Best Restaurants, Must Try Places in Oak Lawn

"The Alinea, or paragraph mark, signals the start of a new train of thought. The restaurant Alinea has been revolutionizing dinner since 2005 and it's the only restaurant in Chicago to retain three-star Michelin status (latest in 2020). Chef Grant Achatz' intersection of art and science draws culinary enthusiasts worldwide wanting to sample one-of-a-kind plates that change constantly on the 20-course menu."

"We came here with a group of friends and left stuffed and satisfied with the courses that were prepared and presented. There's just something about ..."

"The 21st century pandemic has caused too many restaurants to put up the padlocks, however, some have managed to successfully shift to delivery and take-out exclusively. One of note is the trailblazing Mediterranean restaurant, avec, offering take-out for the first time from classic small dishes such as bacon-wrapped Medjool dates and potato and salted cod brandade with garlic bread and chives to their bestselling "around the world" wine dinners..."

"Restaurants Contemporary American West Loop. After more than 20 years in the West Loop, this iconic kitchen is still one of the city's best. In 2019, chef-partner Paul Kahan handed over the keys to the kitchen to executive chef Ryan Pfeiffer, who aims to revive the restaurant's rock 'n' roll soul."

"Pizza and kids go together about as good as peanut butter and jelly, and Roots Handmade Pizza has brought a distinctly unique take on the pizza pie to Chicago. Located in West Town and Lincoln Square, Roots malt-crust pizza dough tastes unlike anything else in the city, their chefs have crafted up a handful of delicious specialty pizzas, and they have their own root beer."

"Although Roots offers a kids’ menu, little ones will be just as happy to dig in alongside parents in the sweeter crust of Quad City-style pizzas and super stretchy housemade mozzarella sticks. The pizza-viewing window is always a hit and the backroom makes a great place for a birthday party."

"The make-your-own salad option is perfect for any family and the homemade pizza is absolutely incredible. Additionally, right next to it is a homemade bakery packed with assorted flavors of cake balls and cupcakes. Did I mention Roots’ logo is a handprint with a heart?"

"The gist: Former Spiaggia executive chef and Top Chef champ Joe Flamm’s first restaurant is an homage to Italian and Croatian coastal cuisine—lovingly dubbed “Adriatic drinking food.” Named after his two grandmothers, Rose Mary’s inviting space sparkles thanks to glossy azure tilework and the bustling open kitchen’s eye-catching charcoal hearth. The food: The seasonally-driven menu showcases Flamm’s mastery with pasta (think: tagliatelle with duck sausage, cavatelli cacio e pepe). But that hearth also churns out stunning roasted vegetables like coal roasted beets with honey and pistachio, not to mention show-stopping seafood dishes (OMG grilled clams with ramp butter!)."

"Restaurants Italian West Loop. Named for both of his grandmothers and combining elements of Italian and Croatian cooking, Top Chef winner Joe Flamm's Rose Mary brings seasonal dishes to a cozy Fulton Market space lined with hanging plants. Flamm describes the menu as "Adriatic drinking food," packed with heart dishes like Gnocchi with beef cheek pašticada (a wine-soaking process) and pork ribs served with a cabbage and yogurt relish."

"A post shared by Chicago Food Blogger • 312food (@312food) on Jun 6, 2020 at 11:17am PDT. The maple syrup at Sweet Maple Cafe comes from Vermont and the recipe for the pancakes is all original. Try it “bursting with blueberries” or “not-so-plain” buttermilk, and add the extra maple syrup for a sweet breakfast taste."

"Neighborhood locals and Chicago visitors alike, can be found enjoying the Sweet Maple menu. Family recipes and fresh ingredients make this restaurant feel like home. Pancakes: Good-Old-Fashioned Pancakes-Their great taste comes from our original recipe."

"This Euro-inspired cafe features a full assortment of coffee drinks. It's a collaboration between Kevin Heisner (Heisler Hospitality) and former Little Branch partner Soo Choi. There's also a great outdoor space next to the Robie House."

"Inspired by Hong Kong street food, the egg waffle can be topped with ice cream, fruit and, of course, chocolate sauce."

"Fred’s is another place that just screams “ladies who lunch.” Located in the Chicago Barney’s location, Fred’s has a killer menu: think artisan pizzas, salads, sandwiches, pastas, classic entree dishes… It’s one of those places where I always have the toughest time deciding what to order. My favorite thing about this lunch spot is the rooftop patio!!. It is nestled in the city, offering prime views of both lake Michigan and beautiful Chicago architecture (hello Instagrammable moments!)."

"Bars Beer bars Loop. Craft beer aficionados will appreciate the serviceable array of brews on tap—featuring local favorites like Half Acre's Daisy Cutter and Revolution Brewing's Anti-Hero—plus the even longer list of cans and bottles available for sipping as you watch water traffic float by on the Chicago River."

"A post shared by elly’s (@ellysbrunchcafe) on Nov 18, 2019 at 5:02pm PST. Do not come here if you don’t plan on ordering the oven-baked pancakes. That’s not to say there’s no other reason to visit—it’s to say you’d have regrets for daaays."