Take Them Out!
They say the way to a dad’s heart is through his stomach, so here are some local favorite places for dad.
Golden Steer | Forest Park
Do you have a classic steak kind of dad? Look no further than the iconic Golden Steer. This Forest Park hot spot is the spot for great steaks, chops, ribs, and seafood. Plus, they are known for their world famous French onion soup. Is dad a Chicago mob history buff, too? Prior to becoming the Golden Steer, this building was home to the Pink Clock, which was known as a hideaway for “The Outfit” and its boss Sam Giancana.
Click here to learn more.
Irish Times Pub & Restaurant | Brookfield
For the dad that loves a pint, take him out for some delicious pub fare and a drink at Irish Times in Brookfield. They were voted best destination pub by Chicago’s Best and is a beloved place by locals, and dads, too! Open from 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. - it’s the perfect place to bring dad to celebrate him.
Click here to learn more.
Maya Del Sol | Oak Park (Father’s Day Special)
An Oak Park favorite, especially on a beautiful sunny day, Maya Del Sol is hosting their annual Father’s Day Brunch Buffet from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and their regular A La Carte menu from 3 to 8 p.m. Their brunch includes bottomless iced or hot coffee and is $45 for adults, $24 for kids eight to16, and children under seven are free.
Click here to learn more.
Posto 31 | La Grange Park
For the dad that loves the perfect pasta, Posto 31 in La Grange Park is your place. Serving up “passion on a plate” Posto 31 has incredible wine, pizza, and pasta selections. Plus they offer incredible desserts like fresh donuts or tiramisu cheesecake. We’re pretty sure dad will love this!
Click here to learn more.
Q BBQ | La Grange & Oak Park
For the dad that loves BBQ, look no further than Q BBQ - with locations in both La Grange and Oak Park. This authentic fast-casual smokehouse BBQ is the perfect place to grab a bite and celebrate dad. Their menu offers tender, flavorful meats and delicious sides.
Click here to learn more.
The Chew Chew | Riverside
For the old-school Chicago kind of dad, look no further than The Chew Chew in Riverside. The Chew Chew is housed in a gorgeous brick building with historic charm. The menu, featuring fresh ingredients and rotating seasonally, offers great options like jumbo scallops, steak kabob, and their famous key lime pie for dessert.
Click here to learn more.
Thithi's | Westchester
For a dad with an adventurous palate, or a dad that just loves Thai, Thithi's in Westchester is your place! Thithi's serves up authentic Thai food with incredible flavors, and dishes all made with a careful selection of fresh ingredients. Toss in one of their famous martinis and we call that a great Father’s Day.
Click here to learn more.
Or Take the Party to Dad
If you’re looking for a relaxing Father’s Day in, here are a few places that can help you out.
Alpine Food Shop | Westchester
Cook up an authentic Italian meal or grab a few Alpine subs for a father’s day picnic. Either way, dad will be delighted by a meal from this classic Westchester staple.
Click here to learn more.
Carnivore Oak Park
Make your Father’s Day cookout extra special with fresh farm-to-table to go. This quaint, artisan butcher shop in Oak Park’s Pleasant District offers locally sourced and responsibly-raised meats, seafood and produce as well as prepared deli sandwiches and other entrees. Their burger was voted “Best Burger in Chicago” by the Chicago Tribune. Dad will have to see for himself.
Click here to learn more.
Spilt Milk | Oak Park
Spilt Milk is taking pre-orders for the special Father’s Day menu. A few favorites this year are the savory meat quiche, bourbon pecan pie with dark chocolate, and the blueberry swirl coffee cake. Check out their menu for more and be sure to pre-order.
Click here to learn more.
Other Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day
For the dad who loves:
His yard
Does your dad have a green thumb? Help him spruce up his outdoor oasis by checking out some of the fabulous garden centers in and around Oak Park. Planting perennials is a great way to create a lasting memory that you’ll look back on year after year.
Click here to read our full list of garden centers in the near west suburbs.
His tools
When it comes to local hardware stores in the near west suburbs, the La Grange Park Ace is a resident favorite. With an incredible selection and a gorgeous greenhouse, take dad here for a special shopping trip together.
Click here to learn more.
His beer!
Toast to dad with a cold pint on a warm June day! Breweries provide a great laid back setting to sit back, share stories, and create lasting memories with dad and the near west suburbs have no shortage of local breweries and brew pubs. Hop District Brewing in La Grange Park is a family owned brewery and tap garden. They offer plenty of games to keep the kids busy and their beer garden is the perfect setting to kick back and relax.
Click here to read our full list of breweries in the near west suburbs.
Father’s Day Gift Guide
If you’re looking to get dad a gift, don’t worry! We know shopping for dad can be tricky. But you’re in luck. The near west suburbs have a plethora of unique shops with something for every type of dad. Plus you can support local businesses.
For the animal-loving dad, waddle into Father’s Day with a personalized video message from the Humboldt penguins at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. For $35, you can send dad a Cameo featuring these adorable penguins along with insider info about the feathered friends of the Living Coast. All purchases support Brookfield Zoo Chicago.
The music-loving dad may love an excuse to stop into A Sound Education in Brookfield. They offer lessons to over 400 students and their showroom is full of unique guitars. They also offer instrument rentals.
The stylish dad will definitely love a gift from Four Son’s Mercantile in La Grange. A family-owned shop named for the family’s four sons, they offer curated selection of clothing, home goods, unique gifts, food, and beverage items, sourced from suppliers coast-to-coast.
Click here for more ideas and to read our entire gift guide.
Meet Us to Celebrate Father’s Day
No matter how you choose to celebrate, whether it’s a special dinner, a thoughtful gift, or spending quality time together, the important thing is showing appreciation for the hard work and sacrifice that dads make every day.
Fun Father’s Day Facts!
Origins of Father's Day: The first Father's Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington, thanks to the efforts of Sonora Smart Dodd, who wanted to honor her father, a Civil War veteran and single parent.
Father's Day in Different Countries: While the U.S. celebrates Father's Day on the third Sunday in June, other countries have their own dates. For example, in Australia, it's celebrated on the first Sunday in September.
Popular Father's Day Gifts: Traditional gifts include ties, tools, and electronics. However, experiences like sports events, barbecues, and family outings are becoming increasingly popular.
Father's Day Spending: In recent years, Father's Day spending has been on the rise, with Americans spending over $17 billion on gifts, according to the National Retail Federation.
Famous TV Dads: Iconic TV dads like Homer Simpson (voiced by Oak Park native Dan Castellenata!), Danny Tanner, and Phil Dunphy have become beloved characters, often portraying the humorous and heartfelt side of fatherhood.
Fatherhood by the Numbers: According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are approximately 72 million fathers in the United States, with about 24.6 million living in married-couple families with children under 18.
