Made from scratch, family recipe Italian cuisine, in Highwood since 1932, and at its current location since 1982. Serving a selection of Fresh Seafood delivered daily including Salmon, Whitefish, Mussels, Calamari..... All the classics are here, homemade pastas, hand carved and pounded out Chicken and Veal Parmigiana, Limone, Piccata, Calabrese, and of course Lasagnas, Meatballs, Chicken Vesuvio, and many more, and of course homemade desserts. Also, we offer some of the best thin, crisp crust pizza, which was the first pizza served on the North Shore at Scornavacco's since 1944.
Not available on OpenTable
Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network. To check availability, please contact them directly.
Our entire restaurant and bar are available for private lunch or afternoon gatherings as we open at 5 PM for regular business. For off-site catering, we can provide food only. Call Ben, the owner, at 847-612-5230 to discuss party and catering options.
Enough food for 4-6 people. Choose from Baked Eggplant, Lasagna Bolognese, Chicken Limone, or our famous Chicken Parmigiana. Comes with Spaghetti and your choice of Sauce, Veggies and House Salad.
Lasagna BologneseUS$70.00
Chicken ParmUS$75.00
Chicken LimoneUS$75.00
Appetizers
Sausage and PeppersUS$18.00
Pieces of sausage sautéed with red, green, and yellow peppers, onions, garlic and rosemary.
Tortellini Alfredo AppetizerUS$17.00
An appetizer portion of our Scornavacco Alfredo sauce and fresh mushrooms served over Asiago and veal filled pasta.
Italian SausageUS$17.00
Seasoned and grilled sausage patty served with dollops of goat cheese and flavorful Tuscan white beans.
Shrimp de Jonghe AppetizerUS$18.00
Baked in a garlic sauce, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, barbeque sauce, butter, and parsley.
Fried CalamariUS$17.00
Freshly sliced calamari breaded with housemade Italian bread crumbs and served with marinara and lemon wedges.
Grilled CalamariUS$17.00
Freshly sliced calamari served with garlic, olive oil, lemon, basil, salt, and pepper.
Steamed MusselsUS$18.00
Sourced from Prince Edward Island, Canada. Steamed in our famous wine, tomato, herb, and garlic broth.
Lobster FrittersUS$22.00
Lightly dusted in flour and fried. Served with secret sauce. Shhh.
BruschettaUS$16.00
Tomatoes, basil, and balsamic, piled high on garlic and evoo glazed toast.
Soups & Salads
MinestroneUS$7.00
Soup of the DayUS$7.00
House SaladUS$7.00
Half CaesarUS$6.00
Caesar SaladUS$11.00
Cold crisp Romaine lettuce with our house-made crunchy croutons and zesty family recipe Caesar dressing.
Insalate Caprese SaladUS$13.00
Slices of fresh mozzarella, tomato, avocado, and fresh basil with a drizzle of pesto sauce.
Roasted Red Beet SaladUS$16.00
Roasted red beets with fresh crisp pear slices, house-made glazed walnuts, balsamic vinaigrette and your choice of blue or goat cheese over spring mixed greens.
Blue CheeseUS$0.00
Goat CheeseUS$0.00
Mozzarella CheeseUS$0.00
No CheeseUS$0.00
Garden Chopped SaladUS$18.00
Classic chopped salad with Romaine and iceberg lettuce, tomato, scallions, cucumber, roasted red peppers, hearts of palm, blue cheese crumbles, and Italian house vinaigrette dressing.
Pizza
SmallUS$16.00
Crust options: original scornavacco recipe, whole wheat, or gluten-free (available on medium pizzas). Sauce options: original recipe tomato sauce or smokey BBQ sauce.
MediumUS$18.00
Crust options: original scornavacco recipe, whole wheat, or gluten-free (available on medium pizzas). Sauce options: original recipe tomato sauce or smokey BBQ sauce.
LargeUS$20.00
Crust options: original scornavacco recipe, whole wheat, or gluten-free (available on medium pizzas). Sauce options: original recipe tomato sauce or smokey BBQ sauce.
Pasta
Spaghetti ChitarraUS$27.00
Our Guest Chef Mark's, Special Summer Creation!!!
Cherry tomatoes with Calabrian chilies and wine reduction, garnished with fresh basil, burrata, and Aleppo seasoning.
**Gluten Free**US$0.00
**Whole Wheat**US$0.00
PenneUS$0.00
RigatoniUS$0.00
Angel HairUS$0.00
FettuccineUS$0.00
RotiniUS$0.00
BowtieUS$0.00
LinguiniUS$0.00
SpaghettiUS$0.00
FusilliUS$0.00
Half PastaUS$13.00
Choice of marinara, tomato cream, or bolognese.
**Gluten Free**US$0.00
**Whole Wheat**US$0.00
PenneUS$0.00
RigatoniUS$0.00
Angel HairUS$0.00
FettuccineUS$0.00
RotiniUS$0.00
BowtieUS$0.00
LinguiniUS$0.00
SpaghettiUS$0.00
FusilliUS$0.00
Half Spinach & Cheese RavioliUS$17.00
Housemade tortellacci. Served with marinara or tomato cream sauce.
Half Tortellini AlfredoUS$16.00
A half order of our Scornavacco Alfredo sauce and fresh mushrooms served over Asiago and veal filled pasta.
Full PastaUS$16.00
Choice of marinara, tomato cream, or bolognese.
No StarterUS$0.00
**Gluten Free**US$0.00
**Whole Wheat**US$0.00
PenneUS$0.00
RigatoniUS$0.00
Angel HairUS$0.00
FettuccineUS$0.00
RotiniUS$0.00
BowtieUS$0.00
LinguiniUS$0.00
SpaghettiUS$0.00
FusilliUS$0.00
Penne PiselliUS$24.00
Fresh chopped garlic, basil and scallions, tomato strips, green peas, and EVOO.
No StarterUS$0.00
Whole Wheat PastaUS$0.00
Gluten-Free PastaUS$0.00
**Gluten Free**US$0.00
**Whole Wheat**US$0.00
PenneUS$0.00
RigatoniUS$0.00
Angel HairUS$0.00
FettuccineUS$0.00
RotiniUS$0.00
BowtieUS$0.00
LinguiniUS$0.00
SpaghettiUS$0.00
FusilliUS$0.00
Full Spinach & Cheese RavioliUS$24.00
Housemade tortellacci. Served with marinara or tomato cream sauce.
No StarterUS$0.00
Baked RavioliUS$24.00
Spinach and cheese tortellacci, tomato cream sauce, and topped with mild cheddar cheese.
No StarterUS$0.00
Fusilli PortabelloUS$24.00
Fresh portobello slices, garlic, sage, spinach, tomato strips, Tuscan white beans, and EVOO.
No StarterUS$0.00
Whole Wheat PastaUS$0.00
Gluten-Free PastaUS$0.00
**Gluten Free**US$0.00
**Whole Wheat**US$0.00
PenneUS$0.00
RigatoniUS$0.00
Angel HairUS$0.00
FettuccineUS$0.00
RotiniUS$0.00
BowtieUS$0.00
LinguiniUS$0.00
SpaghettiUS$0.00
FusilliUS$0.00
Lasagna BologneseUS$24.00
Homemade pasta sheets with tomato cream sauce, marinara, or bolognese meat sauce.
No StarterUS$0.00
GnocchiUS$24.00
Housemade gnocchi pasta in vodka sauce.
No StarterUS$0.00
Tortellini AlfredoUS$24.00
Scornavacco Alfredo sauce and fresh mushrooms served over Asiago and veal filled pasta.
No StarterUS$0.00
Baked EggplantUS$24.00
Eggplant, parmesan, mozzarella, and tomato sauce baked traditional lasagna style.
No StarterUS$0.00
Hay & StrawUS$24.00
Spinach and egg pasta tossed with prosciutto and mushrooms in alfredo sauce.
No StarterUS$0.00
Whole Wheat PastaUS$0.00
Gluten-Free PastaUS$0.00
**Gluten Free**US$0.00
**Whole Wheat**US$0.00
PenneUS$0.00
RigatoniUS$0.00
Angel HairUS$0.00
FettuccineUS$0.00
RotiniUS$0.00
BowtieUS$0.00
LinguiniUS$0.00
SpaghettiUS$0.00
FusilliUS$0.00
Rigatoni Al AmatricianaUS$24.00
Hand-cut pancetta sauteed in extra virgin olive oil, garlic, tomato strips, marinara, cannellini beans, fresh spinach, and red pepper flakes. Topped with asiago cheese.
No StarterUS$0.00
Whole Wheat PastaUS$0.00
Gluten-Free PastaUS$0.00
**Gluten Free**US$0.00
**Whole Wheat**US$0.00
PenneUS$0.00
RigatoniUS$0.00
Angel HairUS$0.00
FettuccineUS$0.00
RotiniUS$0.00
BowtieUS$0.00
LinguiniUS$0.00
SpaghettiUS$0.00
FusilliUS$0.00
Calamari ArrabiataUS$26.00
Linguine tossed with calamari, EVOO, fresh basil, tomato strips, and red pepper flakes.
No StarterUS$0.00
Whole Wheat PastaUS$0.00
Gluten-Free PastaUS$0.00
**Gluten Free**US$0.00
**Whole Wheat**US$0.00
PenneUS$0.00
RigatoniUS$0.00
Angel HairUS$0.00
FettuccineUS$0.00
RotiniUS$0.00
BowtieUS$0.00
LinguiniUS$0.00
SpaghettiUS$0.00
FusilliUS$0.00
Chicken BasilicoUS$24.00
Chicken breast and dried cranberries in a basil cream reduction sauce tossed with linguine.
No StarterUS$0.00
Whole Wheat PastaUS$0.00
Gluten-Free PastaUS$0.00
**Gluten Free**US$0.00
**Whole Wheat**US$0.00
PenneUS$0.00
RigatoniUS$0.00
Angel HairUS$0.00
FettuccineUS$0.00
RotiniUS$0.00
BowtieUS$0.00
LinguiniUS$0.00
SpaghettiUS$0.00
FusilliUS$0.00
Linguini With ClamsUS$28.00
Fresh steamed clams tossed with fresh pasta in your choice of red or white sauce, or garlic and extra virgin olive oil.
Red SauceUS$0.00
White SauceUS$0.00
Garlic and EVOOUS$0.00
Easy GarlicUS$0.00
No StarterUS$0.00
**Gluten Free**US$0.00
**Whole Wheat**US$0.00
PenneUS$0.00
RigatoniUS$0.00
Angel HairUS$0.00
FettuccineUS$0.00
RotiniUS$0.00
BowtieUS$0.00
LinguiniUS$0.00
SpaghettiUS$0.00
FusilliUS$0.00
Shrimp fra DiavoloUS$28.00
Fresh shrimp sauteed in a spicy marinara sauce, served over pasta. Substitute lobster for additional $4
No StarterUS$0.00
Whole Wheat PastaUS$0.00
Gluten-Free PastaUS$0.00
**Gluten Free**US$0.00
**Whole Wheat**US$0.00
PenneUS$0.00
RigatoniUS$0.00
Angel HairUS$0.00
FettuccineUS$0.00
RotiniUS$0.00
BowtieUS$0.00
LinguiniUS$0.00
SpaghettiUS$0.00
FusilliUS$0.00
Lobster fra DiavoloUS$34.00
No StarterUS$0.00
Whole Wheat PastaUS$0.00
Gluten-Free PastaUS$0.00
**Gluten Free**US$0.00
**Whole Wheat**US$0.00
PenneUS$0.00
RigatoniUS$0.00
Angel HairUS$0.00
FettuccineUS$0.00
RotiniUS$0.00
BowtieUS$0.00
LinguiniUS$0.00
SpaghettiUS$0.00
FusilliUS$0.00
Lobster DisparagiaUS$36.00
No StarterUS$0.00
Whole Wheat PastaUS$0.00
Gluten-Free PastaUS$0.00
Shrimp DisparagiaUS$30.00
No StarterUS$0.00
Whole Wheat PastaUS$0.00
Gluten-Free PastaUS$0.00
**Gluten Free**US$0.00
**Whole Wheat**US$0.00
PenneUS$0.00
RigatoniUS$0.00
Angel HairUS$0.00
FettuccineUS$0.00
RotiniUS$0.00
BowtieUS$0.00
LinguiniUS$0.00
SpaghettiUS$0.00
FusilliUS$0.00
Lobster SergioUS$36.00
Fresh chunks of lobster tail with fresh zucchini, plum tomatoes, parsley, and fresh garlic, sauteed with white wine, extra virgin olive oil, and a dash of fresh creme served over pasta.
No StarterUS$0.00
Whole Wheat PastaUS$0.00
Gluten-Free PastaUS$0.00
**Gluten Free**US$0.00
**Whole Wheat**US$0.00
PenneUS$0.00
RigatoniUS$0.00
Angel HairUS$0.00
FettuccineUS$0.00
RotiniUS$0.00
BowtieUS$0.00
LinguiniUS$0.00
SpaghettiUS$0.00
FusilliUS$0.00
Steaks
New York Strip SteakUS$42.00
USDA choice hand-cut steak prepared with Willie’s recipe served with veggies and oven-roasted potatoes.
No StarterUS$0.00
RareUS$0.00
Medium RareUS$0.00
MediumUS$0.00
Medium WellUS$0.00
Well DoneUS$0.00
Skirt SteakUS$40.00
Premium Beef prepared either Vesuvio style, or with our chef’s own Estela sauce.
No StarterUS$0.00
PlainUS$0.00
Red Wine SauceUS$0.00
VesuvioUS$0.00
RareUS$0.00
Medium RareUS$0.00
MediumUS$0.00
Medium WellUS$0.00
Well DoneUS$0.00
Chicken & Veal
Chicken MilaneseUS$24.00
Hand-carved boneless breasts pounded flat and breaded with housemade Italian breadcrumbs, flash-fried, and then baked.
No StarterUS$0.00
Chicken CalabreseUS$25.00
Boneless breasts baked in lemon, white wine, and extra virgin olive oil with Italian herbs.
No StarterUS$0.00
Chicken LimoneUS$25.00
Hand Carved boneless breasts pounded flat and sauteed in lemon, white wine, and butter.
No StarterUS$0.00
Chicken PiccataUS$25.00
Hand Carved boneless breasts pounded flat and sauteed in lemon, white wine, capers and butter.
No StarterUS$0.00
Chicken MarsalaUS$25.00
Fresh boneless breasts pounded flat, sauteed with mushrooms in butter, spices, and marsala wine.
No StarterUS$0.00
Chicken ParmigianaUS$28.00
Hand-carved boneless breasts pounded flat and breaded with housemade Italian breadcrumbs, flash-fried, and then baked with a light marinara sauce topped with melted mozzarella.
No StarterUS$0.00
Grilled Chicken ParmigianaUS$28.00
Hand-carved boneless breasts pounded flat and then grilled with a light marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella. **Gluten Free**
No StarterUS$0.00
Chicken VesuvioUS$29.00
Marinated in white wine, olive oil, rosemary, fresh garlic, fresh ground black pepper, then broiled and served with roasted Vesuvio potatoes.
No StarterUS$0.00
Chicken PomodoroUS$28.00
Boneless breasts pounded flat and wrapped around imported cheeses, fresh sweet basil, and parsley, lightly sauteed in Pomodoro sauce and served over angel hair pasta.
No StarterUS$0.00
Whole Wheat PastaUS$0.00
Gluten-Free PastaUS$0.00
Veal MilaneseUS$33.00
Breaded with housemade Italian breadcrumbs, flash-fried and baked.
No StarterUS$0.00
Veal MarsalaUS$34.00
Tender veal cutlets pounded flat and sauteed with mushrooms in butter, spices, and dry marsala wine.
No StarterUS$0.00
Veal LimoneUS$34.00
Tender veal cutlets pounded flat and sauteed in lemon, white wine, and butter.
No StarterUS$0.00
Veal PiccataUS$34.00
Tender veal cutlets pounded flat and sauteed in lemon, capers, white wine, and butter.
No StarterUS$0.00
Veal ParmigianaUS$35.00
Breaded with housemade Italian breadcrumbs, flash-fried, then baked with marinara sauce topped with melted mozzarella.
No StarterUS$0.00
Veal FontinaUS$34.00
Tender veal cutlets sauteed with fresh garlic, EVOO, a variety of sweet peppers, tomato strips, white wine, and finished with a sprinkle of fontina cheese.
No StarterUS$0.00
Seafood
Jessie's ShrimpUS$32.00
Blackened shrimp served over braised rice and veggies.
No StarterUS$0.00
Mimi's BBQ SalmonUS$34.00
Fresh hand-cut filet broiled and seasoned to Mimi's liking with our chef's own tangy sauce.
No StarterUS$0.00
Whole Wheat PastaUS$0.00
Gluten-Free PastaUS$0.00
Salmon OreganatoUS$34.00
Mediterranean style prep broiled with fresh garlic, tomato, Italian seasonings, and capers.
No StarterUS$0.00
Whole Wheat PastaUS$0.00
Gluten-Free PastaUS$0.00
Salmon StimpenadaUS$34.00
A unique preparation sauteed with celery, red onion, orange and lemon juices, white wine, and red wine vinegar.
No StarterUS$0.00
Whole Wheat PastaUS$0.00
Gluten-Free PastaUS$0.00
Salmon LimoneUS$34.00
No StarterUS$0.00
Whole Wheat PastaUS$0.00
Gluten-Free PastaUS$0.00
Salmon PiccataUS$34.00
No StarterUS$0.00
Whole Wheat PastaUS$0.00
Gluten-Free PastaUS$0.00
Salmon LorenzanaUS$34.00
Fresh filet of salmon marinated in garlic, lemon juice, and teriyaki, then broiled to perfection with a little extra virgin olive oil.
No StarterUS$0.00
Whole Wheat PastaUS$0.00
Gluten-Free PastaUS$0.00
Franny's SalmonUS$34.00
Pan-Seared in lemon juice, olive oil and garlic
No StarterUS$0.00
Whole Wheat PastaUS$0.00
Gluten-Free PastaUS$0.00
Whitefish de JongheUS$34.00
Fresh whitefish baked with a family recipe of butter, garlic, and seasoned breadcrumbs.
No StarterUS$0.00
Whole Wheat PastaUS$0.00
Gluten-Free PastaUS$0.00
Cajun Martini WhitefishUS$34.00
Broiled with cajun spices then sauteed with dry vermouth, shallots, and lemon topped with fresh spinach and sliced almonds.
No StarterUS$0.00
Whole Wheat PastaUS$0.00
Gluten-Free PastaUS$0.00
Whitefish FlorentineUS$34.00
Sauteed with fresh spinach, white wine, fresh tarragon, lemon, and a touch of cream.
No StarterUS$0.00
Whole Wheat PastaUS$0.00
Gluten-Free PastaUS$0.00
Shrimp DeJongheUS$34.00
Baked in a garlic sauce, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, barbeque sauce, butter, and parsley.
No StarterUS$0.00
Whole Wheat PastaUS$0.00
Gluten-Free PastaUS$0.00
MusselsUS$34.00
No StarterUS$0.00
Whole Wheat PastaUS$0.00
Gluten-Free PastaUS$0.00
Whitefish EstelaUS$34.00
Served in a white wine sauce with garlic a touch of cream and a dash of pesto. With mushrooms, artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes.
No StarterUS$0.00
Whole Wheat PastaUS$0.00
Gluten-Free PastaUS$0.00
Sides
Side of Red Pepper FlakesUS$0.00
Side of Mild GiardineraUS$0.00
Side of Hot GiardineraUS$0.00
Pint of RanchUS$6.00
Side of PeasUS$5.00
Veggie of the DayUS$5.00
Italian Sausage SideUS$11.00
Roasted PotatoesUS$6.00
Braised VeggiesUS$7.00
Spinach with Garlic & Olive OilUS$8.00
Pizza BreadUS$11.00
(2) Angelina's MeatballsUS$9.00
(3) Angelina's MeatballsUS$12.00
Dessert
CookieUS$7.00
TiramisuUS$7.00
CannoliUS$7.00
CheesecakeUS$8.00
Special CheesecakeUS$8.00
Flourless Chocolate CakeUS$8.00
Lemon Cream CakeUS$8.00
Pumpkin Spice CakeUS$8.00
Hazelnut Crunch CakeUS$8.00
Key Lime PieUS$8.00
What 1,511 people are saying
Overall ratings and reviews
4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
4.9Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.9Value
Noise • Moderate
Review summary
AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Alex's Washington Gardens is celebrated for its "best pizza in Chicagoland" and consistently "delicious food and drinks." With a charming atmosphere and "wonderful staff," it's a neighborhood favorite for family celebrations and romantic anniversaries. The "great service" and diverse Italian menu make it a must-visit destination.
1,511 Reviews
A
Adam
VIP
Chicago
25 reviews
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on 27 November 2024
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 3
Ambience 5
Food and service always great here. Except on this night the waitress was a little rushed and unfocused. She forgot to put the order in for one of our pizzas. Then blamed it on us saying we told her we only wanted one. Not what happed at all. We initially ordered 3 pizzas and the. She said they have gluten free why don’t you do two instead so we agreed. She only put the gluten free one in to make and we never received the regular cheese.
Is this helpful?
H
Howard
Chicago
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 17 November 2024
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
A keeper!!This was the first time we were at the restaurant. And it won’t be our last!The staff were wonderful, the food was delicious and the menu had so many great choices. Great place for family and friends. Thanks Carole and Howie
Is this helpful?
A
Amanda
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 16 November 2024
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Delicious food and drinks, great atmosphere. Highly recommend. Definitely make a reservation if you are planning to go during peak dinner time!
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m
mindee
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 31 October 2024
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
The pizza was the best thin crust I have ever had.
The best part was our waitress Barbara. She made the eating experience so fun. The food came in fast and fresh.
Is this helpful?
L
Lori
VIP
Chicago
35 reviews
5.0
35 reviews
Dined on 30 October 2024
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
very warm inside needs the AC on asked a few times and seemed to never get to mgmt
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T
Timothy
VIP
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 28 October 2024
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Best pizza in Chicagoland!
Will come back again and again!
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M
Mark
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 27 October 2024
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 4
The food was good and our server was amazing!!
She came to our table and I thought she was going to take our order and we already ordered and she was asking how our salads were
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B
Bridget
VIP
Chicago
22 reviews
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on 25 October 2024
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Great service and food! Packed on a Thursday night, great neighborhood spot.
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K
Kim
Chicago
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 24 October 2024
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
WG never disappoints. We celebrated our 32nd wedding anniversary last night at the Gardens. It’s where we went on our first date and also where my husband proposed. We’ve gone every year since to celebrate. It is no wonder that they are still around. The owners use fresh ingredients for all of their fare and also focus on customer service. It’s a winning combination.
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J
Judy
VIP
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 21 October 2024
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Never fails to please us
Always great food
Welcoming staff
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FAQs
Alex's Washington Gardens does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Alex's Washington Gardens also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (847) 432-0309.
Alex's Washington Gardens is rated 4.9 stars by 1511 OpenTable diners.
Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.
Not available on OpenTable
Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network. To check availability, please contact them directly.
Our entire restaurant and bar are available for private lunch or afternoon gatherings as we open at 5 PM for regular business. For off-site catering, we can provide food only. Call Ben, the owner, at 847-612-5230 to discuss party and catering options.