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Best Southern American Restaurants in Oak Park

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346 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Oak Park, IL restaurant
4.3
Awesome(4173)
Price: Moderate
• Southern american • Oak Park
Booked 80 times today
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant in Oak Park, IL, delivers an exceptional seafood dining experience that tantalizes the taste buds with its fresh, high-quality ingredients. The restaurant is celebrated for its "delicious and perfectly cooked" seafood dishes that consistently earn rave reviews from diners. Guests frequently highlight the shrimp appetizers as a must-try, noting the impeccable flavor and presentation. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in every dish, making it a top choice for seafood lovers. Combined with the perfect wine pairings from their extensive selection, Cooper's Hawk provides a memorable dining experience that keeps patrons coming back for more.
A photo of Citrine Cafe restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1293)
Price: Expensive
• Southern american • Oak Park
Booked 18 times today
Citrine Cafe in Oak Park, IL, masterfully combines Mediterranean influences with authentic American flair, creating a unique dining experience that stands out in the area. The American elements of their menu are praised for their creativity and freshness, with dishes like braised meats and seasonal fish receiving high accolades. Diners rave about the "outstanding, fresh, and creative" cuisine, noting the exceptional service from attentive staff like Lauren and Matthew. This neighborhood gem is celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and thoughtful touches, making it "one of the best" dining spots in Oak Park, where exceptional American cuisine meets warm hospitality.
A photo of Hemmingway's Bistro restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1273)
Price: Moderate
• Southern american • Oak Park
Booked 23 times today
Hemmingway's Bistro in Oak Park offers an exceptional French American dining experience that seamlessly blends classic French dishes with the freshest Midwest ingredients. Guests rave about the "wonderful atmosphere" and "excellent service," while the menu shines with standout creations like the wild mushroom-crusted halibut and roasted sea bass. The Parisian seafood bar is a highlight, offering a luxurious selection of fresh oysters, clams, shrimp, and lobster. Diners are particularly impressed by the bistro's commitment to quality, with one review exclaiming, "The food is excellent, and the decor is wonderful." Whether for a special occasion or a casual meal, Hemmingway's delivers an "always exceptional experience."
A photo of The Little Gem Restaurant restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1171)
Price: Expensive
• Southern american • Oak Park
Booked 10 times today
The Little Gem Restaurant in Oak Park truly lives up to its name, offering an authentic Bistro experience that delights every sense. With an intimate and stylish setting, this restaurant has become a neighborhood favorite, consistently praised for its "excellent food and wonderful service." Diners rave about the beautifully prepared entrees, such as the sea bass and short rib, which are described as "the best we've had in years." The atmosphere is perfect for both casual and romantic dining, enhanced by the warm and welcoming staff. Whether you're enjoying a date night or a family gathering, The Little Gem Restaurant guarantees a memorable, flavor-filled visit.
A photo of Lou Malnati's - Oak Park restaurant
4.2
Awesome(30)
Price: Moderate
• Southern american • Oak Park
Booked 1 time today
Search no further than Oak Park Lou Malnati’s for the best pizza on the strip in Oak Park.This location features a full-service bar, and when the weather calls for it, outdoor seating. The interior design combines industrial elements with a vintage retro vibe that is reminiscent of the mid-20th century and the history of Oak Park. Whether you’ve been out shopping, strolling downtown or playing a round of golf, Lou Malnati’s Oak Park is the perfect spot to satiate your deep dish cravings.
A photo of Encore! by Little Gem restaurant
4.4
Awesome(10)
Price: Expensive
• Southern american • Oak Park
Booked 1 time today
Step into a world of vintage modern charm with a relaxed, speakeasy vibe.Offering a Comfy and Cozy Bar and Lounge to relax as you sip on our expertly crafted cocktails and indulge in our delicious menu featuring tasty small plates, appetizers, entrees and desserts.Intimate, warm romantic and fun! Encore by Little Gem serving more of what you love... come join us.Also Available For Private Parties
A photo of TNT Rooftop Restaurant restaurant
4.3
Awesome(30)
Price: Expensive
• Southern american • Cicero
Booked 13 times today
TNT Rooftop Restaurant in Cicero, Chicago, is an exceptional destination for those craving authentic Vegetarian and Vegan cuisine. Perched above vibrant streets, diners are treated to a culinary experience that promises both taste and visual delight. The rooftop setting enhances this experience, offering "a beautifully maintained establishment" with "excellent service" and a "great vibe." Guests rave about the innovative vegan dishes, crafted with precision and creativity, making it a "must-visit" for plant-based food lovers. The ambiance is perfect for any occasion, ensuring that every meal is a memorable journey of flavors against the stunning backdrop of the Chicago skyline.
A photo of Donny G's Ristorante restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(154)
Price: Moderate
• Southern american • Elmwood Park
Booked 1 time today
Donny G's Ristorante in Elmwood Park is a true gem for lovers of American cuisine. With an unwavering focus on quality, they source fresh ingredients from local farmers' markets, ensuring every dish bursts with authentic flavors. Guests rave about the "outstanding service" and "unbelievable food," making it a neighborhood favorite for lunch or dinner. The friendly staff treats every visit like a family reunion, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere that diners cherish. The restaurant offers a delightful combination of delicious meals and excellent entertainment, making it the perfect spot for any occasion. Discover why Donny G's is the "go-to place" for so many.
A photo of Chicago's Home of Chicken & Waffles restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(4)
Price: Moderate
• Southern american • Oak Park
We offer a generous menu selection consisting of Southern specialties like fried chicken, fried catfish, and peach cobbler just to name a few. Fuel your office lunch with delectable down-home cooking.
A photo of Famous Dave's - Riverside restaurant
5.0
Exceptional(0)
Price: Moderate
• Southern american • Berwyn
Our authentic BBQ starts in a live-wood smoker stoked with genuine hickory logs. Our pitmasters hand-rub the meats with a custom blend of spices and cook for hours to extract the natural flavors. We source the highest quality meats and trim them up like we’re in a competition and hand-rub them with the freshest seasonings available to create mouthwatering experiences! In addition to our BBQ and grilled meats, our menu features a selection of salads, sandwiches, side items, and made-from-scratch desserts.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Erin
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Wyu was the best server I had in a long time. Always attentive and even though he had a huge party he was dealing with as well as other tables he kept up kept a smile and remained professional and warm at all times
    More info
    Yardbird Table & Bar - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Southern• River North (Chicago)
    4.6
  • “Q”
    Phoenix / Arizona •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Briny Swine: The Best BBQ & Oysters in Chicagoland! If you're craving an authentic taste of the Carolinas right here in Chicago, look no further than Briny Swine. This place is an absolute gem, bringing Southern charm, bold flavors, and top-tier hospitality to the heart of the Midwest. First and foremost, the BBQ is hands-down the best in Chicagoland. Whether you're diving into their perfectly smoked brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, or tender pulled pork, every bite is packed with rich, smoky goodness. The portion sizes? Incredible for the price—you'll leave satisfied and then some. And let's talk about the oysters. Fresh, briny, and expertly shucked, they bring a true taste of the coast. Whether you like them raw, grilled, or topped with creative garnishes, Briny Swine delivers a seafood experience that pairs perfectly with their hearty BBQ offerings. The service here is top-notch. The staff is welcoming, attentive, and always ready with great recommendations. Add in a solid selection of beers and an electric live entertainment lineup on Saturdays, and you’ve got the perfect spot to kick back and enjoy some Southern hospitality. Briny Swine isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience. Whether you’re hosting a party, event, or just grabbing a meal with friends, this is the place to be. If you haven't been yet, do yourself a favor and get ready for a finger-lickin' good time, y’all
    More info
    Briny Swine - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Barbecue• Lincoln Park
    4.3
  • Leanee
    Las Vegas •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We couldn’t have asked for a better spot to celebrate Galentine’s Day! From the moment we walked in, the ambiance was chef’s kiss—warm lighting, chic decor, and just the right vibe for a night of laughter and good food. Now, let’s talk about the food—absolutely divine! Every dish was plated beautifully and bursting with flavor. The scallop, shrimp and risotto was a must-try, and don’t even get me started on the cocktails. The WTH signature cocktail was the perfect mix of sweet and strong! The service was top-notch too! From the hostess, who was ann anbs delight, the bartender and our server were attentive, gave great recommendations, and made us feel like VIPs. Whether you’re celebrating friendship, love, or just life in general, this place is a total win. Can’t wait to come back! #GalentinesDoneRight #GirlsNightOut #FiveStars
    More info
    ETC.Price: Expensive• American• Downtown / Loop
    4.5
  • Katherine
    Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We tried a few different food items and YUM! The berry French toast was as you’d expect, soft and sweet. So good! The tamales were pretty good. I preferred without the salsa provided but my husband liked it better with salsa. I had delta breakfast sammich and that was delish and filling. Served with hash brown potatoes which I don’t eat. Only thing is the dj starts at 2pm on Saturday, which is cool, but we met up with someone we hadn’t seen in a while and it’s hard to catch up over extremely loud music lol Thta was our mistake though. Fun vibe l, if you didn’t go there to talk, for sure.
    More info
    The DeltaPrice: Moderate• Southern• Bucktown / Wicker Park
    4.2
  • Angelete
    Indiana •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The chicken and waffles were great! Cooked to perfection and flavorful. The strawberry jalapeño margarita was good as well. The brunch menu, it was hard to chose what to order it all sounded delicious.
    More info
    Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Southern• River North (Chicago)
    4.1
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