If you have been to downtown Oak Park recently, you’ve noticed welcome changes to the local landscape. Cranes and construction workers are building a new perspective for local businesses and gaining the attention of entrepreneurs. With two new mixed-use apartment buildings on the horizon, neighboring vacant spaces are turning into real estate gold. The result has been a delicious lineup of breweries, gastropubs and local reinvention. Here are five restaurants changing up the local scene.
Novo
With a name synonymous with “new” and “change,” Novo is the latest culinary development to open in downtown Oak Park. This industrial chic gastropub serves carefully selected wines to pair perfectly with its farm-to-table seasonal menu. Located at 234 Lake Street, Novo is already a local favorite.
Oak Park Brewing Company
Later this month, Oak Park Brewing Company is opening Oak Park’s first brewery at 155 S. Oak Park Ave, boasting a family-friendly atmosphere, karaoke and 14 draft lines.
Q-BBQ
Chicago knows good BBQ. We’ve even dedicated a festival to finding the best there is. Last year, Q-BBQ won Ribfest’s first place honor in the People’s Choice category. This year, you won’t have to leave Oak Park to judge for yourself. 124 N Marion Street will be home to the fifth location of Q-BBQ, slated to open in the next few months.
Nando’s Peri-Peri
Sure, Nando’s Peri-Peri is a pretty popular chicken chain. The locals however, are excited to add a little Portuguese inspired cuisine to the mix. The chicken is “always fresh” and marinated for 24 hours in an African spice that drives a cult-like following. Opening this April at 1138 Lake Street.
Marion Street Market
Marion Street Market is new again. After a little soul searching, the space has been renovated and reinvented. Earlier this month, Marion Street Market opened up its layout, added some rustic appeal and made updates to the kitchen. You can taste the difference for yourself, at 100 S. Marion Street.
Let me know what you think of the newest additions to the local landscape! Follow @ChicagoMomGoesSuburban on Facebook and Instagram.
