TOMO Japanese Street Food

For those of us in Illinois seeking a genuinely authentic taste of Japan, right here in our own backyard, TOMO Japanese Street Food in Evanston offers a unique and heartwarming experience. More than just a restaurant, TOMO aims to transport you to a small, charming eatery nestled in the quieter regions of Japan. With a commitment to realism and a menu crafted with significant input from an Asian food business veteran, TOMO provides a culinary journey that’s both delicious and deeply rooted in Japanese tradition.

Owned by Chris and his wife, a couple dedicated to sharing their passion for Japanese cuisine, TOMO Japanese Street Food has quickly become a beloved spot in the Evanston community. It's a place where you can savor everything from savory teriyaki steak bowls and fresh cucumber salads to delightful hot sake and unique desserts like black bean paste. Beyond the fantastic food, TOMO offers an atmosphere that is both laid-back and thoughtfully designed, aiming for comfort and authenticity. This commitment extends to their exceptionally clean facilities, from the kitchen to the bathrooms, reflecting the owners' dedication to every detail of your dining experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a taste of genuine Japan, TOMO Japanese Street Food invites you to immerse yourself in their world.

TOMO Japanese Street Food is conveniently located at 1726 Sherman Ave, Evanston, IL 60201, USA. Situated on Sherman Avenue, one of Evanston's primary thoroughfares, the restaurant is easily accessible for residents throughout the city and surrounding areas in Illinois. Its prime downtown Evanston location means it's nestled amidst other local businesses, making it a natural stop for shoppers, students, and professionals alike.

For those arriving by car, parking in downtown Evanston is available through a combination of metered street parking and public parking garages. The City of Evanston operates several self-park garages, including the 1800 Maple Self Park, Church St. Self Park, and Sherman Plaza Self Park, all within a reasonable walking distance. These garages offer hourly rates, and parking is generally free on Sundays and major holidays. Metered street parking is typically in effect Monday through Saturday, from 8 AM to 9 PM, with varying time limits. Utilizing the Park Evanston App can make finding and paying for parking even more convenient. Public transportation options, including CTA and Metra lines, also serve the downtown Evanston area, providing easy access for those commuting from Chicago or other North Shore suburbs.

TOMO Japanese Street Food provides a comprehensive range of services designed to offer a flexible and authentic dining experience for its patrons in Illinois.

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy your meal in the restaurant's comfortably decorated space, which features a cheerful atmosphere and seating options including tables and booths. The ambiance is designed to evoke a small, authentic Japanese eatery.
• Takeout: For those who prefer to enjoy their Japanese street food at home or on the go, TOMO offers convenient takeout services. Orders can be placed by calling ahead.
• Online Ordering and Delivery: TOMO Japanese Street Food partners with popular third-party food delivery platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Fantuan, and Grubhub. This allows customers to easily browse the menu, place orders online, and have their delicious meals delivered directly to their doorstep for ultimate convenience.
• Private Karaoke Room Rentals: A unique offering, TOMO boasts a large private room in the back perfect for karaoke parties. This room can accommodate up to 20 people and requires a minimum of 24 hours' notice for reservations. It's an ideal spot for celebrating birthdays, gatherings, or just a fun night out with friends.
• Community English Conversation Dinner (Tuesday): A truly special initiative, TOMO hosts an English conversation dinner every Tuesday specifically for non-native English speaking students from Northwestern University. This "United Nations type of feel" event provides a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange and community building over a shared meal.
• Kid's Meals: The menu includes options suitable for younger diners, such as "Children's Ramen," making it a family-friendly establishment.

TOMO Japanese Street Food distinguishes itself in the Evanston, IL, dining scene through several key features and highlights that contribute to its authentic appeal and positive customer experiences.

• Authentic "Street Food" Vibe: The restaurant is praised for genuinely capturing the "feel of a small eatery in one of the quieter regions of Japan." This authenticity is a core highlight, offering a more realistic and immersive experience than typical Japanese restaurants. The owners, Chris and his wife (who has a veteran background in the food business and significant input on the menu), are dedicated to this realistic experience.
• Diverse and Thoughtfully Curated Menu: TOMO offers a "wonderful menu" that balances traditional Japanese street food with a broader array of Asian dishes. Highlights include:
  • Ramen & Udon: Featuring classic ramen and udon dishes.
  • Teriyaki Steak Bowl: A popular choice, noted as "delicious" and well-prepared.
  • Appetizers & Small Plates: Options like "Octopus Salad," "Cucumber Salad," "Pork Gyozas," "Chicken Karaage," "Takoyaki," and "Shrimp Shumai" are available. The cucumber salad is specifically mentioned as a refreshing side.
  • Unique Beverages & Desserts: Beyond standard offerings, they serve hot sake, Japanese guava juice, and a distinctive black bean paste dessert, adding to the authentic experience.
  • Kid-Friendly Options: The "Children's Ramen" shows their consideration for younger diners.
• Exceptional Cleanliness: Multiple reviews emphasize the "extremely clean" facility, including the bathrooms and kitchen. This dedication to cleanliness speaks volumes about the owners' "compassion" and commitment to providing a safe and pleasant environment.
• Comfortable and Relaxed Atmosphere: The "laid-back" atmosphere, combined with "extremely comfortable" seating (booths and freestanding tables), contributes to an enjoyable dining experience. The "cheerfully decorated" interior adds to its charm.
• Private Karaoke Room: A significant highlight, offering a fun and unique entertainment option for groups. This private space, capable of holding up to 20 people, provides a fantastic venue for celebrations or casual gatherings.
• Community Engagement: The "English conversation dinner for all non-native English speaking students going to Northwestern" every Tuesday is a truly commendable and unique feature. It fosters a "United Nations type of feel," creating a welcoming and inclusive space for cultural exchange.
• Friendly and Attentive Service: While not explicitly detailed in the provided snippets, the positive overall experience and the reference to an "extremely friendly server" and staff who "kept checking in with me and was very attentive" suggest a commitment to good customer service.

TOMO Japanese Street Food occasionally offers promotions, particularly through online delivery platforms and for specific community initiatives. While ongoing daily specials are not explicitly detailed, their commitment to value and unique community events serves as a significant draw for locals in Evanston, IL.

• Online Delivery Platform Discounts: Like many modern restaurants, TOMO often participates in promotions on platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Fantuan, and Grubhub. These can include percentage discounts on orders, free delivery for new users, or special deals on certain menu items. It's advisable to check these apps directly for any current offers before placing an online order.
• Karaoke Room Packages: While not a discount on food, the availability of a private karaoke room for rent can be seen as a special offering for group entertainment. There is an 18% service charge for all karaoke parties, which is standard for private event bookings.
• English Conversation Dinner: This unique weekly event every Tuesday for Northwestern students is a form of community promotion, fostering goodwill and attracting a specific demographic. While not a direct food discount, it provides an invaluable opportunity for cultural exchange and connection, making the restaurant a hub for student life.

Given the focus on providing a "realistic experience" and "great prices," the inherent value in TOMO's authentic food and unique amenities acts as an ongoing appeal for its patrons in Illinois. For the most up-to-date promotional information, checking their official website or preferred delivery app is recommended.

For inquiries, to place a takeout order, or to learn more about TOMO Japanese Street Food's offerings and events, you can reach them using the following contact details:

• Address: 1726 Sherman Ave, Evanston, IL 60201, USA
• Phone: (847) 425-0069
• Mobile Phone: +1 847-425-0069 (This is the same primary contact number, often listed to facilitate direct dialing from mobile devices.)

Calling the restaurant directly is recommended for specific questions about their menu, catering to dietary restrictions, or inquiring about booking the karaoke room. Their website also provides an "Order Online" option, making it convenient for both pickup and delivery.

For the vibrant community of Evanston, Illinois, and beyond, TOMO Japanese Street Food stands out as an exceptionally suitable and appealing local destination. Its unique blend of authentic Japanese cuisine, a welcoming atmosphere, and remarkable community initiatives makes it far more than just a place to eat; it's a cultural hub.

The primary draw for locals is undoubtedly the authenticity and quality of the food. The owners' dedication to creating a "realistic experience" of a small Japanese eatery, coupled with a menu that has significant input from a veteran of the food business, results in genuinely delicious and well-prepared dishes. Whether it’s the savory teriyaki steak bowl, the refreshing cucumber salad, the comforting ramen, or the delightful Japanese guava juice, diners consistently find themselves transported. The consistent praise for the food's taste and presentation underscores its suitability for discerning palates in Illinois seeking genuine Japanese flavors.

Beyond the culinary excellence, TOMO Japanese Street Food fosters a sense of community. The English conversation dinner on Tuesdays for Northwestern University students exemplifies this commitment, providing a unique platform for cultural exchange and social connection. This "United Nations type of feel" makes the restaurant a welcoming space for both locals and international students, enriching the fabric of Evanston. Furthermore, the availability of a private karaoke room adds an element of fun and entertainment, perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying a lively evening with friends and family.

The restaurant's impeccable cleanliness throughout the facility, including the kitchen and bathrooms, is another significant factor that reassures patrons about the care and "compassion of the owners." This attention to detail reflects a dedication to providing a comfortable and hygienic environment. Combined with a laid-back atmosphere and comfortable seating, TOMO offers a truly enjoyable dining experience.

In essence, TOMO Japanese Street Food is a local treasure that goes beyond serving great food. It offers an immersive cultural experience, fosters community, and provides versatile options for dining and entertainment. For anyone in Illinois looking for authentic Japanese street food in a welcoming and unique setting, TOMO Japanese Street Food in Evanston is a highly recommended and truly suitable choice.

TOMO Japanese Street Food

1726 Sherman Ave, Evanston, IL 60201, USA