A new place for drinks is coming to the corner of Central Street and Prairie Avenue.
Tallgrass will be the newest bar in Evanston at 1921 Central Street. According to a recent article from Evanston RoundTable, the Evanston Liquor Control Review Board unanimously approved the license application for Tallgrass as of May. It is proposed to take the place of the Prairie Joe’s restaurant that closed in 2021.
Applicant Ethan James is the current managing partner of Tallgrass Hospitality, which is opening the bar. He was also the taproom manager for Temperance Beer Company, the brewery that was on Dempster street and closed in December 2024. This is his newest venture.
The Evanston RoundTable article notes James wants to have food set up in the new bar as well. He is looking to serve local pre-packaged food from Skokie Provisions. Food would not be made in a kitchen at Tallgrass.
In terms of drinks, guests can expect typical drinks served at a bar, but an official menu has not been released.
James previously was looking to revitalize the space of the former Beth’s Little Bake Shop at 1814 Central Street, but as this has become the home of Poplar Pastries, he had to find new space. The new location will be near Leonidas Cafe Chocolaterie and across the street from Comida Mexican restaurant.
When What Now Chicago contacted James, he said he does not want to make any comments to the media as of yet. There will be more news in the coming weeks.
