Side-by-side view of a bluestone patio featuring wide stone steps leading from the home next to a custom stucco outdoor kitchen island with built-in grills, outdoor dining table, and background fireplace in Evanston.

Evanston outdoor kitchen project with custom island, granite tops, stucco finish and built-in grills for cooking
Tommy Pollina Landscape Co. Inc — City of Evanston Backyard: The Outdoor Kitchen Island, Up Close

This outdoor kitchen isn’t just a feature — it’s the heart of the backyard. Built for both function and beauty, every element was designed to perform and last.

Here’s what makes it special:

A 9′ x 3′ custom outdoor kitchen island, hand-built with mortared block construction for strength and precision.
Leathered granite countertops that offer a durable, high-end finish with natural texture and subtle movement.
Mortar access doors for the built-in grill and gas line connections — designed for clean access while maintaining a seamless look.
A stucco/concrete slurry finish color-matched to the home exterior, blending architecture and landscape design into one cohesive space.

At the core of the island are two centerpieces of outdoor cooking:

Blaze LTE PRO 32-in 4-Burner Built-In Natural Gas Grill — premium stainless construction, digital temperature control, and LED-lit precision cooking zones.
Big Green Egg Large Charcoal Kamado Grill & Smoker — custom-fit into the island for everything from low-and-slow smoking to high-heat searing.

Together, they form a chef-level cooking experience built right into the landscape — combining performance, design, and everyday enjoyment.