Oak Park, Illinois, located just west of Chicago, offers a peaceful respite from the Windy City. This village of around 51,000 people shouldn’t to be missed since it has the biggest collection of residential houses created by Frank Lloyd Wright and is the birthplace of Ernest Hemingway. Here are some places you should eat at during your vacation.
Aripo’s Venezuelan Arepa House
Aripo’s Arepa House in Venezuela
Aripo’s Venezuelan Arepa House provides a genuine flavor of Venezuela. There are 14 different types of Venezuelan arepas on the menu. You’ll also find empanadas and other Venezuelan delicacies like pabellón criollo. Because the recipes have been passed down through the family for centuries, Aripo’s is able to successfully express Venezuelan culture and flavours in its meals.
Barclay’s American Grille
Barclay’s American Grille is Oak Park’s ‘must go’ restaurant, serving traditional American fare with a variety of ingredients and delicious homemade sauces. There are also several vegetarian and gluten-free alternatives. The restaurant’s interior design blends classic and contemporary styles and features photos by the establishment’s namesake, Philander Barclay. Several high definition flat panel screens are available at the bar for sports fans to watch their favorite team while sipping a beverage. This restaurant, located in the Carleton Hotel, is ideal for catching up with friends or having a leisurely meal with your family.
Buzz Café
Buzz Café prioritizes family, community, and delicious cuisine. Located in the Oak Park Arts District, it features the work of local artists and musicians while also providing fair trade coffee and organic, locally produced food. There are also plenty of vegetarian and vegan alternatives, as well as a wonderful brunch on Sundays. This Certified Green Business will not fail you whether you want to have a peaceful coffee or join in Open Mic night.
Hemmingway’s Bistro
Hemmingway’s Bistro creates a fantastic culinary experience by combining fresh Midwest ingredients with traditional French cuisine. The chicken served at the restaurant is free-range Amish chicken, and the meats are entirely organic. Chistopher C. Ala, the chef, places an emphasis on freshness and imports fresh seafood from Boston on a daily basis. There is also a Parisian seafood bar where you may order clams, lobster, clams, prawns, and oysters.
The Kinderhook Tap
The Kinderhook, located only 8 miles from downtown Chicago, offers a casual yet refined metropolitan environment to Oak Park. This gastropub solely provides high-quality food. The meat they offer is from grass-fed cows in the area, as well as free-range, all-natural pork and chicken. The fries are prepared in non-trans fat oil, and all ingredients are sourced from local farms. For people interested in delicious cuisine and eco-conscious dining, the Kinderhook Tap is a great place to have a drink or supper.
Munch
Munch is the destination to go to in Oak Park for authentic vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free fare. The menu is full of intriguing items like the hippy hemp seed breakfast salad and “kale Portobello tacos. Whilst Munch is a vegetarian utopia, even meat eaters will be delighted.
New Rebozo Mexican Restaurant
New Rebozo Mexican Restaurant serves great Mexican meals in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Chef Paco’s meals are a healthy alternative to typical Mexican fare since he does not use too much oil. A molé is a must-order while dining at New Rebozo. Make sure to inquire about the fiesta molé, an off-menu dish that comprises of six enchiladas covered with six different molés.
Prairie Bread Kitchen
Prairie Bread Kitchen is an excellent choice for those on the move. In addition to making excellent breads and pastries, it’s a key part of the Oak Park neighborhood. Leftovers are distributed to local organizations on a regular basis, feeding hundreds of individuals in the neighborhood. The café also exhibits the work of local artists and photographers. It even has an online baking schedule so guests can see when their favorite bread will be ready. This is a fantastic place to stop for a morning coffee and breakfast if you’re on the way to work or before going sightseeing.
Winberie’s Restaurant & Bar
Winberie’s Restaurant & Bar can be found in the historic Scoville Square building, which was built in 1905 by Oak Park’s founding family. Winberie’s serves conventional comfort meals and salads, as well as a vast variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free alternatives. This is a fantastic place to stop for a meal after a long day of sightseeing because it is located within walking distance of several of the village’s major tourist sites.