Oaken Bistro + Bar

4.5

241 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 16, 2025

10:00 PM

Booked 3 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Good for business meals
Charming
Good for groups

Oaken is a modern, upscale American Bistro + Bar with a global influence. Enjoy all-day dining in Lake Forest with elevated burgers & salads as well as dishes with more unique, worldly flavor trends like our popular Oaken Burger, Cubano with Crispy Pork Belly, or Braised Short Rib. When it’s time for Happy Hour, the sleek lounge features a craft cocktail menu with signature herbal-infused offerings as well as an eclectic wine list and local beers. Enjoy all day drinks and dining in the contemporary dining room, the inviting 25-seat outdoor patio, or order take-out or delivery. Branch out from your ordinary routine and unearth Oaken!

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American
Hours of operation
Breakfast Mon–Fri 6:30 am–11:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 6:30 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 3:00 pm–6:00 pm
Phone number
(847) 582-6410
Website
https://www.oakenbistro.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Christian Alejandro
Catering
Oaken Bistro + Bar is happy to cater your next event!
Private party facilities
Gather and entertain at Oaken Bistro + Bar, the only modern, upscale all day dining in Lake Forest, IL Enjoy a flexible American menu with a global influence. Complement your meal with a signature herbal-infused cocktail menu or a bottle from an extensive wine list. Reserve the outdoor patio, a private event room, or buy out the entire restaurant!

Location
200 N Field Dr, Lake Forest, IL 60045-2513
Neighborhood
Lake Forest
Cross street
Townline Rd and Field Dr
Parking details
Complimentary parking in the hotel's adjacent parking lot.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Mother's Day Brunch
May 11, 2025 only
Celebrate the special woman in your life with a fantastic meal at Oaken Bistro! Enjoy our delicious brunch menu, plus a few special additions to make the day even more memorable. Our hotel team also decorates the lobby, creating the perfect backdrop for a lovely photo with mom. Important Details: - This is not a buffet. - A credit card is required to secure your reservation. - A $50 fee applies for same-day cancellations or no-shows.

Lake Forest Breakfast GF$19.00
Two eggs any style, ham, Nueske bacon or sausage, country potatoes, toast
Build Your Own Omelet VE, GF$19.00
Choose 3 Ingredients. Ham, bacon, chorizo, cheddar, provolone, goat cheese, onions, peppers, tomatoes, spinach, wild mushrooms Served with country potatoes, toast or muffin
Shakshuka GFA$16.00
Poached egg, spicy tomato sauce, serrano pepper, cilantro leaf, naan

Benedicts

Traditional Egg Benedict$19.00
English muffin, Canadian bacon, poached eggs, hollandaise, chives, country potatoes
Salmon Bendict$21.00
English muffin, cured salmon, poached eggs, hollandaise, chives,country potatoes
Florentine Benedict$18.00
English muffin, spinach, poached egg, hollandaise, chives, country potatoes

Timber (Mains)

Avocado Toast VE$18.00
Country bread, black garlic agrodolce, almonds, sunny side eggs, country potatoes
Mexican Skillet GF$17.00
2 eggs any style, crispy potato, chorizo, fire roasted tomato sauce, poblano pepper, vidalia onion
Chilaquiles VE, GF$17.00
Corn tortilla, poached eggs, avocado, spicy salsa verde, chipotle sour cream, cotija cheese, cilantro
Cornmeal Pancakes VE$16.00
3 fluffy pancakes, strawberry compote, maple syrup
Stuffed French Toast VE$16.00
Challah bread dipped in vanilla and cinnamon batter, lemon curd, macerated raspberry, maple syrup
Ham + Cheese Croissant$18.00
Double smoked black forest ham, gruyere, fresh baked croissant, grain mustard, country potatoes
Lox + Bagel$22.00
House cured salmon, capers, minced shallot, cream cheese, bagel
Steak + Eggs$29.00
10oz NY Strip, 2 eggs any style, country potatoes, chimichurri
Breakfast Burrito$18.00
Scrambled egg, guacamole, chorizo, queso fesco, salsa criolla, harissa, country potatoes
Croque Madame$17.00
Black forest ham, gruyere, country bread, mornay, roasted garlic aioli, fried egg, country potatoes

Seedlings (Sides)

Toast VE, VG, GF$4.00
Wheat, white, rye, biscuit, English muffin, bagel, or GF bread Served with house-made jam and whipped butter
Farm Egg Any Style VE, GF$4.00
Sausage Link, Thick Cut, Bacon, or Turkey Sausage Patty GF$9.00
Country Potatoes VE, GF$5.00
Fruit VE, GF$7.00

Cold Beverages

Soda$4.00
Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Sierra Mist, Ginger Ale, Lemonade, Soda Water
Juice$4.00
Orange, Apple, Cranberry, Pineapple, Grapefruit, Watermelon
Black Iced Tea$4.00
Bottle Sparkling 28oz$14.00

Coffee + Brews

Enjoy Hot or Iced

Drip Coffee$4.00
Big Shoulders Colombia
Latte$6.00
Espresso, steamed milk
Cappuccino$6.00
Espresso, steamed milk, foam
Mocha Latte$7.00
Espresso, steamed milk, chocolate syrup
Americano$6.00
Espresso, Hot water
Caramel Macchiato$7.00
Espresso, steamed milk, vanilla, caramel
Cold Brew$6.00
Big Shoulder's Bold Slugger
Chai Tea Latte$6.00
Chai tea, steamed milk

Coffee Syrups

Hazlenut$1.00
Vanilla$1.00
Sugar Free Vanilla$1.00
Chocolate$1.00
Peppermint$1.00

Coffee Additions

Extra Shot of Espresso$4.00
Almond Milk Substitute$1.00
Soy Milk Substitute$1.00
Oat Milk Substitute$1.00

Hot Tea

Earl Grey$6.00
Organic Black Tea, Contains Caffeine
Green Mango Peach$6.00
Organic Green Tea, Contains Caffeine
White Ginger Pear$6.00
Organic White Tea, Contains Caffeine
Chamomile Citron$6.00
Organic Herbal Tea, Naturally Caffeine Free
Ginger Lemon Grass$6.00
Organic Herbal Tea, Naturally Caffeine Free
Raspberry Nectar$6.00
Organic Herbal Tea, Naturally Caffeine Free

What 241 people are saying

Oaken Bistro + Bar reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.3Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

North Suburbs
Great for brunch

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Oaken Bistro + Bar, nestled within the Forester Hotel, consistently delivers quality dining with "great food, beautiful atmosphere, and wonderful service." Guests appreciate its modern and clean setting, creative cocktails, and accommodating staff. While some find service slow during busy times, the delicious dishes and warm ambience make it a "hidden gem."

241 Reviews

KF
KelliF VIP
Chicago4 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 9, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Outstanding food and service! We will definitely be back!
Is this helpful?
B
Bruce VIP
Chicago32 reviews
4.0
Dined on February 16, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Service was very good and so was the food. I was very pleased with my experience.
Oaken Bistro + BarResponded on February 27, 2025
Thanks Bruce! We aim to please. We also appreciate you taking time to give us a review. We hope to see again. Gabriel Boden General Manager
Is this helpful?
T
Taylor
Chicago1 review
5.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Lovely Valentine’s Day dinner. Food and service were excellent, great staff. Clean, lively atmosphere.
Oaken Bistro + BarResponded on February 27, 2025
Thank you Taylor. We appreciate your review. We're happy to help make your day special. Gabriel Boden General Manager
Is this helpful?
T
Taylor
Minneapolis1 review
5.0
Dined on February 14, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Amazing food. Had the chicken with risotto and it was amazing. It was a quiet nice atmosphere will come and go.
Oaken Bistro + BarResponded on February 27, 2025
Thank you Taylor. We appreciate you taking your time to share your kind words. The Roasted Chicken Breast is almost always my first recommendation. I'm glad you liked it. Gabriel Boden General Manager
Is this helpful?
M
Mark
Chicago58 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 9, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great service all around from all the staff. Great value.
Oaken Bistro + BarResponded on February 27, 2025
Thank you Mark. We appreciate you taking time to give us a review. We hope to see you again soon. Gabriel Boden General Manager
Is this helpful?
A
Alex
New Orleans23 reviews
3.0
Dined on January 31, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
Very corporate and sterile environment. This restaurant is located inside the hotel, and isn’t really set up for anything other than business meetings. So if you’re looking for a decent but overpriced meal, this is totally your place to go. There were three waitstaff and only two tables occupied, and they still managed not to be prompt or efficient. However, if you are looking to be undisturbed for a business meeting, and nibble on food in between topics, this may be the perfect place for you. Totally would not recommend as a date night eatery !
Oaken Bistro + BarResponded on February 27, 2025
Alex, Thank you for taking time to give us a review. We appreciate all feedback, and are glad you stopped by. Gabriel Boden General Manager
Is this helpful?
S
Stacey VIP
Chicago7 reviews
4.0
Dined on January 19, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
The shrimp appetizer was the best! Sweet and spicy and hitting all the right notes.
Oaken Bistro + BarResponded on January 29, 2025
Stacey, Thank you for taking time to give us a review. We always like to hear about what you enjoyed. Gabriel Boden General Manager
Is this helpful?
R
Ronald VIP
Chicago44 reviews
5.0
Dined on January 4, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a wonderful brunch and really enjoyed the variety and quality of the food
Oaken Bistro + BarResponded on January 7, 2025
Ronald, Thank you for taking time to give us your review. We love to hear that we've made a guest happy. Best of luck in the new year. We hope to see you again soon. Gabriel Boden General Manager
Is this helpful?
M
Marna
Chicago7 reviews
5.0
Dined on January 4, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is a hidden gem, inside the The Forester Hotel. 5 off us, drinks, appetizers, dinner, dessert, espresso. From Goat Cheese and Honey to Crispy Gochujang Shrimp, to Roasted chicken breast over charred scallion risotto, Classic Cobb Salad and Fish & Chips…EVERYTHING was delicious. There wasn’t one thing we would change, including the service! SO happy to have this in the neighborhood and look forward to our next visit.
Oaken Bistro + BarResponded on January 7, 2025
Marna, We really appreciate the time you took to give us this detailed review. While we are located in the lovely Forester Hotel, we are focused on being a restaurant for our community here in the Lake Forest area. Reviews like this really bring us joy. Cheers for the new year! Gabriel Boden General Manager
1 person found this helpful
O
Oliver
Chicago6 reviews
5.0
Dined on January 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
New Year’s Day and it was great service and great food
Oaken Bistro + BarResponded on January 7, 2025
Oliver, Thank you for taking time to write a review. We're glad we were able to help start of your 2025 right. Happy new year! Gabriel Boden General Manager
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Oaken Bistro + Bar offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (847) 582-6410.

Oaken Bistro + Bar is rated 4.5 stars by 241 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 16, 2025

10:00 PM

Booked 3 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

200 N Field Dr, Lake Forest, IL 60045-2513

Additional information

Cross street
Townline Rd and Field Dr
Neighborhood
Lake Forest
Hours of operation
Breakfast Mon–Fri 6:30 am–11:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 6:30 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 3:00 pm–6:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Complimentary parking in the hotel's adjacent parking lot.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Christian Alejandro
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.oakenbistro.com/
Phone number
(847) 582-6410
Catering
Oaken Bistro + Bar is happy to cater your next event!
Private party facilities
Gather and entertain at Oaken Bistro + Bar, the only modern, upscale all day dining in Lake Forest, IL Enjoy a flexible American menu with a global influence. Complement your meal with a signature herbal-infused cocktail menu or a bottle from an extensive wine list. Reserve the outdoor patio, a private event room, or buy out the entire restaurant!

Oaken Bistro + Bar

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Mother's Day Brunch

Saplings (Lighter Fare)

European Breakfast Bowl VE, GF$16.00

Forest Continental Breakfast GFA$14.00

Oat Bowl GF$15.00

Eggs

Lake Forest Breakfast GF$19.00

Build Your Own Omelet VE, GF$19.00

Shakshuka GFA$16.00

Benedicts

Traditional Egg Benedict$19.00

Salmon Bendict$21.00

Florentine Benedict$18.00

Timber (Mains)

Avocado Toast VE$18.00

Mexican Skillet GF$17.00

Chilaquiles VE, GF$17.00

Cornmeal Pancakes VE$16.00

Stuffed French Toast VE$16.00

Ham + Cheese Croissant$18.00

Lox + Bagel$22.00

Steak + Eggs$29.00

Breakfast Burrito$18.00

Croque Madame$17.00

Seedlings (Sides)

Toast VE, VG, GF$4.00

Farm Egg Any Style VE, GF$4.00

Sausage Link, Thick Cut, Bacon, or Turkey Sausage Patty GF$9.00

Country Potatoes VE, GF$5.00

Fruit VE, GF$7.00

Cold Beverages

Soda$4.00

Juice$4.00

Black Iced Tea$4.00

Bottle Sparkling 28oz$14.00

Coffee + Brews

Drip Coffee$4.00

Latte$6.00

Cappuccino$6.00

Mocha Latte$7.00

Americano$6.00

Caramel Macchiato$7.00

Cold Brew$6.00

Chai Tea Latte$6.00

Coffee Syrups

Hazlenut$1.00

Vanilla$1.00

Sugar Free Vanilla$1.00

Chocolate$1.00

Peppermint$1.00

Coffee Additions

Extra Shot of Espresso$4.00

Almond Milk Substitute$1.00

Soy Milk Substitute$1.00

Oat Milk Substitute$1.00

Hot Tea

Earl Grey$6.00

Green Mango Peach$6.00

White Ginger Pear$6.00

Chamomile Citron$6.00

Ginger Lemon Grass$6.00

Raspberry Nectar$6.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Oaken Bistro + Bar offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Oaken Bistro + Bar restaurant rated?

Is Oaken Bistro + Bar currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information