Tucked inside a beautifully restored 1950s church in Des Plaines, Illinois, The Foxtail On The Lake is one of those rare restaurants that stops you in your tracks the moment you walk through the door. With stunning stained-glass windows, soaring vaulted ceilings, and a shimmering lake view just outside, this place is as much an experience as it is a meal.
The Mediterranean-inspired menu is packed with bold flavors, creative cocktails, and dishes that look almost too good to eat. Whether you are planning a special celebration or just a fun night out, Foxtail delivers something truly unforgettable.
A Historic Church Turned Breathtaking Dining Room
Walking into The Foxtail On The Lake feels like stepping into a fairytale. The original church structure has been lovingly preserved, giving the space a sense of history that no modern restaurant can replicate.
Towering vaulted ceilings stretch above your head, and the grand stained-glass centerpiece bathes the room in gorgeous, colorful light.
Guests consistently rave about how the building itself becomes part of the meal. You are not just eating dinner — you are sitting inside a piece of architectural history.
The transformation from sacred space to social gathering spot was done with incredible care and attention to detail.
Whether you grab a table on the main floor or score a spot on the upstairs balcony, every seat offers a jaw-dropping view of the interior. First-time visitors often spend a few minutes just looking around before they even open the menu.
Lakeside Views That Make Every Meal Feel Special
Imagine enjoying a plate of fresh Mediterranean food while gazing out over a sparkling lake on a sunny afternoon. At Foxtail, that is not a fantasy — it is just a regular Tuesday.
The outdoor patio offers some of the most relaxing waterfront dining in the entire Chicago area.
Guests who visited for weekend brunch described sitting outside as an absolute highlight. The combination of fresh air, warm sunshine, and a buzzing, energetic crowd makes the patio feel like a mini vacation.
Even on busy days, the lake view adds a calming, almost magical touch to the whole experience.
One reviewer mentioned wanting to return specifically at sunset to catch the light filtering through the stained-glass murals from outside. That kind of detail shows just how thoughtfully this space was designed.
Few restaurants in Illinois offer this kind of visual reward from every angle.
Mediterranean Menu That Goes Way Beyond the Basics
Foxtail does not play it safe with its menu — and that is exactly why people keep coming back. From chicken shawarma rolls and Moroccan chicken to kefta, tagine, and a seriously impressive seafood paella, the kitchen is clearly cooking with passion and purpose.
Every dish arrives beautifully plated and packed with bold, layered flavors.
One reviewer described the tagine as loaded with vibrant spices that are flavorful without being spicy — perfect for anyone who loves Mediterranean cuisine but worries about heat. The paella, made with chicken, andouille sausage, shrimp, and mussels, has earned some of the most enthusiastic praise on the entire menu.
What really stands out is the variety. Whether you are in the mood for something light and fresh or a hearty, slow-cooked dish, the menu has you covered.
Adventurous eaters and picky diners alike tend to leave fully satisfied and already planning their next visit.
The Hummus Plate Everyone Is Talking About
Hummus might sound simple, but Foxtail’s version has become something of a legend among regulars. Reviewers describe it as incredibly flavorful and stunning to look at — the kind of appetizer that makes you slow down and actually pay attention to what you are eating.
It is one of those dishes that seems basic on paper but tastes like a chef put real love into every ingredient.
Presentation matters here, and the hummus plate is proof. It arrives looking like something out of a food magazine, making it a popular choice for photos before it disappears from the table.
Sharing it is encouraged, though you might not want to.
If you are visiting for the first time and are not sure where to start, the hummus plate is the safest and most rewarding first move. It sets the tone for everything that follows and gives you a great first taste of what the kitchen can do.
Grilled Octopus That Regulars Cannot Stop Ordering
Grilled octopus is one of those dishes that can either wow you or disappoint you depending entirely on how it is prepared. At Foxtail, it wows.
Multiple reviewers pointed to the grilled octopus as a standout — cooked to absolute perfection with a satisfying char on the outside and a tender, buttery texture inside. Paired with potatoes, it is a classic Mediterranean combination done right.
One guest did note that the portion leans on the smaller side, so if you are extra hungry, plan to pair it with another starter. But what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in quality and flavor.
Every bite feels intentional.
For anyone who has never tried octopus before, this is honestly one of the best places to take that leap. The kitchen clearly knows how to handle seafood, and this dish is a confident, delicious example of their skill.
Burrata, Flatbreads, and Starters Worth Skipping the Main For
Some tables at Foxtail never even make it to the entrees — and honestly, no one is mad about it. The appetizer and starter lineup is that good.
The burrata has been called a standout by more than one guest, praised for its creamy richness and clean, fresh flavor. It is the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes for a second after the first bite.
The breakfast flatbread, available during brunch hours, has also earned serious fan status. Guests describe it as a unique but completely delicious dish that feels creative without being weird.
It is the sort of thing you would not think to order but end up wishing you had ordered two of.
Steak tartare with crisp crostini, pork belly bruschetta, and fresh oysters on ice round out a starter menu that could easily serve as a full meal. Arriving hungry is strongly recommended.
Creative Cocktails With Names as Fun as the Drinks
Good Shepherd. Hell Froze Over.
Pink Panther. Strawberry Resurrection.
The cocktail menu at Foxtail reads like a playlist you immediately want to shuffle through. Each drink comes with a name that sparks curiosity and a flavor profile that usually delivers on the promise.
Reviewers have praised the cocktails as creative, well-made, and definitely not watered down.
The smoky bourbon option got a memorable shout-out from one anniversary couple who described it as tasting like their bourbon had just visited a campfire. That is the kind of sensory detail that tells you the bar team actually cares about what they are putting in the glass.
For guests who prefer to skip the alcohol, the Virgin Rosemary mocktail was specifically called out as a great option — flavorful and satisfying without feeling like an afterthought. The whiskey selection at the bar also impressed visitors who know their spirits and appreciate a well-curated shelf.
The Secret Speakeasy Downstairs You Need to Know About
Here is a detail that does not make it into every review but absolutely should: there is a speakeasy bar tucked downstairs beneath the main dining room. After a long, delicious dinner upstairs, heading down to the speakeasy for a nightcap feels like discovering a bonus level in a video game you already loved.
Guests who attended a private holiday party at Foxtail described the after-party in the speakeasy as the perfect way to cap off the night. The vibe is described as intimate, cool, and full of energy — a completely different atmosphere from the soaring church dining room above, but equally special in its own way.
Not everyone knows this spot exists, which makes it feel even more exciting to discover. Whether you are ending a date night or celebrating something big, the speakeasy adds an unexpected layer of fun to an already exceptional evening out.
Upstairs Balcony Seating With Jaw-Dropping Sightlines
Ask for the balcony — that is the insider tip from guests who have been to Foxtail more than once. The upstairs seating area offers a quieter, more intimate experience compared to the lively main floor, and the view looking down into the renovated church dining room is genuinely spectacular.
You get to see the whole space from above, which makes the architectural beauty of the building even more striking.
One reviewer specifically noted that the balcony is noticeably less noisy than the ground floor, making it a great choice for groups who want to actually hear each other talk. It is still buzzy and fun, just a little more relaxed in energy.
Availability is not always guaranteed, so it is worth asking when you arrive or calling ahead. A little persistence pays off big when you land a balcony table and settle in with a cocktail and that stunning view spread out below you.
Brunch Service That Draws Crowds Every Weekend
Saturday brunch at Foxtail is not a quiet affair. The place fills up fast, the energy is high, and the kitchen keeps pace with a crowd that clearly knows what it came for.
Guests have described the brunch as a buzzing, exciting experience that feels more like a celebration than just a regular morning meal.
The brunch menu blends Mediterranean flavors with familiar comfort food, offering everything from creative flatbreads to scrambled eggs and crab cakes. Cocktails flow freely, and the Good Shepherd and Hell Froze Over drinks have been specifically praised as excellent brunch companions.
The lakeside patio is especially popular on bright weekend mornings.
Making a reservation is strongly recommended — one group of ten found the process easy and smooth, but walk-ins on busy Saturdays can face a wait. Coming prepared with a booking means you skip the line and head straight to the good stuff.
Desserts That Deserve Their Own Spotlight
Dinner at Foxtail does not end when the entree plates are cleared — the dessert menu is genuinely worth saving room for. The chocolate mousse cake has been described as divine and even yummmazing by guests who clearly ran out of regular words to describe how good it tasted.
Rich, smooth, and beautifully presented, it is the kind of dessert that makes the whole table reach for a spoon.
The pistachio-topped key lime pie is another crowd favorite, earning praise for its balance of sweet and nutty flavors. It feels like a refined take on a classic, elevated just enough to feel special without losing what makes key lime pie so lovable in the first place.
For celebrations, the kitchen brings out a small dessert with a uniquely cool candle that guests find charming and memorable. It is a small touch, but it shows the team genuinely cares about making every visit feel a little extra.
Attentive Service That Guests Cannot Stop Praising
Great food in a stunning building only goes so far if the service falls flat — but at Foxtail, the front-of-house team consistently earns high marks. Server Anthony has been mentioned by name in multiple reviews, praised for knowing every ingredient on the menu, staying attentive without being intrusive, and making guests feel genuinely cared for throughout their entire meal.
For a large party, one guest noted that drinks were refilled with impressive speed — a detail that sounds small but makes an enormous difference over the course of a long dinner. Water glasses were kept full, tables were checked on regularly, and the overall flow of service felt smooth and professional.
Even on packed weekend days when the restaurant is buzzing at full capacity, the team manages to keep things running efficiently. That consistency is rare, and it is a big part of why so many guests say they will absolutely be back.
Perfectly Located for a Layover Meal Near O’Hare Airport
Not many restaurants near a major international airport are worth going out of your way for — but Foxtail is a genuine exception. Located just about 15 minutes from O’Hare Airport in Des Plaines, it has become a surprisingly popular destination for travelers with a long layover and a desire for something far better than airport food.
One traveler with a five-hour layover made the trip to Foxtail and called it one of the best decisions of their trip. Plenty of parking is available, reservations are easy to make online, and the restaurant is accessible enough that even visitors unfamiliar with the area can navigate there without stress.
For locals, it is an easy drive from Chicago’s northwest suburbs. For out-of-towners, it is a rare chance to experience a one-of-a-kind Illinois dining destination that most tourists never discover.
Either way, it is worth every minute of the detour.
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