Oaken Bar + Bistro

Alex Raducanu

4 years ago

All the items we ordered exceeded our expectations in taste, texture, and presentation. The staff were friendly and accommodating to our request. I will highly recommend Oaken Bar and Bistro to my friends and will definitely visit it again in the future.

Eric

2 years ago

Great place for amazing burgers and many tasty apps. This place is hidden a bit and located inside the Hyatt Place hotel here off route 60. Not typical hotel food at all. Worth the drive!!

Pooja Naik

4 years ago

Not a lot of places that can get me sitting in a car for an hour for food. Oaken Bistro at The Forester Hotel in Lake Forest is a dreamy space. It’s relaxing atmosphere but food and drinks are above par. They even have non alcoholic liquors. Their seafood bouillabase is incredible and chocolate budino to die for!

Sheryl Bond

5 years ago

I enjoyed every bite of my food at Oaken Bistro + Bar. Even though I received a discount card for 16% off, we went for the 50% off promotion for Lake Forest Restaurant Week. Let's start with the cocktail. I ordered a lemon drop martini. Because I had a reservation at the Hyatt hotel, I enjoyed a second one. Do not let the small glass fool you. If you like cauliflower, you will enjoy the Fried Chicken Cauliflower. The breading was seasoned well, and the cauliflower was tender. I was hesitant about ordering the fish of the day, but the Lobster Roll was delicious. The roll was soft, buttered evenly, and the lobster spilled onto the plate. Even the french fries were tasty. Emma was the server, and she answered all of my questions about the menu. I also interacted with the manager, Mr. Terranova. Thank you for explaining the bill. If you are in Lake Forest, you should stop by for a great meal and well-crafted cocktails.

Tana Tanakorn Nuchangsing

year ago

I had Atlantic salmon, truffle fries, Oaken salad and tacos. Food was good! I really enjoyed it. Service was good too. Beautiful vibes and awesome decoration design.

A

8 months ago

Wow what a gem of a restaurant! Classy atmosphere, great service, and delicious food. We did the goat cheese + honey appetizer, and for dinner I selected the Oaken Burger. It was all 10/10. My husband loves Espresso Martinis and said this was “the best” Espresso Martini he’s ever had. We will definitely be back again.

Tom Borucki

4 months ago

Went for Easter brunch and the food was terrific! We were greeted by the host and served promptly. The host stopped by a couple of times to see how things were going and was both pleasant and professional.

Olena

year ago

I had a great experience at this restaurant. The food was delicious and the service was excellent. While the menu offered only a small selection of dishes, everything we tried was really good. Overall, a fantastic spot that I’d happily visit again!

Tamar

4 years ago

Visited Oaken on New Years Eve, and it was a night to remember! They had a special menu, and I had the Surf N Turf - it was so delicious! The manager did an outstanding job making sure everything ran smoothly, he was even making drinks! His staff was friendly and attentive the entire night! They had live music, which was perfect! The pianist was very talented and was taking song requests. Many people were dancing and having a great time! Major kudos to the manager for putting together an amazing NYE party! We even got up and had brunch the following morning and the food was great! Thank you, Oaken, for great service, delicious food, and an unforgettable experience l

Paul Meijer

year ago

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