Is there a quintessential Orland Park bar restaurant? Some might champion the craft cocktails at The Brass Tap, while others swear by the elevated pub fare at The Brass Tap. Us? We’re here to celebrate that there’s a lot of really good drinking and dining in town.
The Stray Bar
$$ | (815) 641-2479 | WEBSITE
With a classic rock playlist that hits all the right 70s notes, The Stray Bar serves serious crowd-pleasing cocktails in Orland Park, along with some decent pub fare (is everyone still ordering these things?). The drinks come out fast and well-made, with a nicely balanced selection that’s a little sweet and atmosphere that has the perfect buzz. Keep your order simple with a classic old fashioned, or try one of their specialty cocktails (ask Kate or Sarah for a recommendation).
They have a solid beer list and big open weekends that spill into live music with bands like Molly Rose and Calumet Band. If you bring your dog along, you could almost be at your own backyard hangout.
Thirsty Beaver
$ | (708) 239-1108 | WEBSITE
Thirsty Beaver isn’t fancy—it’s just a solid pub with great wings and ice-cold beer that hits the spot. The Sunday live music, with bands from 3-6, is the main draw, but know you can count on a lively crowd and good food any day of the week. The Orland Park spot, with motorcycle parking right out front and a cozy, welcoming vibe, should be one of your go-to places for a fun night out with friends.
Tommy T’s Tavern
$ | (708) 403-2988 | WEBSITE
Tommy T’s Tavern feels like the kind of place where the regulars from a Chicago sitcom would gather after work to hash out their week over Reuben Egg Rolls and Buffalo Wings. In other words, it’s a lively local haunt, where the bartender and staff seem both in sync with each other, and genuinely eager to slide you a plate of those famous Cheese Curds or a Corned Beef Sandwich with Brussels Sprouts.
The fact that this spot serves some of the best walleye in town isn’t a secret, and it gets packed on Wednesdays with crowds pouring in for the Queen of Hearts event and live music, all while digging into that fabulous walleye paired with sautéed Brussels sprouts.
Girl in the Park
$$ | (708) 226-0042 | WEBSITE
This charming and intimate Orland Park spot serves up excellent food and exceptional customer service (with an accommodating approach to complex orders). The panini are what you should focus on, especially the Caprese chicken panini and the chicken parm sandwich, which many describe as TO DIE FOR. Girl in the Park is also our ideal spot for a quality meal or a quick drink, with its extensive selection of beers and mixed drinks and welcoming, efficient service.
For a late-night bite, it’s wise to call ahead as kitchen hours can vary.
V.I.P. Bar & Grill
$$ | (708) 914-4929 | WEBSITE
V.I.P. Bar & Grill has been the go-to spot for a lively night out in Orland Park for years now. During the week, you’ll find regulars gathering for after-work drinks and tasty catfish nuggets, but heading there for weekend karaoke is really the move. Order the perfectly fried catfish nuggets with a side of good vibes, and add a round of enjoyable, moderately priced drinks for the table.
Wrap things up by sharing the fun with friends during karaoke, because what is a girls’ night out without music and socializing? The small space with limited seating feels cozy rather than cramped, and bartender Ally makes everyone feel welcome. Just be prepared for the security at the door, who can sometimes make entry feel more difficult than it should be.
Ryan’s Pub
$ | (815) 469-3655 | WEBSITE
Ryan’s Pub has been a local favorite for years, but all you need to know is the service is excellent and the atmosphere is perfect. The cozy spot has a great deck area and just the right volume of music playing in the background. They offer chips for purchase, making it an ideal spot for those looking for a relaxed bar that’s not too small or too loud. The early evening is low-key and chill, but it livens up nicely later at night.
Definitely bring friends to hang out on the deck—the casual vibe feels like home and the friendly staff ensures everyone’s well taken care of.
The Irish Patriot
$ | (708) 949-8287 | WEBSITE
The Irish Patriot has an interesting pub vibe, and it’s hands-down the best spot in Orland Park to get classic bar food. They have karaoke nights most weekends, so grab a stool near the stage and go to town on dishes like the wings and Rubens, which are amazing. The bartenders create a fun, old-bar atmosphere, and the Guinness is outstanding. It’s an added bonus that the owners are extremely friendly, which makes it a great place to visit and recommend to friends.
FLANNERY’S
$$ | (708) 925-9662 | WEBSITE
FLANNERY’S is located in Orland Park, and they specialize in friendly, affordable local dining, which is the closest this suburb can claim to its own style of neighborhood hangout. Served with awesome service, the burgers are good in the best way, with original drinks like popsicocktails, and you’ll find a chill atmosphere with pool, skee ball, darts, and more. Ask for a seat away from the games if noise bothers you, and pregame your meal with some great food and drinks.
Despite the busy nights, the staff handles it well, making it a welcoming spot to meet new people, and there’s plenty of parking available.
Cog Hill Club House
$$ | (866) 264-4455 | WEBSITE
Cog Hill Club House kind of feels like Orland Park’s clubhouse, where the whole community comes together to celebrate whatever event might be on the calendar. And since there’s nothing better than eating steak and watching golfers stress out about their swing, Cog Hill obliges with some really hearty, classic dinners featuring perfectly cooked steaks and chicken. There’s also a range of appetizers to start your meal, which is a must-order if you’re not weird about sharing before the main event.
The big room and smallish dance floor make it ideal for weddings, while the 18-hole course—especially the challenging ‘Dubsdread’—offers beautiful scenery and well-manicured greens for golf enthusiasts.
Mo’s Willow Pub and Grub
$ | (708) 467-0400 | WEBSITE
If you like your comfort food done right, head to Mo’s Willow Pub and Grub in Orland Park. The fried pickles here are so perfectly crisp you might think they came straight from the fryer, but the end result is a really satisfying snack that you’d gladly eat by the handful. Order the delicious pot roast sandwich, and enjoy the friendly bartenders and quick service.
This is the spot you bring your friends after work, because everyone will love the reasonable prices and comfortable atmosphere, with plenty of parking available in the large lot.
Tavern in the Glen
$ | (708) 645-4763 | WEBSITE
Tavern in the Glen serves up classic American breakfast on weekends. Hearty, satisfying, and straightforward, but a little homier than the diner fare you’ll find at chain spots. They’re also reliable with the staples, which range from morning standards to all-day favorites. We dig the sausage and potatoes, a plate loaded with a happy marriage of savory links and crispy spuds. The grilled ham & cheese, with real ham, melty cheese, and buttery toast, is also great.
If you’re craving a casual bite later on, they nail that, too: a basket of crispy chicken tenders, a fresh wrap packed with fillings, and a cold Guinness on tap that hits the spot without being too heavy. Grab a seat at the bar, or, if you’re feeling social with friends, snag one of the large tables and enjoy your meal in the warm, cozy dining room, a game on the TV within view.
Dry Dock Inn
$ | (630) 963-0808 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of places to grab a drink and some food in Orland Park, but Dry Dock Inn is the best spot to enjoy this combination. The garlic parm fries are perfectly seasoned, come in massive portions for the money, and are good enough that you’ll want to finish the whole basket yourself in this classic dive bar atmosphere. The selection includes bottles and cans of various brews, plus slot machines and a lively vibe for coworkers hanging out after work.
Order the garlic parm fries that come highly recommended or just enjoy the superb service from bartender Gracie while you’re there.
Cooper’s Bar and Grill
$ | (708) 926-2468 | WEBSITE
Midwest cheese curds and giant pork tenderloin sandwiches are about as uniquely Illinois as it gets, and Orland Park’s Cooper’s has both. Located right in the heart of town, they make tasty pizzas that are precisely the right size for your casual night out. We love the cheese curds (yes, they’re delicious and freshly made), but if that’s too indulgent, there’s the pork tenderloin sandwich, pizza, and other classics.
Just Us Sports Bar
$ | (708) 594-0600 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Orland Park, Just Us Sports Bar earns the title of the best neighborhood sports bar you likely haven’t discovered yet. If this spot were downtown, though, you’d find a crowd of jersey-clad fans waiting outside every game night. The ribeye sandwich is juicy and flavorful, and it arrives at your table surprisingly fast. The top choice is the chicken sandwich, with that perfectly seasoned grilled chicken, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, and a house-made sauce.
The Longford Pub
$ | (708) 925-9484 | WEBSITE
The Longford Pub is a classic neighborhood spot on Orland Park’s main strip that opens at 4pm and stays lively until last call, which usually stretches past midnight on weekends. They pour a perfect Guinness and nail the experience—the stout settles with that creamy head and rich, malty depth, creating that ideal balance of smooth bitterness with just the right amount of warmth. The pints are also all around $6, making it one of the most reasonable options on this list.
Little Al’s Mokena Inn
$ | (708) 995-5293 | WEBSITE
About 70% of the time when you head to Little Al’s Mokena Inn on steak night, you’re gonna find the place packed. And that’s when you’ll start to wonder if it’s worth the wait. The answer is a big fat yes. The steaks are well-seasoned and kissed with a little nostalgia, which gives them a mighty punch even if you skip the fantastic burgers made by Chef Kyle. Don’t skip them, though: while the tasty sandwiches are solid, Little Al’s excels at classic comfort food.
This endorsement is only for the original Mokena spot, though—the friendly atmosphere and super nice bartenders can’t be replicated elsewhere.
Dave & Buster’s Orland Park
$$ | (708) 428-2100 | WEBSITE
Dave & Buster’s Orland Park serves up decent bar food in a space packed with arcade games and flashing lights. One corner is dedicated to the latest racing simulators, and another to the claw machines kids love. But the crispy chicken sandwich on a soft potato bun is way better than the typical fare you’d expect at a place with this much distraction. Grab a seat at the bar during happy hour, and bring a card for some of the best drink specials you can find in Orland Park.
If games are more your vibe, they have good, updated options, too.
