Savor the Scene

OB W ITK Rest

Three new restaurants bring fresh flavors to Oak Brook

Oak Brook’s dining scene has been growing exponentially over the last few years as a plethora of restaurants have chosen to locate in the Village. In recent months, the trend has accelerated as three new restaurants have recently opened in Oak Brook.

Village Trustee Dr. Suresh Reddy noted that “Oak Brook’s restaurant scene continues to expand and brings new energy and excitement to our village. These restaurants create jobs, attract visitors, and give residents even more reasons to enjoy everything Oak Brook has to offer.”

Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe, a popular Chicagoland breakfast and lunch spot, expanded to Oak Brook with their fifth location, which officially opened in late 2025.  Fans of this homegrown chain are now flocking to Oak Brook to sample the tasty specialty pancakes as well as delicious breakfast and lunch favorites and seasonal specials.

STK arrived next, adding their signature style to the expansive Oak Brook steakhouse scene. Serving up steaks and social sizzle, STK is also known for its in-house DJ, Steak Night America menu, and vibrant happy hour offerings.

The most anticipated opening of all, The Purple Pig arrives at Oakbrook Center early this spring.  The downtown restaurant, famous for its signature “Cheese, Swine & Wine,” is expanding to Oakbrook Center. The 11,000-square-foot space will also include an outdoor patio and a market where coffee, pizza by the slice, gelato, and other items will be sold.

Co-owner Marianna Bannos says, “The expansion of The Purple Pig isn’t just about a bigger space or new location — It’s about sharing our food and hospitality beyond our walls of 444 North Michigan Avenue and bringing that experience to my hometown of Oak Brook. This vibrant, welcoming community has always meant so much to me, and opening our second Purple Pig here truly feels like a full-circle moment. We are excited to bring a taste of city dining to the suburbs while creating a space that reflects the energy and sophistication of Oak Brook.”

Explore menus at wildberrycafe.com and stksteakhouse.com, and follow @thepigoakbrook for opening details.

Author

The Arizona Biltmore is chock-full of history and a magnet for notable guests.

Discover Arizona: From Cowboys to Hollywood elite, the American Southwest holds something for everyone

Executive Chef Stephen Langlois

Feeding His Passion: Newly appointed Chef Stephen takes the helm at The Westin Chicago Lombard

The Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, NM

Celebrating A Century of Open Road: Now in its 100th year, this slice of Americana still beckons travelers

Tely Nagle, Drake Hotel Proprietor, in the Romanesque gardens
Photo by Victor Hilitski

Welcome In! The Drake Oak Brook’s elegance and charm are back to stay

ATJMAH_CM_2223

Striking the Right Note: The Chicago Youth Orchestra shapes the lives of aspiring young musicians

The camaraderie of the volunteers often keeps them involved after their student graduates

Always Boosting: Hinsdale Central’s Booster Club helps fill gaps in student activity and athletic budgets

Anne Schultz, MD, FACP Cindy Lagone, MD, FACP

Authentic Internal Medicine: Building relationships with patients and the community

Hair loss problem after covid search Instagram Post Minimalist -

Is hair loss on your mind? Reclaim Your Crowning Glory

Kristina and Matthew Bailey began reading books to their son, Owen when he was six months old— they haven’t stopped.
Owen turned 4 in June and recently received an award from the Clarendon Hills Public Library for having had 1,000 books read to him before starting kindergarten.

The library’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge is one of a few reading challenge programs offered in Clarendon Hills, where the Bailey family has lived for the past 2 1/2 years.
Kristin Bailey said she saw an ad about the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge and decided it was a good fit for Owen.

“He’s always been really into books,” Bailey said. “He had a natural interest in books at nine months old. That’s when COVID started, and he didn’t get out much, so reading books to him worked out very well. He’s a naturally curious kid, and imagination-building is important. The reading allows him to learn and explore new things, and he really wants to learn to read now.”

Krista Devlin, the Clarendon Hills library’s youth services librarian, said there’s a specific reason The Friends of the Library-sponsored 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge was started in 2022.

“Reading aloud to a child is one of the best ways to help develop important early literacy skills, which will prepare them for kindergarten,” Devlin said. “It is also a great way to bond with your child and to encourage a love of reading.”

Devlin said Owen was the second child to reach the challenge of having 1,000 books read to him before starting kindergarten. He was awarded a certificate, a crown, and his picture was taken to recognize his accomplishment.

Bailey, who said she is “a big reader,” said her family usually goes to the library once a week. Reading three books each night to Owen, along with a book before nap time, is the household normal.

“Consistency in our routine has been good and is important,” she said, adding that Owen’s two sisters, ages 2 1/2 and 1

An open book: Clarendon Hills four-year-old earns library recognition

Charlie Tomfohrde and his array of house plants for sale at the Hinsdale Farmers Market

A Budding Entrepreneur: Charlie Tomfohrde’s plant business continues to grow

Terri Doney (left) and co-founder Barb Thayer are “sisters” in the group, My Breast Cancer Sisters

Breast Cancer survivors: Hinsdale area group looking for others to help

Maxx Klein and Jack Klein

Airoom’s New Design Space Maxx and Jack Klein take the helm of their family’s business