New in Town - Oak Park & the Near West Suburbs (Fall + Winter 2024)
There’s nothing better than the excitement of discovering something new—whether it’s a cozy café, a trendy shop, or a one-of-a-kind experience. Luckily, Oak Park and the near west suburbs are buzzing with fresh spots that you won’t want to miss. From delicious eateries to community hubs, these new additions are bringing even more flavor, style, and fun to our neighborhoods.
So grab your calendar, plan your next outing, and get ready to experience the latest gems making waves in our area!
Breakfast House
Taking over the beloved Cozy Corner location, Breakfast House—a popular Chicago restaurant chain—is set to bring its famed chilaquiles, chorizo hash, French toast, and chicken & waffles to town, along with fresh-squeezed juices. The owners hope to open by the end of the year, adding a new favorite to the Oak Park breakfast scene.
Click here to learn more.
Dandelion
With locals heartbroken by the closing of Book Table, Oak Park residents Jamie and Kurt Ericson are taking it upon themselves to fill the void in the community. Dandelion bookstore will be located in the Hemmingway district at 139 S. Oak Park Ave. The store will feature a carefully curated selection of books, including bestsellers, independent titles, and works by local authors.
Beyond books, Dandelion aims to offer a cozy gathering place for literary events, author readings, and family-friendly activities, all designed to nurture Oak Park’s vibrant literary culture. Jamie and Kurt hope to open in time for holiday shopping, but keep your eyes peeled for a pop up or two.
Click here to learn more.
Glamour Health and Wellness
Glamour Health and Wellness, led by advanced practice nurse Tajuana Johnson, offers an extensive range of wellness and aesthetic services designed to support holistic health. Located at 1100 Lake Street in Oak Park, the spa focuses on individualized treatments, such as customized nutrition plans, medical weight loss programs with options like vitamin injections, and IV hydration therapy. Their services also include skincare solutions tailored to enhance beauty from the inside out, providing a comfortable, welcoming environment that helps clients achieve their health goals in a relaxed setting.
Click here to learn more.
Sweet Dim Sum
Restaurateur and Owner of Poke Burrito Jimmy Chen just opened Sweet Dim Sum, a charming counter-serve restaurant in the heart of Oak Park on Lake Street. Their menu features an array of dim sum classics such as steamed dumplings, crispy fried dumplings, and delicious sweet treats, including Japanese dango, mochi donuts, and the iconic Japanese taiyaki ice cream.
Click here to learn more.
Kinfolk Consignment Store
Kinfolk Consignment Store is now open in Broadview along the Roosevelt Road Corridor, adding an exciting new option for unique finds in the community. Kinfolk offers a thoughtfully curated selection of gently loved items, from stylish clothing to home decor treasures, making it a go-to spot for both donating and discovering quality second hand pieces.
More than just a store, Kinfolk serves as a community hub where neighbors can connect, refresh their style, and support sustainable shopping. Stop by and explore the incredible range of items—Kinfolk is sure to surprise and inspire!
Click here to learn more.
Taquero Mucho
Taquero Mucho in Brookfield, brings bold, authentic Mexican flavors to the community. Known for its fresh ingredients and creative menu, this spot serves up everything from savory tacos to loaded fries and zesty margaritas. Plus, you can't leave without trying one of their delicious, perfectly fried churros.
Whether you're grabbing tacos to-go or a stopping in to eat, Taquero Mucho will keep you coming back for more!
Click here to learn more.
The Social Play
New to the scene in Brookfield is an interactive indoor play for littles to explore in a safe and imaginative environment while giving caregivers the ability to sip quality coffee and connect. The Social Play is geared towards little ones under 5 and offers age-appropriate play structures, sensory activities, and interactive zones.
The owner and founder is a speech language pathologist and incorporates language rich activities into the play space. You’ll find pretend kitchens, scooting bikes, an adorable pretend campfire as well as books and puzzles. Quite possibly the best part is the cozy coffee bar for parents and caregivers featuring TASA coffee, a woman owned coffee roaster.
Click here to learn more.
Babs Comedy Club
Madison Street just got a little more zany. Babs comedy club opened on October 25th and is already generating rave reviews. The owner, Emily Ramirez,is passionate about creating a joyful, supportive, equitable, environment to laugh and grow in. The club features improv comedy, musical improv, standup, sketch comedy and an array of classes. Light snacks, candy, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are available for purchase during the show.
Click here to learn more.
Bizzy Bees
Located in the charming space that used to house Lathrop Cafe, Bizzy Bees is a delightful new breakfast spot. They offer a delicious menu of authentic Mexican breakfast dishes, refreshing salads, and great drinks. Plus, they have an amazing patio during the summer time - and they also cater for all of your favorite special events. From breakfast burritos to their new vegan menu, you won’t want to miss this spot!
Click here to learn more.
Casa Humilde
Casa Humilde made its Forest Park debut in the summer of 2024. Brothers Javier and Jose Lopez started what is now a well established brand housed in District Brew Yards, by brewing beer out of their childhood home in Chicago’s Hermosa neighborhood. They’ve now expanded into multiple suburban locations. The Forest Park location is their first standalone brewery, tap room, and restaurant.
Click here to learn more.
D & D’s Place
D's Place, a beloved Chicago-based donut shop, has expanded to a second location in downtown La Grange at 39 S La Grange Rd. Known for their award-winning donuts, including the renowned Texas-sized apple fritter, D & D's Place offers a variety of flavors made fresh daily.
The owners, Devell and Lolita Brittmon, bring their passion for quality and community to this new spot, inviting both longtime fans and new customers to enjoy their delightful creations. Trust us, you won’t want to miss these donuts!
Click here to learn more.
Mion Soap
Mion Artisan Soap has opened a new location in downtown La Grange, bringing its luxurious, handcrafted soaps to the community. Known for using natural, skin-nourishing ingredients, Mion offers a range of artisanal products, including beautifully scented soaps, bath bombs, and skincare essentials.
Each product is thoughtfully crafted to be gentle on the skin and free from harsh chemicals, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a more natural approach to self-care. With Mion’s emphasis on quality and wellness, this new shop is a must-visit for anyone looking to elevate their skincare routine.
Click here to learn more.
The Bellbird Bakeshop
Long awaited - the Bellbird Bakeshop in La Grange is officially open and off to an amazing start! This neighborhood bakery and café in La Grange is dedicated to crafting artisanal baked goods with a focus on wholesome ingredients and local vendors. Driven by a shared passion for baking, the team aims to create a memorable experience with each treat, celebrating the art of pastry while supporting the local community. Grab a treat to go or grab a coffee to stay and sit in their amazing new space.
Click here to learn more.
Allure Hair Studio
Allure Hair Studio has expanded to a new location at 1123 Madison St in the Village of Maywood! This Black-owned, Maywood-grown salon is dedicated to providing top-notch hair services in a welcoming and stylish atmosphere. As a millennial-owned business, Allure brings a fresh, modern approach to hair care, and their new location means more space to serve the community. Whether you’re looking for a fresh cut, color, or styling, be sure to pop in and support this fantastic local business. Congratulations to Allure on this exciting new chapter!
Click here to learn more.
Andy’s Frozen Custard
If you’re near Melrose Park and looking for a closer option to get your Andy’s fix, you’re in luck! You can now head to the new Melrose Park location. If you’ve never had it before, you should probably try it. Andy’s Frozen Custard is a beloved frozen treat that takes the classic custard experience to a whole new level. Made fresh every hour, their custard is creamy, rich, and perfectly smooth.
Unlike ice cream, custard is made with egg yolks, which give it a denser, creamier texture. At Andy’s, you’ll find a variety of toppings, mix-ins, and seasonal specials—from fruit and nuts to cookies and caramel. It’s the perfect dessert for anyone craving a cold, satisfying treat that’s a step above the usual.
Asiano
Asiano is a new gem in Riverside offering a fusion of Asian flavors. With a large menu, Asiano serves up everything from fresh sushi rolls to flavorful stir-fries, blending traditional recipes with a contemporary twist.
Whether you’re craving spicy curries, perfectly grilled teriyaki, or sashimi, Asiano is a must-visit.
Click here to learn more.
Catrina Tequila Bar
Catrina Tequila Bar has a fresh new home at 7 Longcommon Rd in Riverside, giving fans a familiar favorite in an exciting new space. Known for its colorful atmosphere and extensive tequila selection, Catrina is the perfect spot to enjoy authentic Mexican flavors in these creative cocktails.
The new location offers more space, making it an ideal stop for an evening out with friends or a laid-back night of tequila and small plates. Their new location is ready to deliver, even if you’ve got a crowd! You can contact them about hosting your next big event as well.
Click here to learn more.