Best Clothing Store: Crossroads Trading Co.

As a chronic online shopper, I often struggle with finding a place to return my purchases that just don’t fit right.

Crossroads Trading Co. has been the answer to my prayers — not just because of its quick selling process but also because of the unique pieces I can purchase with the money I earn from selling.

The store buys items for the upcoming season, so Crossroads Trading is currently scouting for spring clothing that fits into one of three categories: “Polished Opulence,” “Serotonin Vibes” and “I’m with the Band.” The store is specifically looking for vintage tees, mesh tops, matching sets and modern suits. They accept clean, current clothing in good condition.

At Crossroads Trading, there are four ways to sell. In-store selling is my preferred method because it’s the perfect break from studying. The storefront is on Sherman Avenue next to Starbucks, five minutes from Northwestern’s campus.

Drop-offs also work if you don’t have the time to wait for a buyer — a Crossroads Trading employee — to comb through your items in person. Just call the store to let them know, complete a brief online form, drop off your items and you’re done!

If buyers purchase your items, Crossroads Trading will pay you up to 30% of your item’s original price in cash. You can also earn trade-in value you can put toward purchasing clothes in the store, earning you 50% of their original price. The choice is up to you.

For your high-end designer items, go the consignment route. Crossroads Trading will pay you anywhere from 50% to 70% of the item’s original value in cash.

If you’re looking for a place to get rid of the pile of clothing you no longer wear at the back of your closet or to add some new trendy clothing, Crossroads Trading is the place for you!

Best Grocery Store: Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s is located almost a mile from The Arch. Yet, Northwestern students are willing to make the trek to seek out items from produce to prepped meals to eclectic snacks like Maple Pancake Snaps and Cacio e Pepe Puffs. The grocery store’s assortment of necessities, creative twists on classic foods and welcoming staff set it apart from the rest.

I grew up in Florida, where Publix reigns supreme. But I had been to several Trader Joe’s before while traveling, and I was beyond excited to have easy access to Trader Joe’s while attending NU.

Some of my favorite college memories have involved gathering with friends and eating food from Trader Joe’s. Throughout my sophomore year, my friends would come over and we’d sit on my floor eating Trader Joe’s Organic Corn Chip Dippers with hummus, tzatziki and Everything and the Elote dip. As Sports Editor in the fall, I invited Daily staffers to my apartment for gingerbread house decorating while we snacked on Trader Joe’s cookies shaped like Christmas trees. Trader Joe’s has you covered no matter the occasion. Galentine’s Day party? The heart-shaped pasta or dark chocolate mini heart cookies will do the trick. Movie night? Trader Joe’s has a variety of popcorn with flavors ranging from olive oil to key lime. Plus, it has everything you may need on a typical grocery outing.

— Charlotte Varnes

Best Bakery: Bennison’s

Best Takeout: Soul & Smoke

Soul & Smoke not only caters to your need for a barbecue: It also makes it easy to grab a lunch or a late dinner.

Behind the menu is a family history of cooking. Executive Chef D’Andre Carter, known for fine dining, began his cooking career helping his grandmother make family meals. After attending culinary school and subsequently building a rapport within the world of fine dining, he decided to found catering company Feast & Imbibe with his partner Heather Bublick in 2013.

To the delight of barbecue lovers who enjoyed the Soul & Smoke option on the Feast & Imbibe menu, the couple expanded its barbecue offerings. Soon enough, the business blazed into today’s Soul & Smoke.

If you want the barbecue without the sides, Soul & Smoke sells meats by the pound with barbecue sauce. However, what makes Evanston’s Soul & Smoke particularly unique is its mustard aioli, which complements the smoked pastrami.

No meat? No problem. Try its signature mac & cheese, which comes in 24-ounce portions.

If you can’t wait for that Fourth of July barbecue, you can get something even better at 1601 Payne St.

—

Micah Sandy

Happy Lemon has sunshine pouring in through floor to ceiling windows.

Founded in 2006 by Taiwan-based tea company Yummy Town Corporation, the bubble tea shop currently has more than 2,000 locations worldwide.

The local outlet, which opened in Evanston in July 2021, is just a 10-minute stroll from South Campus, making it the perfect place for students to hang out and grab a quick drink between classes.

With the impressive selection of items on the menu — from milk tea, smoothies, fruit teas and even waffles — there’s something for everyone. Maybe even try Happy Lemon’s signature item, the Rock Salt Cheese Tea, which is made of cream cheese, whipped cream, milk and a dash of rock salt, giving the drink a savory finish. What I’d personally recommend is the Purple Taro Smoothie with Boba, but be sure to ask for 70% sugar or less.

What makes Happy Lemon stand out among the many boba stores in the Evanston area is its commitment to using high quality ingredients. With freshly brewed tea and every drink made onsite, there’s a difference you can really taste.

As an international student from Taiwan, walking into Happy Lemon really does capture the essence of home, and I’m sure others would agree, establishing Happy Lemon as Evanston’s best boba store.

— Katie Chen