Tomate Fresh Kitchen

Empanadas are the forte at this tiny space, or perhaps you've tasted their warm and flaky delights at the Evanston Farmers Market. There's no seating, only a counter, but we enjoy heading across the street to the park and hungrily pulling apart the ropa vieja (beef with plantains and black beans) or straight chicken pockets. The veggie options, Tres Quesos or Cauliflower, are equally savory. The rest of the menu offers arguably Evanston's best Mexican food. The banana-leaf-wrapped tamales could paddle a kayak, and the tacos give North Shorers no reason to take the train into the city.