Discover | Oak Brook
By Lisa Arnett
December 2017 View more Discover
Though the village of Oak Brook doesn’t have a central downtown to speak of, there’s no lack of options when it comes to entertainment. You’ll find much of the action in and around Oakbrook Center, an outdoor mall with heavyweight anchors (Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Crate & Barrel) that has seen a spate of new openings—including a seriously hip food court called The District—in the last year. Dotted along 22nd Street in either direction from the mall you’ll find hotels, restaurants and more upscale shopping in centers such as Oak Brook Promenade.
DINE & DRINK
The District at Oakbrook Center
Fare Greek, barbecue, Mexican, pizza, sandwiches or salads, depending on which counter you choose at this fancy food hall.
Good for Shopping sustenance
Must-try Old-fashioned doughnuts of any flavor at Stan’s Donuts and Coffee, custom thin-crust pizza at Pie Five, chicken kabob wrap at Greek Kitchen
Level 2 between Sears and Nordstrom, 100 Oakbrook Center | oakbrookcenter.com
DMK Burger Bar
Fare Modern soda-shop grub: Think griddled grass-fed burgers, fries and milkshakes, plus a killer craft beer list.
Good for Happy hour hangout, casual date night
Must try Parmesan fries with truffle cream for dipping, chili-spiced onion strings, whichever shake is on special
2370 Fountain Square Drive, 630.705.9020
dmkburgerbar.com
Redstone American Grill
Fare Something-for-everyone American eats, from burgers to flatbreads to steaks
Good for Post-work meet-ups, patio parties
Must try Grilled meatloaf, Swiss-topped short rib burger, chocolate-chip cookie sundae
13 Lincoln Center, 630.268.0313
redstonegrill.com
Real Urban Barbecue
Fare Competition-level barbecue, plus thoughtful vegetarian options
Good for A saucy lunch or carryout dinner
Must try Cheddar-corn hush puppies, baby back ribs, pulled pork-topped mac ‘n’ cheese
2119 Clearwater Drive, 630.908.4380
realurbanbbq.com
Dao Sushi & Thai
Fare Solidly sliced sashimi and maki, plus comforting Thai noodle bowls
Good for Lunch and dinner deals (half off select maki on Wednesdays)
Must try Pork gyoza, toro wraps, lobster roll
17W512 22nd Street, 630.279.2888
daosushiandthai.com
El Tapeo
Fare Nouveau Spanish tapas on the top floor of the Le Meridien hotel
Good for A quiet solo breakfast, stylish date night or cocktail hour
Must try Octopus with fennel and oranges, Catalan seafood paella, house sangria
2100 Spring Road, 630.828.2044
eltapeorestaurant.com
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
Fare Impeccable steaks, chops and seafood in a sleek, white-tablecloth setting
Good for A client meeting or special occasion supper
Must try Crab-topped fried asparagus, tomahawk rib-eye, pork chop carved tableside
Five Oakbrook Center, 630.571.1808
perryssteakhouse.com
La Barra Ristorante
Fare Hearty, comforting Italian in the form of shareable small plates, pasta and pizza in three different styles
Good for Group dinners, (alfresco dining and wine-ing on the waterfront
Must try Mushroom arancini; ricotta gnocchi and salsiccia pizza with smoked mozzarella, sausage, kale, garlic cream, caramelized onions and Calabrian chili
3011 Butterfield Road, 630.861.6177
labarraristorante.com
EXPLORE
Central Park
Enjoy a sledding hill, ice skating rink and wintry walking paths; return come spring for disc golf and sand volleyball.
1510 Forest Gate Road, 630.990.4233
Mayslake Peabody Estate
Take a tour ($8) of this 1921 Tudor-style mansion originally owned by coal magnate Frances Stuyvesant Peabody.
1717 31st Street, 630.206.9566
mayslakepeabody.com
Oak Brook Golf Club
This 18-hole course and driving range offers memberships and is open to the public.
2606 York Road, 630.368.6400
oak-brook.org/234/Golf-Club
Pinstripes
Reserve a bocce court or bowling lane and get your game on at this sprawling and sophisticated indoor/outdoor hangout.
7 Oakbrook Center, 630.575.8700
pinstripes.com
Drury Lane Theatre
Broadway-style musical theater reigns on this stage. Now playing: 42nd Street through January 7, then Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat from January 18 to March 25. Plan ahead to savor a pre-show dinner or champagne brunch at Lucille, the theater’s elegant on-site restaurant.
100 Drury Lane, 630.530.8300
drurylanetheatre.com
SHOP
FOR HIM
Hammer Made
Shop collared shirts made in limited-run fabrics at this men’s boutique.
401 Oakbrook Center, 630.684.0465
hammermade.com
FOR HER
Lilly Pulitzer
Prep for a winter getaway with bright and beachy clothing and accessories in this label’s signature prints.
421 Oakbrook Center, 630.684.0235
FOR KIDS
Vineyard Vines
Browse preppy basics—plaid, polos and whimsical prints—for pint-sized ladies and gents.
222 Oakbrook Center, 630.571.2278
vineyardvines.com
FOR HOME
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
Soak up modern home inspo at this furniture and decor showroom.
15 Oakbrook Center, 630.288.7020
mgbwhome.com
Also visit Arhaus Furniture and Thomasville Furniture located down the street in the Oak Brook Promenade (oakbrookpromenade.com).
FOR FITNESS
Peloton
This company’s high-tech exercise bikes aim to deliver a spin studio class experience at home.
69 Oakbrook Center, 646.290.6395
onepeloton.com
Also visit Fabletics in the Nordstrom wing (423 Oakbrook Center, 630.686.9166) to browse Kate Hudson’s line of athletic wear.
FOR DRIVERS
Tesla
See the sexiest electric car on the market up close at this storefront-sized showroom.
58 Oakbrook Center, 630.928.1820
tesla.com
FOR EVERYONE
Oliver Peoples
Check out seriously chic shades and specs at this hip boutique. Collections include Alain Mikli, Berluti and Maison Kitsuné.
140 Oakbrook Center, 630.572.1605
oliverpeoples.com
GIFTS GALORE
While at Oakbrook Center, hit up the Holiday Market to shop artisan gifts (think ornaments, jewelry and goodies for your pet) and indulge in wintry treats (hot chocolate, crepes and roasted nuts, plus vino in the wine tent). The market is open noon to 9:00 p.m. Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturdays and 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sundays, Thanksgiving through Christmas. New this year is an ice skating rink (10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, through February 28; $9/adult, $7/child) where you can BYO skates or rent a pair for $5. Both are located on the Village Green near Macy’s and Crate & Barrel.
100 Oakbrook Center, 630.573.0700 | oakbrookcenter.com