Peckish Pig Named 'Delicious Destination' by Enjoy Illinois

Photo courtesy City of Evanston

An Evanston restaurant and brewery became the first North Shore locale to be distinguished as an “Enjoy Illinois: Delicious Destination” by the Illinois Office of Tourism.

The recognition drew local legislatures and office holders to the Peckish Pig at 623 Howard St. on Wednesday to celebrate the honor.

“The Peckish Pig brings together all the best in today’s food movement - local flair, great atmosphere, trailblazing cuisine and a great sense of welcome and hospitality,” said Gina Speckman, executive director of Chicago’s North Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau - the organization responsible for nominating the restaurant for the award.

“This is the only one on the North Shore to receive the award,” she said. “Most of the others are downstate.”

During a brief gathering to celebrate the achievement, Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl bragged about the restaurant’s chocolate, which, she said, “wakes me up at night thinking about it.”

Eighth Ward Alderman Ann Rainey credited the Evans family, the business owners, for turning a location previously home to five under -performing businesses that never generated any sales tax to a destination that attracts locals and tourists alike.

“The greatest number of tourists that come here are our friends from Rogers Parks who never came over here before,” Rainey said.

Deb Evans, owner and chef of the restaurant that opened last March, said it is “really nice someone is recognizing what is going on here on Howard Street.”

“We actually draw in people from Northbrook, Wilmette and Winnetka - so we actually have a large spectrum of people we draw here,” she said.

The Delicious Destination Award honors local food establishments around the state that are beloved destinations for visitors and locals alike. Peckish Pig is among a select group of Illinois establishments to receive the award.