2 nights in Oak Park (public transportation walking only) (Chicago, Normal: crime, houses)

[joemits]

All right we usually stay in the loop when we visit Chicago, this time we are doing two nights in Oak Park and staying near mills park area. We plan on doing some Frank Loyd Wright stuff and seeing the Ernst Hemingway house. Looking for some info on places to eat-- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all kinds of styles for dinner. Keep in mind no car, but waking is no problem and neither is the train. Any thing we should not miss? best walking neighborhoods. What is the scoop on east Oak Park. I know that the west side of Chi has its share of issues.Any spill over, places of Oak park that should be avoided with wife and two teens. Will also be spending some nights in the City afterward, Metra or L train green line when heading that way? Thanks.

[kindrakindra]

Normally, I would recommend the green line for quick and easy travel to downtown Chicago. In your case, especially if you have a lot of luggage, I am going to recommend the Metra. The L cars are old and there isn't a ton of open space for luggage. Of course, I usually manage with three kids and a double stroller, but it is a pain.

For restaurants, I love Eryie Cafe. It's a restaurant outpost of a cooking school, and the food is seasonal and fantastic. I believe it's open for lunch during the week and they expanded to Saturday dinner as well. Maya Del Sol is a favorite, but it is a little further from where you guys are staying. For a five minute walk from your location, try: (1) Lake Street Kitchen is nice for a quick little bite with a great tap/bar; (2) Munch is a good vegan place for breakfast or lunch; (3) Marion Street Cheese Market is amazing for local food and small plates (has the best French Press coffee outside of Europe and amazing pastries); (4) Arepas for a quick lunch; (5) there is a new quick serve Asian place on Lake that I haven't tried yet; (6) Forest Park (five minute walk in the other direction) has a good options for Italian (Jimmy's Place and Francescas) and bar food (Fat Duck). Poor Phil's (seafood and popcorn at the table) and Barclays also have good food and a good tap too.

For breakfast, try Delia's on Lake. Al's Diner and Cozy Corner are fine little diners, but Delia's is really fantastic. If you want a quick breakfast, Brueggers is right there too.

[Hatchetman]

I agree mostly with what Kindra said. Cucina Paradiso is a nice spot right downtown. Anywhere in Oak Park is pretty safe. Maybe avoid Austin Avenue at night. Get a map of all the FLW houses. They are all in very nice areas to walk. Peterson's is an ice cream place by the FLW studio. Maybe hit a church service at one of the beautiful churches.

[joemits]

sounds perfect! thanks for the timely response!!

[chitownperson]

In addition to already stated eateries, which I also think are great, try Clay Ovan for great Indian food, Sen Sushi in south Oak Park for sushi (they have a Michelin star), and Trattoria 225 on Harrison is pretty great too. Hope you enjoy your stay in Oak Park. As for safety, Oak Park is safe... Most crime is property crime... If you're concerned, stay a couple blocks west of Austin Blvd, but I have friends on Humpfry (one block west of Austin) and they feel safe. Just don't do thinks like take the family on midnight strolls down Austin Blvd and you'll be fine... Have fun!