Avenue Ale House

MMMMk, it's not a stellar cuisine experience, but if you stick to burgers and what not they usually don't screw it up too bad. I meet some friends here once a month or so, and have eaten/drank here upwards of 10 times. I will say this, they have been extremely accommodating of our group and they let us split the checks, which is nice of them. You are at the entry level as far as table service goes, some servers are great, and on their way to bigger and better things, and some are just collecting the check. Prices are standard for the 'burbs, beer selection is actually ok if you are a micro-brew fan. The upstairs patio can be fun in the 4 months Chicago's weather allows one to eat outside more

WOW. Terrible. No character. Bad Service and bad food. Our desserts must have been sitting in the cooler for days ? stale, rank and barely edible. If you have been smacked on the head, this might be a good place to stagger into. Otherwise, try another Oak Park venue. Pros: Not Fast Food Cons: Not Good Food more

We were there on an average night. However, it took an eternity for us to get drinks at the bar. The bar is surrounded by multiple, large televisions displaying various sporting events a little obnoxious. There is a dining area near the kitchen that is very dark and very loud. I'm pretty sure this is suppose to be the "quiet dining" area. After waiting for rooftop seating, our server was very forgetful and a little short with us. Likewise, the rooftop was only so-so as far as atmosphere goes. Not much good to say about the food. I had some sort of potato thing that was cooked to death and flavorless. We ordered cheese sticks as an appetizer. We were all amused that they were lacking the primary ingredient - cheese. They were empty, fried husks. I had high hopes for this place. Unfortunately, I can't say that I will ever try it again. Pros: clean, decent atmosphere Cons: not so great staff more

I went there for a Saturday lunch at a quiet time, so there was not much of a crowd. The food was decent, a bit pricey, I thought, but good. I might venture to go back if I can get up to the rooftop. The TV's everywhere can be a bit distracting if you are there more for convesation than for the bar experience. I could say that I had my own experience with the wait staff, albeit minor. The weather was iffy that day. It did not rain, but the roof was closed. When we left, one person we spoke with on the way out said the roof was open. Another one said it was probably was not going to be opened. Not a reason to not go back, but after reading one of the reviews, it may be worth posting if it is such that the staff is questionable. Pros: Great decor, offers rooftop dining in good weather Cons: Food a bit pricy for the portions more

A pretty wretched dining experience. Food was typical bar fare - bland, uninspired, overpriced. The staff? Just as bland and uninspired. I suspect that this is due to the lack of large "bars" in Oak Park. The staff is unprofessional and the bartender we dealt with is the worst I have ever experienced - the worst. As another member of my party correctly stated, "this was like a bad frat house experience." Unfortunately, we had to pay for this one. I do not go to bars/restaurants to be ignored/dismissed by the staff. The bartender kept looking over my head - even taking the time to change channels on the televisions behind me. All communication was instigated by me. Likewise, the waitress' response to my trying to close out my tab with the bartender was just plain rude, "What are you doing. I'll get your drinks." Odd... did it not occur to her that we had a tab before we sat down to eat? I just don't get it. The proper response would have been for her to ask before we ordered. Need I mention that both the bar and food tabs were incorrect? The kicker? The manager's response to our concerns, "Dude, life is too short." Thanks for the platitude... dude. Pathetic. Work on the customer service or get out of the service industry. Pros: Convenient bar for Oak Parkers Cons: Bland food. Bad Service. more

This place tries to be a little bit of everything .... and for the most part succeeds! It is a neighborhood bar, specializing in a wide selection of beer. It is a sports bar. It is a (non-obnoxious) singles bar. It is a great oudoor summer bar. It is a family bar. It is a fair live music venue. It is a restauraunt with good service, food and THE BEST burgers and fish entrees. Incredibly, the Alehouse succeeds in meshing all of these things together --- and it works for everyone! My only bitch is the overhead paging system which can blow your ears off and make you feel like you are at Chucky Cheese, rather than a really good eatery and bar (ever heard of vibrating pagers?) Great find! more

My family moved to Oak Park two years ago. We have spent many dinners at the Ale House. Usually we order the burger. The bleu cheese topping is perfect. The beef is great. We have found the rest of the menu hit or miss, but the atmosphere and friendly service make it a family favorite. Pros: burger, beer, location Cons: salads, parking more