Whether you’re a visitor killing time between trains or you’re a local looking for lunch, downtown Tinley Park offers something for every appetite and budget. A myriad of restaurants, bars and sweets shops span the blocks between the Metra station and 171st Street, making this small stretch of Oak Park Avenue a happening hotspot for everyone from families to bikers. The town caters to a luscious mix.
Isabella Italian Cafe
Isabella is hands-down the best bet for a surprisingly affordable fancy dinner in a romantic atmosphere, but don’t be turned off if you’re dining alone. The folks at Isabella are so friendly that you’ll feel like you’re dining with friends. For lunch, a $10 menu includes a choice of chicken parmesan, fettuccini salmon or stuffed eggplant. Don’t miss the $5 sangrias and margaritas. For dinner they offer a dozen scrumptious pasta dishes for under $15, with fancier entrees like veal parmesan ranging $20-$25. Red wine drinkers will not be disappointed. For a quick snack on a budget, the mixed grilled vegetable appetizer is delicious and filling. Outdoor seating is available in warm weather.
Ed n Joe’s Restaurant and Pizzeria
This family-friendly local favorite is known for its gourmet pizzas, genius toppings combinations and old-fashioned thin crusts. Ed and Joe’s also serves burgers, Italian beef, barbeque chicken, pot pies and pasta. For a change of pace, try the fish. Seriously, the beer-battered cod filet is the hidden gem of this restaurant. If you want cheap, substandard pizza, this isn’t the place to go. A family-sized pizza will cost around $20, but $10 will get you a decent sandwich. The kids’ menu includes grilled cheese, chicken fingers and cheese ravioli, with the average child’s meal costing $5. No outdoor seating.
Durbin’s Pub
For singles seeking cheap beer and a place to watch the game, Durbin’s is a score. Couples and guys of all ages, but not an abundance of single ladies – sorry, fellas – make up the scene on a typical evening. Wednesday is karaoke night. Hot wings, burgers and ribs are good here. Nightly specials offer discounted drinks and appetizers. In the summer, outdoor seating is complimented with flat-screen televisions to watch sporting events outside. This place gets loud as the night goes on and probably isn’t the best choice for a first date or for families with young children.
Sam and Jake’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor
Sam and Jake’s is hopping with preteens and families, and for good reason: a sugar rush couldn’t get much sweeter. This old-fashioned ice cream shop has something to quench every craving, from simple cones to elaborate sundaes, with sugar-free and low-fat choices available. If you’re not an ice cream fan, opt for a hand-dipped caramel apple or chocolate-covered strawberry. They also sell nostalgic candies, homemade cookies and coffee. This family-owned business is staffed with friendly folks who go out of their way to make their customers happy. Outdoor seating is limited, but they’re located right across the street from Zabrocki Plaza – the fancy name for the place with the train station and the fountain – so it’s easy enough to find a spot to sit down and enjoy a sweet treat outside.
Cavallini’s Cafe
Cavallini’s caters functions and serves breakfast, but the real treasure here is the coffee and tea selection. Located inside the Oak Park Avenue Metra station, the guys who run Cavallini’s tend to be busy but always take the time to be friendly and helpful. Whether you’re craving whole leaf chamomile tea or a steaming cup of blueberry coffee, these guys will hook you up. You can also buy bulk coffee and tea to brew at home. They open early to accommodate commuters but close around 3:00 p.m.
Things to keep in mind when dining in downtown Tinley Park: Outdoor seating is prevalent in summer. Restaurants tend to get crowded on weekend evenings, but not to the point where reservations are necessary. Casual attire is fine. Many establishments in the area are housed in historic buildings, and some get drafty in winter. Most are wheelchair accessible.