
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 Barbacoa Rotini, Cubano with Roasted 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!
Address and Contact Information
Address: 200 N Field Dr, Lake Forest, IL 60045
Phone: (847) 582-6410
Website: https://www.oakenbistro.com/
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Reviews
We were there on a Thursday and there was one person working the bar and waiting tables, so things were a bit slow.
Food was good but the dessert special, while delicious, was a bit scanty – a quarter of the bowl was the dessert (maybe less) and 3/4 was whipped cream.
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.
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.
Service was good too. Beautiful vibes and awesome decoration design.