There’s nothing better than the thrill of discovering something new, whether it’s a cozy book nook, a trendy boutique, or a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Luckily for us, Oak Park and the near west suburbs offer plenty of new spots you’ll want to include to your regular haunts.
From restaurants that promise Southern comfort or an authentic Vietnamese experience to trendy boutiques and curated furnishings, these new places are bringing more flavor, style, and fun to the neighborhood.
Oak Park
Seoul Avenue | 728 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL
Tteokbokki dishes, soups, rice bowls, and fried favorites fill the menu at Seoul Avenue, a new restaurant in Oak Park, IL, featuring authentic Korean cuisine. There are five Korean barbecue options, including beef bulgogi (thin soy-marinated thin strips of grilled beef), pork bulgogi, and dak galbi (chicken marinated in gochujang sauce), served with rice and a mix of grilled cabbage, onion, and carrots. Another menu highlight is dolsot bibimbap, a rice dish traditionally served in a very hot stone bowl—the heat of the bowl crisps the rice on the bottom—with sautéed carrots, mushrooms, bean sprouts, and other vegetables. The rice is topped with a fried egg and served with gochujang sauce.
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Slow Dimes | 149 Harrison Street, Oak Park, IL
Slow Dimes, a beautifully curated shop featuring vintage and modern furniture, unique objects, and home goods, is an excellent addition to this lively corner in the arts district of Oak Park, which already boasts coffee shops, restaurants, resale stores, and small businesses. It’s open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5:00 p.m.
The Book Loft | 1047 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL
With a mission to create a nostalgic nook for book lovers, The Book Loft offers stacks of handpicked fiction and nonfiction, a charming kids’ corner, and an atmosphere built for the lost art of browsing. Titles tagged as staff picks encourage you to add “just one more” to your overflowing tote. Swing by this family-owned bookstore, open most days from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., to wander the stacks and (most likely) leave with something you didn’t know you needed until the moment you saw it.
The Wolf | 134 North Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL
North Riverside’s popular family-owned Vietnamese café, The Wolf, has opened a second location in the Oak Park Hemingway District. Like the original, this new location features authentic bánh mì, a globally loved sandwich made with Vietnamese ham, shredded chicken, or tofu served on a bed of crisp veggies and cilantro packed inside a fresh, pillowy French bread roll. The Wolf also serves boba (or bubble) tea and robust Vietnamese coffee, brewed with the traditional phin filter and robusta coffee beans typically used in Vietnam. Try the croffle, served plain or filled with ham and cheese, which uses a waffle iron to magically transform a croissant. The menu also features Vietnamese spring rolls with shrimp, as well as a variety of other snacks.
Pompeii
Pompei | 22 W. Conti Parkway
Elmwood Park, IL
Pompei, a Little Italy staple since 1909, now brings five generations of family recipes to Elmwood Park’s “The Circle”—and yes, there’s a beautiful patio made for long lunches and lingering dinners. Founded by Luigi Davino near Our Lady of Pompeii Church and carried forward by the Davino family, Pompei has grown from a humble bakery and cheese pizza shop into a warm, full-service spot known for red-sauce classics, pizza, and time-honored comfort dishes. The Elmwood Park location keeps the tradition intact while adding neighborhood ease: it’s an easy choice for family meals, casual meetups, or small private gatherings. Whether you’re grabbing a quick slice, settling in on the patio, or planning an event, Pompei makes it simple with carryout, delivery, dine-in, drive-up, gift certificates, catering, and private party rooms—all anchored by the same fresh ingredients and recipes that have welcomed Chicago families for more than a century.
Forest Park
Bobby’s Eastside Kitchen | 7321 Madison Street, Forest Park, IL
Robert’s Westside, a live-music venue showcasing artists of all generations and genres, grew to include Bobby’s Eastside, a welcoming neighborhood bar. Here friends can gather to play board games, enjoy family celebrations and casual get-togethers, and watch live music and sporting events while sipping cocktails, craft beers, and creative nonalcoholic drinks. Now Bobby's Eastside has expanded its space to include a kitchen. The menu at this exciting addition to the Madison Street dining scene includes smashburgers and hand-cut fries, deep-fried pickles, wings, char-dogs, a signature salad, and weekly sandwich specials.
The Meat Counter | 7406 Madison St, Forest Park, IL 60130
The Meat Counter, a small-but-mighty butcher on Madison Street in Forest Park, turns a tiny footprint into big flavor with whole-animal butchery and Midwestern sourcing. It’s the kind of neighborhood shop where weeknight dinners, holiday roasts, and game-day spreads start with a chat at the counter—custom cuts, honest guidance, and cooking temps included. What began as a purist’s butcher has grown into a low-key tasting hub, with occasional pop-up dinners and events that spotlight curated cheeses and charcuterie alongside the shop’s handmade sausages. In the case you’ll find USDA Prime beef, rich dry-aged steaks, fresh pork links made from scratch, and artisanal cheeses—plus special orders on request—and when you’re short on time, you can place an order in person or slide into their Instagram DMs.
Franklin Park
Finch Coffee | 9602 Franklin Avenue, Franklin Park, IL
Bright, modern, and welcoming, Finch Coffee is a perfect spot for friends and neighbors to catch up and for remote workers to savor a fresh brew and some human interaction. With a menu of espresso drinks, brewed coffee, cold brew (steeped for 12 hours!), organic teas, and pastries, including pistachio milk cake and tres leches cake, plus seasonal items such as pumpkin and tiramisu lattes, this could become your new go-to for a morning, late afternoon, or even evening pick-me-up.
La Grange
La Michoacana Azteca | 15 LaGrange Road, La Grange, IL
La Michoacana Azteca is part Mexican-style ice cream shop, part mural heaven, with walls as vibrant as the fruit-filled flavors offered here. The wide selection of ice cream and frozen yogurt is served from long display cases that stretch throughout the space. Enjoy tempting paletas, Mexican-style ice pops made with real fruit and natural sweeteners, in mango, strawberry, coconut, and other vibrant flavors. While you’re at it, savor sweet and spicy mangonadas swirled with tangy-sweet-salty chamoy sauce and topped with Tajín or elotes and tostilocos overflowing with crunch and spice. This shop offers a colorful and indulgent experience meant to be savored, shared, and remembered.
Parker James Boutique | 8 West Harris Avenue, La Grange, IL
People familiar with Parker James Boutique in Frankfort and Lemont will be excited to hear that the franchise has expanded to a new location in downtown La Grange: the old Darling Shop space. Visit for fun sweaters and graphic tees, beautiful dresses, stylish tops and bottoms, trendy jewelry, and eco-friendly home items. The selection changes frequently, and the welcoming staff have a knack for finding your perfect look for any occasion.
Maywood
Exclusive Bar & Grill | 406 South 5th Avenue, Maywood, IL
A new Black-owned business in downtown Maywood, Exclusive Bar & Grill offers a hip-hop atmosphere that’s both upscale and sexy. Popular for themed parties and events such as karaoke nights, and a vibrant after-party scene, this venue delivers top-tier service in a comfortable and welcoming lounge space. The bar offers bottle service and creative cocktails—try a Golden Honey, made with SirDavis rye whiskey, lemon juice, and honey—while the kitchen serves delectable bites and shareable plates to keep you satisfied as the party continues.
Westchester
Blaque Flames | 9914 Roosevelt Road, Westchester, IL
A new Black-owned barbecue joint, Blaque Flames, is heating up Westchester with a menu spotlighting smoky, bold barbecue and crispy fried goodness to eat in or take out. Head over when you’re craving Southern-style comfort, like flame-grilled tips, deep-fried wings, hot chicken, or a flames-smoked barbecue turkey or pork tip combo with fries and a slice of bread, all served with a smile and hot, hot, hot signature sauce.
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TasteFULL | 1929 South Mannheim Rd, Westchester, IL
A charming husband-and-wife team opened TasteFULL, a fresh and flavorful spot on South Mannheim Road, to rave reviews. The friendly team is dedicated to providing guests with comforting, well-prepared dishes in an atmosphere that makes you feel right at home from the moment you walk in. Try the loaded fries topped with a house-made Alfredo sauce and chicken (or the protein of your choice). Wings are made fresh to order, and the healthy-heart menu includes “lettuce boats” overflowing with veggies (and a protein if you choose) and a tasty grilled-salmon salad. A daily happy hour with food and drink specials keeps going until 7:00 p.m., so you can still join the fun if you need to work late.