Enjoy a day with us in Downtown Oak Park! Whether you fancy stepping back into history, sampling international flavors or innovative cuisine, shopping ‘til you drop, or simply sitting on a park bench, in a coffee shop, or at a winery watching the world go by, the many charms of Oak Park make it a perfect escape from the city – whatever time of year you visit.
Use this guide to plan a day exploring everything Downtown Oak Park has to offer.
This is going to be a busy day. Start it off right. These local favorites offer a sit-down breakfast, a tasty sandwich or pastry, and coffee to go, perfect for enjoying in an outdoor seating area or while strolling the historic streets.
Crepas Culichi | 1101 Lake Street, Oak Park
An enchanting Mexican and French-inspired restaurant offers sweet and savory crepes, salads, and paninis, including many gluten-free and vegan options, as well as sweets, creative coffees, and mocktails.
Firecakes Donuts | 104 North Maple Avenue, Oak Park
Simply delicious small-batch donuts made from scratch with local, natural, and all the freshest possible ingredients begin with traditional recipes elevated by a creative twist.
Kribi Coffee Air Roastery | 149 Forest Avenue, Oak Park
Breakfast sandwiches, croissants, scones, and bagels served with a cup of freshly brewed coffee made with ethically sourced beans using an innovative, sustainable roasting process.
Léa French Cafe | 106 Marion Street, Oak Park
This charming cafe offers salads and sandwiches with house-made French baguettes and brioches for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with a curated wine and craft beer selection.
Vigo Coffee | 1100 Lake Street, Oak Park
A diverse selection of delightful bites and coffee infused with the unique flavors and heritage of Mexico, using only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients.
Wise Cup | 1018 Lake Street, Oak Park
A cozy, intimate cafe where the flavors of India are combined with American coffee shop favorites.
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Boutiques and specialty shops in Downtown Oak Park offer one-of-a-kind treasures, gifts, books and stationery, jewelry, and fashionable finds. Pick up something special for your kids, your sweetheart, yourself, and even your pup at one of these local shops, where you’ll always find something unique—and uniquely Oak Park!
16 SUITCASES | 108 North Marion Street, Oak Park
Lifestyle boutique with carefully curated fashion, accessories, and gifts for stylish women.
Bloch Oak Park | 159 North Marion Street, Oak Park
One of the most trusted makers of dance shoes, including exceptional hand-made pointe shoes, along with leotards, dancewear, and dance-inspired streetwear.
CarefulPeach Boutique | 1024 North Boulevard, Oak Park
A touch of European luxury, from high-quality apothecary items, handmade jewelry, and chic accessories to artisanal home decor, gourmet foods, curated wines, and kids' stuff with Parisian style.
Crafters & Weavers | 125 North Marion Street, Oak Park
Heirloom-quality arts and crafts and mission modern, industrial, farmhouse, and contemporary style furniture, original art, and rugs for every room in your house.
EcoKarat Jewelry | 131 North Marion Street, Oak Park
Elegant custom-made jewelry skillfully crafted with a deep commitment to sustainability and ethical practices using responsibly sourced materials.
Einnim Candle Bar + Apothecary | 1020 Lake Street, Oak Park
An interactive retail experience where you can create your own with custom soy wax candles and natural body products using over 30 essential oils, plus natural and organic apothecary items, cruelty-free candles, and goat milk soap.
Fitzgerald's Fine Stationery | 111 North Marion Street, Oak Park
Find the best cards at Fitzgerald's Fine Stationery, an upscale stationer offering custom wedding invitations, cards for every occasion and gifts.
JAYNE Boutique | 122 North Marion Street, Oak Park
Features shoes, clothing, and accessories from brands you love, gifts perfect for any occasion, and a friendly, fashionable staff to help you make you look and feel your best.
Pumpkin Moon | 1028 North Boulevard, Oak Park
Eclectic and whimsical, offering gifts for adults and children, including nostalgic candy, wind-up toys, superhero and pop culture action figures, and an impressive collection of vintage tees.
Scratch ‘n Sniff | 120 North Marion Street, Oak Park
All the natural pet food, bakery treats, toys, collars, leads, beds, bowls, and coats your dog and cat need, plus gifts and home accents for your favorite human.
Sugarcup Trading | 110 North Marion Street, Oak Park
A lovely shop for children’s clothing, toys, accessories, and decor. Most items are certified organic, made with sustainable materials, and use eco-friendly manufacturing practices.
Ten Thousand Villages | 121 North Marion Street, Oak Park
This unique gift shop sells ethical artisan goods, fair trade beauty products, coffee, tea, and chocolate. Every purchase directly impacts the life and community of its creator.
The Gold Hatpin | 125 North Marion Street, Oak Park
The Gold Hatpin specializes in antique jewelry and offers an extensive selection of distinct and rare pieces of jewelry, as well as heirlooms and vintage engagement rings.
Wheel & Sprocket | 1118 Westgate Street, Oak Park
Great selection of bikes for commuting, fitness, and cruising with the family, plus accessories and bike repair.
View all Downtown Oak Park shopping options at downtownoakpark.net/shopping.
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From casual eats to more intimate dining, Downtown Oak Park offers a variety of settings and cuisines, as well as snacks and sweet treats to make your mid-day break cause for celebration.
Boss Burrito | 1110 Westgate Street, Oak Park
Fresh, delicious, and reasonably priced authentic Mexican favorites to eat in or take out.
Hecho en Oak Park | 1053 Lake Street, Oak Park
Mexican dining with a modern feel and a menu that features rich and flavorful dishes and a variety of margaritas.
Jerusalem Cafe | 1030 Lake Street, Oak Park
Authentic Middle Eastern food, including fire-grilled kabobs, hummus, gyros, pita sandwiches, baba ghannough, shawerma, and other delicious items. Many items on the menu are vegan.
Katy’s Dumplings | 1113 Lake Street, Oak Park
Fast-casual Pan-Asian dining featuring handmade noodles, dumplings, noodle soups, chow mein, fried rice dishes, and stir-fries made with fresh, natural ingredients. Take home a dozen frozen dumplings!
KYURAMEN | 118 North Marion Street, Oak Park
Unique and rich ramen dishes carefully crafted with roasted pork, aged black garlic, and other fresh ingredients to create a fragrant bowl of goodness to savor.
Khyber Pass | 1031 Lake Street, Oak Park
An unforgettable passage through the Indian subcontinent’s exotic aromas and flavors, authentic Pathan dishes, many vegetarian and gluten-free, are created with high-quality ingredients and a light touch of spices in a traditional tandoor, served with a range of Tandoori breads.
Munch | 104 North Marion Street, Oak Park
A homey cafe serving an eclectic menu of vegetarian and vegan dishes, smoothies, and desserts. Enjoy sidewalk seating during the summer months.
Q-BBQ | 124 North Marion Street, Oak Park
Authentic Southern comfort BBQ with homemade sauces and housemade sides.
Sweet Dim Sum | 1100 Lake Street, Oak Park
Dim sum classics, like steamed dumplings, crispy fried dumplings, fluffy bao buns, and crispy spring rolls, with a modern twist. Plus, Japanese soft serve, mochi donuts, and smoothies.
Sushi House | 1107 Lake Street, Oak Park
Traditional Japanese cuisine, from unique specials to fresh sushi, in a beautiful and elegant urban setting.
Tacos el Tio #4 | 1115 Lake Street, Oak Park
Open 24/7, stop by for authentic street-style tacos, burritos, gorditas, spicy soups and stews, and more.
Wells Street Popcorn | 1119 Lake Street, Oak Park
Satisfy your sweet tooth with gourmet popcorn—try caramel, cheese, or other delicious flavors! Or try a scoop of their creamy ice cream.
View all Downtown Oak Park dining options at downtownoakpark.net/dining.
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Fully satisfied and recharged, you’re ready for an afternoon exploring downtown Oak Park and here, you’ll find prime real estate for exploring. Walking tours and guided museum visits share the best of Oak Park. Add a peaceful, relaxing time out to mix culture and calm.
Culture
Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio Tour | 951 Chicago Avenue, Oak Park
Frank Lloyd Wright developed the iconic Prairie style in his home and adjacent studio in Oak Park, home to the world’s largest collection of buildings designed by Wright.
In collaboration with the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust, the Chicago Architecture Center offers a walking tour that covers nearly a dozen Prairie-style homes designed between 1900 and 1920. The Frank Lloyd Wright Trust also offers tours of Unity Temple (875 Lake Street, Oak Park), Wright’s only surviving public building from his Prairie period.
Ernest Hemingway's Birthplace Museum | 339 North Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park
Located on N. Oak Park Ave, the Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum is the perfect place to begin exploring the roots of the famed Pulitzer Prize-winning author’s life and work. Hemingway spent the first six years of his life at this Queen Anne home, the first in Oak Park to have electricity. The museum is generally open for tours on Thursdays through Sundays. Hours vary in the winter.
Just a bit further away, you can explore the beautiful Pleasant Home, exploring the wonderful, historic inside and beautiful outdoor events during the warmer months.
Relaxation
Austin Gardens | 167 Forest Avenue, Oak Park
During greener seasons, the park’s plant life and mature trees create a “secret garden” tucked away from Lake Street's hustle and bustle. Stroll the 3+ acre green space along a winding perimeter pathway, take a break on the sprawling green, or visit the Environmental Education Center which hosts community events, including environmental education programs and nature camps for kids.
Beauty Method | 1016 North Boulevard, Oak Park
Experience total relaxation with services ranging from custom facials, advanced and specialized facial treatments, body sculpting/slimming, skin tightening, and waxing at this woman-owned spa.
Haarn Authentic Thai Bodywork | 1105 Holley Court, Oak Park
Discover inner peace, balance, and harmony with a distinctive Thai massage experience in a cozy and luxurious atmosphere.
James Anthony Salon | 115 North Marion Street, Oak Park
James Anthony Salon will have your hair looking sleek and stylish, whether you're looking to dye it, cut it or just have it professionally styled.
Pink Nail Studio | 123 North Marion Street, Oak Park
Relax while you freshen your look before a big night.
Polished Nails & Day Spa | 103 North Marion Street, Oak Park
Provides friendly, personalized services, from head to toe, in a comfortable setting.
There’s no shortage of options when it comes to date night in Downtown Oak Park. Enjoy an intimate dinner, live music or theatre, a movie, or a comedy show followed by a late-night cocktail.
Dining
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant | 950 Lake Street, Oak Park
Wine always comes first, but this upscale casual restaurant also offers a chef-driven American menu expertly designed to complement every vintage in the private barrel-aging room and Napa-style tasting room.
Encore! by Little Gem | 187 North Marion Street, Oak Park
One of the coolest spots in town, with bourbons, cocktails, and food and drink specials served in a warm, vintage setting. Live Music Tuesdays through Saturdays from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm.
The Little Gem Cafe | 189 North Marion Street, Oak Park
French-style European eatery offers a relaxed fine dining experience in a romantic, elegant setting.
Reservations are recommended as seating is very limited in this exclusive little restaurant. Sidewalk seating provides the complete Parisian experience.
Tre Sorelle Ristorante | 1111 Lake Street, Oak Park
Italian classics with a modern twist, including baked clams and calamari, pizza and pasta—look for gluten-free options!—seafood, and hearty fare like chicken entrees, pork chops, and ribeye steak.
Entertainment
Classic Cinemas Lake Theatre | 1022 Lake Street, Oak Park
Historic yet beautifully restored and modernized, from the grand entrance and classical marquee to the advanced screen technology, heated recliners, and a diverse array of concessions.
Comedy Plex Comedy Club | 1128 Lake Street, Lower Level, Oak Park
This sleek, intimate venue showcases the best comedic talent, from up-and-coming locals to well-known national and international comedians, guaranteeing a night of laughter for all.