Oaken Bistro + Bar

4.4

240 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a booking

2 people

17 Feb 2025

19:00

Booked 6 times today

Great for brunch
Good for business meals
Charming

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 Oaken Burger, Cubano with Crispy 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!

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American
Hours of Operation
Breakfast Mon–Fri 6:30 am–11:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 6:30 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 3:00 pm–6:00 pm
Phone number
(847) 582-6410
Website
https://www.oakenbistro.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive Chef
Christian Alejandro
Catering
Oaken Bistro + Bar is happy to cater your next event!
Private party facilities
Gather and entertain at Oaken Bistro + Bar, the only modern, upscale all day dining in Lake Forest, IL Enjoy a flexible American menu with a global influence. Complement your meal with a signature herbal-infused cocktail menu or a bottle from an extensive wine list. Reserve the outdoor patio, a private event room, or buy out the entire restaurant!

Location
200 N Field Dr, Lake Forest, IL 60045-2513
Area
Lake Forest
Cross Street
Townline Rd and Field Dr
Parking details
Complimentary parking in the hotel's adjacent parking lot.
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Lake Forest Breakfast GFUS$19.00
Two eggs any style, ham, Nueske bacon or sausage, country potatoes, toast
Build Your Own Omelet VE, GFUS$19.00
Choose 3 Ingredients. Ham, bacon, chorizo, cheddar, provolone, goat cheese, onions, peppers, tomatoes, spinach, wild mushrooms Served with country potatoes, toast or muffin
Shakshuka GFAUS$16.00
Poached egg, spicy tomato sauce, serrano pepper, cilantro leaf, naan

Benedicts

Traditional Egg BenedictUS$19.00
English muffin, Canadian bacon, poached eggs, hollandaise, chives, country potatoes
Salmon BendictUS$21.00
English muffin, cured salmon, poached eggs, hollandaise, chives,country potatoes
Florentine BenedictUS$18.00
English muffin, spinach, poached egg, hollandaise, chives, country potatoes

Timber (Mains)

Avocado Toast VEUS$18.00
Country bread, black garlic agrodolce, almonds, sunny side eggs, country potatoes
Mexican Skillet GFUS$17.00
2 eggs any style, crispy potato, chorizo, fire roasted tomato sauce, poblano pepper, vidalia onion
Chilaquiles VE, GFUS$17.00
Corn tortilla, poached eggs, avocado, spicy salsa verde, chipotle sour cream, cotija cheese, cilantro
Cornmeal Pancakes VEUS$16.00
3 fluffy pancakes, strawberry compote, maple syrup
Stuffed French Toast VEUS$16.00
Challah bread dipped in vanilla and cinnamon batter, lemon curd, macerated raspberry, maple syrup
Ham + Cheese CroissantUS$18.00
Double smoked black forest ham, gruyere, fresh baked croissant, grain mustard, country potatoes
Lox + BagelUS$22.00
House cured salmon, capers, minced shallot, cream cheese, bagel
Steak + EggsUS$29.00
10oz NY Strip, 2 eggs any style, country potatoes, chimichurri
Breakfast BurritoUS$18.00
Scrambled egg, guacamole, chorizo, queso fesco, salsa criolla, harissa, country potatoes
Croque MadameUS$17.00
Black forest ham, gruyere, country bread, mornay, roasted garlic aioli, fried egg, country potatoes

Seedlings (Sides)

Toast VE, VG, GFUS$4.00
Wheat, white, rye, biscuit, English muffin, bagel, or GF bread Served with house-made jam and whipped butter
Farm Egg Any Style VE, GFUS$4.00
Sausage Link, Thick Cut, Bacon, or Turkey Sausage Patty GFUS$9.00
Country Potatoes VE, GFUS$5.00
Fruit VE, GFUS$7.00

Cold Beverages

SodaUS$4.00
Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Sierra Mist, Ginger Ale, Lemonade, Soda Water
JuiceUS$4.00
Orange, Apple, Cranberry, Pineapple, Grapefruit, Watermelon
Black Iced TeaUS$4.00
Bottle Sparkling 28ozUS$14.00

Coffee + Brews

Enjoy Hot or Iced

Drip CoffeeUS$4.00
Big Shoulders Colombia
LatteUS$6.00
Espresso, steamed milk
CappuccinoUS$6.00
Espresso, steamed milk, foam
Mocha LatteUS$7.00
Espresso, steamed milk, chocolate syrup
AmericanoUS$6.00
Espresso, Hot water
Caramel MacchiatoUS$7.00
Espresso, steamed milk, vanilla, caramel
Cold BrewUS$6.00
Big Shoulder's Bold Slugger
Chai Tea LatteUS$6.00
Chai tea, steamed milk

Coffee Syrups

HazlenutUS$1.00
VanillaUS$1.00
Sugar Free VanillaUS$1.00
ChocolateUS$1.00
PeppermintUS$1.00

Coffee Additions

Extra Shot of EspressoUS$4.00
Almond Milk SubstituteUS$1.00
Soy Milk SubstituteUS$1.00
Oat Milk SubstituteUS$1.00

Hot Tea

Earl GreyUS$6.00
Organic Black Tea, Contains Caffeine
Green Mango PeachUS$6.00
Organic Green Tea, Contains Caffeine
White Ginger PearUS$6.00
Organic White Tea, Contains Caffeine
Chamomile CitronUS$6.00
Organic Herbal Tea, Naturally Caffeine Free
Ginger Lemon GrassUS$6.00
Organic Herbal Tea, Naturally Caffeine Free
Raspberry NectarUS$6.00
Organic Herbal Tea, Naturally Caffeine Free

What 240 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.3Service
4.2Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

North Suburbs
Great for brunch

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Oaken Bistro + Bar, nestled within The Forester Hotel, offers a delightful dining experience with "excellent service" and "creative and delicious" food. Guests rave about the "phenomenal" goat cheese and honey appetizer and "perfectly sautéed" wild mushrooms. The atmosphere is "pleasant," making it a hidden gem worth visiting again.

240 Reviews

B
Bruce
VIP
Chicago
30 reviews
4.0
30 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Service was very good and so was the food. I was very pleased with my experience.
Is this helpful?
T
Taylor
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Lovely Valentine’s Day dinner. Food and service were excellent, great staff. Clean, lively atmosphere.
Is this helpful?
T
Taylor
Minneapolis
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Amazing food. Had the chicken with risotto and it was amazing. It was a quiet nice atmosphere will come and go.
Is this helpful?
M
Mark
VIP
Chicago
58 reviews
5.0
58 reviews
Dined on 9 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great service all around from all the staff. Great value.
Is this helpful?
A
Alex
VIP
New Orleans
23 reviews
3.0
23 reviews
Dined on 31 January 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
Very corporate and sterile environment. This restaurant is located inside the hotel, and isn’t really set up for anything other than business meetings. So if you’re looking for a decent but overpriced meal, this is totally your place to go. There were three waitstaff and only two tables occupied, and they still managed not to be prompt or efficient. However, if you are looking to be undisturbed for a business meeting, and nibble on food in between topics, this may be the perfect place for you. Totally would not recommend as a date night eatery !
Is this helpful?
S
Stacey
VIP
Chicago
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on 19 January 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
The shrimp appetizer was the best! Sweet and spicy and hitting all the right notes.
Oaken Bistro + BarResponded on 29 January 2025
Stacey, Thank you for taking time to give us a review. We always like to hear about what you enjoyed. Gabriel Boden General Manager
Is this helpful?
R
Ronald
VIP
Chicago
44 reviews
5.0
44 reviews
Dined on 4 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a wonderful brunch and really enjoyed the variety and quality of the food
Oaken Bistro + BarResponded on 7 January 2025
Ronald, Thank you for taking time to give us your review. We love to hear that we've made a guest happy. Best of luck in the new year. We hope to see you again soon. Gabriel Boden General Manager
Is this helpful?
M
Marna
Seattle
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 4 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is a hidden gem, inside the The Forester Hotel. 5 off 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.
Oaken Bistro + BarResponded on 7 January 2025
Marna, We really appreciate the time you took to give us this detailed review. While we are located in the lovely Forester Hotel, we are focused on being a restaurant for our community here in the Lake Forest area. Reviews like this really bring us joy. Cheers for the new year! Gabriel Boden General Manager
Is this helpful?
O
Oliver
Chicago
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 1 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
New Year’s Day and it was great service and great food
Oaken Bistro + BarResponded on 7 January 2025
Oliver, Thank you for taking time to write a review. We're glad we were able to help start of your 2025 right. Happy new year! Gabriel Boden General Manager
Is this helpful?
J
Jan
Chicago
109 reviews
3.0
109 reviews
Dined on 30 December 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
This is a hotel restaurant and bar. Nice atmosphere, good food but very expensive for what you get!
Oaken Bistro + BarResponded on 31 December 2024
Thank you for taking time to write a review. We truly appreciate your feedback. Gabriel Boden General Manager
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Oaken Bistro + Bar offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (847) 582-6410.

Oaken Bistro + Bar is rated 4.4 stars by 240 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

17 Feb 2025

19:00

Booked 6 times today

Order delivery or takeout

200 N Field Dr, Lake Forest, IL 60045-2513

Additional information

Cross Street
Townline Rd and Field Dr
Area
Lake Forest
Hours of Operation
Breakfast Mon–Fri 6:30 am–11:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 6:30 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 3:00 pm–6:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Complimentary parking in the hotel's adjacent parking lot.
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Christian Alejandro
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Website
https://www.oakenbistro.com/
Phone number
(847) 582-6410
Catering
Oaken Bistro + Bar is happy to cater your next event!
Private party facilities
Gather and entertain at Oaken Bistro + Bar, the only modern, upscale all day dining in Lake Forest, IL Enjoy a flexible American menu with a global influence. Complement your meal with a signature herbal-infused cocktail menu or a bottle from an extensive wine list. Reserve the outdoor patio, a private event room, or buy out the entire restaurant!

Oaken Bistro + Bar

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Saplings (Lighter Fare)

European Breakfast Bowl VE, GFUS$16.00

Forest Continental Breakfast GFAUS$14.00

Oat Bowl GFUS$15.00

Eggs

Lake Forest Breakfast GFUS$19.00

Build Your Own Omelet VE, GFUS$19.00

Shakshuka GFAUS$16.00

Benedicts

Traditional Egg BenedictUS$19.00

Salmon BendictUS$21.00

Florentine BenedictUS$18.00

Timber (Mains)

Avocado Toast VEUS$18.00

Mexican Skillet GFUS$17.00

Chilaquiles VE, GFUS$17.00

Cornmeal Pancakes VEUS$16.00

Stuffed French Toast VEUS$16.00

Ham + Cheese CroissantUS$18.00

Lox + BagelUS$22.00

Steak + EggsUS$29.00

Breakfast BurritoUS$18.00

Croque MadameUS$17.00

Seedlings (Sides)

Toast VE, VG, GFUS$4.00

Farm Egg Any Style VE, GFUS$4.00

Sausage Link, Thick Cut, Bacon, or Turkey Sausage Patty GFUS$9.00

Country Potatoes VE, GFUS$5.00

Fruit VE, GFUS$7.00

Cold Beverages

SodaUS$4.00

JuiceUS$4.00

Black Iced TeaUS$4.00

Bottle Sparkling 28ozUS$14.00

Coffee + Brews

Drip CoffeeUS$4.00

LatteUS$6.00

CappuccinoUS$6.00

Mocha LatteUS$7.00

AmericanoUS$6.00

Caramel MacchiatoUS$7.00

Cold BrewUS$6.00

Chai Tea LatteUS$6.00

Coffee Syrups

HazlenutUS$1.00

VanillaUS$1.00

Sugar Free VanillaUS$1.00

ChocolateUS$1.00

PeppermintUS$1.00

Coffee Additions

Extra Shot of EspressoUS$4.00

Almond Milk SubstituteUS$1.00

Soy Milk SubstituteUS$1.00

Oat Milk SubstituteUS$1.00

Hot Tea

Earl GreyUS$6.00

Green Mango PeachUS$6.00

White Ginger PearUS$6.00

Chamomile CitronUS$6.00

Ginger Lemon GrassUS$6.00

Raspberry NectarUS$6.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Diners' Choice Awards

Review summary

FAQs

Does Oaken Bistro + Bar offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Oaken Bistro + Bar restaurant rated?

Is Oaken Bistro + Bar currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information