often a concern in higher-end dining. Both the dishes and cocktails, including a standout hibiscus margarita, have won hearts and taste buds alike. Food fans are drawn to the inviting ambiance and dishes like cangrejo and ropa vieja, described by Trisna as “absolute perfection.” The attention to detail in both food and service makes Estación a must-visit. With patrons encouraging others to explore this hidden gem, it’s clear that Estación is poised to steal the spotlight in the local dining scene, ensuring it remains a beloved destination for lovers of authentic cuisine.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers kerbside pickup
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great cocktails
Serves great dessert
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Transgender safe space
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Paid street parking
Plenty of parking
Photos
Reviews For Estación
Dante Taylor
May 30,2025
This place is amazing. So glad we came here. My future wife is Puerto Rican so i wanted to find a place with some food she might like and i was not disappointed. Service was amazing. They were quick with the food and the drinks were amazing. Arturo was our server and he was great and attentive. Authentic/clean/flavorful/quick Definitely will be coming back.
Tara Miksik
May 19,2025
My husband and I ended up here by happy accident tonight when another restaurant we were going to ended up being closed- lucky for us, because we were in for a treat! Such tasty food and cocktails, everything was delicious! The portion sizes were nice, which is always a concern for me at higher end places such as this. Best flan we have ever had the pleasure of eating! Service was top notch, stop in if you haven’t already, you won’t regret it! We had the hibiscus margarita, salted cod fritter, ropa vieja, jibarito, and flan.
Alexander Ty
Apr 7,2025
Another Chicagoland gem. The owners are very approachable and accommodating. Food is as good as it gets. Simple well prepared menu. Loved their Pulpo appetizer. We will be back for when the authentic Mama Juana drink is ready!
Trisna (Trish)
Mar 20,2025
A Hidden Gem Worth Discovering! I had the cangrejo and three cocktails at Estacion, and every bite and sip was absolute perfection. The food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully plated. The cocktails? Deliciously crafted and full of personality. Estacion is a hidden secret that deserves all the love—if you haven’t been, go now before everyone else finds out!
Deb Jezuit
Mar 1,2025
Y U M. The food is delicious and the servers are so kind. We had the shrimp appetizer and the ropa vieja and the pernil...delicious. We will definitely be back!
Ari Gis
Feb 28,2025
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Estacion, and I can confidently say it was one of the best restaurant experiences I’ve had. From the moment we walked in, the service was exceptional—attentive, friendly, and truly welcoming. The drinks were absolutely fantastic, perfectly crafted and full of flavor. Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing cocktail or something bold, this place knows how to deliver. Now, onto the food—simply spectacular. We started with the queso appetizer, which was rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. It was the perfect way to kick off the meal. For my entree, I had the ropa vieja, and it was hands down one of the best I’ve ever had. The beef was tender and flavorful, perfectly paired with rice and plantains. My dad ordered the pernil, and it was just as impressive—juicy, slow-cooked to perfection, and bursting with authentic flavor. Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, we ended the meal with arroz con leche, and wow—it was incredible. Creamy, perfectly spiced with cinnamon, and just the right amount of sweetness, it was the perfect way to wrap up an already amazing meal. Everything about this restaurant exceeded expectations. If you’re looking for a place that nails service, drinks, and unforgettable food, this is it. I’ll definitely be coming back!
Bill Tredway
Feb 23,2025
We are visiting in Evanston and were so happy that we found Estacion! The food was absolutely delicious, the staff were friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was fun! My wife and I both agreed this is the best meal we’ve had at a restaurant in a long time. The special appetizer tonight was equites, and I could have been perfectly happy just eating that all night. Kudos to Estacion for creating such a warm, welcoming environment with delicious food and drink. We will be returning whenever we are in Evanston visiting family. UPDATE: We returned the next day for brunch and brought a friend. Same delicious food, same awesome service. This is our new favorite restaurant in Evanston.
Shelley C
Feb 19,2025
What a pleasant surprise we had when 6 of us decided to check Estacion out for a late lunch. The dishes and drinks were full of sabor and love. We tried nearly everything and were particularly impressed with the Guava Chipotle Sauce served with the Queso, the Congrejo, Ropa Vieja Flan de Queso, and the Hibiscus Pisco Margarita. TY we will be back, especially to try the Jibarito and more drinks!
Reviews For Estación