Top Restaurants In Oak Park Chicago's Cultural Village

Located just to the west of Chicago, Oak Park, Illinois is a quiet escape from the ‘Windy City’. Home to the largest collection of residential properties designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and the birthplace of Ernest Hemingway, this village of just over 51,000 residents is not to be missed. Here are 10 restaurants to try on your visit.

Aripo’s Venezuelan Arepa House

Aripo’s Venezuelan Arepa House offers Oak Park an authentic taste of Venezuela. The menu here includes 14 varieties of Venezuelan arepas as well as plenty of empanadas and other Venezuelan specialties, like pabellón criollo. The recipes have been passed down within the family for generations, which is why Aripo’s is able truly reflect Venezuelan culture and traditions in its food.

Buzz Café

Buzz Café puts a lot of emphasis on family, community and good food. Located in the Oak Park Arts District, Buzz Café showcases the work of local artists and musicians in addition to serving fair trade coffees and organic, locally sourced food. There are also many vegetarian and vegan options available and a delicious brunch served on Sundays. Whether you are looking to enjoy a quiet coffee or participate in Open Mic night, this Certified Green Business will not disappoint.

Hemmingway’s Bistro

Hemmingway’s Bistro magically combines fresh ingredients from the Midwest with traditional French dishes to create a delightful culinary experience. The chicken served in the restaurant is Amish free-range and the meats are all natural. The chef, Chistopher C. Ala, emphasizes freshness and flies in fresh seafood from Boston daily. There is also a Parisian seafood bar available which serves a variety of lobster, clams, shrimp and oysters.

The Kinderhook Tap

Located just 8 miles from downtown Chicago, The Kinderhook brings a casual, yet sophisticated urban atmosphere to Oak Park. This gastro pub only serves the highest quality product. The meat they serve comes from local grass fed cows and free-range all natural chicken and pork. The fries are cooked in non-trans fat oil and they only source ingredients from local farmers. The Kinderhook Tap is a cozy spot to enjoy a drink or dinner for those interested in good food and eco-conscious eating.

Munch

Munch is the place to go for homemade vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free cuisine in Oak Park. The menu is packed with exciting dishes such as the ‘hippy hemp seed breakfast salad’ and ‘kale Portobello tacos’. Munch is a vegetarian paradise but even meat-lovers will leave satisfied.

New Rebozo Mexican Restaurant

New Rebozo Mexican Restaurant provides guests with delicious Mexican food served in a casual and friendly atmosphere. A healthier alternative to traditional Mexican food, chef Paco doesn’t use pork fat or heavy grease in his dishes. When dining at New Rebozo, ordering a mole is a must. Be sure to ask about the off-menu fiesta mole, which consists of six enchiladas topped with six different moles.

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Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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