I had a wonderful experience at The Foxtail on the Lake! This is truly a beautiful and unique restaurant, and the location overlooking the lake makes it even more special. The atmosphere is absolutely gorgeous, with the beautiful architecture, spacious interior, elegant décor, and relaxing views. The outdoor seating by the lake is especially enjoyable when the weather is nice. The food was delicious, beautifully presented, and full of flavor. There is a great variety on the menu, with something for everyone. The service was also very friendly, professional, and attentive, which made the entire experience even more enjoyable. I especially appreciate how peaceful and welcoming the restaurant feels. It is a wonderful place for a family dinner, date night, celebration, or simply to enjoy a nice meal in a beautiful setting. Foxtail on the Lake is definitely one of the special dining places in Des Plaines. I highly recommend giving it a try--you won't be disappointed! I look forward to coming back again soon. read more

Such.A COOL place! Our Uber driver was taking us to the restaurant and it' appeared smack-dab in the middle of a residential area. I thought from our front that it was some type of community center but once inside it was nothing but WOW factors. ::The Ambiance:: The inside of this restaurant is like nothing I've seen before. The steep A-Frame design showcased a beautiful and airy scenery and the stained glass gave a celestial vibe. The patio is overlooking the lake and was very scenic. ::The Service:: From host to waitress, everyone was friendly and attentive. Everyone was on the ball and very personable and warm. ::The Food:: The food and drinks were top-notch. Had the Smokey mezcal drink and strawberry vodka drink and both were superb. The Lebanese chicken wings and the flatbread were extremely flavorful and savory. The highlight was the caviar toast. DAMN!!! Pricey (it's caviar, duh!) but worth every penny. We come out to Chicago/Rosemont area at least once a year, and I will be looking forward to frequenting this establishment again in the future! read more

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This restaurant is near O'Hare airport, but you'd never guess by the ambience. It's literally on a lake in a refurbished church decorated with modern art. I selected it based on location and online descriptions. We met friends there for lunch before our flight and I was so excited that it lived up to the reviews. It's a truly unique space with excellent food. Everyone was happy with their food choices and I thought the tuna poke bowl I ordered was fresh and delicious. Service was friendly and seating was comfortable. I bet it's stunning in the evenings. Highly recommend this place! read more

My friends and I recently came here for brunch, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the experience. We made a reservation because I'd heard this place can get pretty busy. Although it didn't seem too crowded when we first arrived on a Saturday, it filled up quickly throughout our meal. I definitely recommend making a reservation, especially if you're planning to come for dinner. As soon as we walked in, I was struck by how beautiful the restaurant is. Since the building was once a church, they preserved the stained-glass windows and cathedral ceilings, which give the space so much character. We ended up sitting on the patio because it was a gorgeous day, but I definitely want to come back and dine inside so I can fully appreciate the interior. The patio was modern, spacious, and completely shaded, making it very comfortable. Since it's located right next to the little lake, we also enjoyed a nice breeze throughout our meal. Our waitress was friendly and attentive overall, but there was one moment that stood out. My friend's baby accidentally knocked over a full glass of iced coffee, spilling it all over my friend's lap and onto the floor. The waitress watched as my friend cleaned up the mess herself but didn't offer to help or replace the spilled drink. Aside from that, the service was good. My friends and I all ordered something different, and everyone enjoyed their meals. I had the salmon poke bowl ($19), which was fresh, flavorful, and incredibly refreshing. The ingredients tasted high quality, and all the flavors worked really well together. It was more filling than I was expecting! Price-wise, I expected the menu to be more expensive than it actually was. I'm sure dinner prices are higher, especially for steak and seafood, but the brunch menu was quite reasonable. Most breakfast and brunch dishes range from $12-$20, making it a great value for both the quality of the food and the beautiful atmosphere. Overall, we all enjoyed our experience and I'll for sure be back! I'd love to try other menu items and come for dinner, too! read more

The Foxtail on the Lake - Salmon Poke Bowl - Seafood Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

I thought this place was awesome! The interior was super nice. I love that it was an old church that has now been converted into a restaurant. I didn't know this upon arrival and was confused because I thought since it was a Sunday that church was just letting out it being on the lake is awesome. It's such a nice view. It was quite busy on a Sunday afternoon but nothing terribly bad. The food was fantastic and came out quickly. It was on the pricier side, so just know that before going. It's worth it to me! Definitely recommend read more

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5/5! Had a wonderful experience here. Came here with family including 3 toddlers. You can imagine the chaos it could be. But, it was a good overall time. Food- Delicious! Had the burratta & fig, porkbelly brushetta, and a flatbread as apps. Loved it all. porkbelly was so tender, the burratta & fig was a good balance of sweet and savory. Needless to say, the flatbread was a hit with the kids as well. Other notable dishes were the beef shwarma and the crispy duck. Ambiance- LOVE it! It can be fancy if you want, it can be more casual if you want. Enjoyed the church vibes mixed with modern touch. Very well decorated. The outdoor area is so cute, esp overlooking the lake. We sat indoors but still a wonderful ambiance. Bonus: they have a changing table in the women's bathroom. Sorry, could not confirm in the men's. Service- this was definitely impressive. You don't always get service especially at some of these well known restaurants bc why would you have to have good service? We had made reservations online and it was initially indoor. They were so awesome about switching it to outdoor with out much trouble even if we were 10 minutes late. But the air quality was so bad so once we were about to get settled we requested for indoor again. There was only smiles and a happy to help attitude and got us settled. I want to highlight our waitress, Ciara (Sierra?). With a party of 9, she was so thoughtful of our orders esp for the kids. I mean, when we ordered lemonade for them she even asked if she wants us to water it down and as parents we were like YES! They do not need that much sugar LOL! She was just overall so warm and communicative. She checked in and made sure we were comfortable. Her smile and pleasant attitude made it easier when we had three little ones wanting to walk around after eating and trying to keep them entertained at a table. read more

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Went here for a birthday dinner and was pleasantly delighted with the food, interior, and service. I really enjoyed the Crispy Duck Risotto. It was delicious and had deep flavors coming from the cherry bordelaise. The Chicken Shawarma Rolls were also tasty with an explosion of flavor within each bite. We had to order an additional roll though as the original serving only had 3 rolls. Our server was kind and gave great recommendations. There was nothing that I didn't like, and it was very satisfying. read more

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The Foxtail on the Lake may be my new favorite restaurant in Chicagoland now after a delicious brunch time meal there. Can't wait to go back but will have to wait awhile since I live in St. Louis but I visit Chicago often and stay in the O'Hare area near thus location. I started with a half portion of the Little Gem salad and was happy that they make half portions of salads available since I didn't want a whole salad. For an entree I ordered the Brick Amish Chicken that was phenomenal and it came soul a roasted potatoes and a tasty and garlicky sauce that tasted incredible. For a dessert I opted for the Strawberry Chocolate Cake that was epic! One of the top desserts of my life and I've had incredible desserts all over the world. It looks like they have a nice selection of cocktails and other drinks but I just had ice tea so will hope to be back for dinner and want to try the paella for a dish next time and a martini. The atmosphere of the old church and the beautiful deck outside were very inviting. I had wonderful and attentive service as well. read more

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Went here to celebrate our family surprise. This place is different and great. Food was great quality, you see the lake and the views are perfect.i love the place, it's obviously a church previously but it was fantastic. Service was also amazing guy recommended options, oysters were great, and desserts were amazing. You have to stop by and reserve to make sure you get a spot! Parking is tough because there are lot of people because of the park by it but it's ok! We found one quickly. read more

The Foxtail on the Lake - Seafood Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

Excellent experience and meal at Foxtail to celebrate a first year wedding anniversary. From start to finish, our meal was excellent. Service was excellent and Shelly took great care of us - attentive, kind, and thoughtful. We started off with the grilled octopus and the pork belly bruschetta which are two of their top appetizers in my opinion. We loved the grilled octopus so much, we ordered it twice. We ordered the grilled pork chop and the filet which were cooked beautifully. The presentation was beautiful which matched the flavor of both. Lots to choose from on the dessert but we settled for the banana sticky pudding which was decent. Nice cocktail and wine list options. Overall, excellent meal and worth the far in advance reservation. The decor of the restaurant is warm and inviting. Highly recommend. read more

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What a cool location and restaurant! Its an old church converted into the space and has amazing lake views. Its a massive size- indoor and outdoor- with free valet parking up front. We decided to go for Easter and do the brunch. The stain glass windows are beautiful and I love how each table has a rack to put your coat or purses on. Such a nice touch!! They had someone playing the violin above the bar. Our server was helpful and we received the food quickly. We ordered Shrimp Cocktail and Baked Feta to start. Both were great, fresh, and flavorful. The entrees were both good but I liked the ham special over the Crab Omelette. The Crab was a little fishy tasting. We tried the Banana Toffee Bread Pudding for dessert, which was fantastic!! Highly recommend! I would go back to try other things. Overall experience 4/5. read more

I had the most amazing brunch ! The thing about Foxtail on The Lake is that when you walk in you feel like you're not in Desplaines. Every part of the decor and ample seating is intentional. I wish there was more seating available closer to the lake view but the bussling interior is beautiful ! Our waitress (Raina/ Reina - excuse my spelling )was attentive while I waited for my guest and during our entire meal. I also noticed a huge clock in the kitchen which I loved because it let me know that the entire staff was attentive to the guests. The food was incredible and I felt the menu was fresh and wasn't limited. I think the highlight was the price. For the quality and kind of dishes offered - I generally pay 3-10 dollars more a plate. Also the taxes aren't as high as the city of Chicago and it's noticeable when the bill comes ! There's also ample free parking. My favorite dish was the octopus! It was well cooked with out being fishy or too chewy. I also enjoyed the pork belly crostini which wasn't greasy. The crab omelette was incredible!!!! It can be hard to balance the taste of egg with seafood and not there was just the right amount of cheese which didnt make the omelette too heavy. The drinks were perfection - strong in the best way but refreshing. I enjoyed the tequila and mezcal based cocktails. My guest said the Bellinis were incredible. All in all - I can't wait to return read more

Foxtail on the Lake is everything you'd want for a perfect date night -- like, effortlessly romantic the moment you walk in. The ambiance is super posh but still inviting -- truly not a bad seat in the house. And I already know once the weather warms up, the outdoor patio is going to be the spot. Dining with a lake view, golden hour lighting, and yes... epic selfies for the gram? Say less. Service was impeccable from start to finish -- attentive without being overbearing. And the food? Cooked to perfection. Even something as simple as the roasted chicken felt elevated -- you can just taste the quality in every bite. Already planning a girls night here this summer. This place is a just phenomenal. read more

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This is my second time here and it is an absolutely beautiful venue and looks to be inside of an old church. Services was good but there was a little confusion with seating us as we had a big party and I told them they were about to be here and then they didn't say anything walked menus over and seemed to have some confusion which left me confused whether we were being seated or wait until the full party was there. Other than that our server was great fellow ISU alum and food came pretty quick. The food is good but nothing really stood out to me as great and it was a little hard to hear everyone because of the music. Bathroom does have Aesop soap which is a nice touch. Overall good but wouldn't be a go to restaurant for me personally. Good to try for the first time. Our bill ended up being around $430 read more

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Good Food Good Service Good Ambiance The Good Shepherd has a nice refreshing taste paired with the grilled octopus not pictured were the fries with Aioli too good 10/10 recommend read more

The Foxtail on the Lake - THE GOOD SHEPHERD - Seafood Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

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On a couple visits, I can tell you this place is ALWAYS busy - and with good reason. The building which was previously a church is huge and has some very interesting touches, plus there is a lot of outdoor seating overlooking a lake and also O'Hare airport in the distance. Book ahead to be outside though, otherwise you won't get a table there. And know that despite a clientele often including many families it can be a bit loud when busy and tries to be on the hip side with the music getting pumped in from speakers throughout the dining room. Wine list and cocktails are about as good as you'll find by the glass, while food has been pretty good on visits for both brunch and dinner. You can trust the seafood here, and while the crab cake didn't blow me away it was good. This is one place that I trust the crudo and poke bowls which are excellent on the raw fish options, though I wouldn't personally recommend the filet poke bowl which was a salt/umami bomb and on a recent visit there were also some issues with my wife's pork chop which had good flavor but was overcooked (she was okay with that, but if you say it's recommended medium - which I prefer - please serve it closer to medium rather than well done). Desserts are generally good, and a lot of people appear to come here for special occasions - birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, etc. where they bring out a free dessert with a large sparkler thing which gets attention but honestly doesn't seem entirely safe to me. Yes, that means I'm getting old but I'm not wrong... Service is excellent, ambience is very nice, and for a high volume kitchen like this they do a pretty good job with excellent ingredients at their disposal. I'll round up from 4.5 stars, in this area it's about as good as you'll find and definitely worth a visit. read more

This place is unique. Went here for a birthday celebration. Food was very good and our drinks/cocktails always came so quick. Great outdoor seating overlooking the lake. This place was packed! You will definitely need a reservation. Overall great vibe and will definitely come back again. read more

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Fantastic restaurant and highly recommended to everyone. Everything from the food, atmosphere, and service was perfect. We've tried getting reservations for the last 2 months and finally something opened up. We will absolutely be back again! read more

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Hubby searched for a restaurant up north close to a store we went to and he found one with good reviews so he took me there without telling me where we were going. Funny thing is he didn't put two and two together and didn't realize that Foxtail on the Lake is sister to one of our fave restaurants, Foxtail in Downers Grove. The two restaurants have the same menus but so totally different. Foxtail on the Lake is much bigger and has a great outdoor space on a lake. It's in a former church. I loved it! We sat in the bar area with a view of the lake. I ordered a Holy Smokes, which is a mezcal cocktail, and he had Smokeshow, a bourbon cocktail. We both went on the smokey side. Hubby had the Fox Burger with swiss cheese & bacon. I took a bite - so juicy good. I had the tuna poke bowl with cucumber, avocado & daikon. So fresh. Our server Maryana was sweet and attentive. I would love to go back on a warm day when the patio is open. It was so enticing to me as I looked out the window during our meal. I highly recommend this restaurant if you live near Des Plaines. Great bourbon selection, too. read more

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I wanted to love this place so much because it's a beautiful space with that stained glass window, but I think the food fell short for me. The staff were all amazing though. My friends and I started off with the octopus and pork belly. The portions were smaller than I had thought, but we were catching up and drinking so the food was more like snacking. The octopus was decent. Cooked well, seasoning was okay. Didn't blow me away. The pork belly looked really dry and I didn't have high hopes for it, but it turned out pretty good. The pork belly was okay in terms of tenderness. It didn't melt in my mouth, but it wasn't beef jerky tough. We got the grilled peach salad because it sounded really refreshing. Why did you even put the word "grilled" on the menu if you're not even going to attempt to grill the item?? No grill marks on the 3 pieces of peaches, basically just regular slices of peaches on it. Butttt other than that, the salad itself was fine. Not too overly dressed. I only had a few bites of the duck risotto and paella. They were both pretty good. The duck was definitely overcooked. It was tough to bite. Risotto was cooked well though. The paella is actually orzo so it's not really a traditional one. We thought the banana toffee thing sounded good so we ordered it, but the banana bread thing was just really dry. My one girlfriend wanted the tahini bars and we were iffy but waitress suggested it. It was actually pretty good! She said it was basically a Twix bar, with ice cream lol read more

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You're in Rosemont for 2 days for a work orientation. You've been fed breakfast and lunch at the office and it's been ok. Your first night you had to try Giordano's because it's tradish, and it was good! What do you do your second night? Head to The Foxtail on the Lake STAT. We were looking for a dinner spot via the Google/Yelp, and I don't even think this showed up in search tbh. BUT, one of our work colleagues from the area heard we were trying to find dinner, and recommended this place. "It's a converted church turned restaurant and it's right on a lake!" Well I'm sold, that sounds amazing already. It was about a 10-12 minute Uber from our hotel. Walking in, it smells incredible. Idk what the candle they burn is, but I need it. Hostesses seated us right away, even though it seemed crowded. It's actually huge inside. And absolutely gorgeous. Seriously pictures don't do it justice. Our server was sweet and patient with the 4 of us. Now, on to the food and drinks! Drinks were incredible, and just the right amount of strong. All of us really enjoyed ours. We ended up ordering apps and desserts - which if you're not starving, I 100% recommend. Yall. Every single thing was just so good. So flavorful. Cooked perfectly. Hamachi Crudo and Grilled Octopus were the standouts. For real, even if you think you don't like octopus or have never had it, this will turn ya. Chicken wings and Shrimp Saganaki were delicious. Key Lime Pie was perfectly sweet and tart. We left full and happy, and I'll recommend The Foxtail to anyone and everyone that's in the area or going to visit the area! Thank you for an amazing experience. read more

The Foxtail on the Lake - Drinks! - Seafood Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

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Foxtail on the Lake, located on beautiful Lake Opeka in Des Plaines, is truly a unique destination restaurant. Housed in the repurposed Good Shepherd Lutheran Church built in 1959-60, the space showcases striking mid-century modern architecture that provides a dramatic backdrop for the restaurant's contemporary graphics and artwork. We dined here for the first time on a late Sunday afternoon, and the restaurant was already bustling. There were three hostesses at the front counter--which seemed a bit excessive--but we were seated promptly. To reach the main dining room, with its soaring roof and stunning stained-glass window, you pass by the large cocktail and raw bar. At our table, we appreciated the thoughtful touch of a small coat stand. Our waitress greeted us immediately and was friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive as she guided us through the extensive menu. She asked whether we were celebrating a special occasion (yes, my husband's birthday) and if we had any dietary restrictions. She noted that many diners enjoy splitting and sharing dishes--with no extra charge--and that salads are available in half portions. When my husband mentioned he wanted to get home in time for the Bears game, she made sure our service was efficient and well-paced. We ordered a cocktail and a mocktail; both were fine, though somewhat muted in flavor. The food, however, was a highlight. The burrata mostarda appetizer, squash lentil soup, half salad we shared, and the tuna poke bowl were all delicious and satisfyingly hearty. The meal concluded with a birthday dessert complete with a festive sparkler and a cheerful rendition of "Happy Birthday" from our waitress and another server--a lovely touch. With a wide range of price points and menu options, this Mediterranean restaurant manages to be both family-friendly and polished enough for a special occasion. Foxtail's striking architecture, excellent service, and delicious food combine to create a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Even if you live in Chicago, as we do, it's well worth the trip. I highly recommend Foxtail on the Lake. read more

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I tried this place for a second time for my birthday The food was still very mediocre to bad. The drinks an overall experience is overpriced for the value of what you get . Due to our Chicago heat which is brutal I understand the ventilation system leaks water. The water drips onto your drinks while you sitting at the table ! Yum ? read more

The place itself is very nice as it used to be a church. The stained glass is amazing and is the centerpiece of the restaurant. That's pretty much where the good part ends. Service was very slow and our waitress seemed pretty cold and indifferent. I had the crab omelete, and there were a lot of tendons and some shells that I had to constantly pick out. Then I noticed a hair in the center of the omelete which pretty much made me lose my appetite. Really a let down considering the interesting menu and the appealing design of the building. read more

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My husband and I chose Foxtail on the Lake for our five-year wedding anniversary because we wanted what we hoped would be one of the most memorable and romantic dining experiences in the area. We intentionally made this our "no budget" celebration, expecting exceptional food, service, and hospitality. Instead, it turned into one of the most disappointing restaurant experiences we've ever had. Our reservation was for 7:00 p.m. on July 2, and despite having a reservation, we waited more than 20 minutes to be seated. During that time, we watched people walk in, greet someone they appeared to know, and be seated immediately at the bar while we continued to wait. My husband had gone out of his way to ensure our anniversary would be acknowledged. He noted on the reservation that it was our five-year anniversary, called ahead before our dinner to confirm the restaurant was aware, and even checked with the host stand when we arrived. We weren't asking for anything extravagant--just the kind of small acknowledgment that many restaurants happily provide for guests celebrating a milestone. Nothing happened. There was no congratulations, no acknowledgment from our server, no candle with dessert, no handwritten note, nothing. We even ordered dessert ourselves, and it arrived exactly as if it were any ordinary Tuesday night. The service only added to the disappointment. Our server was curt, rarely checked on us despite our ordering two appetizers, two entrées, dessert, and several rounds of drinks, and never made us feel welcomed or cared for. For a restaurant positioning itself as a destination for special occasions, the level of hospitality simply wasn't there. Unfortunately, the food didn't make up for it. Considering the price point, we expected much more. Most dishes were surprisingly bland and underseasoned, and nothing we ordered stood out as memorable. At the end of the evening, my husband politely mentioned everything to the host stand. The response was essentially that our anniversary "must have gotten lost in communication," followed by an offer of a dessert to take home. By that point, the moment had already passed. A boxed dessert cannot replace a once-in-a-lifetime celebration that was overlooked from start to finish. No manager came over to speak with us, no one took ownership of the experience, and there was no meaningful attempt to make things right. This wasn't just dinner--it was our fifth wedding anniversary, a milestone we'll never get to celebrate again. We chose Foxtail because we trusted it would deliver an exceptional experience worthy of the occasion. Instead, we left feeling ignored, disappointed, and wondering why we spent so much money on an evening that felt like an afterthought. If you're looking for a restaurant to celebrate an anniversary, proposal, birthday, or other meaningful milestone, I cannot recommend Foxtail on the Lake based on our experience. There are too many restaurants that understand hospitality and know how to make guests feel special. Sadly, this wasn't one of them. read more

What's not to like? Just a beautiful experience from start to finish. I dropped my fork, there was someone to pick it up for me before I even moved. I finished my plate, the staff didn't rush the plate removal but executed even that timing perfectly. I don't fine dine often, and this isn't fine dining, but the service matches that standard (I would say the service here exceeds most high end restaurants I've dined at). Our server, TJ, was young but extremely efficient and friendly. Just very impressive on every front. Hamachi crudo to start which was very unique, tasted like green bean casserole in the best way. Deconstructed lobster was so fun, I REALLY enjoyed that dish. Gluten free bread that was just perfect, I really can't say much more. Great bourbon list A+ read more

Foxtail on the Lake is one of those spots you stumble into and instantly realize you've made the right choice. It used to be a church, they kept the stained glass windows, and you're now dining in a cathedral of good taste. I was in town for work, didn't plan on going anywhere fancy but met someone at the conference and next thing you know we're here. I showed up in sweats, totally underdressed, surrounded by beautiful, well dressed people who looked like they'd walked off a magazine cover. Loved it. Even though it was packed, we got seated right away without a reservation. Alex, our waitress, greeted us with free glasses of Prosecco since it was their 2 year anniversary, strong opening move. We went for the fig and burrata, hamachi crudo, grilled octopus, and key lime cheesecake. Every single dish was great, but the crudo was my favorite. I also had a glass of Ancient Peaks red blend, and our total came out to $102 (including tax & a 20% tip). The food came out quick, the service was on point, and the vibe was just perfect. Not sure if this is a recurring thing but they even had a DJ spinning on a Saturday night, which gave the whole place "this is the place to be energy". Definitely one of those "I wasn't planning this, but I'm so glad it happened" nights. Now this is the kind of church I see myself frequenting. read more

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Foxtail has been open for a while and I've been wanting to go there, so my husband and I went tonight for our 23rd Anniversary. First, the club music creates an upbeat vibe. It's not intrusive, but we were sat outside. I can imagine it might have been hard to carry conversation in the very full and busy dining room. We both started with a mocktail, the fly boy, which was very fresh and delicious. My husband had the 20 oz rib eye which was slightly over done, but still seasoned well. I had the bone-in pork chop with fingerling potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts which was delightful. Dessert consisted of the banana sticky toffee pudding and the strawberry chocolate cake and a decaf cappuccino. All were awesome. Our server (Lindsey?) was l friendly and attentive, while not being overbearing. Foxtail has definitely become a favorite restaurant of ours. read more

First time here and I can say it is one of my favorite places! Interior is terrific! It looks amazing! Mix of vintage and modern style, with patio which has scenic view on the Opeka lake. I can't wait for it to be open! We ordered couple of dishes to share: octopus, flatbread and scallops (photos attached), followed by a cocktails. Impressions are great! Everything was delicious and tasty! Atmosphere was pleasant. Music is not loud, not quiet- exactly how it should be. All in all- wonderful place, and I recommend it! Update: Fifth time here, and it's still just as impressive! The patio is now covered, so there's even more comfortable seating during the colder months. We ordered the brick chicken and the filet mignon this time, along with the flatbread, and everything was absolutely outstanding. One of my favorite places, without a doubt! read more

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So beautiful and delicious I went back two weeks later to take my husband for his birthday! The vibes? Immaculate. Scenery? Immaculate (pun intended). This renovated church to restaurant is beautiful. Indoor and outdoor seating available. Food was delicious. I had the crispy duck risotto. Duck was cooked perfect, crispy and moist still. Only wish was that risotto was a bit smoother, had a crunch to it. Mom got a salmon bowl which was delicious (and what I got two weeks later). Sister had the beef shawarma which she said was good. Service in this place is fantastic. No shortage of staff here! They got runners everywhere. Absolutely will be back to this place. read more

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Had a lovely pre wedding welcome reception here on June 13 in the Lake Room, and can't say enough about the staff, the food and the venue. Trisha V., the catering manager, worked with me to create the perfect evening, even with last minute changes. Buffet style service was plentiful and tasty. Taylor, our server, was spot on all night, great service!. Ephrain was behind the bar and he handled it all beautifully (I'm sure our group gave him a workout!). We were able to enjoy the patio with a view of the lake and fountain on a lovely evening. After it was over, the staff boxed up any food that was left, and made it convenient to take home. Good memories created. Mission accomplished! read more

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I stopped at The Foxtail on the Lake during a quick 36-hour work road trip to Chicago -- and wow, what a find. The restaurant is inside a beautifully converted church, and the space is stunning: vaulted ceilings, warm wood beams, glowing orb lights, and a stained-glass window that makes the whole room feel special. The curved bar runs the length of the space with luxe seating and an open raw bar. It's elegant but approachable -- the kind of place that makes you want to order a cocktail and settle in. I went with a gin and St. Germain cocktail, which was light, floral, and perfectly balanced. Julie and I shared a few dishes, and every single one came out beautifully plated and full of flavor. What we ordered: * Burrata & Fig Jam Toast -- creamy cheese, sweet fig jam, and perfectly toasted bread. * Mac & Cheese -- rich, gooey, golden-topped shells with a hint of truffle. * Little Gem Salad with Grilled Salmon -- crisp greens, tomatoes, tortilla strips, and flaky, perfectly cooked salmon. The service was warm and attentive without being rushed, and the vibe was lively but still relaxed. We sat at the bar, which I highly recommend. For a restaurant we found on a whim, this was a total gem -- thoughtful food, a gorgeous space, and great drinks. I'll absolutely be back next time I'm in the area. If you love local food finds, cocktails, and hidden gems, follow me on Google, Instagram, Yelp, Facebook, and Beli for more foodie adventures. read more

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So I have heard and seen pics of this place. They do not do it justice. (As probably mine won't) Such a cool vibe! The menu is funky/eclectic. The shawarma rolls were great. The cocktails can't be beat. Sofia is an amazing bartender. So much fun and makes a great cocktail. Love love love this place. read more

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A little all over the place on the decor and menu fronts, almost as if Foxtail is having an identity crisis, but not in a totally bad, cringey way. It's like a hip, eclectic, and diverse vibes. This remodeled church still has the stained glass, but the wall hangings are composed of various comic booky images. Menu here is extensive, but I will say it's an eclectic mix of Mediterranean (shawarma, saganaki), poke bowls and sushi, and hearty entrees like pork chop, brick chicken, and steak filets. The kids' menu has more than your usual variety too, with not only grilled cheese and hamburgers, but California roll, which my two mini me's immediately picked. Now let's talk appetizers. There are so many good ones to choose from. Highly recommend the burrata and fig with toasted baguette and the pork belly bruschetta! The chicken wings were super flavorful too. We'll come back to try the shrimp saganaki. It was like magic tonight when we placed the apps order, and 2 of the 3 arrived within minutes. Lol. Ya thirsty? The wine list is plentiful, and the cocktails have religious themed names. On my first visit, I chose the salmon entree, and what I remember most about it was the terrible mashed potatoes, which tasted like cheap, instant potatoes. Ugh! It was super off putting. Very much one of the reasons for the minus one star. My belly was more content with the entree I chose at our dinner tonight, the crispy duck leg risotto. The skin was fatty and delicious, and the duck meat fell right off the bone. I remember googling this on my two separate visits here, so note it: freekeh is a grain from the Middle East. Don't forget dessert! The tahini bars are unique and satisfy your sweet cravings. They have a creamy and rich texture and flavor. Key lime cheesecake was better than I expected due to the fluffy, comforting texture, and two thumbs up for the strawberry chocolate cake with rich frosting and strawberry ice cream layer and curls on the outer coating. Water service was impeccable! Parking available in the lot (fills up fairly fast), via valet, or street parking on Howard. P.S. love the unique table side stands that can hold purses or bags for you so you don't have to cradle it in your lap or sit with your bag behind your back! read more

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I was waiting to pick up a visitor from O'Hare and decided to check out the park. It was a lovely Friday evening with perfect summer temperatures and cicadas singing. The patio of the Foxtail on the Lake looked particularly inviting, so I decided my guest and I should come after getting her. The reservation system was rough. I tried online, and everything was booked. I tried calling, and I could not get through. I finally went into the restaurant and asked. Patio is first come, first serve, and I was told we had abut a 50-50 chance of getting a table. I got my visitor, and we took those odds. We got a lovely table for two on the patio and enjoyed our dinner. I had the poke bowl, which was overall good but a bit salty. She had the beet salad, which she very much enjoyed. Overall, very nice experience! read more

The Foxtail on the Lake - Seafood Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

What beautiful architecture! Highly impressed by the inside of the building, such beautiful lighting and modern artwork throughout plus those gorgeous high ceilings. The restaurant is located right off the lake and it's just all around a gorgeous venue. There were plenty of people celebrating Sunday brunch and birthdays all around. We were promptly seated and attended to quickly. I ordered the pork belly poke bowl (5/5) which was exactly what i needed and my husband ordered the breakfast sandwich (5/5) off the brunch menu. Plenty of food options for everyone from cheap to expensive and from all different regions. Cocktails were great, food was excellent, and we would recommend this place to anyone. P.S. There is a speakeasy downstairs that opens at 6 PM read more

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Really great experience here! Our server was really nice and the view is absolutely beautiful. We went at night and the fountains were on. The food was great as well! I like coming herd to eat seafood and their pastas are really good as well! I would recommend! read more

The Foxtail on the Lake - Seafood Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

Food, service and ambiance are amazing. One on the best places ever. The outside space is a great are too. read more

We were in the area for a concert. So, as I frequently do, I turned to Yelp! for restaurant choices. This is how we got to Foxtail on the Lake. Pretty cool old church converted into a restaurant. Very clean interior design wise. Plus a purse/bag/hat rack at each table. Genius! There is also a very large covered outdoor seating area, overlooking the lake. Since it was 93 degrees, we opted to stay indoors. Our server was excellent as well! Great menu, so we started off with three apps. Burrata Fig Mostarda, which was great, but nearly too sweet for me. Pork Belly Bruschetta. No tomatoes. Not needed. Excellent crispy pork belly. I would get this every single visit! Grilled octopus with potatoes. Excellent and a nice hint of spice. My wife then got the deconstructed lobster roll. She loved it! I tried the Basic B Burger, which as the name says, was basic. Beef was a bit under-seasoned. Another great point is you get plenty of bread with your orders. Not lacking at all. Not sure when we will be back in the area. When that happens, it will be hard to stay away from Foxtail! read more

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This is my first YELP submission. I really felt taken advantage of after my lunch there recently. My friend and I each ordered a crab cake and iced tea. The crab cake was so tiny and it came with 2 mini toasts. They were edible at best. The icing on the cake was the bill.. we spent $75! The service was good, ambiance fine but I am certain you can do much better elsewhere.. read more