Is this your business?
Claim this profile to update your info and track analytics.
The Foxtail On The Lake — among the best food in Des Plaines. The noise level tells you everything you need to know. There's real intention behind the cocktail list. "One of the best parts is the beautiful lake nearby, where you can take a nice walk after your meal" — Valeriia Buchkovska
Izi Kehayov
156 reviews
“The food was delicious and tasted great (except that my burger we DEFINITELY not cooked medium because it was very dry, but i still give the place 5 stars since that was either my waitress or the cook who dropped the ball there”
Very disappointed with my take-out order. I've dined in before and had a great experience.
1177 Howard Ave, Des Plaines, IL 60018
“Foxtail on the lake features a modern, sophisticated atmosphere.”
Foxtail on the lake features a modern, sophisticated atmosphere. I tried the grilled octopus which was incredibly good and cooked to perfection, however, the portion was rather small. I tried the Pink panther cocktail pictured which was very good. For a main I had the beef shawarma, which I would give a 6/10 at best. Our server was very polite and helpful, recommending drinks and dishes and making the experience a pleasant one. Will definitely be back.
Jerry
Jan 2026
“We love Foxtail on the Lake and often choose this place for our meetups with friends.”
We love Foxtail on the Lake and often choose this place for our meetups with friends. It has a great atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxing and spending quality time together. The service is always friendly and attentive, and the food is delicious. One of the best parts is the beautiful lake nearby, where you can take a nice walk after your meal. The summer patio with its lovely view makes the experience even more special. Highly recommend this place for a cozy and enjoyable time.
Valeriia Buchkovska
Jan 2026
“My husband and I came here for our anniversary, because we had been told about it.”
My husband and I came here for our anniversary, because we had been told about it. It was a fun and lively atmosphere with a great ambiance. The food was delicious and the dessert was divine. Our server was amazing and our water glasses were never empty. The seafood paella was so good, I got the tagine dish - so tasty! if you like Mediterranean flavor- lots of spices but not spicy. We got a smoky bourbon drink. Which tasted like our bourbon just went out to a campfire. It was delicious. For dessert we got the chocolate mousse cake thing it was yummmazing. I highly recommend. I thought the pricing was fair for a mid-upscale restaurant. Definitely a date night out or bring your parents when they're in town kind of place. We will definitely be going back.
Jeri Vivit
Jan 2026
“We did a brunch here for our friend baby celebration party, the staff was all very kind, very accommodating.”
We did a brunch here for our friend baby celebration party, the staff was all very kind, very accommodating. It was a wonderful event. Recommend Booking here for small celebrations with friends!! Everyone loved their food as well☺️ And this place is absolutely beautiful!!
Lexe Starr
Jan 2026
“I had brunch at The Foxtail On The Lake with my girlfriends, and it was absolutely delightful.”
I had brunch at The Foxtail On The Lake with my girlfriends, and it was absolutely delightful! The restaurant, set in a beautifully converted church with vaulted ceilings and a lakeside patio, has such a charming and inviting atmosphere. The food was fantastic — from fresh, flavorful dishes to creative cocktails — and the service was warm and attentive. It was the perfect spot for a fun, relaxing brunch with friends, and I can’t wait to go back!
Warda Shafi
Dec 2025
“Eight of us went last night for the first time and it was really very good.”
Eight of us went last night for the first time and it was really very good. The drinks were prepared to order and the appetizers and main courses were very good. The restaurant is beautiful (I remember when this was an actual church and watched fireworks at the lake). What made this place stand out was the service. The team is big and you can tell they work well together and respect each other. The management must be doing a great job to have such a terrific staff. Thank you!
KSSW KSSW
Dec 2025
“Great food! Great atmosphere! Great service! Really enjoyed this place and finding it. The view at...”
Great food! Great atmosphere! Great service! Really enjoyed this place and finding it. The view at sunset is beautiful and the inside decor is also beautiful as well. I Would definitely be back.
Carlos ruiz
Nov 2025
“What a great concept, restaurant in a church.”
What a great concept, restaurant in a church. Beautiful stained glass windows. Outdoor heated patio seating with fireplaces. Food was far above what I expected, service was top notch. Nice lunch or dinner spot or even a place to meet up with old friends for a drink.
Patricia Grandt
Oct 2025
“Second time here and each time we really enjoyed the food and atmosphere, very unique place, was...”
Second time here and each time we really enjoyed the food and atmosphere, very unique place, was completely unknown to us and happy to have made the discovery. Definitely would recommend to others to give it a try. Anne Marie the DJ here on Friday was another nice addition.
Mark Gould
Oct 2025
“Foxtail on the Lake is both aesthetically and naturally a remarkable place.”
Foxtail on the Lake is both aesthetically and naturally a remarkable place. Housed in a converted church overlooking a lake, it features a beautiful wall sized stained-glass window as the centerpiece of the restaurant. The interior walls are lined with modern art, creating a blend of character and style. The service was attentive and thoughtful, and the menu offers a broad selection of gourmet dishes. I had the beef shawarma, while my company ordered the “Little Gem” salad. Both were beautifully presented and delicious. Overall, Foxtail on the Lake delivered a great value and experience for us and we'd come back to try it again.
Jason Everett
Oct 2025
“I stopped at The Foxtail on the Lake during a quick 36-hour work road trip to Chicago — and wow, what a find.”
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 atmosphere is stunning: vaulted ceilings, warm wood beams, glowing orb lighting, and a stained-glass window anchoring the space. It’s elegant but still approachable. The bar runs the length of the room with a gorgeous curved counter and luxe seating. It has that perfect mix of upscale and relaxed — the kind of place where you instantly want a cocktail. I ordered a gin and St. Germain cocktail, which was light, floral, and perfectly balanced. We shared a few dishes, and every plate was beautifully presented and delicious. ✨ What we ordered: • Burrata & Fig Jam Toast — creamy cheese with 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 perfectly cooked salmon. The service was warm and attentive without being rushed, and the vibe struck that sweet spot between lively and cozy. We sat at the bar and had a fantastic view of everything happening in the space. For a restaurant we found on a whim, this was an absolute gem. Thoughtful food, beautiful ambiance, and great drinks. I’ll definitely be back next time I’m in the area. 📍 Lake Bluff, IL 🍸 Perfect for: date nights, solo bar dining, or a relaxed but elevated dinner. 👉 If you love local food finds, cocktails, and hidden gems, follow me on Google, Instagram, Facebook, and Beli for more foodie adventures.
Alicia Saint Ives
Oct 2025
“I really enjoyed this place.”
I really enjoyed this place. It was a nice Sunday afternoon and the weather was great so we dined outside. The seating outside is really nice, and so seemed the inside as well. The food was delicious and tasted great (except that my burger we DEFINITELY not cooked medium because it was very dry, but i still give the place 5 stars since that was either my waitress or the cook who dropped the ball there. But it happens. I am sure that if cooked to medium it would be much better). I highly recommend the Grilled Octopus. Bathrooms were nice and clean, which i always pay attention to. They also have good espresso, and not every place has that. I definitely recommend this place and would love to go back.
Izi Kehayov
Oct 2025
Our monthly Chicago food newsletter — new openings, hidden gems & trending spots.
Top-rated spots serving the same cuisine.
Similar style & budget — mid-range.
Try something new without leaving the neighborhood.