The new Oak Oak Park Craft Beer Trail from Visit Oak Park is ready to help you celebrate even more.

Each of Oak Park’s breweries is distinctive in its own way. They’re likely to play a role in a wonderful day out in Oak Park, whether you pack them all into a day or visit them at a more leisurely pace. So put on your sneakers and hit the the Oak Park Craft Beer Trail.

One Lake Brewing

One Lake Brewing, located on the intersection of Austin and Lake Street in a restored bank, has established a reputation for its delicious brews and great cuisine. But it’s their expansive rooftop terrace that draws people in. Great meals and beverages are available here. Their beer selection has incredible flavors such as the OLB Lager Beer, their take on the basic everyday American backyard lager. Or try the Lando IPA, among many more intriguing options. Hop corn is popcorn combined with amarillo hops, coriander, and orange and one of the most exciting foods on their menu.

Their mac and cheese with rotini, mornay sauce, and herbed panko crust is sure to bring a smile to your face. This summer, you can also enjoy the Brews n’ Bahhs event. This is co-hosted by GlennArt Farm and includes an hour of interacting with their playful goats. Finish up by unwinding with a flight of craft beers on the rooftop. Not a bad way to spend time!

Oak Park Brewing Company

The Oak Park Brewing Company is up next. There’s a nice beer pub with board games and a library full of books by famous authors here. These unique bar decorations, however, should not be the only reason to drop by.  Oak Park Brewing Company offers an impressive selection of craft beers on tap. Crowd pleasers include their Helles Lager Saison, Rye IPA, Sour Brown Ale, English-style Porter,  Mibock Witbier, and a crisp Kolsch. And what works better with beer than bar food, which the Oak Park Brewing Company offers in abundance? Deep-dish pizzas, burgers, wraps, and other hearty appetizers are available.

The Wild Onion Tied House

This one-hundred-year-old establishment used to be a theater, but now it entertains visitors with what’s on the menu rather than the silver screen. Seasonal beers are available on a rotating basis. Currently on tap are a BA Salted Caramel Porter and Peanut Butter Porter, which are as great as they sound. For those seeking something lighter, there’s a Beggars Brown Brown Ale and a Back Pocket DJ Cream Ale. The Wild Onion Tied House knows a thing or two about beer. From Milk Stouts to Ciders, Hefe-Weizens, and even Hard Seltzers you can’t go wrong with whatever you end up choosing. Their seasonal cuisine menu is as vibrant as their beer selection. Enjoy a fried chicken and waffles, cheesesteak sandwich with beer cheese sauce, pastrami bites, and cinnamon sugar sweet potato fries. You may well feel overwhelmed ordering since there is so much food and beer to choose from.

Kinslahger Brewing Company

Finally, a craft beer trail would be incomplete without Kinslahger Brewing Company. Even though the taproom is closed at present, you may still buy their delicious ales online. Purchase a couple cans of their celebrated Prohibition Pilsner or Dunkel lager. If you prefer a stronger German beer, the Mediator Dopplebock is a must-try. Enjoy a Chicago Common, which has a rich chestnut red color and a creamy body taste, or a Baltic Porter, which has an opaque brown hue with a creamy body. While you wait for the tap room to return, you can also enjoy Kinslahger’s latest brew innovation at the new Babygold Barbecue on Roosevelt Road, which is located inside the renowned FitzGerald’s. Their new Babygold Coldbeer, named after the owner’s first kid, goes great with all of their smoked meats for some great erwyn-style” BBQ.

The good times at Oak Park’s craft brewers don’t have to stop after American Craft Beer Week is finished. Later this month, you’ll be able to obtain a new digital pass for the Oak Park Craft Beer Trail on Visit Oak Park’s website, allowing you to take advantage of fantastic deals and discounts all year. In the meanwhile, we’ll see you on the Oak Park Craft Beer Trail shortly.

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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.

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What Is There To Do In Oak Park?

Oak Park, with a population of over 52,000 people, provides something for everyone. No matter when you visit, historic buildings, cultural sites, parks, museums, shopping, and more will fill your weekend.

Here are some of the greatest activities if you only have 48 hours in Oak Park.

Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s House and Studio

The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio is the perfect spot to begin your tour to Oak Park, which is Frank Lloyd Wright central. During the first two decades of his career, this was the architect’s private workshop. He established the Prairie style here and experimented with architectural design principles.

A guided tour of the complex is available, as is a walking tour of the numerous Wright residences that dot the historic area. For ticket information and other details, go to the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust’s website.

The Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum is a must-see.

Oak Park is the birthplace of Ernest Hemingway, one of America’s most renowned Pulitzer Prize-winning novelists. His ancestors constructed his birthplace, the first home in the area to get electricity, and it has been restored to its original 1890s design.

The museum’s displays, antiques, and furniture provide visitors with an insight into Hemingway’s childhood. The Ernest Hemingway Foundation’s website includes further information and ticket sales.

Pay a visit to the Oak Park River Forest Museum.

The Oak Park River Forest Museum, a town institution since 1898, commemorates the village’s history and residents. In a Hometown Legends collection, Oak Park, a municipality devoted to diversity, honors its many distinguished inhabitants, ranging from architects and performers to scientists and social activists. Among the most famous are Ray Kroc, Richard Sears, Lawrence Welk, Paul Harvey, John Mahoney, Ernest Hemingway, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Frank Mars, and Carl Rogers.

The Oak Park & River Forest Gangster Tour is a must-do.

Because of its proximity to Chicago, Oak Park and its neighboring River Forest have plenty of gangster stories to tell. The Oak Park & River Forest Gangster Tour, a tour of 13 mansions previously occupied by famous Chicago mobsters such as Sam Giancana and Anthony “Tough Tony”’ Capezio, brings the history of organized crime during the Prohibition era to life.

John Binder, a tour guide whose books investigate parts of Chicago’s organized crime scene, gives insights and highlights ranging from secret tunnels to hit stories. The 2.5-hour trip is only available on Sundays.

Take a walk through the Oak Park Conservatory.

The Oak Park Conservatory, which opened in 1929, was initially intended to house exotic plants obtained by locals on their travels abroad. Its popularity rose over time, and it presently houses over 3,000 plants from all over the world. The Conservatory was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005, and its distinctive glass building draws over 50,000 visitors each year. Three indoor displays house Mediterranean, tropical, and desert plants, while outdoor gardens showcase Illinois native species. This urban haven hosts a variety of unique markets, plant sales, tours and activities.

Explore the Oak Park Arts District.

The Oak Park Arts District, a half-mile length of Harrison Street, is a must-see for art enthusiasts. This hive of creative activity has over 25 galleries and workshops displaying a variety of art in a wide range of genres. On the third Friday of each month, open-door nights for new exhibitions are held. There are also coffee shops, boutiques, restaurants, and live theater in the neighborhood, as well as classes and seminars.

Visit Downtown Oak Park

A visit to Oak Park would be incomplete without a stroll around its lovely downtown. The main commercial district is a walking area with restaurants, shopping, public art, and other attractions.

While you’re there, don’t miss out on Oak Park’s Marvelous Mini Murals. There are almost 120 of these vibrant paintings on exhibit.

Wine festivals, cookie walks, jazz concerts, Oaktoberfest, and Art Dans la Rue, a celebration of all things French, are all held in downtown Oak Park on a regular basis. If you have a long weekend, Thursday Night Out allows you to sample local eateries while listening to live music while dining outside. Check out the events page to discover what’s going on during your visit.

Oak Park Restaurants

The culinary culture in Oak Park is as diverse as its people. There are so many possibilities that it will be difficult to fit them all into your weekend. You’ll have to make plans to come back, which is a good idea as each season in Oak Park offers something unique.

Jerusalem Cafe

This little Middle Eastern restaurant located close to the Classic Cinemas Lake Theatre is a neighborhood favorite. The cuisine at Jerusalem Cafe is really delicious, and the prices are ridiculously low considering the quality. Salads and dips, as well as shawarma and kabobs, are all readily available. The portions are also generous. We typically share one of the fantastic combinations. They provide combinations for both carnivores and vegetarians, so everyone in your group will depart with a full stomach and a bright smile, just as we usually do.

Delia’s Kitchen

Delia’s Kitchen Everything is created from scratch using local ingredients. They choose organic wherever feasible and try to accommodate allergies and food preferences whenever possible.

If you prefer brioche French breakfast, fluffy omelets, fresh salads, chilaquiles, blueberry lemon ricotta pancakes and sandwiches, you’re in for a treat. Delia’s understands how to satisfy your palette, so arrive early to avoid a wait and to peruse the menu.

Hemmingway’s Bistro

Hemmingway’s Bistro is one of our favorite Oak Park restaurants. Because it’s so wonderful, this charming French-American retreat feels like a guilty pleasure. We’ve had breakfast, brunch, lunch, and supper here, and they’ve all been fantastic.

Baked brie, quiche of the day, Lake Superior whitefish, and all other delicacies are created with love. A superb house sparkling and a delicious cremant de Loire are among the many wines on the large wine list. If warm crusty bread with ice cold butter and a glass of fine wine put you in a good mood, you’ll be overjoyed by the time you leave this enchanted culinary sanctuary.

Firecakes And Petersen’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream

We can’t fathom life without amazing doughnuts. Fortunately, neither can the people of Oak Park, who can fulfill their appetite with Firecakes. Firecakes are sweet explosions of doughnut delight based on a grandpa’s recipe for hungry employees in northern Wisconsin’s logging camps in the 1930s. The secret family recipe and locally grown ingredients are still used in the shop. Churros, pistachio, Valrhona chocolate, and wildflower honey are among the flavors that change on a regular basis. They even sell minis so you can sample a couple different ones.

If you like ice cream, you should definitely head to Petersen’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream, a neighborhood favorite for over 100 years.

Where Can I Shop in Oak Park?

Downtown Oak Park is packed with charming stores and independently owned businesses. Ten Thousand Villages provides artisan-crafted fair trade gifts, accessories, and home décor from across the world. Scratch ‘n Sniff is a fantastic business that sells pet-related gifts as well as high-quality snacks for your furry pals. And The Book Table has defied the trend by maintaining a fiercely independent bookshop that sells books, puzzles, and hosts events for bibliophiles of all ages.

Where Can I Stay in Oak Park?

There are a few places to stay in Oak Park.

Bishops Hall, a Georgian Revival bed & breakfast, is a one-of-a-kind experience. There are three rooms available, each with its own bath.

The Carleton of Oak Park has boutique hotel accommodations as well as motor inn-style rooms with patio entrances. It also features Barclay’s American Grille, one of the greatest burger joints in town.

The Write Inn Hotel has hosted many prominent visitors, including poets, Nobel laureates, and Pulitzer Prize winners, for individuals who value literary history. It’s also situated next to Hemmingway’s Bistro, which is a huge bonus in our book.

Oak Park is a unique community with plenty to see, do, and eat. Make time to wander through the parks for a relaxing weekend. Quiet mornings are ideal for strolling through Lindberg Park, Field Park, and other nearby parks. Oak Park is a fantastic spot to visit if you want to rest, invigorate, or do a bit of both.

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