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    The Foxtail on the Lake

    4.3 (578 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

    The Foxtail on the Lake Photos

    THE FOXTAIL ON THE LAKE ATMOSPHERE

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    Menu
    Amanda K.

    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.

    THE GOOD SHEPHERD
    Winferd John T.

    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

    Brick Amish Chicken and roasted potatoes
    Keith J.

    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.

    Ryan D.

    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.

    Grilled octopus
    Vita P.

    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.

    M. W.

    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.

    Burger
    Sammy W.

    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

    Lauren P.

    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.

    Timothy M.

    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!

    Smokeshow and Holy Smokes cocktails
    Marianne D.

    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.

    Drinks!
    Ellen S.

    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.

    Ben J.

    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.

    The large stained-glass window.
    Scott V.

    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.

    Tuna poke bowl

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    The Foxtail on the Lake Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Foxtail on the Lake

    Live music or DJ Saturday evenings?

    What is the price range?Bev F.

    What is the brownie or type of brownie they serve for a birthday celebration?

    Earlier this summer, it was a large chocolate brownie square, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and a big firecracker! Very nice and celebratory.

    Are there no steaks on the menu?

    They have steak options under their MAIN. They have petite Filet mignon (6 ounce) and a Bone in Ribeye (16 ounce).

    Are rsvp required on the patio?

    They have lots of tables. I went there without a reservation and requested for a patio table and they were able to provide that to me with a small wait.… Read more

    Do I need a reservation for two people? How busy are they on the weekend?

    Yes, reservations are required. They are very busy. You could try to sit at the bar without a reservation

    What is the dress code here? Casual, Business Casual, Dressy?

    Dress to impress. Not formal, but the crowd there is pretty well dressed. For a business event, I would not come as if it were a sports bar or too sloppy, Julie.

    View All 9 Questions

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    Bourbon & Brass

    Bourbon & Brass

    4.5
    (4 reviews)
    1.9 mi

    12/28/24 - While we loved going to Bourbon & Brass. This is a cool speakeasy on the second floor…read moreof the Des Plaines Theater. When I was a kid I use to go to the Des Plaines Theater & watch movies for 60 cents (ahhh nostalgia trip down memory lane), but I digress The speakeasy inside the Des Plaines Theater is an awesome idea. The show was awesome but the one MAJOR MAJOR issue I have is the bartender who continued to serve my sister's friend. He was obviously very very drunk to a point where he could barely walk wo/stumbling. He was slurring his words. Both my sister & I asked the bartender not to serve him anymore alcohol but she kept serving him drinks even after we asked. She continued to serve him even after we asked her not to. When he and my sister left she told me he tried to put the key in the ignition 14X's before she convinced him to let her drive. Your bartender's need to be aware of a persons level of intoxication. Both my sister & I asked her not to serve him anymore drinks but she continued to serve him. Thank God my sister was able to convince him to let her drive home otherwise what was an excellent evening could have ended tragically. Please have your bartenders be more conscious of a persons level of intoxication. While I gave Bourbon & Brass a 5 star review I need to down grade that for over serving someone alcohol even after both my sister & I asked her to stop serving him

    I heard there was a speakeasy at this theater, so we had to stop by to check it out. Free parking…read moreat the lot behind or ramp. There was a show that evening, when we entered the theater, the usher asked to see our tickets. I asked how to get to the speakeasy and the usher pointed to the elevator, take it to the second floor. Once we got to the second floor, more ushers greeted us and informed us there's a jazz band performing and small cover charge. As soon as we paid and entered through the bookshelf, the room was beautifully arranged as a lounge with fancy and vintage sofas and couches. Kind of reminds me of someone grandma's house. The bar had snacks available, otherwise more drink options. The band played good songs too. Definitely recommend if you're in the area and jazz fan.

    Photos
    The stage in Bourbon N Brass
    The stage in Bourbon N Brass
    Bar
    Bar
    Passage in behind the book case

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    Passage in behind the book case
    Ostras

    Ostras

    3.6
    (41 reviews)
    1.3 mi

    I didn't know this place existed until a friend decided this was the spot for her birthday this…read moreyear. It is definitely not the sort of place that you'd expect to see as essentially the Holiday Inn restaurant. While we didn't get any food, the drinks were great! I had two margaritas, a standard and a because everyone else was doing it I got their spicy jalapeño margarita (there's an actual name for it but I can't remember what it was). It was really good, and it was actually a bit spicy which was nice. They aren't light with the alcohol either, so although the drinks aren't inexpensive I also didn't feel cheated. Would you expect a nightclub in the suburbs--especially Des Plaines? I wouldn't have, but then there's Ostras. They have a DJ playing every weekend (on Saturdays, at least), and they provide a salsa dancing lesson every Saturday at 9:30 p.m. There was quite a crowd there so it seems to be a popular place.

    We got reservations for this place at 630PM on a Saturday evening. When we got there, there was…read moreplenty of tables. A "Please Wait to be Seated" sign greeted us and wait we did. We stood at the front with absolutely no acknowledgement from any of the staff including the bartenders. There is a front counter it seems, but no one was there. After five minutes of standing, and yes, it was 5-min, as the World Cup was on and that game clock doesn't stop. 5-minutes might not sound long, but when you're standing in the front, its a long time. We finally got greeted by their understaffed people, and were seated in the back. Obviously no reservation needed, as they didn't even ask. After about another 5-minutes, we got paper menus. By this time, we scanned the QR code that was on the table, to see the menu, and we were already ready to order. Sadly, I wish I did look at the paper menu, because apparently the online menu was different. There was a gumbo on the paper menu apparently. There's pictures of it on their TV monitors, showcasing their food, but I didn't see it on the online menu. We go the oysters, which surprisingly no one got sick from. Chicken fajitas were OK, and the rainbow roll sushi was OK too. The service really was bad... I would not come back again. BATHROOM REVIEW: Located in between the back room and bar area, the bathrooms were surprisingly pleasant. No poop splatters or pee stains on the toilet and urinals. They keep their bathrooms clean. Sit or squat? Sit.

    Photos
    Salsa
    Salsa
    Linguine frutiti di mare
    Linguine frutiti di mare
    Spicy señorita

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    Spicy señorita
    Hala Kahiki Tropical Lounge

    Hala Kahiki Tropical Lounge

    4.0
    (973 reviews)
    6.3 mi
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    Hala Kahiki is a tiki bar staple in the Chicago Suburbs! The inside is much larger than I expected…read morewith a huge bar area, covered outdoor patio, and at least two other indoor seating areas. I love that as soon as you enter, you are transported to a tropical oasis that is dark and moody. I visited with a larger group so we made a reservation before. One pays $5 per person in your group and the amount is later applied to your bill. The food menu is minimal and most items weren't available sadly. We got two orders of their pineapple salsa with taro chips. It was yummy but wasn't enough substance to match the drink levels. For drinks, our group got a wide variety. They have all sorts of flavor pairings to accommodate every guest. I got the Captain's Revenge after hearing the Pearl Diver was unavailable. It was good but not amazing. For my second drink, I got the Chocolate Banana Old Fashioned which I thoroughly enjoyed. I didn't hear anyone in our group be disappointed with what they ordered. Our server, Jazmine, was very knowledgable about the menu and asking the right questions to make sure what we each ordered would be something we liked. Overall, this was a fun experience and I am happy I finally got to visit! My experience was slightly tainted with how much was not available the night we visited.

    The best way I can some up this place: "Aloha, mf'ers!"…read more Drinks are strong strong and always garnished with something fun. Heed the warnings on the menu and ask for help if you get stuck. Decor is classic tiki and the wait staff is top notch.

    Photos
    Delightfully tacky, and I love it.
    Delightfully tacky, and I love it.
    Mid seating section during the holidays.
    Mid seating section during the holidays.
    Inside

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    Inside

    The Foxtail on the Lake - seafood - Updated June 2026

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