35 Best Dog Friendly Restaurants Gages Lake

“Great place for sand volleyball tournaments! We enjoyed watching all the games take place and wish we had enough people interested in making a team. The food was good and the atmosphere was fun!

Parking: During busy volleyball nights, it was crowded and little parking available.“

“This place is so awesome! The food is incredible, the staff is so nice and the wine is outstanding too. I will definitely be back and spread the word! ❤️“

“Amazing service ! Bar tender Jimmy was absolutely great. My boyfriend and I stopped by for a quick drink and soup before the movies and had a Good time thanks to him!“

“After my doctor visits, my husband treats me to lunch at the restaurant of my choice. We just passed Eggspress in Lindenhurst. I suggested we try the restaurant. We were so pleased with the food, atmosphere and service. David, our server, was very attentive and pleasant“

“i live within walking distance of this place and finally went to check it out the other day and was not disappointed! super tasty drinks and delicious food! all the staff was very friendly and attentive as well! i’ll definitely be back!“

“Best coffee is Waukegan, HANDS DOWN!“

“The Greatest Custard In The World in texture, taste and freshness! Greg is a genius of a restauranteur and the nicest guy you're ever going to meet!“

“Food was very good. Server was pleasant and available whenever we needed. Very nice atmosphere. Beer selection is fantastic.“

“Everything I’ve tried so far has been amazing! Fresh ingredients, clean establishment, and friendly staff. The steak and chicken Philly and burgers are my go to but the gyros are amazing as well. The fries are addicting! Give em a try and I’m willing to bet you’ll be a regular.“

“Corey was our fabulous server on this busy Saturday night. He was Extraordinary!! Attentive, helpful, so kind and thoughtful. Best dinner I’ve had in a long time with a fabulous server experience!“

“Visited for breakfast a few days ago and had the best French toast I've ever had; they do their Cinnamon Roll French Toast right. Our server was super friendly, the kitchen was backed up a little but she made sure to check in frequently and keep us updated. Super cute inside too, definitely recommend for easy breakfast!“

“Good beer and good people!“

“I’m so glad I found this place! great fresh food and good service. A great addition to the neighborhood.“

“Tighthead has some of the best craft beer in Lake County, IL. They are a big supporter of live music, have indoor/outdoor seating & a variety of food trucks on select days. Friendly staff who make you feel right at home.“

“Hell yes! It’s absolutely delicious!“

“Excellent food and customer service!“

“Huge shout out to Kelly and Harbors' beers. We were in Chicago from Michigan for our son's Navy boot camp graduation and strayed your way for good beer, atmosphere, and good people...all of which we found at Harbors. Our bar is set high coming from the land of microbrew's but all boxes were checked here. Will definitely make this a destination spot the next time we make our way across the pond. Cheers!!“

“Great experience; with no reservation, on a busy Saturday night, we were able to sit at the bar and had a wonderful time. The bartender was a pleasure, and so was his friend lol. Great steaks, drinks and atmosphere!! Seriously, his friend was dreamy!! Thank you Stevens for a wonderful evening, one my new sailor will forever remember! Love from Texas!!“

“Drinks and dinner was spot on! Joy, Colton and team nailed it. Never a disappointment.“

“The blts are amazing here! I mean so much is amazing here! Thank you for always providing such amazing food and treats!“

“We have visited at least 10 times before since moving back to the area, but tonight we sat outside in the heated patio area. Our service from start to finish was amazing, the food was absolutely fantastic. We usually sit inside by the bar but I cannot wait for summer to enjoy more of this patio! The staff, drinks, apps, food, and atmosphere could not be more enjoyable.“

“Excellent service provided Every time by Hillary and Collin“

“Great place to hang out in the summer. Outdoor bar, pool, volleyball. It’s a good time. Their chicken tenders appetizer is the best and no one can top their biscuits and gravy. I’m craving it just typing this. Servers are so friendly and nice.“

“La limpieza y el serbisio del personal es excelente todo es perfecto 🤩🥰🥰🥰 tiendas de comida y Walmart están a unos pasos todo muy Serca ☺️☺️my familia estuvo encantada con todo volvería otra vez a este hermoso lugar espero que existan más lugares como este en otras siudades 🥰“

“Our server, Chris, was very helpful in suggesting meal options, and making sure we had everything we wanted. Our food was delivered quickly, and it was all delicious! We will definitely be back!“

“Food is always good as usual“

“Great place for groups and our server, Zaire, was simply excellent! A large menu with large portions. We had a wide variety of dietary preferences in our group - basically a bunch of picky eaters in different ways - and everyone found something they were happy with. Good find for Navy folks and their families/friends!“

“Never judge a book by its cover. When I arrived, the empty parking lot and the restaurant being inside a hotel initially raised red flags. However, with limited options and an open mind, I decided to give it a try—and was blown away. The cuisine and customer service were exceptional! They even fresh squeezed lemonade for me!

Oaken Bar + Bistro: A Taste of Elegance in Every Bite

Beef Tenderloin Empanadas
The empanadas set the tone with their flaky crust and tender, perfectly seasoned beef filling. Accompanied by vibrant chimichurri and a zesty lemon tomato sauce, this starter balances richness and brightness with precision. Each bite feels indulgent yet fresh, leaving you eager for more.

Oaken Salad
This salad takes simplicity to an elevated level. A mix of fresh greens pairs unexpectedly well with juicy orange segments and velvety whipped ricotta. The lavender vanilla vinaigrette adds a subtle floral sweetness, tying the dish together beautifully. A sourdough crostini provides the perfect crunch, making this a standout plate for anyone craving a sophisticated yet light option.

Atlantic Salmon
A dish that seamlessly combines comforting and refined elements. The salmon, cooked to perfection, sits atop a silky potato purée that practically melts on the tongue. Earthy wild mushrooms add depth, while the buerre rouge sauce lends a rich, tangy finish. Every element works in harmony, creating a dish that’s both comforting and memorable.

And of course, my signature cappuccino…

Oaken Bar + Bistro shows its mastery in weaving together thoughtful ingredients with elevated techniques, making each plate a well-orchestrated delight.

Here’s a bit about the venue:
Oaken Bistro + Bar is a modern, upscale American bistro located in Lake Forest, Illinois. It offers all-day dining with a menu that blends elevated American classics, such as burgers and salads, with globally influenced dishes like Beef Tenderloin Empanadas and the Cubano sandwich.

The restaurant features a sleek lounge serving craft cocktails, including signature herbal-infused options, alongside an eclectic wine list and local beers. Guests can enjoy their meals in a contemporary dining room, a 25-seat outdoor patio, or opt for take-out and delivery services.

Executive Chef Christian Alejandro leads the culinary team, offering a diverse American menu with international influences from Latin America, Italy, and Creole cuisines. Chef Alejandro was recently inducted into the Disciples Escoffier organization, highlighting his culinary expertise.“

“We went to their location in Libertyville all the time. Heartbroken when it closed. So glad they have this location. Best chimichanga ever. No on come close.“

“Good service, good coffee, yummy treats and nice atmosphere“

“Everyone is so knowledgeable and helpful. Its my 1 stop for supplements“

“Reasonable prices, Good food“

“Clean and courteous, excellent soups and sandwiches“

“Great place to hang out and vibe food is AMAZING drinks are BOMB 💣“

“We love the food and dining at Oliveris’s but I have to tell you how wonderful the staff is. We have been having a pretty bad time lately. Our son had a stroke and may never walk again and my husband shattered his right hip. We had my husband’s birthday dinner at Oliveriis with some friends and my husband had a medical issue and Sal and the staff were so kind with helping me get him into the car. I do not think that any other Restaurant would have such amazing and helpful people working for them. Sal you are wonderful. Thank you again.“