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Story & Atmosphere
Bat 17
Welcome to Bat 17, a beloved dining destination nestled in the heart of Evanston, Illinois. Located at 1735 Benson Ave, Bat 17 has recently undergone an expansion, offering guests a more spacious and comfortable atmosphere than ever before. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a gathering spot, ideal for sports enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
What sets Bat 17 apart? For starters, their diverse menu features standout items like the K2 burger and the Carnegie Reuben. Customers rave about the generous portions and rich flavors. The pretzel boy burger, as one guest noted, not only meets but exceeds expectations at an impressive 10 oz, coupled with Gouda coleslaw and perfectly crispy, non-greasy fries.
But the magic doesn’t stop at the food. The ambiance is another highlight, exuding a modern vibe while maintaining a welcoming feel. Patrons appreciate the friendly staff who strive to enhance your dining experience. As one reviewer mentioned, it’s all about the comfort of being seated quickly, even during busy events like the crosstown classic.
For beverage enthusiasts, Bat 17’s selection of local beers and spirits is impressive. With several rotating drafts and a large variety of canned options, there’s something to cater to everyone’s palate. Couple your meal with a local brew, and you're in for a treat.
While some long-time visitors might miss the nostalgic charm of the original location, many agree that the new space offers something special. The extensive menu guarantees there’s truly something for everyone, whether you’re dining solo, with friends, or in a larger group. Just be sure to order in due time, as some favorites have been known to vanish from the table!
In summary, Bat 17 is the perfect spot for casual dining, serving up delicious food and memorable experiences. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this popular Evanston eatery is worth a visit. So come, savor the flavors, and be part of the Bat 17 community!
Stories & Reviews
Guestbook
“ This is a very popular restaurant in Evanston and it recently expanded in size to accommodate more customers. Thankfully it is now less crowded and an overall better dining experience. On our visit in July of 2025, it was the night of the crosstown classic, and since this is a great place to watch sports, we were worried it would be too crowded. But it wasn't and we were seated immediately even without a reservation. I didn't get pictures of all of the food, but all of the dishes were terrific. We got some burgers, some sandwiches, and also a vegetarian salad. They have a very good selection of vegetarian menu items. So if you're near Evanston and looking for a sports bar with great food, this is the place to eat! ”
“ 5+5+5 5 for ambiance 5 for friendliness 5 for value We were driving by and we saw this location. We decided to stop in for some lunch, it was an excellent choice to make. My wife had the Carnegie Reuben, I had The pretzel boy burger. Anyway, the burger was quite substantial. They said 10 oz but it seemed like more. The Gouda coleslaw was interesting, the fries were very crispy and not greasy. I definitely appreciated that. We just had soft drinks, we were driving and didn't want to have an issue if we were stopped. The bathrooms were spotless, and that's always an excellent sign. If the bathrooms are clean so is the kitchen is the rule of thumb. If the bathroom is dirty, leave and go somewhere else. The staff was very engaging, the food was delicious, the ambience was inviting, not overly bright, and plenty of screens to watch a game. I'm also putting this on my sports bar list and burger list. ”
“ Bat 17 has seriously upgraded with its new spot. The space is huge, modern, and way more comfortable than the old place. The staff? Spot on. They’re quick to get you what you need, no questions asked. I swapped the bun for an extra patty and an egg. My wife can’t get enough of that legendary K2 burger and the waffle fries. The beer and spirit selection is on point. Many local selections on draft and cans. You’ll keep coming back for the burgers, but it’ll be the fries that make you forget all about your diet. ”
“ Excellent service, 4 popular rotating drafts. Large selection of canned and bottled beer . ”
“ I used to be a regular at the original Bat location 15 years ago. I’m glad to see they’re still around and serving some of my favorite dishes. However the atmosphere at this location isn’t quite what it used to be. The bar almost feels like an afterthought where before it used to be the center of the place. No more beer towers? Classy jazz on the speakers? Bat 17 we hardly knew ye. Just feels a bit overly classy and boomer focused now versus what it was originally. Still love the food though and would still recommend. Here’s to another 15+ years. ”