Fun Things to Do in Oak Brook

Selfies
Graue Mill & Museum is an operating waterwheel gristmill and homestead. It’s a great spot for some insta-old timeyness. Or look to the Mayslake Peabody Estate Tudor Revival-style mansion to bring instantaneous insta-tonyness to your posts. And of course, the magnificence of Chicago is just a hop, skip and a jump (read Uber or Lyft ride) from Oak Brook. The selfie spots in Chicago are too numerous to list here. Just know that they are fab-u-lous! 

Shopping
If an an expansive selection of upscale department and specialty stores floats your boat, head to Oakbrook Center.  And for even more fine clothiers, jewelers and home furnishings Oak Brook Promenade won't disappoint. And speaking of home furnishings, check out Crate & Barrel's magnificent Oak Brook store, which also boasts 'The Table at Crate,' its first full-service restaurant.

Breweries
Enjoy one of Noon Whistle Brewing’s great beers right next to the brewhouse and fermenters (where else would you rather be?), or head over to More Brewing Co. for a cold ‘Best Kept Secret.’ Alter Brewing Company’s taproom is a striking and roomy modern-industrial space. They don’t serve food but you’re more than welcome to bring some with you! Afterthought Brewing Company is a saison-focused (a style born in the French countryside) brewery offering small-batch suds and groovy souvenirs, and Emmett's Brewing Company serves up world-class beer right in Chicago’s own back yard. Good times!

Cocktails
After a long day of learning and networking head to Common Good Cocktail House for a ‘Scotchy Scotch’ or ‘Boulevard Baller.’ Babcock's Grove House offers wine and ‘mostly local’ beers in a charming vintage setting. If a sports bar is more your style, stop by Crazy Pour Sports Bar where more than 175 exquisite whiskey, scotch and bourbon options await. Barrelman’s Room boasts barrel-aged cocktails in a neighborhood lounge atmosphere, and D.O.C. Wine Bar is the place to be if you believe that wine is the "nectar of the gods." 

Casual Eats
If bacon is your bag, check out the signature bacon menu at Overtime Bacon Bar, or enjoy modern American food in an energetic atmosphere at Old Town Pour House. Craving Chicago-style pizza? Giordano’s has you covered. Let yourself get messy eating Texas-style BBQ at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, or sample the flavorful twists on classic Mexican dishes and drinks at En Fuego Mexican Grille. RockSugar Southeast Asian Kitchen showcases the cuisines of Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, while Kizuna Sushi Bistro and Roka Akor serve innovative combinations of contemporary Japanese cuisines. Vegetarians will find Nirvana at Shree Restaurant, or even more vegiliciousness at Freshii. Choices for outstanding burgers, dogs or donuts are plentiful. Portillo’s (massive menu), Wayback Burgers (yummm) and Stan’s Donuts & Coffee are each standouts. Enjoy!

Upscale Gastronomics
For a magnificent porkchop that's as big as your head,  visit Perry's Steakhouse & Grille. Like Da’ Coach himself, Ditka’s is an All-American classic, and just down the road is Michael Jordan's Restaurant. Pinstripes offers sophisticated dining with indoor bocce and bowling (seriously!), while the menu at Antico Posto focuses on Italian comfort foods (check out the chicken meatballs!). Seasons 52 is the place to be if you're craving 100 percent fresh (never frozen) deliciousness, and McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks aims to exceed expectations with fresh seafood, aged steaks and garden fresh salads. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse has its own USDA Prime Beef Certification (moooo!), and the eclectic and drool-worthy fare at Wildfire is served with a modern-day 1940's dinner club vibe.

Keep Moving
Oak Brook is a suburban(ish) conclave about 20 miles west of Chicago. Known primarily for vast shopping and dining offerings, it also boasts beautiful, well-kept green spaces. The green vistas at nearby Morton Arboretum are the perfect backdrop for communing with nature and getting your steps in. An asphalt footpath takes hikers through the woods at York Woods County Forest Preserve and a second, 1-mile paved trail is also open to hikers, bicyclists or joggers. The Dean Nature Sanctuary keeps things natural (no athletic fields or playgrounds) with hiking and bike trails and an active apiary program for honeybees. You can even purchase honey, which supports the preservation of area parks and open lands.