New American Restaurants near Lake Bluff, IL

“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!“

“Their chicken tortilla soup is amazing and the bartender was very nice. 🙂“

“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!“

“The beer and atmosphere are fabulous“

“We had a wonderful dinner at Prairie Grass Cafe. The spring rolls were loaded with delicious perfectly cooked shrimp and the accompanying sauce (sweet chili with garlic and cilantro) plays nicely with them. The flounder with roasted carrots and parsnip-potato purée was as delicious as it looks. It was generously portioned and beautifully plated. We also enjoyed the mussels with parsley, shallots, and breadcrumbs pasta. My husband is Sicilian and it reminded us of the pasta con le sarde that we love to have in Sicily. The mussels were plump and delicious. The wine list is very nice. We found wines we really enjoyed and they were reasonably priced. We enjoyed the Attems, Pinot Grigio, Friuli, Italy ‘22 with our mussels and flounder, and the Fritz Haag, Riesling, Germany ‘21 with our pumpkin pie for dessert. Service was perfect.“

“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!“

“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.“

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

“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 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.“

“Had a great dinner here before our concert at Ravinia. Our server, Tobyn, was friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient. We had the Roasted Beets with goat cheese fritters, the Rigatoni, and the Eggplant Flatbread. It was all delicious!! And what a fun winelist.“

“Best service and terrific food and atmosphere! Even the other patrons were fun and friendly!“

“Fire rib tips, fire chicken, fire ribs🔥“

“I’m here now. OMG!!))) This is the best Very Berry Crepes I have ever tasted!!! This is delicious 😋
Coffee is great! Atmosphere is absolutely relaxing! Service is excellent! Thank you so much🙏🏻
Actually this place is 30 minutes from my house, but I will come here again and recommend it to all my friends😊“

“Hi, I’m trying to contact you since one week on FB Messenger and IG. Could you please check my message ? It’s related to franchises. Best. Simon C.“

“The staff is very friendly. The food was good. The atmosphere was wonderful. I recommend you guys to get the hamburger there they have different ones.“

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

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

“a lot of stuff to choosenot that crowded“

“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.“

“First time at Firkins and we will definitely be back. I hardly drink beer with my meal but Duvel on tap was hard to pass up. My wife and I were in agreement that our burger was one of the best in recent memory. Friendly service and fun ambience.the other couple we were with were equally happy.“

“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.“

“Great place for private event“

“We had a 30th high school reunion meet up at the Caldwell Grille last night. Mayra and Bridget were awesome with our group the whole evening. They were very accommodating for our group that kept expanding, friendly, and professional. The food and drinks were also great.“

“I ended up coming here by accident due to some scheduling miscommunication. Ended up ordering a couple drinks and some apps, which were good. But when I had a situation come up that I had to leave The restaurant before my food came out, they were very accommodating with me throughout and the food and drinks were good.“

“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.“

“I was pleasantly suprised. The Fillet was fantastic . Served medium rare the way I like it. I could almoat cut it with a fork. The baked potatoe was asume as well. My server Holly was exceptional! She was pleasant, funny, and very helpful! Thank you Holly.“

“Очень приятная атмосфера для семейного мероприятия. Изысканное оформление стола, отличный сервис, и очень свежая и вкусная еда. А так же прекрасный диджей и внимательные организаторы, - профессионалы своего дела. Мы остались в восторге. Отныне, это наше любимое место для семейных торжеств и встреч с друзьями.“

“The star of the show was the brick chicken. The only thing shinning brighter was my gal! Shhh, don't tell the bird. It was cooked and seasoned to perfection last night. Impressive, as the kitchen was on overdrive, due to the Easter/Passover holiday. Every tender bite was surrounded by a perfect crispy skin. Even, the littlest of appetites will want more! Again, similar to a Peking duck in ( Chicago )China town! The portion is enough to split. It's was accompanied by delicately seasoned spinach. Thank you for a wonderful meal! Bravo to the chef last night!“

“Thank you so very much for the amazing experience“

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