29 Best Cocktail Bars near Vernon Hills

“The first thing you notice is the farm house decor. The menu is American fare with a hint of some southern dishes. The staff is great considering it can get busy after 8:30 am. There’s plenty of parking and weather permitting. They have outside seating.“

“A really great and unique find! Don't judge it by the exterior, as it's really nothing to look at outside but spectacular inside! Great drinks, wonderful mead made on site, and a well stocked bar. Totally worth your time to explore!“

“First visit tonight and it was a blast! The owners are kind and ran a fun event. The space is an old kitchen furniture showroom if some kind so it has a lot of fun, unique spaces to hang out. I'll be back!Navigation tip: it's attached to the back of the Harley Davidson dealership. The GPS was very confused about where I should turn.“

“we love everything there, food, service and atmosphere.“

“Do not pass up the chance to stop at this wonderful distillery. Myself and two others on a business trip from Cincinnati when we discovered this place by accident, and we are glad we did. Do not listen to old Reddit or Yelp comments about their spirits, everything we sampled was amazing. I walked out with a bottle of their single barrel bourbon. The bartender/distiller was amazing, when she told me I was drinking a two year, I couldn't believe it. I guessed it was aged at least ten years by the wonderful notes and smoothness. If I get up that way again, I'm definitely grabbing some more, and sampling their other offerings.“

“Stopped in for a farm to table experience and found just that. Every bite was impeccable. Highly recommend to anyone traveling through the area. Great cocktails and appetizer selection.“

“Very dated, but that adds to the charmStaff was helpfulPrices are decentEquipment worked as expectedI've been bowling for over 50-years, and a relative once owned a bowling alley. This isn't as modern as other alleys, but you don't pay those prices either. It's a neighborhood bowling alley, in the truest sense of the word.“

“Small family run .
Don’t be deceived by the name. The food is very good. Very fresh really great service small intimate restaurant. They have a small dining area probably for parties that are somewhat small or overflow.. try it out so good !!
I guess you can order Omakasa I was looking at reviews and it looks amazing. It’s so fun to sit up at the sushi bar and watch their craft with those amazing knives so skillful.“

“Came here for the first time and was surprised with their food and service. Bartenders were attentive and served you with a smile. Their nachos were some of the best I’ve had, and the atmosphere puts you a drinking and dancing mood. Definitely will come back and would recommend to friends.“

“Perfect combination of esthetic decor, unique menu and signature cocktails!“

“I haven't gone to eat in the restaurant yet but we have ordered several times and the food is so good. Definitely would recommend!“

“Stopped for dinner one night with my father. we had oysters, panini and chopped salad. enjoyable evening sitting outside, friendly staff and good food. will come again soon“

“My waiter was good and friendly. I sat in covered patio. I ordered a spring salad with shrimp. blackberries, grapefruit, candied pecans, arugula and berry vinaigrette and a side of Mac n cheese. The salad was missing the pecans but I forgot until I left, I thought something was missing. However, the shrimp was perfectly cooked. The ratio of shrimp to half portion was good. Mac N Cheese was ok. Noodles were undercooked and some still hard/crunchy edges and cheese sauce was just average and a bit gritty/thick. However, I was not expecting my meal to be served with plastic wrapped plastic utensils. a take home box for salad and a take home container for dining in. That was disappointing. the table of eight next to me was a bit shocked too to get their meals in to go cardboard containers.“

“Alexis is a wonderful incredible waitress“

“Excellent home style authentic. The Barbacoa Tacos are my favorite so far but everything we've had has been delicious. Family owned, friendly and courteous service. Love this place.“

“The food was really good i had lamb chops mac cheese greens and catfish and grits amazing the owner was nice and the staff“

“I love this restaurant and honestly surprised it's not rated higher. On the weekends this place can get packed. Highly would recommend to anyone that loves authentic mexican food.“

“I ordered delivery for my son for his birthday. Although, they don’t have pasta I was able to get him some wings and a pizza. They gave me an estimated time frame but delivered before it. They also gave me a courtesy call before showing up. He said the food was delicious as well. Therefore, they get a five star from us ?“

“This was exactly the vibe that I was looking for for a nice meal before Christmas. I’ve never been to Deer Path but I am so glad I went. The cocktails were great, the service was fantastic and the food was delicious. I loved the fireplace vibes too.“

“Absolutely love this place. My buddy showed it to me years ago and I haven’t gone to any other Mexican restaurant since then. The owners of the restaurant are absolutely amazing people and I always have great service whenever I’m there. Food is quick, tastes absolutely fantastic and the people are amazing.“

“Good solid breakfast establishment, service friendly and quick, but no rushing the customers to seat others.
I asked for my toast to be buttered and was told " we don't for covid concerns". I rolled my eyes, but said no more. I checked later to determine if there were any state or federal prohibitions for buttering toast, OF COURESE THERE WEREN'T!
I'M there are a few people who love hard cold butter spread on cold toast, NOT ME.
injury to insult the butter Is in tiny tiny little sealed plastic small square packs, open 3 or4 just to butter the one piece of toast, what a waste of landfill with plastic, but that isn't a consideration.
Suggedtion... butter the toast as the customer requests, get rid of the small butter packs and go to the paper foil wrapped butter for those who wish to butter there own toast.“

“We picked Maevery last minute for our son's navy graduation dinner and it didn't dissapoint. They accommodated a last minute reservation and put us in a corner great table for easy catching up. Service was great (which we didn't experience in multiple fine dining restaurants downtown) and food was yummy and a good selection. .. they had awesome recommendations and treated us wonderfully! Didn't rush us and from 5-6pm we nearly had the place to ourselves before the dinner rush! Highly recommended by this out of town visiting family! Thank You (from Southern CA) We will be back if we are in Chicago again!“

“Five stars ………………………………..“

“Never judge a book by its cover. When I arrived, the empty parking lot and the restaurant being inside a hotel initially raised red flags. However, with limited options and an open mind, I decided to give it a try—and was blown away. The cuisine and customer service were exceptional! They even fresh squeezed lemonade for me!

Oaken Bar + Bistro: A Taste of Elegance in Every Bite

Beef Tenderloin Empanadas
The empanadas set the tone with their flaky crust and tender, perfectly seasoned beef filling. Accompanied by vibrant chimichurri and a zesty lemon tomato sauce, this starter balances richness and brightness with precision. Each bite feels indulgent yet fresh, leaving you eager for more.

Oaken Salad
This salad takes simplicity to an elevated level. A mix of fresh greens pairs unexpectedly well with juicy orange segments and velvety whipped ricotta. The lavender vanilla vinaigrette adds a subtle floral sweetness, tying the dish together beautifully. A sourdough crostini provides the perfect crunch, making this a standout plate for anyone craving a sophisticated yet light option.

Atlantic Salmon
A dish that seamlessly combines comforting and refined elements. The salmon, cooked to perfection, sits atop a silky potato purée that practically melts on the tongue. Earthy wild mushrooms add depth, while the buerre rouge sauce lends a rich, tangy finish. Every element works in harmony, creating a dish that’s both comforting and memorable.

And of course, my signature cappuccino…

Oaken Bar + Bistro shows its mastery in weaving together thoughtful ingredients with elevated techniques, making each plate a well-orchestrated delight.

Here’s a bit about the venue:
Oaken Bistro + Bar is a modern, upscale American bistro located in Lake Forest, Illinois. It offers all-day dining with a menu that blends elevated American classics, such as burgers and salads, with globally influenced dishes like Beef Tenderloin Empanadas and the Cubano sandwich.

The restaurant features a sleek lounge serving craft cocktails, including signature herbal-infused options, alongside an eclectic wine list and local beers. Guests can enjoy their meals in a contemporary dining room, a 25-seat outdoor patio, or opt for take-out and delivery services.

Executive Chef Christian Alejandro leads the culinary team, offering a diverse American menu with international influences from Latin America, Italy, and Creole cuisines. Chef Alejandro was recently inducted into the Disciples Escoffier organization, highlighting his culinary expertise.“

“The food is very good. The staff is very friendly. Dawn, Missy, Lori are very good getting your order correct and are always available to assist any customer. The prices are very competitive and the menu has a good variety of tasty meals. Another plus is that it's never crowded and the ambient is very soothing. Thank you everyone!!“

“Excellent margaritas and enchiladas. The outdoor seating is great. #iraeats“

“muy buena comida mejor de la que e comido en otros lugares“

“The layout was welcoming. Our server, Marlen, was attentive, there was no nickel and dime on additional chips and salsa (red chile) and the food was nicely displayed and certainly had an expected kick to it based on its name, and a restaurant we will consider going back to.“

“We attended the valentines couples charcuterie event tonight and had a blast. Jess and her team provided the perfect night out!“