Oaken Bar + Bistro - Lake Forest, Illinois

Paul Meijer

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.

Mike Ginter

Wow. It was just bad!

Had the goat cheese appetizer ($19) cheese was not great, honey comb as described was a drizzle of cheap processed honey and the bread, my gosh, was no more then the white toast served at a dinner breakfast - could very well have been Wonder Bread. $19 is ridiculous for what was served, described nicely but not what was served.

Short rib bolognese was only fair. Temperate was cool but flavor was good. The high note, pasta was cooked well.

Service was bad, not attentive at all. Staff is to busy socializing with each other. We would have had a second drink and possibly dessert but we were done after waiting 20 minutes after completing our meal with out a check in. So we had to ask for the check and left saying “never again”.

Volha Weber

We went to oaken a couple weeks ago for late brunch. The place looks absolutely beautiful, we really admired the design of the space. The food was really good, we got chilaquiles (was sooooo good!) and smoked turkey Rueben sandwich (was a really good Rueben). Overall the food and atmosphere was great and is defiantly worth the visit.

The service, however, has some room for improvement. While our server was very friendly and nice, the service in general was a little on a slower end. The restaurant had may be 3 tables at the time when we were there, so it wasn’t busy by any stretch of imagination. So there was no real reason for dragging out on taking our order or dropping the bill down. Overall, not the end of the world, but something to keep in mind. I could see how service could spiral out of control had there been more tables at the restaurant. We did enjoy our experience overall and will most definitely be back in a few months.

Eric

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!!

marnankev2

This is a hidden gem, inside the The Forester Hotel. 5 of 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.

Tamar

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

Wayne Pombert II

The Oaken Bar + Bistro is a lovely establishment attached to The Hyatt Hotel in Lake Forest, IL. Its elegant interior is well designed, providing an upscale atmosphere. The staff is friendly and attentive, giving wonderful customer service. The food is quite delicious and unique, presented with a tasty display. It arrives at the table with reasonable proportions. As our first time visiting the Oaken, we ordered Shakshuka, which we’ve never had before, along with the Open-faced waffle-battered chicken sandwich. Both dishes were scrumptious and worth the first time experience.

Classydiva JMS

Food was spectacular! Very nice crew and ambience.