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The Best Rooftops and Patios Near Oak Park

Springtime is a great time to be outdoors and there is no better place to catch some rays while you dine and drink than the wonderful western suburbs. From well-shaded rooftops to sunny beer gardens, there's something for everyone. So grab your friends and head out for an awesome outdoor dining experience.

 

Here are some of the Oak Park area‘s best outdoor patios and rooftops so you can enjoy your meal with the a view from the best seat in any house. 

Oak Park
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Avenue Ale House

A favorite of Oak Park locals, Avenue Ale House is a treat for everyone that visits. Here you can enjoy a a robust beer list — including Allagash White, Golden Road Mango Cart, Half Acre Daisy Cutter, and Maplewood Son of Juice Hazy IPA — and a great cocktail selection from its full bar.

 

To eat? Try fried cheese curds, crispy buffalo cauliflower, or oysters — as well as shared plates or any of their entrees. Plus, you can’t beat that this rooftop restaurant offers the best of both worlds, amazing food served with an incredible ambiance. There’s truly nothing better than outdoor dining in the summer time.

 

Their menu can accommodate vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free diets, which means there’s something for everyone. And don‘t miss some incredible options for happy hour.

 

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Citrine Café

Located in the heart of Oak Park, Citrine Café offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with an American flair. The restaurant is inspired by the owner Branko Palikuca, who used his childhood experiences in Serbia as an inspiration for the cuisine.

 

In the restaurant, you can find traditional dishes, including braised and brined meats, as well as vegetables cooked in clay pots and brick ovens. Try one of their starters like the house-made lamb sausage or charred Spanish octopus, one of their mains, like the angus beef short ribs or the lake superior white fish. 

 

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Cucina Paradiso

Cucina Paradiso is a beloved Italian restaurant in downtown Oak Park. On its menu, you’ll find delicious food, from appetizers down to dessert, as well as an extensive list for wine, beer and cocktails. They also have rotating chef specials like the beef tenderloin — three 2-oz. medallions grilled medium rare, with Italian salsa verde, roasted potatoes and arugula salad — or the chicken calabrese — with a seasoned panko crust, spicy lemon white wine sauce, Calabrian chiles, pepperoncini, and oven roasted potatoes.

 

They also have family style dining for groups so you can feed a crowd.

 

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Il Vicolo Trattoria

Il Vicolo Trattoria opened its doors in 2011 by owner Vito Tufano. You‘ll enjoy traditional, upscale Italian — from homemade pastas and traditional pizzas, to fresh seafood dishes and incredible meat choices.

 

The menu of this ristorante is influenced by traditional Neapolitan cuisine and embodies all of those delicious flavors. Plus, during the warmer months they bring Italy to you by offering al fresco dining on their patio.

 

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Kettlestrings Tavern

Owned by local families and inspired by the founders of Oak Park — Joe and Betty Kettlestrings -- opening Kettlestrings Tavern as a way to bring together neighbors, friends, and, families.

 

This is an eatery with a modern take on bar food. From chicken wings and burgers to fresh, delicious salads, their menu encompasses everything you love about laid-back food with an upscale twist. Consider the bourbon-brined chicken sandwich — served with cheddar, arugula, shaved red onion, bacon, and crispy apple cider slaw.

 

Apart from the menu, the fun atmosphere features live music and special events. Plus, you’ll most definitely find a game on TV.

 

Kettlestrings Tavern serves up life’s simple pleasures: sports, music and everything Oak Park. The game will be on, great music playing, and every now and then, special events that celebrate happenings around town and that support the local community.

 

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Maya del Sol

Since opening their doors in 2007, Maya del Sol embodies Chicago’s incredible mix of cultures in cuisine, by serving up some of the best, most authentic Latin American cuisine in the west suburbs. Their food combines bold, innovative flavors from Mexico and Central and South America with recipes that have been handed down through generations.  

 

First-time visitors will discover a perfect blend of chic and intimate, making it ideal for a date night or a meetup with friends over incredible food. When the weather’s nice, you can enjoy a craft cocktail in their outdoor seating area. When it comes to dinner, there’s no wrong choice. You can try their plantanos de ropa vieja, carne asada served with chimi churri, or the wild mushroom tostada. And wash it all down with one of their inedible hand crafted margaritas.

 

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One Lake
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One Lake Brewing

Set inside a stunning building with a big city atmosphere, One Lake Brewing is truly a gem. Not only do they have gorgeous indoor dining, but there's also a rooftop patio with a view for when the weather gets nice.

 

When it comes to the food, there’s something for everyone. You can start with one of the amazing appetizers — like the pretzels, made with clarified butter, Maldon sea salt, wholegrain honey mustard and their new beer cheese — or try one of their entrees — like the fried chicken sandwich — served on a brioche bun, with bacon and ghost pepper aioli, white cheddar, house pickles, and seasonal lettuce. Plus, there’s a beer to match almost any meal you pick. 

 

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Poor Phil's Oyster Bar and Grill

If you’re looking for the ultimate neighborhood pub experience, look no further than Poor Phil’s. This Oak Park sports bar and restaurant has been a mainstay of Marion Street serving drinks and delicious fare since 1985.

 

When it comes to their food, they offer incredible options for shellfish and American Louisiana fare. Plus, it’s basically a year round beer fest, with over 100 beers available to customers each and every visit. When the weather’s nice, you can enjoy your food and drinks on their giant outdoor patio.

 

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Trattoria 225

This Italian restaurant is known for bringing delicious wood-fired pizza to the Oak Park Arts District. It’s here where you can sit around the concrete counter of the Trattoria kitchen and watch the chefs fire up the pizza oven. It’s a neighborhood spot complete with art from local artists hanging on the walls.

 

Try the Goat Pizza with roasted red pepper, fennel sausage, goat cheese, and basil pesto, or the FunGuy Pizza with cremini mushrooms and smoked mozzarella. The pizzas are made with organic ingredients with thin, whole-wheat crust.

 

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Victory Italian

Victory Italian is an upscale Italian restaurant, with the goal of reflecting the tradition of Chicago-style Italian cuisine. Here, you can find some of best and largest parmesans, prime steaks, handmade pastas, and seafood. Chef Joe Farina’s famous, award-winning “Mama’s Meatballs”. Their goal is to carry on the family tradition of classic Italian recipes adapted to accommodate local and seasonal ingredients.

 

Try any of of their amazing dishes, like the eggplant stack — served with mighty vine tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and aged balsamic — or the jumbo shrimp dejonhge — served with butter, garlic, white wine, lemon, seasoned bread crumbs, and crispy ciabatta bread. Plus, try one of their after dinner “adult treats”, including dessert cocktails like the Lady Godiva — made with chocolate gelato, Godiva Chocolate Liquor, and chocolate shavings.

 

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Berwyn
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Autre Monde Café and Spirits

What locals know as a hidden gem in Berwyn, Autre Monde embodies a chic, city restaurant from start to finish. The colorful, modern décor perfectly pairs with an equally artful menu. This restaurant celebrates the rich culinary tradition of the Mediterranean coast, with influences from France and Spain, to Portugal, Italy and Greece.

 

Plus, as a green certified build, Autre Monde celebrates local and sustainable buildings and products. For dinner, you can try one of their cold plates like the mezze platter, or a hot plate like the falafel fried shrimp, or a large plate like the wood-grilled pork chop.

 

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Babygold Barbecue

Babygold is an American barbecue restaurant attached to Fitzgerald‘s, a historic Chicagoland music venue located in Berwyn. At this incredible smokehouse — where casual meets quality — you‘ll find incredible food, delicious cocktails, and even a great patio for outdoor dining.

 

The menu is rooted in traditional American barbecue recipes, where you can find incredible briskets and ribs, plus authentic po‘ boys, salads, and delicious small plates — like chargrilled oysters.

 

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Cigars & Stripes BBQ Lounge

A neighborhood staple of the Berwyn community for over 21 years, Cigars & Stripes is a local tavern you won’t forget. Their goal is to provide customers with much more than just a bar experience. They provide a community, where they share their passion for great barbeque, incredible art, lively entertainment, and really good beer.

 

And whatever you do, don’t leave without trying their infamous smoked wings (even featured on CNN, in the Chicago Tribune, and on Chicago’s Best!).

 

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Fill Up Station

If you're looking for a great place to grab a drink, look no further than Fill Up Station in Berwyn. With its unique blend of American culture and European hospitality, this bar offers a laid-back neighborhood atmosphere reminiscent of a different time. Their outdoor beer garden is perfect place to relax on a summer day.

 

Whether you prefer domestic or foreign draft beers, Fill Up Station has got you covered, with a wide variety of the world's finest beers on tap and in bottles. And if you need help deciding what to drink, the knowledgeable bar staff is happy to recommend one of their signature cocktails. So grab your friends, settle in, and get ready to make some great memories at Fill Up Station.

 

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La Parra

If you’re in the mood for tapas and cocktails, La Parra is the place to be! The bustling countertop bar here runs nearly the length of the expansive, sunlit dining room on Cermak Road. Bartenders fill carafes of fresh sangria and mix up specialty drinks like El Torito (cucumber, blood-orange liquor, and lime) or the Chicago Flag Sour (pisco, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white for the stars on the flag).

 

The options are seemingly endless with this Mediterranean-style menu designed to bring people together over a shared meal.

 

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Lavergne's Tavern

Looking for a cozy spot to grab a bite with friends? Look no further than Lavergne's Tavern in Berwyn. With its vintage ambiance and rich history dating back to the 1960s, this classic dining establishment offers a warm and charming atmosphere that's perfect for families, date nights, or a night out with friends. And the food is just as impressive as the decor - don't miss the Italian Beef Egg Roll, a customer favorite that's been called "life-changing." 

 

The bar is important to Jerry and Jorge who are self-proclaimed beer guys. Behind the bar, you’ll find a wide variety of craft brews and specialty cocktails using fresh-squeezed juices. These beer lovers keep the craft beer selection fresh and the menu accessible to all.

 

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Brookfield
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Irish Times Pub & Restaurant

If you’re looking for a classic Chicago-style Irish pub, look no further than Irish Times. Their laid back atmosphere, plus options for outdoor dining, make it the perfect place to meet up with friends or family.

 

You can try any of their great menu options, like the salmon & asparagus — grilled salmon served over rice pilaf, and roasted asparagus — the corned beef and cabbage — tender corned beef, red potatoes, shredded cabbage, and steamed carrots — or the Guinness beef stew — fresh vegetables and tender beef braised in a rich Guinness broth topped with green onion. Served with a side of Irish soda bread.

 

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Mary's Morning Mix Up

The smiley face on the coffee mugs set the tone for this fun diner that serves breakfast until 3pm seven days a week. Let’s start with the pancakes. There are Donut Pancakes topped with a sweet butter glaze and Snicker’s Pancakes topped with peanut butter, chocolate chips, caramel sauce, pecans, and chocolate syrup.

 

With large portions of delicious comfort food in a playfully decorated diner, the ambiance is enough to draw you into Mary’s Morning Mix-Up, but the delicious food and pastries will keep you coming back! Guests rave about the Corned Beef Hash and the Jalapeño Bacon, and we haven’t even reached the main dishes yet! 

 

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Skadarliya

At Skadarliya, you’ll find traditional Macedonian and Serbian meals paired with great cocktails and live music for an evening to remember. Start with the classic shared Skadarliya appetizer that includes feta and mozzarella cheeses, three types of prosciutto, red pepper spread, hard-boiled eggs, pepperoni, and urnebes. 


Then share the Skadarliya Mix Grill with the whole table and join in a family-style dinner traditional to the Balkans. With pork and chicken skewers, beef pillows, sausage, burgers, cevaps, (and more!), you won’t be hungry any time soon.

 

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Elmwood Park
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Gringo and Blondie

Gringo and Blondie is a local treat for taco lovers. This Taqueria and Churreria in Elmwood Park serves classics like carne asada but also has some incredible creations like their shrimp veracruz, served with Mexican slaw, pickled onion, and cilantro-jalapeño cream. They’re so delicious, you might want to try them all!

 

Try the Blondie Taco with portobello, red pepper, poblano pepper, onion, epazote, avocado, and queso fresco. Or try the Gringo Taco with slow-roasted beef, pickled onion, cilantro, and cotija cheese. All tacos are served with a corn tortilla. Taco Tuesday is a great time to swing by Gringo and Blondie when Tacos are $2.50 all day! On Thirsty Thursday, margaritas and beer are 50 percent off.

 

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Jim and Petes

Jim and  Pete's restaurant is a family-owned and operated business that has been serving authentic Italian cuisine since 1941. With a focus on fresh ingredients and daily deliveries, every dish is handcrafted and prepared to order with love and attention. From signature pasta to fresh pizza dough, Jim & Pete's proudly reinvents old-world favorites to create a modern Italian cuisine.

 

Stop in for a fine dining experience your whole family can enjoy. No matter what you choose, your meal will be one to remember when you settle into the sprawling and welcoming patio space. 

 

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Trattoria Peppino

Trattoria Peppino is a must-visit restaurant in Elmwood Park with an outdoor patio perfect for long dinners and lots of laughter.

 

Start your meal with a plate of baked goat cheese, a bowl of Minestrone Soup, and a side of garlic bread. Split a classic Italian antipasti salad with romaine, assorted meats and cheeses, black and kalamata olives, pepperoncini, and roasted red peppers.

Then dive into the Ravioli Portobello (ravioli stuffed with portabellos and tossed with fresh spinach, tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and romano cheese) or the delicious Rigatoni Alla Vodka.

 

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Forest Park
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Exit Strategy Brewing Company

Started by Chris and Katherine Valleau, Exit Strategy is a beloved brewery in the heart of Forest Park. And they take their beer seriously. So seriously that both of their owners left their jobs to focus on one thing and one thing only — brewing great beer. In fact, their beers have cleared over 40 awards from all of the country.

 

To eat, you can try their delicious pretzel — topped with garlic oil and salt and served with beer infused queso — that the owners would suggest to pair with the Exit Strategy APA. Or, the Filipino mojo scallop tacos — topped with coleslaw, calamansi may, grilled pineapple, and cilantro.

 

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Fiore Pizzeria and Bakery

From prominent Chicagoland restaurateur Scott Harris, Fiore Pizzeria and Bakery makes wood-fired pizza and handmade pasta that’s made fresh daily with carefully selected ingredients. On the seasonal menu, you might find Pacheri (large rigatoni, vodka sauce, Calabrian breadcrumbs, basil, and Parmigiano) or Creste di Gallo (wood-roasted chicken, pepperonata, crumbled goat cheese, and basil).

 

Of course, you’ll find seasonal, wood-fired pizza like the Pizza Sweet Corn with parmesan cream, black truffle, onion, chili flakes, and garlic or the Pizza Carne Asada with spicy San Marzano sauce, pecorino, pickled sweet peppers, mozzarella, onion, and skirt steak. For something a bit more traditional, try the Pizza Margherita Fiore with San Marzano sauce, basil, pecorino romano, and mozzarella di bufula.

 

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FatDuck Tavern & Grill

FatDuck has been serving up great food and drinks in Forest Park since 2010. Located on the corner of Madison Street and Elgin Ave, they’re a local, family-friendly establishment. When it comes to food, they don’t mess around either.

 

You can try any of their delicious dishes, like the duck fat fries, with your choice of dipping sauce, including roasted garlic aioli, Mexican pesto, or sriracha mayo. Or, one of their incredible burgers, like the fire alarm burger —topped with pepper jack cheese, fried jalapenos, sriracha mayo, lettuce, tomato and onion. Plus, with daily drink specials, there’s always a reason to come back for more.

 

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Shanahan's

“Let’s go to Shanahan’s!” That’s a phrase you’ll often hear from Forest Park locals who know this pub to be a welcoming place for good beer and delicious southern seafood. In fact, there is a plaque right on the wall of Shanahan’s Louisiana Creole Kitchen, memorializing the catchphrase that the late regular Loretta O’Mara Walsh used to say before her thrice-weekly meal at the pub. (Make sure to check out “Loretta’s table” and memorial plaque when you visit!)


Owner and Chef Tim Shanahan first opened his restaurant in 1977 in New Orleans,
hence the Cajun and Creole influence. But this chef’s last name brings with it everything you might expect. Shanahan’s Louisiana Creole Kitchen has all the makings of a classic Irish pub.

 

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Franklin Park
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Sneakers Bar and Grill

Sneaker’s Sports Bar & Grill is the Franklin Park's favorite sports bar, where fans come to play! Their wings are mouth-watering tasty. Choose from plenty of beer options and grab a seat on the TV-enhanced patio.

 

You'll also find a variety of things to do including pool, darts, punching bag, video games, slots all on top of the outdoor patio. They offer karaoke on Tuesdays and a live DJ on Saturdays. There are TVs everywhere within the bar, even in the bathroom, so if you love your sports you don't have to miss a second of them!

 

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Underpass Lounge

The Underpass Lounge is a venue dedicated to good times and making great memories. In addition to being a restaurant and lounge for locals, it plays host to fundraisers, theme parties, and live bands and a resident DJ on Friday and Saturday nights. Underpass is renowned for its tasty jumbo wings and offers great drink specials.

 

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Hillside
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Emilio's Tapas

Emilio’s Tapas is well known around Chicago for serving shareable plates and “peerless paella” with an authentic taste of Spain. But it’s right here in Hillside where the original Emilio’s Tapas was built by Chef Emilio himself.

 

You won’t want to miss the dates wrapped in applewood-smoked bacon and served in red-pepper butter sauce or the Patatas Bravas (Spanish-style potatoes served in garlic-tomato almond sauce and aged Spanish cheese). From the cold tapas menu, the tomato bread with Serrano ham and Manchego cheese is perfect for sharing alongside the Gambas Frias Tres Salsas (chilled shrimp with three sauces of tomato, garlic cumin, and aioli).

 

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La Grange
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Barrel House Social

Right in the heart of downtown La Grange, Barrel House Social is a place to drink, eat and be with friends. Their culinary team serves up scratch made American comfort food dishes for lunch, brunch and dinner.

 

You can try any of their incredible bistro-style dishes, like the crab cakes, smoked bacon dip, southwest chicken bowl, or baked brie french toast. They also offer an extensive craft beer, cocktail, and whiskey selection, which means no matter your flavor, they’ve got something for you.

 

You can join them for game night, happy hour, pub trivia, and even kid friendly events. Plus, with a great outdoor patio, you can take advantage of patio dining in the summer.

 

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Blackberry Market

Blackberry Market is a popular fast-casual cafe and bakery in La Grange, Illinois. This dynamic eatery is dedicated to providing its customers with handcrafted meals and baked goods that are both fresh and nutritious. 


There is something for everyone at Blackberry Market, from soups to sandwiches to their famous cinnamon rolls. Whether you are looking for a delicious meal to take home or an indulgent treat to enjoy with a coffee, Blackberry has got you covered. Their catering menu is also robust, offering various options for events and gatherings of all sizes.

 

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Fourteensixteen

Another La Grange favorite, fourteensixteen promises great things to every person that walks through their doors. According to the owners, their mission is simple to let the seasons dictate their menu. They choose fresh and sustainable ingredients to craft dishes that’ll make you feel good about eating. And they mean it. With appetizers like the poutine, corn bread, or scallops, or a main dish like the brazino, rohan duck, or green circle chicken.

 

Their space is gorgeous and industrial, and includes a main dining room, bar, lounge, and a rooftop terrace. So it’s perfect for date night, or a night out with friends. 

 

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GP Italiano

The story began in 2005 when an Joe Dellacroce walked into Paul’s Pizza in Westchester and began his storied restaurant career. Joe loved what he did so much, he trained, educated, went off to work at other restaurants, including Lettuce Entertain You, and honed his craft.

 

After years of experience, Chef Joe came back home to join restaurateur Paul Gattuso. With decades of experience managing and owning a restaurant, Paul loves his team that have become an extension of his family. As their relationship continued to forge, in October 2020 the two came together to partner a new modern Italian restaurant that became GP Italiano. GP Italiano is a local Midwestern Italian flare with two talented minds in the front and back of the house.

 

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Mak's House

A place like no other, Mak’s House provides a uniquely incredible atmosphere that can only described as a good time. Mak’s Place brings urban vibes to the suburbs with their secret beer garden “The Hideout” decorated by some of Chicago’s best graffiti artists.

 

To eat? Try one of their delicious burgers or “sammies” — like the jerk — a beef patty infused with an original blend of Caribbean spices, topped with a slice of char-grilled pineapple and grilled onions — or the TLC — grilled Texas toast stuffed with chicken tenders, bacon, BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, cheddar and mozzarella.

 

Plus, if you’re looking to watch the game, you’ve come to the right spot. With 10 T.V.s scattered throughout, there’s something on everyone can enjoy.

 

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Milk Money Brewing

Guided by the belief that a good meal can fuel the power of togetherness, the Milk Money team promises to be a steward to the special moments shared over a dining table. The first brewery in La Grange, Milk Money Brewing is committed to sharing an experience through great food and great beer. The ingredients used are simple, local, and of the highest quality. The team knows from where the food comes and who the farmer is that produced it.

 

The beer served at Milk Money is also believed to be an experience in which the setting, the companions, the food, and the music are all ingredients.

 

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Palmer Place

Palmer Place has a longstanding history in La Grange. One of great food, cold drinks, and place where people can come to gather. The building was originally a deli, until 1983 when it closed, and the Palmer family opened up their new restaurant — with their locally known outdoor patio and biergarten.

 

Here, you can find what locals call some of the best burgers in town, as well as a wide range of delicious food — like their stuffed bacon-wrapped dates and tenderloin medallion sandwich — as well as countless options for craft beers. On hot summer nights, you’ll find a packed patio with a lively crowd.

 

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The Elm

An incredibly chic restaurant with a gorgeous view to downtown LaGrange, The Elm is a neighborhood gem that will make you wonder if you’re in the loop. You can start the evening with one of their delicious cocktails or craft beers. The dinner menu rotates with the seasons, with a focus on American cuisine made from the freshest ingredients. You can try one of their signature dishes like the roasted cauliflower, seared scallops, or parmesan crusted baha striped bass. Looking to host a big group? There’s plenty of space for everyone with private event rooms. 

 

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Melrose Park
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Abruzzo's

If you are looking for an authentic Italian dinner with recipes from all over Italy, then you’ve found the place. Abruzzo's is a welcoming Italian spot with a lounge, offering the classics with homemade sauce .

Whether you are looking for an authentic pasta dish, homemade pizza, or just a place to grab a refreshing cocktail with family and friends, Abruzzo's is the place for you. They're known for their cozy atmosphere that is perfect for get togethers, superb service, wonderful food, and reasonable prices.

 

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Taverna on Division

Taverna on Division is located in a beautiful building with an expansive outdoor patio, centered in a charming Melrose Park. The ambiance combined with finely crafted cuisine is a unique suburban dining experience.

 

In addition to Taverna’s menu, which is well known for house specialties such as Shrimp Taverna and Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce, their daily specials menu changes daily with new unique flavors. The menu is always based on what is fresh and available that day. Their menu has something that will appeal to everyone.

 

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Northlake
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Alejandra's Mexican Cuisine & Cantina

Staying true to their ancestors traditional beliefs, only fresh ingredients are used every single day. Alejandra‘s Mexican Cuisine was established in 2005 by the Corona Family in a small town they call home, Northlake. Their goal is to provide a family-friendly atmosphere where people can gather over authentic Mexican food.

 

You can try any of their amazing dishes, like the Mar and tierra — Mexican skirt steak, shrimp, served with rice, beans, and guacamole. Plus, all of the salsas and marinades are made in house daily.

 

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River Grove
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Hala Kahiki

One of the most beloved Tiki Bars in the Chicagoland area, Hala Kahiki has been serving up delicious cocktails since 1952.

 

Upon entering the doors, the bamboo walls and tropical décor transport you to a tropical oasis and what even feels like another time. Which means your next step? Picking a drink.

 

At Hala Kahiki, they take their cocktails seriously. So seriously, that their menu is divided into taste. So whether you’re looking for a drink that is sweet, not so sweet, tart, coconut based, ice cream based, or even a drink for two they’ve got you covered.

 

And if the weather is nice enough, try out their great patio seating to relax with your drink in the sun.

 

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River Cafe and Bar

Fine dining doesn’t have to be fancy. At the River Cafe and Bar, you’ll dine on delicious meals in a setting that is casual and welcoming. Start with the Baked Clams or the Sweet Chili Calamari. Then build your own burger, pasta, pizza, or Mac and Cheese. That’s right, you are in charge of the ingredients at the River Cafe and Bar!

 

Our favorite is to build your our own pasta! You’ll pick a noodle and a sauce then top it with your favorite protein. We love the rigatoni with vodka sauce topped with crumbled sausage and mushrooms. 

 

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Riverside
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La Barra

When it comes to Italian, La Barra in Riverside does it right - in all the best ways. This chic Italian restaurant in the heart of downtown Riverside, serves up incredible Italian dishes with a modern flair. 

 

Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, pasta, or pizza — they’ve got it all. You can start off with an order of the delicious mussels in white or red sauce, and move to one of their incredible pasta dishes — like the cacio e pepe made with ricotta, pecorino-romano, and black pepper. Top it all of one one of their delectable desserts, and you’ve got a great night.

 

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La Estancia

Walk over the welcoming doorstep of this circular storefront on Forest Avenue and you will not regret it. You’ll immediately enjoy the aroma of the fresh, authentic Mexican fare that La Estancia owner Claudia Reyes is cooking up in the kitchen. La Estancia is styled after the traditional botanera found in Cuernavaca, Mexico in which the restaurant converts into a music lounge at night. So, on Friday evenings at La Estancia, you can expect a lively show with Mexican folk dancing.

 

Reyes warns that you may have to wait a while for your plate, but she says it’s well worth it. The food will be made when you order and cooked to perfection. Nothing is pre-made. Everything is fresh.

 

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The Chew Chew

A wonderful upscale, modern Americana restaurant, the Chew Chew is a true dining experience. They offer a wide range of dishes, with menus that reflect local, seasonal produce. You can try any of their incredible appetizers like the filet mignon sliders, Thai lettuce wraps, or the crab stuffed shrimp. Or, one of their entrees like the very popular Cabo style mahi mahi or the smothered chicken of the day.

 

Plus, they’ve got an outdoor space for dining for dining when the weather is nice.

 

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The Sandtrap Bar and Grill

Nestled in the charming village of Riverside, The Sandtrap Bar and Grill is a must-visit for any food lover or sports enthusiast. This great local establishment boasts a great menu of American cuisine with a fresh twist. The Sandtrap Bar and Grill chefs add a touch of Mexican and Indian spices to their dishes, creating incredible flavors. With daily food and drink specials, you can enjoy delicious and refreshing drinks without breaking the bank. Whether you're stopping by for a quick bite or settling in for a night of fun, you can always count on The Sandtrap Bar and Grill to deliver a memorable experience. 

 

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Schiller Park
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Chaser's Sports Bar

Chaser's started over 35 years ago with cheese steaks and have grown to a full service sports bar and grill providing a huge selection of delicious eats. Just some of the favorites include Pizza, Wings, Cheese Steaks, Hot Subs, Nachos, Gyros, Wraps, Pasta, Burgers, Salads, Burritos and Quesadillas.

 

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Shoeless Joes

Since it's opening, Shoeless Joe’s has transformed into one of Chicagoland’s top rated Sports bars. With over 50 Big Screens with the complete sports package,  Shoeless Joe’s is your spot for all the big games.

 

Shoeless Joe’s has a full kitchen ranging from Salads & wraps to Burgers & Ribs, and everything in between. They have more than 30 weekly rotating drafts, 60+ bottle/can beers, and full wine & liquor selection. Check out Joes for your next party, with room for parties fitting anywhere from 10-150 people.

 

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Short Fuse

Short Fuse in Schiller Park is a brewery, taproom, and restaurant — where you can find great food, tasty beer, and lively atmosphere. You can try any of their incredible appetizers like the ever so popular loaded fries — french fries topped with beer cheese, smoked bacon, sour cream, jalapenos and green onion — or one of their stacked burgers like the hangover — topped with pork belly, cheese curds, bacon, pickled jalapenos, avocado, beer cheese, “beer-BQ“ sauce and crispy onions with a sunny side up egg on a brioche bun. To drink? Try one of their beers like their sour, fruited Vocal Jam, or their IPA, the Loosey Juicy.

 

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Wherever you head in Chicago or throughout Illinois, be sure to enjoy a bit of sunshine and fresh air from an outdoor perch in the western suburbs in and around Oak Park.