You’ve promised to meet that acquaintance from your kid’s soccer team who always overshares. Socially, you’re committed; gastronomically, you need an escape hatch. These Orland Park bar & grills deliver hearty plates and cold drinks perfect for filling awkward silences—all while keeping the check and commitment mercifully brief.
Hamilton’s Pub
$ | (630) 754-7718 | WEBSITE
Hamilton’s Pub is a cozy, sports-friendly spot in Orland Park that feels like a welcoming neighborhood bar, and happens to serve some of the most satisfying comfort food around. Grab a seat at the bar to make it look like you’re there for the game rather than just planning a quick meal. Then get the half-pound hamburger as compensation for having to endure the lively chatter of folks having a good time.
If you aren’t completely distracted by the TVs, there are daily specials and strong, well-priced drinks to explore.
Tom Kelly’s Chophouse & Pub
$$ | (815) 462-8420 | WEBSITE
This bar and grill has an almost cult-like following of fried pickle-loving enthusiasts, claiming that Tom Kelly’s appetizers are some of the best in Orland Park. And we can confirm that they are indeed fresh, tasty, and a cause we can 100% get behind—but that’s not all we like. It’s a welcoming space which means large groups are accommodated, so even if your “family” isn’t finished celebrating after a few hours, you’ll be comfortably seated.
The perfect segue for you to very obviously start ordering another round of those smoked apple old-fashioneds.
Avalon Food & Spirits
$$ | (708) 233-6400 | WEBSITE
The outdoor bar is a saving grace in moments like these, because no one wants to be stuck inside with that lingering smell of cigarettes. Sit side-by-side at this chaotic but friendly spot in Orland Park. You can watch as your specials are being prepared, and as the amazing food from Chef Fidel is being served. Warmth radiates from all corners of the summer-ready patio, and you’ll be so satisfied by the incredible meal that you might actually enjoy yourself.
Just don’t commit to another casual night out until your bar-special-tinted glasses are off.
Nino’s Italian Beef and Hotdogs
$ | (708) 330-5500 | WEBSITE
At Nino’s Italian Beef and Hotdogs, a Chicago-style spot in Orland Park, there are three flat-screen TVs playing sports in the bar area. And that’s all the conversation starter you need to get through a quick lunch with someone you don’t have all that much in common with. Diners fill the welcoming, casual room, dipping crinkle-cut fries into the rich Italian beef juices, and getting messy with a fresh-made iced tea-heavy hot dog.
The portions are generous, covered in quality ingredients, and are big enough to satisfy. And if the conversation dies down, just pick up where you left off with the TVs.
Alley Grill & Tap House
$ | (708) 478-3610 | WEBSITE
Alley Grill & Tap House brings life and flavor to an unassuming spot in that transitional zone between Orland Park and Mokena—which perfectly captures this neighborhood hangout vibe. It’s the ideal mix of a middle-ground location and a casual bar-and-grill, that doesn’t scream you’re trying too hard, but it doesn’t whisper you don’t care either. The welcoming, comfortable space with bowling lanes and plenty of large TVs, is perfect for quickly sharing a plate of fantastic BBQ chicken pizza.
And as long as whoever you’re with enjoys American comfort food, it’s impossible not to love their delicious shrimp Alfredo. But you’ll know what they can and can’t eat anyway, right?
B J Mc Mahon’s
$ | (708) 422-3111 | WEBSITE
B J Mc Mahon’s is an Orland Park bar and grill that says, ‘I’m invested enough not to have taken you to the chain sports bar down the street, but I won’t spend a penny over $20 on this casual meet-up’. You can get sides like fries and the main event, the 3/4 lbs cheeseburger, and still have change left over.
If by some miracle you find yourself considering raising your casual lunch to that covetable game-watching occasion, transform your simple burger-and-beer into something a bit more lively with the rock and roll music and friendly staff.
Reilly’s Daughter Oak Lawn
$$ | (708) 423-1188 | WEBSITE
You don’t really know a great deal about this person, apart from that theirs is a pint and a basket of chips. In that case, going to the pub makes the most sense for all involved. Reilly’s Daughter is a warm and inviting Irish pub in Oak Lawn that offers decent bar food in its cozy dining area, and great deals on Taco Tuesdays in the bar. You know what you’re getting in a place like this, which is helpful when you don’t know the person you’re with all that well.
UNION BAR & GRILL
$ | (708) 444-2000 | WEBSITE
Union Bar & Grill is a solid, local place to unwind on game days and it’s the best sports bar around. The menu stays consistent but you can expect crispy wings and tender meatballs in the Train Wreck dish, or the neighborhood’s top take on an Italian Beef Sandwich, as well as shareable plates like nachos and cheese curds. It’s evening-focused and there’s plenty of space in the lively dining area, so if you’re looking for a fun night out with friends then this is your spot.
Grab a seat facing one of the many TVs for game-watching in case the conversation lulls.
Cheers Bar & Grill
$ | (708) 687-8700 | WEBSITE
Cheers has the winning formula for this kind of hangout. The food comes out fairly quickly and is easy to enjoy—think ribeye tacos thrown back like popcorn. The drinks are plentiful—it’s inside a classic bar & grill. And they’ve got some of the best chicken sandwiches in Orland Park.
So even if this night out is a complete dud, you’ll come away with sauce-stained fingers courtesy of those burger sliders, half a forgettable conversation because you were too busy focusing on the juicy char of a ribeye taco, and plans of returning. Maybe with a better crew next time.
Comise’s Bar and Grill
$$ | (815) 717-8361 | WEBSITE
If you’re heading out in Orland Park after a car show, don’t just settle for another predictable sports bar. Go somewhere lively and welcoming, like Comise’s Bar and Grill. Their crispy $1 wings on Wing Wednesday are a perfect shareable starter, and their variety of entertainment options—from pool tables and dart boards to Golden Tee and video gaming—means there’s something for everyone in your group.
The service is smooth and attentive, the environment is clean and spacious, and with ample parking for motorcycles, cars, and handicap vehicles, it’s an easy choice for a casual night out.
