Guidebook for Oak Park
Food Scene
Classic French food. They have a good Sunday brunch. Walking distance.
17 recommandé par les habitants
Hemmingway's Bistro
211 N Oak Park AveClassic French food. They have a good Sunday brunch. Walking distance.
Quality breakfast place. Good espresso. Walking distance!
15 recommandé par les habitants
Delia's Kitchen
1034 Lake StQuality breakfast place. Good espresso. Walking distance!
Vegetarian and Vegan restaurant. Really yummy and within walking distance of my home.
23 recommandé par les habitants
Munch
104 N Marion StVegetarian and Vegan restaurant. Really yummy and within walking distance of my home.
You might hate me for telling you about this one. Delicious pastries and strong coffee. It's just a short walk on your way to the train.
12 recommandé par les habitants
Sugar Fixé Pâtisserie
119 N Marion StYou might hate me for telling you about this one. Delicious pastries and strong coffee. It's just a short walk on your way to the train.
Pretty space with a good menu. It can be a little pricey but it's a quality place. You can walk here from my home.
27 recommandé par les habitants
Citrine Café
100 S Oak Park AvePretty space with a good menu. It can be a little pricey but it's a quality place. You can walk here from my home.
Good Mexican food with a beautiful outdoor patio!! You can walk here and enjoy a margarita on the patio. I love their nachos with pulled beef.
67 recommandé par les habitants
Maya Del Sol
144 S Oak Park AveGood Mexican food with a beautiful outdoor patio!! You can walk here and enjoy a margarita on the patio. I love their nachos with pulled beef.
They serve food here but I mostly just go here for drinks. Walking distance.
9 recommandé par les habitants
Lake Street Kitchen + Bar
1101 Lake StThey serve food here but I mostly just go here for drinks. Walking distance.
Great beer here and you can order a take-out burger from Carnivore Butcher Shop and sit at one of their community tables to enjoy it. Walking distance. Prost!
12 recommandé par les habitants
BEER SHOP
1026 North BlvdGreat beer here and you can order a take-out burger from Carnivore Butcher Shop and sit at one of their community tables to enjoy it. Walking distance. Prost!
Petersen's Ice Cream
1100 Chicago AveClassic ice cream parlor. Walking distance.
Delicious ice cream. Walking distance.
38 recommandé par les habitants
Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy Store
3055 N Sheffield AveDelicious ice cream. Walking distance.
Sushi House Oak Park
1107 Lake StQuality sushi within walking distance.
You can dine in but they also deliver which is my favorite way to enjoy this food :). Their noodle dishes and curries are excellent.
14 recommandé par les habitants
Mama Thai
1112 Madison StYou can dine in but they also deliver which is my favorite way to enjoy this food :). Their noodle dishes and curries are excellent.
Authentic Italian food with a nice outdoor patio. Walking distance.
10 recommandé par les habitants
Il Vicolo Trattoria
116 N Oak Park AveAuthentic Italian food with a nice outdoor patio. Walking distance.
Italian food with a good drink menu. Walking distance.
22 recommandé par les habitants
Cucina Paradiso
814 North Blvd Italian food with a good drink menu. Walking distance.
Inexpensive and delicious middle eastern food. Walking distance.
15 recommandé par les habitants
Jerusalem Cafe Restaurant
1030 Lake StInexpensive and delicious middle eastern food. Walking distance.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop
1100 Lake StYummy sandwiches and shakes. Walking distance.
Good Greek food that's not too expensive. I like to sit outside and have some wine over a leisurely dinner. Walking distance.
14 recommandé par les habitants
PapaSpiros Greek Taverna
728 Lake StGood Greek food that's not too expensive. I like to sit outside and have some wine over a leisurely dinner. Walking distance.
This is one of my favorite local spots. Ever-changing menu, great cocktails! Walk here for appetizers or a great dinner. Nuevo Latino. Walking distance.
8 recommandé par les habitants
Amerikas Restaurant
734 Lake StThis is one of my favorite local spots. Ever-changing menu, great cocktails! Walk here for appetizers or a great dinner. Nuevo Latino. Walking distance.
This is a fun place with small plates for sharing. The owners refer to it as "Italian Tapas". Flavorful small plates of food are easy to share. Main dishes are also good and the portions are big. Their cocktails are delicious. Walking distance.
7 recommandé par les habitants
Rustico
155 Lake StThis is a fun place with small plates for sharing. The owners refer to it as "Italian Tapas". Flavorful small plates of food are easy to share. Main dishes are also good and the portions are big. Their cocktails are delicious. Walking distance.
This place has dangerously delicious donuts fresh throughout the day. Walking distance.
6 recommandé par les habitants
Firecakes Donuts
104 N Maple AveThis place has dangerously delicious donuts fresh throughout the day. Walking distance.
Walking distance! Wonderful coffees and Chai tea lattes. They also have delicious homemade samosas. Try one! Usually one of the store owners is in the shop so be sure to say hello.
Wise Cup
1018 Lake StWalking distance! Wonderful coffees and Chai tea lattes. They also have delicious homemade samosas. Try one! Usually one of the store owners is in the shop so be sure to say hello.
Within walking distance! This is a combination wine-tasting room and restaurant/bar. When you walk in, there are retail wine products for sale in a room lined with a tasting bar. You can head straight to the tasting bar for an inexpensive flight of their house-made wines, or you can head into the bar area for quick seating for a meal. Their burger is good.
The wine tasting is a fun thing to do but be warned the tasting room gets busy on Friday and Saturdays!
50 recommandé par les habitants
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant
950 Lake StWithin walking distance! This is a combination wine-tasting room and restaurant/bar. When you walk in, there are retail wine products for sale in a room lined with a tasting bar. You can head straight to the tasting bar for an inexpensive flight of their house-made wines, or you can head into the bar area for quick seating for a meal. Their burger is good.
The wine tasting is a fun thing to do but be warned the tasting room gets busy on Friday and Saturdays!
Delicious baked goods but they do sell out sometimes. You have to take an Uber taxi here.
6 recommandé par les habitants
The Happy Apple Pie Shop
226 Harrison StDelicious baked goods but they do sell out sometimes. You have to take an Uber taxi here.
Great coffee and baked goods. They have a great breakfast and their sandwiches are yummy, but you have to take an Uber here.
37 recommandé par les habitants
Buzz Cafe
905 S Lombard AveGreat coffee and baked goods. They have a great breakfast and their sandwiches are yummy, but you have to take an Uber here.
Very authentic Italian food. It's not inexpensive to eat here, but the food is delicious. Walking distance.
9 recommandé par les habitants
La Notte Ristorante Italiano
1120 Pleasant StVery authentic Italian food. It's not inexpensive to eat here, but the food is delicious. Walking distance.
They have light dishes here and good wine by the glass. It's quite enjoyable to sit in their large glass window and watch the world go by.
9 recommandé par les habitants
Léa French Street Food
106 N Marion StThey have light dishes here and good wine by the glass. It's quite enjoyable to sit in their large glass window and watch the world go by.
I prefer Delia's across the street, but if the line is too long, this is a good second option for an American breakfast. Walking distance.
12 recommandé par les habitants
Cozy Corner Breakfast Boutique
138 N Marion StI prefer Delia's across the street, but if the line is too long, this is a good second option for an American breakfast. Walking distance.
This bakery features breakfast sandwiches and regular sandwiches for lunch. You can stop in here on your way to the Oak Park Green Line train station. Walking distance.
14 recommandé par les habitants
Courageous Bakery & Cafe
736 Lake StThis bakery features breakfast sandwiches and regular sandwiches for lunch. You can stop in here on your way to the Oak Park Green Line train station. Walking distance.
Fast food burritos, tacos, salads. Walking distance.
116 recommandé par les habitants
Chipotle Mexican Grill
6600 N Sheridan RdFast food burritos, tacos, salads. Walking distance.
Grilled chicken is their specialty. It's considered fast food, but you can dine in. Walking distance.
6 recommandé par les habitants
Nando's PERi-PERi
1138 Lake StGrilled chicken is their specialty. It's considered fast food, but you can dine in. Walking distance.
This is just a little fast food Mexican restaurant but the food is authentic and very good. There are a few tables inside. Walking distance.
Boss Burrito
1110 Westgate StThis is just a little fast food Mexican restaurant but the food is authentic and very good. There are a few tables inside. Walking distance.
Wells Street Popcorn
5124 Main StGood popcorn to bring home for a late-night snack. Walking distance.
I like this place for a casual burger and dining outside during nice weather. They also have some good seafood options at different times of the summer season. Walking distance.
20 recommandé par les habitants
Poor Phil's
139 S Marion StI like this place for a casual burger and dining outside during nice weather. They also have some good seafood options at different times of the summer season. Walking distance.
This is a Greek diner with a good breakfast or simple lunch or dinner options. Walking distance.
21 recommandé par les habitants
George's Family Restaurant
145 South Oak Park AvenueThis is a Greek diner with a good breakfast or simple lunch or dinner options. Walking distance.
This is not your traditional Chicago Style Pizza place, but they have a good wood-oven pizza with quality ingredients. Walking distance.
Bricks Wood Fired Pizza - Oak Park
128 N Oak Park AveThis is not your traditional Chicago Style Pizza place, but they have a good wood-oven pizza with quality ingredients. Walking distance.
Delicious + plentiful homemade Italian food! Their drinks are also delicious. Outdoor patio. This is within walking distance of our home.
Victory Italian - Oak Park
100 South Marion StreetDelicious + plentiful homemade Italian food! Their drinks are also delicious. Outdoor patio. This is within walking distance of our home.
Classic Chicago-style pizza, salads, and good drinks. Walking distance.
163 recommandé par les habitants
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
3986 N Avondale AveClassic Chicago-style pizza, salads, and good drinks. Walking distance.
Fantastic wine selection mostly from Italy. They have outdoor tables. Walking distance.
Anfora Wine Merchants
128 South Marion StreetFantastic wine selection mostly from Italy. They have outdoor tables. Walking distance.
Every Thursday during nice weather, there is a street dining festival in downtown Oak Park. You purchase tickets at the festival and then walk on the street to enjoy food and music. This is also a good place to go anytime to buy Oak Park trinkets or to find out about other Oak Park tours. Walking distance.
9 recommandé par les habitants
Downtown Oak Park
1010 Lake StEvery Thursday during nice weather, there is a street dining festival in downtown Oak Park. You purchase tickets at the festival and then walk on the street to enjoy food and music. This is also a good place to go anytime to buy Oak Park trinkets or to find out about other Oak Park tours. Walking distance.
Sightseeing
You can go into the building free of charge and inquire about self-guided or guided tours of the neighborhood. This architecture is what Oak Park is FAMOUS for and you are lucky enough to be staying right next to it! Don't miss out. BTW - outside the Home and Studio there will be people with Rickshaws (Rickshaw Rick). This is not a scam! He gives a WONDERFUL tour :))) Walking distance.
184 recommandé par les habitants
Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
951 Chicago AveYou can go into the building free of charge and inquire about self-guided or guided tours of the neighborhood. This architecture is what Oak Park is FAMOUS for and you are lucky enough to be staying right next to it! Don't miss out. BTW - outside the Home and Studio there will be people with Rickshaws (Rickshaw Rick). This is not a scam! He gives a WONDERFUL tour :))) Walking distance.
Unity Temple
875 Lake StWalking distance.
Anyone is welcome in the library. If you are staying for a longer time, you could inquire about a temporary card. It's also just a cool building with a beautiful park :) Walking distance.
21 recommandé par les habitants
Oak Park Public Library
834 Lake StAnyone is welcome in the library. If you are staying for a longer time, you could inquire about a temporary card. It's also just a cool building with a beautiful park :) Walking distance.
This is a beautiful, historic building. The line might be long and if it is, be sure to look up at the murals! Walking distance.
7 recommandé par les habitants
United States Postal Service
901 Lake StThis is a beautiful, historic building. The line might be long and if it is, be sure to look up at the murals! Walking distance.
Parks & Nature
This is RIGHT across the street from our home. During the summer they have plays (for a fee) in the park. It is a beautiful spot for a stroll or to stay and watch a play. Walking distance.
11 recommandé par les habitants
Austin Gardens
167 Forest AveThis is RIGHT across the street from our home. During the summer they have plays (for a fee) in the park. It is a beautiful spot for a stroll or to stay and watch a play. Walking distance.
Right next to the Oak Park Public Library! Every Sunday during the warm weather months at 5:30 P.M., this park hosts free music in the park. Pack a picnic and head over there or purchase food from a restaurant on Lake Street and bring your dinner. The music is different each week. This park sometimes also plays free movies, but you will need to check the Oak Park Park District's website for the movie schedule. Walking distance.
8 recommandé par les habitants
Scoville Park
800 Lake StRight next to the Oak Park Public Library! Every Sunday during the warm weather months at 5:30 P.M., this park hosts free music in the park. Pack a picnic and head over there or purchase food from a restaurant on Lake Street and bring your dinner. The music is different each week. This park sometimes also plays free movies, but you will need to check the Oak Park Park District's website for the movie schedule. Walking distance.
Arts & Culture
Village Players Theatre
1010 Madison St The shows are constantly changing but they all are good.
This theatre company puts on plays directly across from my home during the summer time. Check their website for available shows, but you can buy tickets at the gate. Pack a picnic and make a night of it!!! Picnic supplies are under the table in the living room. The theater rents chairs.
Oak Park Festival Theatre
167 Forest AveThis theatre company puts on plays directly across from my home during the summer time. Check their website for available shows, but you can buy tickets at the gate. Pack a picnic and make a night of it!!! Picnic supplies are under the table in the living room. The theater rents chairs.
I know you're going to think I'm crazy, but OPRF has AMAZING shows you will enjoy even if you don't have a child in the school. You can check their website and go to any show... the plays, the concerts, the art exhibits. Any and all of it is wonderful!
Oak Park and River Forest High School
201 Scoville AveI know you're going to think I'm crazy, but OPRF has AMAZING shows you will enjoy even if you don't have a child in the school. You can check their website and go to any show... the plays, the concerts, the art exhibits. Any and all of it is wonderful!
This is a good place to see a local play but you have to check their schedule because a show is not always running.
Madison Street Theatre
1010 Madison StThis is a good place to see a local play but you have to check their schedule because a show is not always running.
Essentials
This grocery store carries specialty groceries as well as any other food you might need during your stay. Good selection of organic food and nicely priced wine and spirits. Walking distance.
52 recommandé par les habitants
Trader Joe's
483 N Harlem AveThis grocery store carries specialty groceries as well as any other food you might need during your stay. Good selection of organic food and nicely priced wine and spirits. Walking distance.
Organic food and a broader selection of wine than Trader Joes. There is also a small hot-bar here for an easy take-out dinner. Walking distance.
47 recommandé par les habitants
Whole Foods Market
7245 Lake StOrganic food and a broader selection of wine than Trader Joes. There is also a small hot-bar here for an easy take-out dinner. Walking distance.
This is a pharmacy but it also has snack food, inexpensive wine, shampoo, toothpaste, and other incidentals you may have forgotten. Walking distance.
34 recommandé par les habitants
Walgreens
7251 Lake StThis is a pharmacy but it also has snack food, inexpensive wine, shampoo, toothpaste, and other incidentals you may have forgotten. Walking distance.
Every Saturday morning from May-October 7:30 a.m. - 12:00 (or so). This wonderful market is a part of Oak Park's heritage and is a must-go. They have homemade donuts (delicious!), local blue grass musicians who play, and local fruits and vegetables. There is also a train stop near here so you can go to the market and then go downtown for the day. Walking distance.
10 recommandé par les habitants
Oak Park Farmers' Market
460 Lake StEvery Saturday morning from May-October 7:30 a.m. - 12:00 (or so). This wonderful market is a part of Oak Park's heritage and is a must-go. They have homemade donuts (delicious!), local blue grass musicians who play, and local fruits and vegetables. There is also a train stop near here so you can go to the market and then go downtown for the day. Walking distance.
You can mail post here and purchase small boxes for mailing things home. Be sure to check out the architecture of the building. Walking distance.
7 recommandé par les habitants
United States Postal Service
901 Lake StYou can mail post here and purchase small boxes for mailing things home. Be sure to check out the architecture of the building. Walking distance.
This is a small Target store but it has much of what you need. You can get groceries, wine, toothpaste, a hairbrush, or even a whole outfit if you happen to need one! Easy walking distance from the home. They also have a pharmacy inside. Walking distance.
35 recommandé par les habitants
Target
2901 S Cicero AveThis is a small Target store but it has much of what you need. You can get groceries, wine, toothpaste, a hairbrush, or even a whole outfit if you happen to need one! Easy walking distance from the home. They also have a pharmacy inside. Walking distance.
If your shoes need repair while you are here, this is the best place to go! Walking distance.
Tony's Shoe Clinic
115 N Oak Park AveIf your shoes need repair while you are here, this is the best place to go! Walking distance.
I hope you do not need this reference, but this is the closest medical clinic to my house. If you are feeling sick or need other medical attention, this is a good place to go. Walking distance.
Elmhurst Memorial Elmhurst Clinic - Oak Park
1100 Lake StreetI hope you do not need this reference, but this is the closest medical clinic to my house. If you are feeling sick or need other medical attention, this is a good place to go. Walking distance.
This is the closest full-service hospital if you are in need during your stay. Uber taxi.
Rush Oak Park Hospital
520 S Maple AveThis is the closest full-service hospital if you are in need during your stay. Uber taxi.
Pink Nail Studio
123 N Marion StNail salon. You can walk in with no appointment. Walking distance.
Awesome grocery store. They also sell wine + spirits. Walking distance.
52 recommandé par les habitants
Trader Joe's
483 N Harlem AveAwesome grocery store. They also sell wine + spirits. Walking distance.
Fantastic wine selection mostly from Italy. They have outdoor tables. Walking distance.
Anfora Wine Merchants
128 South Marion StreetFantastic wine selection mostly from Italy. They have outdoor tables. Walking distance.
Getting Around
This is the closest El stop to my home. You can either get off at the Oak Park Avenue stop or the Harlem stop.
Harlem/Lake Green Line Station
This is the closest El stop to my home. You can either get off at the Oak Park Avenue stop or the Harlem stop.
Shopping
Fun little shop worth a stop. Originally a pet store, they now have quirky little gifts and some fun hats and accessories.
Scratch 'n Sniff
120 N Marion StFun little shop worth a stop. Originally a pet store, they now have quirky little gifts and some fun hats and accessories.
Gem A Jewelry Boutique
115 N Oak Park AveSpecial jewelry that has been featured in many magazines.
Wonderful gifts, scarves, and a good selection of French wine. Sometimes this store hosts special wine-tasting events, so you might want to ask if they have any upcoming events!
10 recommandé par les habitants
CarefulPeach Boutique
1024 North BlvdWonderful gifts, scarves, and a good selection of French wine. Sometimes this store hosts special wine-tasting events, so you might want to ask if they have any upcoming events!
Quality re-sale store with an ever-changing display of vintage clothing and furniture. You have to take an Uber here, so be sure to check out one of the bakeries or coffee shops nearby while you are at it.
10 recommandé par les habitants
Brown Elephant Resale Shop
217 Harrison StQuality re-sale store with an ever-changing display of vintage clothing and furniture. You have to take an Uber here, so be sure to check out one of the bakeries or coffee shops nearby while you are at it.
Ten Thousand Villages
915 Chicago AveIndependent bookstore with a good selection. You can also buy a journal here if you forgot yours at home.
18 recommandé par les habitants
The Book Table
1045 Lake StIndependent bookstore with a good selection. You can also buy a journal here if you forgot yours at home.
Only She
115 N Oak Park AveVery unique, upscale women's clothing.
Moderately priced and stylish women's shoes and clothing. They have a large selection of comfortable walking shoes so it is worth a look if your feet are hurting you!
JAYNE
122 N Marion StModerately priced and stylish women's shoes and clothing. They have a large selection of comfortable walking shoes so it is worth a look if your feet are hurting you!
If you forgot your travel journal or if you want to find a special card for someone, this is the store for you.
Paper Source
1109 Lake StIf you forgot your travel journal or if you want to find a special card for someone, this is the store for you.