Forest Park, Illinois, restaurants have everything it takes to tempt a wide range of tastes. Madison Street is at the heart of it all, with excellent restaurants stretching from Forest Park’s border with Oak Park at Harlem to its border with River Forest at Des Plaines Ave — and beyond. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a gathering with friends and neighbors, head out for date night, or grab some great takeout, Forest Park truly has it all.
Let’s dive in to the best restaurants in Forest Park!
If you’re looking to head out for date night or family dinner, here are some great options.
For an authentic taste of Venice, head over to caffe De Luca. The restaurant evokes an old-world Italian charm with a menu featuring delicious seafood, steak, and pasta dishes. The Insalata de Luca, a mixed green salad tossed with figs, gorgonzola, and walnuts drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, is a must-try. For dinner, indulge in the tortellacci carbonara, a cheese-filled pasta served in a creamy parmesan sauce with pancetta and spinach. For dining al fresco, the downstairs doors open to the sidewalk for outdoor seating, and the rooftop features a terrace with an indoor-outdoor fireplace. For an incredible Italian restaurant experience close to home, caffe De Luca is the perfect spot.
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Fat Duck Tavern and Grill is a family-friendly establishment that serves classic pub food with a unique twist. They are famous for their famous duck-fat fries, which are rich and crispy and served with sublime dipping sauces like roasted garlic aioli, Mexican pesto, and sriracha mayo. In addition to a wide range of beer and cocktails, you'll find salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, and sliders. Don't miss their happy hour, available Monday through Thursday from 4 pm to 6 pm. They offer fabulous deals such as $1 off all signature cocktails, $1 off all craft drafts, and a generous 25% off all regular menu appetizers. Savor tasty bites and delicious cocktails at Fat Duck Tavern and Grill.
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An old-school steakhouse serving the area's best steaks, chops, and seafood, the Golden Steer has been a classic steak joint destination since 1969. In addition to a mouthwatering selection of hand-cut steaks, the star of the menu may be their world-famous baked French onion soup. The Golden Steer has earned the praise of Forest Park Review, the Chicago Tribune, and the TV show Check Please. A meal at the Golden Steer is guaranteed to be a meal to remember.
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Jimmy’s Place is a family-owned restaurant serving classic, home-style Italian dishes. It is famous for its thin-crust pizzas and homemade pasta sauces. The choices are endless, from fried calamari and stuffed artichokes to lemon chicken with angel hair pasta or eggplant parmigiana with mostaccioli. A taste of Italy awaits at Jimmy’s Place.
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Mexican Republic Kitchen in Forest Park is all about freshness and flavor. Start your meal with their amazing chips and guac, then dive into their delicious tacos, including asada, baja fish, or carnitas. For a true taste of Mexico, try the cochinita pibil—braised pork in banana leaves marinated in orange juice. And don’t leave without indulging in one of their incredible margaritas or specialty drinks like a paloma.
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O'Sullivan's Public House, an authentic Irish pub renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and traditional pub fare, offers a taste of Ireland in the heart of Forest Park. Whether you're stopping by for a pint of Guinness or indulging in classic pub favorites like fish and chips, O'Sullivan's Public House promises a delicious dining experience reminiscent of the Emerald Isle and good times for all.
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For sandwiches, a killer mac and cheese, and incredible burgers, just head to Scratch Public House. This beer and burger joint is known for its inventive menu and commitment to using locally sourced, scratch-made ingredients. All burgers are house-ground using prime cuts of brisket and chuck and served on locally sourced rolls. If mac and cheese is your jam, Scratch Kitchen has you covered. You'll be a fan for life once you try the buffalo chicken mac or the truffle parm mac. We recommend coming hungry because there's plenty of great food.
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Shanahan's is truly a taste of New Orleans in the heart of Forest Park. This neighborhood eatery has been known for serving a variety of authentic American and Creole specialties for more than 30 years. In addition to a full bar, it offers Creole specialties and monthly Cajun specials. Enjoy everything from jambalaya to crawfish etouffee and everyday crowd-pleasers like soups (including gumbo), burgers, sandwiches, and po'boys. Whether you're stopping by for brunch with friends or a family dinner, Shanahan's promises a satisfying dining experience in a festive setting.
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Yum Thai has been a staple of authentic Thai cuisine in Forest Park for over 20 years. This cozy, family-owned restaurant puts an eclectic twist on classic Thai dishes. Using only the freshest ingredients and infusing sweet and savory flavors, you are sure to find a dish you’ll love. From lemongrass stir fry to green curry noodles and basil mussels, Yum Thai’s menu continuously changes and evolves, offering fresh and unique dishes.
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Almost hidden right before the highway off Harlem, you won't want to pass by White Crane Creative Thai and Sushi. Their food is packed with flavor and always fresh. Try any of their delicious sushi rolls, from classic to creative, or savor one of their traditional curry or noodle dishes. Wrap up your meal with a refreshing smoothie, with or without boba, and you've got a great dinner experience waiting for you.
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If you’re looking for something a little laid back, or even on the go, check out these great options.
Goldyburgers
7316 Circle Avenue
If you want to find a burger and bar scene where everybody knows your name, head to Goldyburgers. It’s been in business for nearly a century, and the burgers are legendary. Try the epic big daddy burger featuring a ¾ lb burger with melted cheese, mushrooms, and bacon, or the cheddar cheese balls as a starter, and enjoy your meal inside or outside on the patio. When you want to watch your favorite team and grab a juicy burger and a frosty pint, Goldyburgers is the place for you.
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Junction Diner
7401 Madison Street
This train-themed, family-friendly restaurant features an interactive model train table, and meals are rolled to diners via a toy train. Try the juicy lucy burger, a patty stuffed with giardiniera and chihuahua cheese and topped with lettuce, tomato, and pickle. “The Metra” salad has spinach, apple, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, feta cheese, and berry vinaigrette. If you crave a surprise, order the mystery tacos. There is also a Lil Conductor’s Menu for the young ones in the group, featuring mini burgers and kiddie pancakes. The Junction Diner is a stop you don’t want to miss.
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Louie's Grill
7422 Madison Street
Louie's Grill is a classic diner and longtime neighborhood establishment with an old-school vibe. This family-owned restaurant has been serving American classics for breakfast and lunch since 1999. Enjoy classic diner fare at Louie's, from egg dishes to pancakes and grits. The diner is open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Sunday, so be sure to get there early!
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Madison Park Kitchen
7525 Madison Street
When it comes to brunch, Madison Park Kitchen has you covered. With a small but mighty breakfast menu, they have mastered the art of a delicious breakfast. Breakfast specials and omelets are served daily, alongside a menu of specialty pancakes—including flavors like buttermilk, jelly doughnut, and Oreo. You can find a wide variety of sandwiches, wraps, paninis, burgers, and delicious sides for lunch. Whatever your mood, they've got something for you.
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Parky’s
329 S Harlem Ave
Parky's is an iconic, no-frills burger and dog joint that's been a staple since 1947. When you see the sign with their name, you know you're in for a treat. Try a delicious hot dog or Italian beef sandwich, and don't miss out on their famous fries that people love. Beyond the food, Parky's features an intriguing exterior design with a wall of windows and a patio, making it a great spot to enjoy old-style Chicago hot dogs and fries.
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Starship
7618 Madison Street
Starship boldly goes where no sub shop has gone before. Since the late ‘70s, Starship has served subs and more than 150 varieties of soup, ranging from favorites like chicken noodles and split pea to original recipes like pepperoni pizza and Oktoberfest. Their amazing hot and cold sandwiches pair perfectly with soup. So when you find yourself craving a hearty sandwich, stop into Starship for an out-of-this-world meal!
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Don’t worry, there’s plenty of that!
Brown Cow
7347 Madison St
Step into the Brown Cow and let the sweet aroma of homemade waffle cones welcome you. Watch as they handcraft super-premium ice cream in-house, and browse the display of fresh-baked pies, cakes, and cookies to find the perfect dessert. Or, cozy up with a cookie and homemade hot cocoa made with steamed ice cream. In this charming vintage ice cream parlor, you can indulge in a delightful treat that will transport you back to simpler times.
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Twisted Cookie
7401 Madison St
Twisted Cookie is what one might call a cookie cafe—a place to sit down and enjoy a multitude of delicious treats. From their espresso bar to their milkshakes and sundaes, everything at Twisted Cookie is crafted to complement the flavors of the unique cookies they create daily. It’s the perfect spot to indulge in an incredible combination of sweets and beverages, making every visit a memorable experience.
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