Theater, drama, comedy and more.

When you need a little drama in your life (the good kind), there are so many options to catch a great show. Sit back for soliloquies under the stars at the Oak Park Festival Theatre, set outdoors in Austin Gardens. Summer productions of Shakespeare and other masters will captivate all ages. Students help run the show at The Collective, part of Concordia University Chicago in River Forest, where they stage newer works and twists on classics. Innovation and inspiration fit the bill at the Open Door Theater in Oak Park. Expect music, comedy and drama designed to entertain and provoke. Inclusivity and affordability draw fans to the 16th Street Theater in Berwyn, now in its second decade of eye-opening plays (with a recent move to a larger space). Madison Street Theatre in Oak Park hosts shows by dozens of Chicago-area theater, improv and dance companies at its 180-seat Main Stage and smaller Studio Theatre.
16th Street Theater

16th Street Theater

6420 16th Street Berwyn

Created to be a theater for people NOT going to the theater, 16th Street was founded in 2007 to serv...

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Alejandra's Mexican Cantina and Restaurant

Alejandra's Mexican Cantina and Restaurant

400 E. North Avenue Northlake

Alejandras Mexican Cuisine established in 2005 by the Corona Family in a small town they call home, ...

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Aunt Diana's Old Fashioned Fudge

Aunt Diana's Old Fashioned Fudge

29 E. Burlinton Street Riverside

Chocolate shop selling old-fashioned & contemporary candy, housemade fudge, caramel apples & more.

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Autre Monde Cafe & Spirits

Autre Monde Cafe & Spirits

6727 Roosevelt Road Berwyn

Autre Monde Cafe is a neighborhood restaurant celebrating all things Mediterranean with a fresh, sea...

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Barclay's American Grille

Barclay's American Grille

1110 Pleasant Street Oak Park

Barclay’s American Grille serves classic American cuisine and offers a relaxed dining experience wit...

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Benjamin's Gourmet Popcorn

Benjamin's Gourmet Popcorn

1420 Roosevelt Road Broadview

Swapping tracks for snacks, local DJ Chris Benjamin turns out hits like Benjamin's White Cheddar Bli...

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Bishops Hall Bed & Breakfast

Bishops Hall Bed & Breakfast

605 Iowa Street Oak Park

Built in 1916 in a Georgian revival story, Bishops Hall was a bishop’s residence for several decades...

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Blue Note Jazz Club

Blue Note Jazz Club

1715 Roosevelt Road Broadview

Blue Note Jazz Club has the feel of a Jazz Club, event space, banquet hall, neighborhood lounge and ...

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Brookfield Ale House

Brookfield Ale House

8900 Fairview Avenue Brookfield

Brookfield Ale House features American fare from their huge “8 corners” pretzel and half-pound burge...

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Brookfield Zoo

Brookfield Zoo

8400 31st Street Brookfield

World-famous Brookfield Zoo is open every day inspiring guests through extraordinary connections wit...

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Buzz Cafe

Buzz Cafe

905 S. Lombard Street Oak Park

A wonderful community gathering place in the heart of the Oak Park Arts District specializing in fab...

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Carleton of Oak Park

Carleton of Oak Park

1110 Pleasant Street Oak Park

Nestled in the historic Pleasant District, The Carleton is a boutique hotel with 154 beautifully app...

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Cernan Earth & Space Center

Cernan Earth & Space Center

2000 Fifth Avenue River Grove

Explore the stars and planets visible in Earth’s night sky or travel to the edge of the Universe. Fr...

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Chef Shangri-La

Chef Shangri-La

7930 W. 26 Street North Riverside

Asian-fusion fare & tropical drinks served in a festive space with a tiki bar & live entertainment.

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Cheney Mansion

Cheney Mansion

220 N. Euclid Avenue Oak Park

Hold events in a historic English country–style home among landscaped grounds and handsome reception rooms.

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Citrine Cafe

Citrine Cafe

100 S. Oak Park Avenue Oak Park

Located in the Hemingway District, Citrine offers Mediterranean influenced cuisine with American fla...

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Concordia University Chicago's The Collective

Concordia University Chicago's The Collective

7400 Augusta Road River Forest

The Collective is at the core of Concordia’s Theatre training. The department’s production wing is p...

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Coopers Hawk Restaurant & Winery

Coopers Hawk Restaurant & Winery

950 Lake Street Oak Park

The largest installment of Cooper’s Hawk is a modern, casual restaurant featuring a Napa-style tasti...

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Cozy Corner Breakfast Boutique

Cozy Corner Breakfast Boutique

138 Marion Street Oak Park

On the corner of Lake and Marion, this homestyle diner will have you coming back for every meal of t...

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Cucina Paradiso

Cucina Paradiso

814 NORTH BLVD. OAK PARK

Located off Oak Park's renowned Oak Park Avenue, specializing in classical and modern regional Itali...

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Cucina Paradiso

Cucina Paradiso

814 North Boulevard Oak Park

Located off Oak Park’s renowned Oak Park Avenue, specializing in classical and modern regional Itali...

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Dominican University Performing Arts Center

Dominican University Performing Arts Center

7900 W. Division Street River Forest

Easy to get to, just 20 minutes west of Chicago’s Loop, DUPAC features two halls with superb acousti...

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Eastgate Cafe

Eastgate Cafe

102 Harrison Street Oak Park

A casual neighborhood favorite where really nice people meet to eat! Featuring a charming and relaxi...

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Emilio's Tapas

Emilio's Tapas

4100 Roosevelt Road Hillside

In 1988, Emilio Gervilla, opened the first Emilio’s Tapas in Hillside, a suburb just west of Chicago...

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Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum

Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum

339 N. Oak Park Avenue Oak Park

Enjoy guided tours of the Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Home where the Nobel Prize winning author was ...

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Escape Factor

Escape Factor

7228 Madison Street Forest Park

Escape Factor, a live escape room experience, located in Forest Park, Illinois, is an extremely fun,...

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Exit Strategy Brewing Company

Exit Strategy Brewing Company

7700 Madison Street Forest Park

Exit Strategy Brewing is the love child of Chris and Katherine Valleau. Located in the heart of For...

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FitzGerald's

FitzGerald's

6615 Roosevelt Road Berwyn

FitzGerald's has been a gathering spot since it was built in the early 1900's. Up to 1925, the frame...

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Francesca's Fiore

Francesca's Fiore

7407 Madison Street Forest Park

This casual sophisticated, trattoria-style restaurant offers classic Italian favorites. Located on F...

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Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio

Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio

951 Chicago Avenue Oak Park

Guided tours are offered daily at Wright’s first Home and Studio where the legendary architect exper...

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Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple

875 Lake Street IL

Frank Lloyd Wright's restored Unity Temple - a newly designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and Natio...

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Galloping Ghost Arcade

Galloping Ghost Arcade

9415 Ogden Avenue Brookfield

The Galloping Ghost Arcade was opened on Friday the 13th, August, 2010. We opened with 130 arcade ga...

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Gene & Jude's

Gene & Jude's

2720 N. River Road River Grove

We work almost 24 hours a day in preparation alone to provide our loyal customers with what many bel...

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GoApe Treetop Adventure & Zipline Course

GoApe Treetop Adventure & Zipline Course

1100 Odgen Avenue Western Springs

See the forest preserve from the treetops! This seven-acre course, built and operated by GoApe Treet...

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Grape Leaves

Grape Leaves

129 S. Oak Park Avenue Oak Park

Since 1994, Grape Leaves has been serving the community of Oak Park with unique, flavorful dishes fr...

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Hal Tyrell Trailside Museum

Hal Tyrell Trailside Museum

738 Thatcher Avenue River Forest

This historic mid-1870s Victorian mansion is nestled among live native animals, wildflower gardens, ...

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Hala Kahiki Tiki Bar

Hala Kahiki Tiki Bar

2834 River Road River Grove

Our Tiki Origins trace back to 1952 in Bucktown, Chicago. We have been at our current location in Ri...

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Hala Kahiki Tiki Bar & Lounge

Hala Kahiki Tiki Bar & Lounge

2834 River Road River Grove

A long list of tropical cocktails is offered at this festive tiki bar with a patio & gift shop.

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Hamburger Mary's Show Lounge

Hamburger Mary's Show Lounge

155 S. Oak Park Avenue Oak Park

Hamburger Mary's Show Lounge is the new home for FABULOUS in Oak Park... with weekly drag shows, mim...

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Harvey House Bed & Breakfast

Harvey House Bed & Breakfast

107 S. Scoville Avenue Oak Park

With its welcoming yet informal atmosphere, Harvey House offers guests good company or simply just a...

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Hecho En Oak Park

Hecho En Oak Park

1053 Lake Street Oak Park

A mouth-watering taqueria full of sass, Hecho En Oak Park is a sit-down restaurant catering to those...

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Hemmingway's Bistro

Hemmingway's Bistro

211 N. Oak Park Avenue Oak Park

This restaurant’s bistro interior takes you back to the grand charm of Paris in the early 1930s, fea...

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Higgins Glass

Higgins Glass

33 E. Quincy Street Riverside

Home of “modern miracles with everyday glass,” Higgins Studio creates handcrafted collectible pieces...

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Historic Route 66

Historic Route 66

Ogden Avenue at Lombard Avenue Berwyn

A new information kiosk was installed to serve as a gateway marker and hub for Route 66 information ...

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iCOMBAT

iCOMBAT

5050 N. River Road Schiller Park

iCOMBAT is unlike any other laser tag company. We offer the most advanced tactical laser tag in the ...

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Illinois Prairie Path

Illinois Prairie Path

Maywood

The Illinois Prairie Path is a multi-use nature trail for non-motorized public use. It spans approxi...

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Irish Times

Irish Times

8869 Burlington Avenue Brookfield

Selected as a top 10 Irish pub in Chicagoland, Irish Times provides a one-of-a-kind experience in do...

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Johnnie's Beef

Johnnie's Beef

7500 W. North Avenue Elmwood Park

Tiny, no-frills, cash-only hot dog stand serving sausage & beef plus Italian ice, fries & shakes.

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Khyber Pass

Khyber Pass

1031 Lake Street Oak Park

Take a culinary passage through the land of exotic spices and aromas! Celebrating more than 20 years...

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Kinslagher Brewing Company

Kinslagher Brewing Company

6806 Roosevelt Road Oak Park

Specializing in larger beers, Kinslahger welcomes visitors to their tasting room designed for conver...

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La Taquileria

La Taquileria

2118 W. Lake Street Melrose Park

La Tequileria is owned and operated by the Suarez Family. Sergio Suarez Sr. was born in Jalisco, Mex...

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LaBarra

LaBarra

2 E. Burlington Street Riverside

LaBarra is brought to you by Chicago’s artisan baker, Rich Labriola. The latest location in charming...

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Laura Atwood Studio Beads & Trading Company

Laura Atwood Studio Beads & Trading Company

9142 Broadway Avenue Brookfield

1,200 square feet of unique handmade items from around the world, Laura Atwood Studio Beads carries ...

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Live Cafe and Creative Space

Live Cafe and Creative Space

Live is an artisanal, destination coffee shop with a heard and passion for community transformation ...

163 S. Oak Park Avenue Oak Park

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Lou Malnati's Oak Park

Lou Malnati's Oak Park

1038 Lake Street Oak Park

Located in the heart of downtown Oak Park, Lou Malnati’s is the destination for a taste of Chicago’s...

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Madison Street Theatre

Madison Street Theatre

1010 Madison Street Oak Park

Madison Street Theatre is a multi-stage performing arts center dedicated to providing professional e...

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Maya Del Sol

Maya Del Sol

144 S. Oak Park Avenue Oak Park

Since 2007, Maya Del Sol has been taking guests on an exciting culinary journey through Central and ...

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Micky's Drive-In

Micky's Drive-In

635 Mannheim Road Bellwood

Mickey’s Drive-In has been a Chicagoland favorite for Hot Dogs, Italian Beef and other great food fo...

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Moon Temple Chinese Restaurant

Moon Temple Chinese Restaurant

5225 St. Charles Road Berkeley

Moon Temple Chinese Restaurant offers delicious dining, takeout and delivery to Berkeley, IL.Moon Te...

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6926 W. Roosevelt Road Oak Park

Needful Things

6926 W. Roosevelt Road Oak Park

You'll find all types of gifts, books, antiques, toys and home goods at this unique shop. Needful Th...

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Nineteenth Century Club

Nineteenth Century Club

178 Forest Avenue Oak Park

The Nineteenth Century Club was established in 1891 by a group of visionary women who believed that ...

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O'Connor Art Gallery

O'Connor Art Gallery

7800 W. Division Street River Forest

The mission of the O’Connor Art Gallery is to present timely, relevant and focused contemporary art ...

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Oak Park Art League

Oak Park Art League

720 Chicago Avenue Oak Park

Founded in 1921, the Oak Park Art League is one of the longest, continually-running non-profit arts ...

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Oak Park Brewing Company

Oak Park Brewing Company

155 S. Oak Park Avenue Oak Park

The first brew pub in Oak Park since 1872 when Henry Austin helped create and pass the Illinois Temp...

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Oak Park Conservatory

Oak Park Conservatory

615 Garfield Street Oak Park

The Oak Park Conservatory consists of three indoor botanical showrooms, Rubinstein Meeting Room & Ga...

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Oak Park Festival Theatre

Oak Park Festival Theatre

Oak Park Festival Theatre is Chicago’s premier outdoor professional theatre company, dedicated to excellence in performance — from Shakespeare and other celebrated classics to stimulating contemporary...

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Oak Park Jewelers

Oak Park Jewelers

101 S. Marion Street Oak Park

Oak Park Jewelers prides itself in providing quality fine jewelry, excellent customer service and ex...

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Oak Park River Forest Museum

Oak Park River Forest Museum

129 Lake Street Oak Park

An Oak Park landmark built in 1898 as a firehouse, the new Oak Park River Forest Museum features cha...

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Olmsted Society's Historic Riverside Walking Tours

Olmsted Society's Historic Riverside Walking Tours

P.O. Box 65 Riverside

The Frederick Law Olmsted Society is pleased to offer great opportunities to learn about our histori...

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One Lake Brewing

One Lake Brewing

1 Lake Street Oak Park

One Lake Brewing is located on the border of Oak Park, IL, and Chicago's Austin neighborhood. We are...

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Open Door Theater

Open Door Theater

902 S. Ridgeland Avenue Oak Park

Open Door is a 17-year-old professional theater organization producing words that inspire, entertain...

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Paisans Pizzeria & Bar

Paisans Pizzeria & Bar

6226 W. Ogden Avenue Berwyn

A full-service restaurant, bar and banquet space serving gourmet burgers, fresh salads, handmade pas...

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Paisans Pizzeria & Restaurant

Paisans Pizzeria & Restaurant

3720 Grand Boulevard Brookfield

The freshest ingredients around are used to make the gourmet burgers, fresh salads, handmade pastas ...

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Papaspiros

Papaspiros

728 Lake Street Oak Park

A fine dining Greek cuisine experience in the heart of Oak Park for the last 18 years. Family friend...

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Petersen's Ice Cream

Petersen's Ice Cream

1100 Chicago Avenue Oak Park

For over 90 years Petersen's Ice Cream Company has been producing and selling "Old Fashioned" ice cr...

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Pleasant Home

Pleasant Home

217 S. Home Avenue Oak Park

Explore this opulent mansion designed by Prairie School architect George W. Maher in 1897. A nationa...

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Poor Phil's Bar & Grill

Poor Phil's Bar & Grill

139 S. Marion Street Oak Park

The Murphy family has been serving you since 1962. This is not your daddy’s beer joint. Don’t miss o...

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Q-BBQ

Q-BBQ

124 N. Marion Street Oak Park

Q-BBQ is an authentic BBQ restaurant with regional inspirations—from the backwoods of the Carolinas,...

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Quincy Street Distillery

Quincy Street Distillery

39 E. Quincy Street Riverside

Quincy Street Distillery creates historically-inspired, handcrafted artisanal spirits based on class...

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Riverside Arts Center + Freeark Gallery

Riverside Arts Center + Freeark Gallery

32 E. Quincy Street Riverside

The Riverside Arts Center provides contemporary art exhibits; multi- media and clay art classes for ...

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Riverside Historical Museum

Riverside Historical Museum

10 Pine Avenue Riverside

Explore a unique collection of artifacts, photographs and archival materials that emphasize the urba...

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Russell's Barbeque

Russell's Barbeque

1621 Thatcher Avenue Elmwood Park

Old-fashioned rustic mainstay with counter service dishing up wings, ribs & sandwiches.

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Rustico

Rustico

722 Lake Street Oak Park

Transport yourself to the Mediterranean coast and enjoy their take on some of Spain and Italy’s most...

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Sawa's Old Warsaw

Sawa's Old Warsaw

9200 W. Cermak Road Broadview

Sawa’s Old Warsaw has been serving the best Polish~American cuisine for over 40 years in the Chicago...

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Scudiero's Italian Bakery & Deli

Scudiero's Italian Bakery & Deli

2113 West Lake Street Melrose Park

Long-standing deli turning out fresh bread, subs, pizzas & salads plus biscotti & cannoli.

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Short Fuse Brewing Company

Short Fuse Brewing Company

5000 N. River Road Schiller Park

Taproom and restaurant located near O'Hare in Schiller Park. Come in and enjoy our taproom and resta...

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Sushi House

Sushi House

1107 Lake Street Oak Park

With a serene and inviting atmosphere, Sushi House welcomes you into its Downtown Oak Park location ...

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Takara

Takara

7502 1/2 Madison Street Forest Park

Takara Designs creates natural fiber clothing using linen, cotton and gauze. Fleece Couture Collection coats, accessories made with industrial recycled fleece.

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Ten Thousand Villages

Ten Thousand Villages

121 N. Marion Street Oak Park

Shop for fair trade personal accessories, home decor, gift items, coffee, tea and chocolate. Ten Tho...

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The Book Table

The Book Table

1045 Lake Street Oak Park

Featuring more than 60,000 discounted new and used titles, all books in the store are at least 20% o...

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The Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor

The Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor

7347 Madison Street Forest Park

Ice cream shop serving signature sundaes, shakes & homemade root beer in an old-fashioned setting.

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The Chew Chew

The Chew Chew

33 E. Burlington Street Riverside

Owner and Executive Chef Scott Zimmer, who has amassed 30 years of life experience working for many ...

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The Heritage

The Heritage

7403 W. Madison Street Forest Park

With a keen focus on seasonal and approachable fare, The Heritage offers a variety of small and larg...

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The Little Gem Cafe

The Little Gem Cafe

187 N. Marion Street Oak Park

An elegant European eatery that serves delicious regional cuisineand seasonal specials in a relaxed,...

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The Write Inn

The Write Inn

211 N. Oak Park Avenue Oak Park

Enjoy your stay in this historic renovated inn with 65 rooms and suites. Family, Parlor King or Sign...

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There Goes the Neighbor Hood Gangster Tours

There Goes the Neighbor Hood Gangster Tours

178 Forest Avenue Oak Park

Author John Binder’s tour visits 15 houses in Oak Park and River Forest that were once owned by majo...

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Vault Escape

Vault Escape

3234 Harlem Avenue Riverside

Your team will break a curse, steal art or escape another adventure by cooperating, communicating an...

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Wild Onion Tied House

Wild Onion Tied House

1111 S. Boulevard Oak Park

Expect an evolving list of fresh, seasonal specialties, along with daily and weekly specials, meticu...

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Winberrie's Restaurant

Winberrie's Restaurant

151 N. Oak Park Avenue Oak Park

Located in historic Scoville Square and within walking distance of the Frank Lloyd Wright and Heming...

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Wire

Wire

6815 Roosevelt Road Berwyn

Located on Roosevelt Road in Berwyn, on Chicago’s West Side, Wire is a facility for music production...

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Wise Cup

Wise Cup

1018 Lake Street Oak Park

Wise Cup is a family owned and operated café in the heart of downtown Oak Park. Their coffee, te...

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Wolf Road Prairie Nature Preserve

Wolf Road Prairie Nature Preserve

2901 Park Avenue Westchester

Grassy nature reserve with savanna, prairie & wetland ecosystems & abundant wildlife.

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Wonder Works Children's Museum

6445 W. North Avenue Oak Park

Wonder Works is a child-sized world with six experience zones where young visitors explore, experime...

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Wonder Works Children's Museum

Wonder Works Children's Museum

6445 W. North Avenue Oak Park

Wonder Works is a child-sized world with six experience zones where young visitors explore, experime...

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Needful Things

Needful Things

6926 W. Roosevelt Road Oak Park

You'll find all types of gifts, books, antiques, toys and home goods at this unique shop. Needful Th...

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Vop Visitors Guide

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