Brookfield offers a whole day's worth of cuisines and dining pleasures, sweet treats, and coffee shops. Whether you’re in the mood for dinner or brunch, there’s something for everyone.
Barone's | 9209 Broadway Avenue, Brookfield
Serving Brookfield for over 25 years, the go-to for pizza, pasta, and sandwiches with fast delivery and pick-up, serves pizza by the slice all day.
Beach Ave BBQ | 3453 Grand Boulevard, Brookfield
Known as “the Beach Avenue barbeque guys,” owners Juan Silva and Christopher Chin were neighbors with a shared love of barbequing and smoking meat who, with the encouragement of family and friends, deliver classic barbeque, like slow-smoked brisket, rib tips, and St. Louis ribs, along with sides including pit beans and mac & cheese.
Blue Water Lounge | 9016 31st Street, Brookfield
Crafted martinis and creative cocktails are served in a fun, friendly atmosphere. They have Happy Hour specials every Tuesday and Girls' Night Out on Thursdays.
Broadway Pancake House | 9215 Broadway Avenue, Brookfield
Classic American diner where dishes are made to order, portions are generous, and friendly servers keep coffee cups hot and full.
Brookfield Breakfast | 3755 Grand Boulevard, Brookfield
Open daily for breakfast and lunch, Brookfield Breakfast serves delicious, made-to-order meals with a friendly staff in a lively local atmosphere.
Burger Antics | 3740 Grand Boulevard, Brookfield
A gathering place for foodies who enjoy fresh-prepared dishes. Everything down to the ketchup and mustard is prepared in-house with meat and produce from local distributors, growers, and farmers. Creative burgers served with craft cocktails and small-batch whiskeys. Outdoor dining is available.
Daisy's Treats and Bakery | 3748 Grand Boulevard, Brookfield
A feast for the senses, this venerable ice cream shop and bakery features a variety of cakes, including ice cream cakes and pound cakes, gourmet apples and dipped fruit, and ice cream sundaes, banana splits, and milkshakes.
Danny's Italian Pizza & Beef | 9123 Ogden Avenue, Brookfield
In addition to pizza, hot sandwiches, calzones, and Italian dinners, Mexican grill favorites from Adelita’s food truck, including tacos, burritos, tortas, soups, and spicy homemade carnitas are available.
Fine Thai | 9305 Ogden Avenue, Brookfield
Authentic Thai cuisine, well-crafted specialty dishes, including traditional soups, salads, and noodle dishes.
Gosia's Coffee Shop | 8836 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield
Independent woman-owned coffee shop with lattes, espresso, and drip coffee to start your day, along with fun signature creations, like Cookies & Cream and the Malibu Chai, Rishi teas, fresh fruit smoothies, and scratch-made baked goods from Milwaukee’s Troubadour Bakery delivered fresh daily.
Imperial Oak Brewing | 9526 Ogden Avenue, Brookfield
Small-batch, barrel-aged brews served in a comfortable, inviting taproom where food trucks often set up to offer bites that complement the rotating selection of beers. Outdoor seating is available in the warmer months, and guests are encouraged to bring in or order food to make the experience more enjoyable.
Irish Times Pub & Restaurant | 8869 Burlington Avenue, Brookfield
Authentic Irish cuisine—guests rave about the shepherd’s pie and curry fries topped with peas paired with a Guinness—and a lively spirit that feels like a traditional pub in Ireland. Enjoy the patio, voted best in Chicago, during the summer months.
Krispies | 3730 Prairie Avenue, Brookfield
This sweet shop is popular for its take-and-bake cinnamon rolls, donuts (look for the gluten-free, dairy-free selection!), cookies, muffins, cakes, and candy confections.
La Cabañita | 9438 Ogden Avenue, Brookfield
Dine in or take out authentic Mexican favorites like burritos, pozole, tostadas, tacos, and tortas. Stop by for chilaquiles, Mexican-style eggs, or huevos rancheros; breakfast is served until 2:00 pm.
Mary's Morning Mixup | 9110 Broadway Avenue, Brookfield
Breakfast items—think fluffy pancakes, red velvet French toast, corned beef hash—made with the freshest available ingredients, plus lunch items and homemade desserts served in a homey, family-friendly environment. Enjoy outdoor seating in the warmer months.
Off Broadway Pub | 9048 Monroe Avenue, Brookfield
Popular for wings and other pub fare, offers daily dine-in specials, burgers, pizza, and big salads.
Paisans Pizzeria | 3720 Grand Boulevard, Brookfield
Third-generation family-owned pizzeria with locations across Chicagoland, including the Brookfield spot with an outdoor patio perfect for a pizza or wings after a day at the zoo.
Pub 78 | 3733 Grand Boulevard, Brookfield
Neighborhood bar with live music and special events—try Singo; it's just like bingo but with music! Pub snacks and sides, pizza, and sandwiches, including a pub burger, are served along with boozy shakes, mason jar cocktails, and cocktail creations. Enjoy the outdoor patio in the warmer months.
Ryan's Public House | 8942 Ogden Avenue, Brookfield
Friendly staff and a comfortable atmosphere (along with a perfectly poured Guinness) keep customers happy and returning to this local pub. Enjoy community events, happy hour specials, and an outdoor patio in the warmer months.
Sebastian's Ale & Whiskey House | 8900 Fairview Avenue, Brookfield
Elevated sports bar with a large selection of draft beer and whiskey and a deep appreciation for bacon—it appears all over the menu in appetizers, on sandwiches, and stuffed into an unbelievable burger. Stop in to watch a game or try your luck at the live video gaming machines. Enjoy the patio during warmer months.
Skadarliya | 9237 Ogden Avenue, Brookfield
Authentic scratch-made Balkan cuisine, large platters of comfort food served family-style, with live music every weekend with talented Serbian and Balkan musicians.
Slager's on 47th | 9308 47th Street, Brookfield
Casual, neighborhood “dive bar” with a friendly atmosphere, good beer selection, solid bar food, accommodating staff, and a late-night appeal, includes one of Brookfield’s favorite beer gardens.
Taco Azteca | 9200 Ogden Avenue, Brookfield
Casual, family-owned taqueria serving burritos, tacos, and other Mexican standards in a relaxed and comfortable space.
Taqueria El Grande | 9132 31st Street, Brookfield
Classic, family favorite with great fresh-made tacos, tamales, and other traditional Mexican fare.
Taquero Mucho | 8420 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield
Chicken lime tajin taco stands out among authentic Mexican favorites served by friendly staff at a casual taqueria.
The Little Owl Social Pub | 3747 Grand Boulevard, Brookfield
Modern, industrial tri-level space offers game-night vibes in an upstairs loft brimming with board games and a basement-like sunken space with classic arcade games like Donkey Kong and Pac-Man. Grab a craft beer or locally sourced soda, order shareable bites, and settle in for the evening.
View all Brookfield dining options at EnjoyBrookfield.com.
Browse unique and locally owned shops for unique gifts, local crafts, flowers, custom sweets, and souvenirs.
Betty’s Flowers & Gifts | 9138 Broadway, Brookfield
Family-owned and operated, committed to providing only the finest floral arrangements and gifts, delivered with friendly and prompt service.
Fill My Jar | 3726 Prairie Avenue, Brookfield
Traditional and one-of-a-kind candies, like melt-in-your-mouth toffees and caramels, and a delicious variety of barks—all hand-crafted in small batches.
Laura Atwood Studio Beads and Trading Co. | 9142 Broadway Avenue, Brookfield
With a bit of bohemian mixed with a global viewpoint, this independent, woman-owned studio and store features sapphires from India, Peruvian opals, rough-cut rubies, and beads (beads, beads, and more beads) dangling in glimmering strands. Candles, incense, handbags, home decor, clothing, and handmade jewelry also fill the displays.
Sage and Stone Apothecary | 3734 Prairie Avenue, Brookfield
Metaphysical products, clothing, accessories, and other items that soothe and support personal health and wellness.
Treasures Depot Broookfield | 9207 Broadway Avenue, Brookfield
A resale gold mine of new and lightly used items, promises steals and deals for home, toys, games, holiday decor, and much more.
Urban Mutt | 8520 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield
Everything for pampering your cat or dog—toys, accessories, high-quality meals and treats, and even a bakery for your four-legged friend.
Warm Wick | 3732 Prairie Avenue, Brookfield
Luxury, hand-poured natural soy wax candles and aromatherapy items created with sustainable, eco-friendly ingredients promote healthy living and physical and mental rejuvenation and celebrate Latinx culture.
The Brookfield Farmers Market is held every Saturday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm in Brookfield’s Village Hall West Parking Lot from June 1 through October 12 and features local farmers offering fresh produce sustainably grown in Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Also pastries, eggs, fresh-roasted coffee, honey, salsas, jams, artisan and hand-crafted goods, and much more.
View all Brookfield shops at EnjoyBrookfield.com.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago, originally chartered as Chicago Zoological Park, has a history that dates back to 1919 when Edith Rockefeller McCormick donated 83 acres of land to the Forest Preserve District of Cook County for a modern zoo. The county later added 98 more acres, and in 1921, a group of prominent Chicagoans incorporated the Chicago Zoological Society. Since its opening in 1934, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has been a leader in conservation and animal care worldwide, pioneering the modern, barless zoological park model.
Key attractions include Tropic World, Great Bear Wilderness, and Habitat Africa. Since Brookfield Zoo Chicago is open 363 days a year, any day is a great day to visit. Cooler temperatures often mean more animal activity, and there’s nothing quite as magical as Holiday Magic, which runs from November through January and features more than two million twinkling lights throughout the park.
Take a ride on one of the largest hand-carved wooden carousels, located near the North Gate entrance. This historic carousel features 72 highly endangered animals, making it a unique and beautiful experience for visitors of all ages.
The 235-acre zoological park is home to more than 3,500 animals representing over 500 species. It offers fun and educational activities for families, including Zoo Chats and immersive VR experiences that elevate the zoo outing.
To get the most out of your visit:
Buy admission, parking, and Dolphins in Action tickets in advance at BrookfieldZoo.org.
Rent strollers, wagons, wheelchairs, and electronic convenience vehicles for ease of mobility.
BZ Care Kits are available for guests with sensory disabilities and include noise-canceling headphones, a name tag, and other helpful items.
Since 1934, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has been a global leader in animal well-being and conservation, inspiring conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. The zoo is a private nonprofit organization operating on 235 acres of land owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago is home to more than 3,500 animals representing over 500 species—including many of Earth’s most endangered. It was also the first zoo in the world to be Humane Certified™ by the American Humane Society for its exceptional animal care and welfare.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an accredited member of the:
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums
ArbNet
For more information, visit www.brookfieldzoo.org or follow @BrookfieldZoo on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads.
Learn more about Brookfield Zoo Chicago at VisitOakPark.com.
Brookfield offers plenty of parks and green spaces, family-friendly activities, cultural attractions, and a calendar of events that will keep you entertained all year round. Check EnjoyBrookfield.com for updates on upcoming festivals and events, such as the Independence Day Parade, Fine Art Fest, Bike Brookfield Week, concerts in the park, and Monsters on Main Street.
Kiwanis Park | 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield
Perfect for family picnics, Kiwanis’s amenities and facilities include a toddler-friendly playground, workout stations along the track, ball fields, disc golf baskets, basketball court, corn hole, horseshoe court, nature paths along the river, a canoe launch, and even a theater that hosts bands for summer concerts.
JC Ehlert Park | Congress Park & Elm Avenue, Brookfield
Brookfield’s largest public park offers sports fields with benches and bleachers for spectators, workout stations, splash pad, picnic areas, and a recently upgraded accessible playground with elements like a universal swing, an inclusive orbit, a sensory rail, and more.
Salt Creek Trail System
Enter the Salt Creek Trail in Brookfield on 31st Street, west of 1st Avenue. The 16.5-mile regional pedestrian/bicycle trail extends from Brookfield Zoo to Busse Forest in Elk Grove Village, running along the Des Plaines River, Salt Creek, and the zoo. Use the Salt Creek Trail Map to plan your exploration of the area’s natural diversity.
Galloping Ghost Arcade | 9415 Ogden Avenue, Brookfield
The largest arcade in the world, with over 885 arcade games, is a must-visit for gamers. Options here range from classics like Donkey Kong, Space Invaders, and Pac-Man to rare titles like Primal Rage II, Hammer Away, and Godzilla. Play all day! The $25 entry fee eliminates the need to feed quarters and tokens into the machines and encourages players to explore games they’ve never played before.
Brookfield is just 12 miles from the Chicago Loop, easily accessible by the Metra commuter line (BNSF Railway Line), and a 25-minute drive via I-290 West or I-55 South. It is close to many other well known towns like Berwyn, Forest Park, La Grange, Lyons, & Westchester, as well as other larger towns slightly further out, like Rosemont and Oak Brook.
Brookfield Airbnb's offer various options with walkable access to Brookfield Zoo Chicago and other local hotspots.
Best-known for its world-class zoo, Brookfield is a friendly community with plenty of things to keep you busy, no matter the season. Whether you visit Brookfield for a special event or spend a day or a weekend, you’ll enjoy great dining, family-friendly activities like parks and nature trails, historical sites to explore, great dining, and a variety of shopping experiences. And yes, of course, an incredible zoo!
Plan your visit to Brookfield today.
Known initially as Grossdale, Brookfield was established in 1889 by Samuel E. Gross, a Chicago lawyer and real estate investor, who began selling land west of Salt Creek, mostly open prairie and farmland, along both sides of the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad line. The railroad provided passenger and freight service between Chicago and Aurora, Illinois. In fact, the first structures built in Grossdale were a train station south of the tracks at what is now Prairie Avenue and Grossdale Pavilion, that contained many businesses, the village’s first school, and a theater. In 1894, it became the first village hall.
A shrewd entrepreneur, Gross offered complimentary train rides from Chicago to the Grossdale station, where potential buyers were met by a brass band and treated to a picnic lunch and a sales pitch from Gross. In addition to parcels of land, he had several home designs sold at reduced prices, offering suburban living at prices affordable to working-class families.
Gross later added Hollywood (established in 1893) and West Grossdale (established in 1895); each had its train station, and both were eventually incorporated into Grossdale, renamed Brookfield in 1905. Brookfield’s popularity grew when the old Plank Toll Road, now Ogden Avenue, was paved in 1920, providing easy automobile access to and from Chicago.
Brookfield has several memorials, historic sites, and public art. A stroll through the village will take you to some of the village’s most fascinating landmarks.
Grossdale Station
Samuel E. Gross spent $5,000 to build a train depot on the south side of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad tracks, to convince the railroad to stop in the new suburban village. The grand red brick building, with limestone windowsills and a slate-shingled roof, had eight gables with ornamental fretwork, the topmost crowned by an ornamental weathervane.
The station was extensively renovated in the 1940s but had significantly deteriorated by 1977 when the railroad announced plans to demolish it. At that time, the community established the Brookfield Historical Society, which worked to restore the building. In 1980, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1981, the depot was lifted from its foundation and carefully moved across the tracks to its present location, where Brookfield's original Village Hall once stood.
The building at 8820 1/2 Brookfield Avenue still houses the Brookfield Historical Museum, operated by the Brookfield Historical Society. It is a great place to start your tour of Brookfield.
Bicentennial Liberty Bell
Tucked among a ring of trees beneath a wood-frame shelter in the southwest corner of Kiwanis Park is a full-size replica of the famous Liberty Bell, cast by the same company, Whitechapel Bell Foundry of London, that cast the original bell in 1752. It is one of only about 100—and just three in Illinois—made available to cities and towns across the United States in 1976 to commemorate the nation’s bicentennial.
Brookfield Kindergarten
In 1906, long before kindergarten was part of the public school curriculum, Queene Ferry Coonley, a Riverside resident and avid advocate for early childhood education, established a free kindergarten known as the Cottage School. In 1911, she commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright protégé William Drummond to design a Brookfield extension of her Riverside kindergarten on a large, wooded site on the banks of Salt Creek.
Drummond’s T-shaped building featured a large, central playroom with smaller rooms on either side. Large, double-height, west-facing windows flooded the kindergarten’s main hall with natural light, and a brick fireplace at the east end of the main hall was flanked by doors on either side, leading to a raised terrace overlooking a spacious rear yard and Salt Creek.
The building, still standing at 3601 Forest Avenue, fell into disrepair. Despite efforts to raise money for its repair and maintenance, it was ultimately sold at auction in 1949 and has been a private residence ever since.
Veterans Memorial Circle
Known as “the circle” or Eight Corners, the intersection of Washington, Maple, Grand Boulevard, and Broadway was considered a traffic nightmare, even before streetcar tracks were added. An editorial in the Brookfield Citizen (August 7, 1957) called it a “crazy mixed-up kiddie car jumble” that endangered life and property when drivers approached from three or four intersecting points simultaneously. In 1958, the village created a 76-foot circle around the intersection out of sandbags.
This makeshift traffic circle offered some security for drivers, and by 1960, a permanent roundabout was installed and decorated with shrubs, grass, and flowers. By 2023, a raised interior barrier with planters and a perimeter curb were added to help drivers navigate one of the area’s few roundabouts, along with a central fountain.
Faces of the Wild
Towering at 1.8 meters, Faces of the Wild presents the faces of nine of the world's most endangered animals. This monumental exhibition at Ehlert Park was crafted by acclaimed public artists Gillie and Marc, who drew inspiration from their extensive collection of wildlife photographs and sketches. The exhibit features the faces of nine endangered animals, including the northern white rhino, chimpanzee, and polar bear. It offers the public a rare chance to connect intimately with these threatened species as they gaze into the animals' eyes. Educational and interactive, the exhibit includes QR codes that provide information about the animals and conservation efforts.
Prairie Spirit
Created by Brookfield resident and sculptor Paul Russell in 2015, Prairie Spirit is a stunning 8-foot-tall steel sculpture of two dragonflies resting atop long blades of grass on the south side of the 8800 block of Brookfield Avenue, next to the outbound Prairie Avenue commuter train platform. It references Brookfield’s past natural landscape and pays tribute to the memory of the late Al Kitzer, a longtime resident and 36-year employee of Brookfield Public Works.
Sabre Jet Memorial
Brookfield’s Korean War memorial, an F86L Sabre jet, was parked permanently in Ehlert Park in 1961, thanks to the efforts of Fred McGuire, Brookfield’s Village Manager at that time, who flew the very jet he campaigned to be displayed in Brookfield. It was rededicated on July 4, 1964, when a memorial plaque embedded in granite was installed at the monument’s base.