New American Restaurants near Great Lakes, IL

“I was in the NAVY at this time and family came to visit during A-School
An experience I would never ever forget. Just very nice and a great atmosphere. My family was very very happy to visit and be there. My Dad, Mom and oldest brother. Very happy and meaningful memories. It was in 2012, but I remember it like it was yesterday!.) I wish I could find those photos. Bit I will keep looking for them.“

“My first visit to Inovasi and it did not disappoint! Our server Lucia was fantastic- knowledgeable friendly and she helped me find just the right cocktail! We started with their delicious bread, and then had the crispy pork belly for appetizer. For entree we had a filet with shaved truffles and a blackened cod with lime and whipped edamame. Both were superb as was the dessert of flourless chocolate cake with raspberry purée and shipped goats cheese, and a pumpkin cheesecake. All was delicious, and the ambiance and decor was warm and inviting. We will be back!“

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

“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!“

“My Aunt Marcia Hoffman turned 90 and is a rehab center where she is confined to her room . We wanted to do something special so we call Scotty’s and the made a meal to order for pick up. It worked out great and she loved it . Thank you Scott and the entire staff for making her 90th as special as it could be under the circumstances !“

“First time visit to this restaurant and it was very nice. Plenty of room inside but looks smaller from the outside. The service was incredible particularly the coffee replenishment. The wait staff is attentive and the meal was prepared to order and delivered hot to the table. If I were to make a suggestion, I would cook the potatoes just a bit longer.“

“Huge shout out to Jeff aka Mr. Wauk-In for the jerk chicken DELIVERY! It was great and so was the professionalism....you've got a new regular customer!“

“Great blue gill,casual good food“

“Great food, family owned love to go there for breakfast and support local business“

“First time eating at Greenwood. The food was very good. We ordered calamari, which tasted unique in a good way, with the chopped marinated veggies. The beef filet was melt in your mouth tender. The only complaint is it was too salty. Brussels sprouts were also delicious.

The old fashion and manhattan were well made. It was a nice touch that the waiter asked us what bourbon or whiskey we wanted them made with.

We reserved in the dining room and the hostess could not find our reservation. We offered to show it to her, and she said no need , then put us at the very corner of the patio which was noisy, with uncomfortable chairs. For the first 15 min there was no one on the patio of in the restaurant. We couldn’t hear each other over the street traffic.

It was nice to be able to valet.“

“What a great place to have in the neighborhood! Great service, great food, and welcoming atmosphere. We had an awesome event with more people than were expected and they accommodated us without complaint. Don’t sleep on this place!“

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

“Went there tonight and though it was booked the manager Loretta made accommodations for us. The food was great and the atmosphere was as well. Very nice staff and though Sunday is a busy day we were not neglected. We had a tornado warning in the area and they took the time to explain to us what the next steps were in the event of another warning or a possible touchdown. Captain Porky’s has always been a staple of mine and now the shanty will be on my short list as well. Thank you guys !see you again soon.“

“We recently dined at The English Room at the Deer Path Inn and had a lovely experience. We started with the Wedge Salad and it was decent, though not particularly memorable. It was missing some of the ingredients that were listed on the menu. I had the Mushroom Risotto, which was absolutely fantastic! It was rich, creamy, and full of flavor. My husband opted for the Airline Chicken, and he thoroughly enjoyed it, praising its tenderness and seasoning. For dessert, we indulged in the Big Arse Chocolate Cake, which was as decadent and delicious as its name suggests! We sat outside so the photos are a little dark. The service was top notch! The atmosphere is why we will be coming back, it is something you have to experience in person. We then explored the lobby and became very interested in the history!
Overall, it was a delightful evening with some standout dishes, and we look forward to visiting again.“

“We picked Maevery last minute for our son's navy graduation dinner and it didn't dissapoint. They accommodated a last minute reservation and put us in a corner great table for easy catching up. Service was great (which we didn't experience in multiple fine dining restaurants downtown) and food was yummy and a good selection. .. they had awesome recommendations and treated us wonderfully! Didn't rush us and from 5-6pm we nearly had the place to ourselves before the dinner rush! Highly recommended by this out of town visiting family! Thank You (from Southern CA) We will be back if we are in Chicago again!“

“Chef Jonathon Silver cooks a phenomenal meal to perfection! Everything was incredible from the tempura fried cauliflower, the wood grilled pear & vegetable salad, seafood bisque and to the perfectly grilled steaks. What an incredible meal.“

“Quality of the burger I had was good. My companion was less pleased about his seafood meal. He also indicated his tap beer flavor was off/flat, which the server indicated may be from their gas line. Service was a bit spotty/slow. Not crowded for lunch.“

“The beer and atmosphere are fabulous“

“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.“

“This is a great local spot with amazing food selection and quality. Great selection of drinks and food with amazing service too. Large facilities for private or public dining. We always have a great time here and find some fantastic food. Happy hour specials are great and the daily specials are too. Burgers, salads, tacos, nachos or wings are a great way to enjoy some of their fare. Can't wait to come back.“

“Love their gizzards and gyros.“

“Go Joe's been there for decades and the food has been great for decades. Definitely might go to place for breakfast.“