Oak Lawn IL Real Estate News

I’ve been very busy showing Oak Lawn homes for sale and selling real estate in the southwest suburbs.  So I haven’t had time to cook lately and have been dining out.  I do have to lament that sometimes I wish Oak Lawn had the selection of restaurants that Orland Park does.  Sometimes we have to think hard to find a restaurant close by so we don’t have to travel and it’s not a big deal just to get a bite that’s a step above fast food.

So the other day my husband and I were playing the “what do you feel like eating” game and I told my husband it was his turn to choose.  He said how about Fox’s Restaurant, or Fox’s Pub, as we usually call it.  I didn’t expect that because I cannot remember the last time I’ve eaten in Fox’s Pub in Oak Lawn.  We’re probably going back 15-20 years!

I was never crazy about their pizza like others were and that’s what was always ordered when we ate there many years ago.  So I’ve never considered going there again, especially since in my mind I’m picturing an old, outdated restaurant.

But I thought, let’s give it a try.  And I was pleasantly surprised at the fact that it was nice and comfortable and was crowded without a wait.  I ordered fried shrimp and it was OK with a light batter and I was excited since they offered baked beans as a side.  I liked those better than the butterflied fried shrimp.  My husband ordered a special that was Steak Diane.  He finished it so it must have been good, although it didn’t look like a huge portion.  He wasn’t complaining.

I had no intention of ordering dessert but there were mini cake slices and there was a chocolate banana flavor and although it wasn’t on the dessert dish the waitress brought, she checked in the back and found it.  It was very rich although there wasn’t much banana flavor.  Although my husband took a bite, eating that smallish piece put me over the top and I felt uncomfortably full.

As we were nearing the end of our dinner a musician started playing which was another nice touch.  The dinner was OK, the place seemed clean and inviting and the service was great.  The bill was close to what I was complaining about with Francesca’s so I guess I don’t dine out enough.  Seems like if you’re going to get a beer (my husband) and a dessert or two it costs over $50.00 nowadays at a mid-priced restaurant for a couple.  I just don’t know how some people can afford to take families out to eat these days.

But Fox’s is definitely a place I’ll visit again and it’s been a long established Oak Lawn eatery, maybe one of the longest lasting (not sure when Petey’s Bungalow opened their doors).

Petey’s Bungalow Lounge ~ Oak Lawn, IL. 2006 Originally uploaded by Roberto41144

The other night I worked late showing properties and didn’t feel like cooking. My husband and I walked down the street to TGIF in Oak Lawn but it was a 45 minute wait. It’s not my favorite place so I definitely didn’t want to wait.

We were trying to think of where to go when my husband mentioned Petey’s Bungalow. So that’s where we went.

We don’t dine out too much and when it comes up we’re always at a loss and sometimes resort to Oak Lawn Restaurant, which is fine for last minute dining.

I dined at Petey’s last year with some friends but it was a long enough time ago that I forgot that they serve relish dishes prior to your dinner such as beets, macaroni salad, a veggie/olive plate and cottage cheese.

I ordered Chicken Vesuvio which was such a large portion (especially after the appetizers, salad and bread) that I had the rest for lunch today and could barely finish it. Dessert is part of the dinner, too, and we couldn’t pass up spumoni ice cream.

Petey’s has been in Oak Lawn since I can remember (we moved to Oak Lawn in 1963). There is a lounge area and the dining room that reminds you of sitting in a real dining room at someone’s home.

This restaurant is an Oak Lawn icon and when you think of restaurants that have come and gone, it’s so great to realize that this is truly an area landmark.