Tucked away in Des Plaines, Illinois, a stunning 1950s church has been transformed into one of the most jaw-dropping dining experiences in the entire state. The Foxtail on the Lake sits at 1177 Howard Ave, blending breathtaking architecture with Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and lakeside views that make every visit feel like a special occasion.
With a 4.6-star rating from nearly 1,800 reviewers, this place is clearly doing something right. Whether you are stopping in for brunch, dinner, or a late-night cocktail in the hidden speakeasy downstairs, Foxtail delivers an experience that goes far beyond just a meal.
A 1950s Church Turned Culinary Masterpiece
Some restaurants serve great food. Foxtail on the Lake serves great food inside a piece of history.
The building itself was originally a 1950s church, and the owners made the bold decision to preserve its most stunning architectural features rather than tear them down.
Step inside and you will immediately notice the soaring ceilings, the original structure, and the sense that something truly special happened here long before the first plate was ever served. It feels reverent and lively at the same time, which is a hard balance to strike.
Guests consistently rave about how the space feels intentional from floor to ceiling. Every corner has been thought through, and the result is a dining room that earns just as many compliments as the food itself.
This is the kind of place people drive out of their way to experience.
The Iconic Stained Glass Centerpiece
Stained glass windows have always been symbols of artistry and reverence, and at Foxtail on the Lake, the original stained glass centerpiece remains the crown jewel of the entire space. Reviewers call it breathtaking, and it is easy to see why.
Natural light filters through the colored panes at different angles depending on the time of day, casting warm hues across the dining room and creating an almost cinematic atmosphere. Pairing that visual drama with a well-crafted cocktail or a beautifully plated dish makes the whole experience feel elevated.
It is the kind of architectural detail that stops first-time visitors in their tracks. Even regulars admit they still glance up at it every visit.
Whether you are seated directly beneath it or across the room, the stained glass commands attention and anchors the entire aesthetic of the restaurant beautifully.
Bold Murals Celebrating Iconic Women
Walk into the dining room and the walls will stop you before the menu even has a chance. Bold, striking murals of iconic women line the space, creating an energy that feels both electric and deeply intentional.
It is art that makes a statement without saying a single word.
Reviewers describe the effect as intimate yet powerful, which is a rare combination in any dining setting. The murals contribute to a vibe that feels curated rather than decorated, like someone with a genuine creative vision made every single choice in this room.
Paired with gold candelabras, rattan chairs, and carefully chosen lighting, the artwork transforms the dining experience into something closer to visiting a gallery. Foxtail is the kind of place where the atmosphere itself becomes part of the memory, long after the last bite has been savored and the check has been paid.
Mediterranean-Inspired Menu Worth the Drive
The menu at Foxtail on the Lake draws heavily from Mediterranean tradition, and the results are genuinely exciting. Think bold spices, fresh ingredients, and dishes that feel both familiar and adventurous at the same time.
It is the kind of food that makes you want to order one of everything.
Standout dishes mentioned by reviewers include the kefta, the Moroccan chicken loaded with vibrant vegetables, the butternut lentil soup, and the Foxtail Paella packed with chicken, andouille sausage, shrimp, and mussels. The breakfast flatbread has also earned serious fans among brunch visitors.
With so much variety on the menu, it is easy to find something exciting whether you are a meat lover, a seafood fan, or someone who leans toward vegetarian options. The kitchen clearly takes pride in every plate, and that care comes through in every single bite guests experience here.
Lakeside Views That Elevate Every Meal
Not every restaurant can claim a lake as part of its scenery, but Foxtail on the Lake earns that name honestly. The outdoor patio offers views of the water that make even a casual lunch feel like a mini getaway.
On a bright, sunny day, it is genuinely hard to beat.
Reviewers who have scored a patio seat rave about the combination of fresh air, shimmering water, and excellent food arriving at the table. One guest noted the place was buzzing with energy and fully packed, yet the service remained fast and attentive throughout the afternoon.
For those who prefer a quieter setting, heading upstairs to the balcony is a smart move. Several regulars swear the balcony offers the best views in the house with noticeably less noise from the main floor, making it a hidden gem within an already special destination.
The Hidden Speakeasy Downstairs
Every great restaurant has a secret, and at Foxtail on the Lake, the secret is literally underground. Tucked beneath the main dining room is a hidden speakeasy bar that guests describe as the perfect way to cap off an already incredible evening.
The vibe shifts completely once you head downstairs.
Where the main floor is lively and social, the speakeasy carries a moodier, more intimate energy. It is the kind of place where great cocktails taste even better because of the atmosphere surrounding them.
One reviewer who hosted a holiday party here called the after-party in the speakeasy absolutely unforgettable.
Finding a restaurant with a hidden bar tucked beneath a renovated church is the sort of story you end up telling friends for weeks. Foxtail clearly understands that a truly memorable night out involves more than just dinner, and the speakeasy is proof of that commitment.
Cocktails Crafted With Real Creativity
Cocktail menus at most restaurants feel like afterthoughts. At Foxtail on the Lake, they feel like a main event.
The drink program here is inventive and visually stunning, with garnishes like dried citrus wheels that make every glass feel like it belongs on a magazine cover.
Reviewers have highlighted standouts like the Good Shepherd, Hell Froze Over, and a smoky bourbon creation that one guest described as tasting like their bourbon had just visited a campfire. Even the mocktail lineup earns praise, with the Virgin Rosemary and Cloud 9 drawing compliments from non-drinkers and designated drivers alike.
The bar also stocks an impressive whiskey selection, including some well-allocated bottles that caught the attention of at least one enthusiastic spirits fan during a Saturday brunch visit. Whether you drink alcohol or not, the beverage program here offers something genuinely worth exploring on every single visit.
Brunch That Brings the Crowd In Early
Saturday and Sunday mornings at Foxtail are a whole different kind of energy. The restaurant opens at 10 AM on weekends and fills up fast, drawing brunch lovers who come for the food, the atmosphere, and the chance to enjoy lakeside views with a morning cocktail in hand.
The brunch menu offers creative options that go well beyond typical eggs and toast. The breakfast flatbread has become a fan favorite, described by multiple reviewers as a unique and genuinely delicious dish that stands out from anything you might expect.
Portions tend to be generous, making it easy to share across a table.
Groups, couples, and birthday celebrations all seem to gravitate toward weekend brunch here. One party of ten reported that reservations were easy to make, parking was plentiful, and the staff handled the large group with genuine warmth and efficiency throughout the entire meal.
Exceptional Service That Guests Remember by Name
Great service is one of those things you only really notice when it is either missing or exceptional. At Foxtail on the Lake, multiple reviewers went out of their way to name specific servers by name, which says everything about the level of hospitality being delivered here.
Anthony and TJ both earned glowing mentions across separate reviews, praised for their deep menu knowledge, attentiveness, and ability to make guests feel genuinely cared for throughout the meal. Water glasses stayed full, recommendations landed perfectly, and the overall pace of service impressed even guests dining in large parties.
For a restaurant that operates at this level of popularity and foot traffic, maintaining that kind of personal, attentive service is no small achievement. Foxtail seems to have built a team that genuinely cares about every table, and that human element makes a real difference in how the whole experience feels.
Seafood Dishes That Steal the Spotlight
Seafood lovers who visit Foxtail on the Lake tend to leave with strong opinions, and most of those opinions are very enthusiastic. The kitchen handles ocean ingredients with a confidence that shows up in every plate that arrives at the table.
The Lobster Maki Roll has earned devoted fans, and the crab cake drew praise from multiple reviewers who described it as a standout dish worth ordering on its own. Fresh oysters on ice made an appearance at a holiday party event and were reportedly a crowd favorite.
The deconstructed lobster dish also turned heads.
Grilled octopus with potatoes rounds out a seafood section that feels genuinely ambitious for a restaurant in suburban Illinois. These are not safe, predictable dishes.
They show a kitchen willing to take creative swings, and based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback, those swings are connecting consistently.
Desserts Worth Saving Room For
Skipping dessert at Foxtail on the Lake would be a genuine mistake. The sweet side of the menu matches the ambition of everything that comes before it, and reviewers have made it very clear that the kitchen takes its final courses just as seriously as its starters.
The chocolate mousse cake has collected a loyal following, with one guest describing it as absolutely divine. The orange cardamom creme brulee offers a more sophisticated flavor profile that surprised and delighted at least one reviewer who was not expecting such a refined dessert in this setting.
Pistachio-topped key lime pie also made an appearance at a large group dinner and was praised for its sweet, nutty balance. For birthdays and celebrations, the restaurant brings out a thoughtful little dessert with a creative candle presentation that guests consistently find charming.
It is the kind of finishing touch that turns a good meal into a full memory.
Perfect for Special Occasions and Celebrations
There is a reason so many people choose Foxtail on the Lake for anniversaries, birthdays, Mother’s Day brunches, and holiday parties. The combination of stunning architecture, excellent food, and attentive service creates exactly the kind of backdrop that makes any occasion feel elevated and worth celebrating.
One couple came for their anniversary after hearing about it from friends and left calling it a mid-upscale experience that felt entirely worth the price. Another group hosted a full corporate holiday party here, complete with an after-party in the speakeasy, and described the entire evening as exceptional from start to finish.
Even casual Saturday nights feel special inside these walls. The energy of the room, the music, the lighting, and the general buzz of happy guests all contribute to an atmosphere that makes it easy to feel like you are exactly where you are supposed to be.
Conveniently Close to O’Hare Airport
Here is a travel tip most people do not know: one of Illinois’s most unique dining experiences is only about 15 minutes from O’Hare International Airport. If you have a long layover or are arriving early before a flight, Foxtail on the Lake is an absolutely worthwhile detour that beats airport food by a wide margin.
One reviewer made exactly that call during a five-hour layover between flights and called it one of the best decisions of the trip. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday, with evening hours running until 10 PM most nights and 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Parking is plentiful, the location is easy to find, and the experience is the kind of thing that turns a routine travel day into a genuine highlight. For anyone passing through the Chicago area, skipping Foxtail on the Lake would honestly be a missed opportunity worth regretting.
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