The night before a marathon, there’s one thing every runner knows: it's carb-loading time! Whether you're a local or visiting Oak Park for one of its many races, you'll want to fuel up at one of the area’s fantastic pasta spots to prepare for the big day. Oak Park is home to some seriously delicious restaurants that serve up hearty bowls of pasta perfect for pre-race energy.
From classic Italian comfort food to unique twists on your favorite dishes, we’ve rounded up the best spots to grab your carb fix before you hit the starting line. So lace up your running shoes and dig in because the night before a marathon is all about pasta!
Why Carbs?
We all know to stock up on pasta, bread, and other carb-filled goodies, but why exactly do runners carbo-load before a big race? The answer lies in the body’s need for glycogen. Carbohydrates are broken down into glycogen that is stored in your muscles and liver. During long-distance runs like a marathon, your body relies on these glycogen stores to keep you energized mile after mile. Without enough glycogen, you can hit that dreaded "wall"—the point when your body starts to run out of fuel and exhaustion sets in. So by eating carb-rich foods the night before, you're giving your body the energy it needs to power through the entire race.
But here’s the thing—carb-loading isn’t just about stuffing yourself with pasta. According to experts, including those at Runner’s World, there’s a right way to carbo-load. The key is to gradually increase your carb intake during race week, focusing on foods that are easy to digest. By the night before your race, a big bowl of pasta (paired with lean proteins and minimal fats) can help top off your glycogen stores. Ideally, a runner wants to strike a balance between fueling up and feeling light on race day. Now that you know why carbs are crucial for marathon success, let's dive into the best places in Oak Park to grab that perfect pre-race meal!
The Best Places to Get Pasta Before a Marathon in Oak Park
Cucina Paradiso
This lively, contemporary Italian restaurant offers a variety of updated classics, including over 13 pasta dishes with both whole wheat and gluten-free options. With small and large pasta sizes, it’s easy to tailor your meal to your pre-race needs. Planning a pre-race dinner for a group? Cucina Paradiso takes the guesswork out of planning with their Family Pack dining, which includes a salad, pasta, entree, and dessert—feeding 4-5 people so you can focus on the race ahead.
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Il Vicolo Trattoria
Located in the charming Hemingway District, just steps from the Green Line, Il Vicolo is a great option for a relaxing yet lively pre-race meal. Known for its traditional Neapolitan cuisine, Il Vicolo offers many classic homemade pastas like Squid Ink Fettuccine and Burrata-Stuffed Ravioli, as well as delicious risottos and authentic Neapolitan pizzas. The sit-down experience begins with warm bread and olive oil, perfect for fueling up in a relaxed setting. For those looking to savor those fleeting warm evenings, the umbrella-covered patio with live music on weekends will enhance the pre-race atmosphere.
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La Notte
Located in Oak Park’s Marion Street district, La Notte is a cozy spot offering a contemporary twist on classic Italian cuisine. Executive chef and owner Giovanni Matteo Mancini draws on his Italian upbringing and family recipes from Rome, Tuscany, and Bari. Whether you’re craving pasta, risotto, or seafood, La Notte’s menu has something for everyone. Diners rave about the welcoming ambiance, making it the perfect place to enjoy a delicious pre-race meal in a warm, inviting setting.
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Trattoria 225
Trattoria 225 in Oak Park’s charming Arts District offers a cozy, rustic setting for your pre-race carb loading. While the pasta menu is smaller compared to other spots on this list, their house-made linguine dishes are ideal for a balanced, satisfying meal. Runners can enjoy the classic Linguine alla Bolognese with slow-braised short ribs and pancetta ragu, or opt for the lighter Linguine Aglio Olio, a vegetarian dish with asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes, and portobello mushrooms. For a protein boost their Chicken Parmesan with linguine is the perfect mix of carbs and lean protein. Trattoria 225 also offers wood-fired thin-crust pizzas and homemade gelato, rounding out a delicious pre-race meal.
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Tre Sorelle
Tre Sorelle in Oak Park is a longstanding family-owned restaurant that has been a local favorite since 1995. It's a great spot for runners offering a diverse menu with customizable options. Their "Build Your Own Pasta" feature is especially useful for runners with dietary restrictions or specific pre-race nutrition needs. Whether you want gluten-free pasta or a protein-packed option, this flexibility ensures you can get the perfect meal. Plus, their thin-crust pizzas and homemade gelato offer comforting yet energizing options in a fun, inviting setting.
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Victory Italian
Victory Italian in Oak Park is a top pick for marathon runners looking to fuel up before the big race. With Chef Joe Farina’s signature handmade pastas, including his award-winning "Joe’s Mama’s Meatballs," it’s easy to enjoy hearty, comforting Italian dishes perfect for carb-loading. Runners can opt for the "Build Your Own Pasta" feature, where you can choose your pasta, sauce, and protein, making it a great option for those with specific dietary needs. Victory also offers a range of classic Chicago-Italian dishes, prime meats, seafood, and generous portions, ensuring you get the energy boost you need. The family-friendly atmosphere and welcoming outdoor patio make it an ideal spot to relax and recharge.
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Other Carb Options!
Pasta not your thing? No worries! Take a look at these other options.
Billy Bricks Pizza
Okay fine, so they technically have pasta, too, but they’re known far and wide for their pizzas! If you’re looking for a fast-casual option, look no further than Billy Bricks. This family-owned restaurant offers counter service and carry-out, with pizzas cooked in a brick oven, providing a distinctive smoky flavor that sets apart their pizzas from conventional pies. For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free crusts are available. If you’d rather stay off your feet and relax at home before race day, Billy Bricks also offers take-and-bake options for their pizzas and pastas, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort. This would also make the perfect place to celebrate your race with their famous Moo Joe’s Ice Cream!
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Katy’s Dumplings
Katy’s Dumplings in Oak Park offers an unexpected yet perfect alternative for marathon runners looking to carbo-load. Known for its delicious Asian noodle dishes, Katy’s is a great choice if you want to venture beyond typical Italian fare. Located right in the heart of Oak Park, its cozy atmosphere helps calm pre-race jitters. Whether you opt for their savory beef noodle soup or one of their stir-fried noodle dishes, you’re in for a meal that’s flavorful and full of complex carbs. If you're looking for a lighter option, their stir-fried vegetables and rice provide a balanced way to load up on both nutrients and energy.
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Penny’s Noodles
Penny’s Noodles in Oak Park is a fantastic option for those seeking non-Italian cuisine for their carb-loading. Known for its authentic Thai flavors and fresh ingredients, Penny's offers many lighter options that provide the perfect fuel for race day. Their signature Pad Thai, with rice noodles, eggs, bean sprouts, and peanuts, offers a balanced carb load, while dishes like the Spicy Basil with rice vermicelli noodles provide a flavorful yet satisfying meal. With its cozy café-like atmosphere and convenient carry-out options, Penny's is a great spot to relax before a big race or enjoy a meal from the comfort of your home.
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Publican Quality Bread
You don’t need to wait until dinner to start your carb loading. In fact, experts recommend gradually fueling up before a long race. Located in the Arts District of Oak Park, Publican Quality Bread opens bright and early, serving up pastries starting at 7 am and fresh bread by 9 am, making it perfect for breakfast or a midday snack. Their menu features a range of hearty sandwiches on artisanal bread, plus Roman-style pizzas available in the evening. Grab a slice of their wood-fired pizza to go, or enjoy a leisurely meal at one of the inviting outdoor picnic spots nearby, like Barrie Park or Columbus Park, where you can relax and visualize race day.
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Meet Us Before Race Day
If you’re ready to fuel up and prepare for your race, Oak Park is waiting for you, whether you're craving classic pasta dishes or something unique like Asian noodles or wood-fired pizzas. So, lace up your shoes and meet us before race day at one of these fantastic spots to get the carbs you need to crush your run. From all of us at Visit Oak Park, we wish you the best of luck on race day—may your legs be strong and your glycogen stores full!