Peppercorns Kitchen - Evanston

After I visited their location in Lafayette IN, I had to try this location out. It turns out that the owners used to be partners but no longer, but they kept the name. Regardless the menus are basically the same. The interior is better vs. the Lafayette location by a long shot. The location can't be better, in the middle of the NW campus, easy parking. The traditional Chinese dishes are great, as traditional as they can be, especially the intestines, yum. They don't charge for rice like Lafayette does. In terms of the level of spice, it is also tuned down a bit for the locals. I strongely recommend anything with the fresh hand cut noodle, perfect balance between chew and softness. One thing I have noticed, there are a lot of reviews about their Kung Pao Chicken, which is something I tried to stay away from because, while the name is an actual traditional Chinese dish, it has become an Americanized dish and available in any moms and pops run of the mill Chinese take outs. But after seeing all of the raving reviews I had to try it. The conclusion is, I should've listened to my gut. ? It remains very Americanized, very sweet with a simple soy based sauce. I think I will stick to the traditional Chinese menu. Overall this restaurant is better than Lao Szechuan just around the corner. I will surely visit again.

Great flavors for some of our dishes. Lamb was quite good and the woodsear as well. But the silky tofu with salted yolk was horrid.

Must-visit restaurant in Evanston! I often go here. My go-to is the wonton in chili sauce for the appetizer and the spicy beef noodle if you like a numb, tingling sensation from the peppercorn. The taste of the food is always consistent. I always enjoy going back here every time I visit the Evanston area.

Our group of six dined here tonight. It's the best and most authentic Chinese food I've had around Chicago. Every single dish was great. The restaurant is clean, modern, and casual. Will be back.

The food was delicious but extremely oily, which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing but it’s nice to keep in mind. The atmosphere was nice, pretty loud but very clean. However, we were ignored by staff and many didn’t have a great attitude. When we went to pay the check, they already added the tip and when we asked what it was, as we didn’t know why an extra fee was added, we were told that it was tax. It wasn’t a tax because we noticed that was already listed. We will not be coming back.