The Foxtail On The Lake

The Foxtail On The Lake

1177 Howard Ave, Des Plaines, IL 60018, United States

+1 224-938-9479

Restaurant
(1423)
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About This Place

Nestled in the charming suburb of Des Plaines, Illinois, The Foxtail On The Lake is a stunning culinary destination that artfully blends Mediterranean and American flavors within the breathtaking setting of a beautifully restored former church. From the moment you step inside, the soaring ceilings adorned with stained glass windows and the sweeping views over the lake set a remarkable stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

The menu at The Foxtail On The Lake is a thoughtfully curated celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients and bold, enticing flavors. Whether you’re craving the lively zest of their Beef Shawarma Plate or the delicate succulence of Seared Diver Scallops, each dish captivates the palate with its precision and creativity. Highlights like the smoky, tender Brick Chicken and the elegantly layered Deconstructed Lobster Roll showcase the kitchen’s mastery of both comfort and sophistication. Vegetarians and adventurous eaters alike will find delight in offerings such as the Brick Oven Roasted Cauliflower and the earthy, rich Taleggio Mushroom Flatbread, all designed to delight in every bite.

Sharing plates encourage convivial dining with selections like the vibrant Fox Trio, featuring muhammara, hummus, and labneh served alongside warm house pita, perfect for pairing with their inventive cocktail menu. For those who appreciate a refined touch, the desserts are not to be missed — the tangy and creamy Key Lime Cheesecake harmonizes beautifully to close the meal on a high note.

Diners repeatedly praise the ambiance that effortlessly balances upscale elegance with warmth and approachability. From lunch gatherings to romantic sunsets, the atmosphere is positively charged by the panoramic lake views visible through expansive glass murals — a sight that truly transforms a meal into an occasion. While the food consistently impresses with both its presentation and taste, customers also highlight how the attentive service and thoughtfully designed space elevate their overall visit.

In short, The Foxtail On The Lake is more than just a restaurant; it’s a destination where the magic of exquisite flavors meets architectural beauty and mesmerizing views, creating moments that linger long after the last bite. If you are seeking a memorable meal paired with an inspiring ambiance, booking a table here is a decision you won’t regret — especially during sunset, when the light dances through those stunning stained glass windows.

Service options
Outdoor seating Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Fast service Fireplace Great beer selection Great cocktails Great coffee Great dessert Great wine list Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Healthy options Late-night food Private dining room Small plates Spirits Vegan options Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Catering Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Historic Romantic Trendy Upmarket
Crowd
Family friendly Groups Locals Tourists
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended Lunch reservations recommended Reservations required Dinner reservations recommended Accepts reservations Usually a wait
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking Valet parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    Closed
  • Tuesday
    11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Thursday
    11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Friday
    11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Saturday
    10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Sunday
    10:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • maria sterner
    2 week ago

    Beautiful and exiting place to eat. The ambience is great and the views are also something unique. The food is delicious and presentation is also exquisite. We came with a reservation for a Wednesday noon and it was full so we highlt recommend making a reservation. We will definitely come back during sunset to see the view inside the restaurant through the glass murals.

  • Max Rosen
    1 month ago

    Exceptional. Delicious food served in a truly breathtaking dining room, centered in a former church. This place has been hyped up quite a bit and it lived up to its reputation, and then some. For one, every dish came out piping hot. Starters - feta dip, scallops, flatbread - were on point. Tasted as good as they looked (see pictures). Really enjoyed my entree, Moroccan couscous in a flavorful broth with veggies and chicken. Well executed and oozing with all sorts of flavors. Dessert (not pictured, as it was eaten too quickly) - was like a mediterranean twist on a twix bar - so good. Service attentive and friendly. Highly recommend.

  • MM
    2 month ago

    Gorgeous church decorated to perfection. The vibe is amazing. Food and drinks are 50/50. Some dishes are great, some aren’t. Servers are somewhat attentive. I’ve been here a couple times and have only had one time where I had a great server. Today I went for brunch. To be honest I’ve had better brunch dishes elsewhere but id come here again for the vibes.

  • Allison Wheatley
    2 month ago

    Upscale without being snooty. The dining area is gorgeous with the high ceilings and stained glass windows. Outside, the patio is comfy with a great view of the water. The menu is varied, a bit pricey, but worth the cost. Everything we tried was delicious. The salads were fresh and interesting, the appetizers unique, and the mains satisfying. The french fries were crispy and freshy, if a bit salty for my taste. I wish had had room for dessert!

  • Isaac A
    2 month ago

    A gem of restaurant in the boring suburb of Des Plaines that serves Mediterranean and American cuisine in a gorgeously remodeled church that sits atop a beautiful lake. The experience was great right upon walking in, with friendly hosts and great service. The servers are attentive and the food is pretty good but nothing worth jumping up and down about. I feel this place is more for the atmosphere than it is about the food. While the food is good, I havent had anything spectacular. Out of the dishes we’ve ordered, the Branzino stood out the most with its crispy skin and perfect cook and garnish. My brother really enjoyed the Duck risotto but was given duck legs which seemed like a very strange part of the duck to serve with the dish. The consistency or the risotto was also not very creamy. I had the Tagine which was good but the chicken in it was boring and nothing really spectacular about it. The drinks are pretty good but not worth the downtown Chicago prices they charge for them. The lobster sharable dish with bread was quite good but such a small amount of lobster. Even a lobster tail would have been better for the price. Keep in mind they also charge for bread, even with dishes that come with bread. I asked for Gluten free bread since I have a gluten intolerance and they charged me $2 for the bread that should have been free with the dish that comes with bread which was the half lobster dish. There is no complimentary bread at all.. even for the table while waiting for food. All in all, I will go back for mostly drinks and sharable plates. Basically go for the ambiance and atmosphere.. the food is just okay. Tab for 3 people came out to more than $158 without more than 1 drink ordered or dessert.

  • Alicia Saint Ives
    2 month ago

    I stopped at The Foxtail on the Lake during a quick 36-hour work road trip to Chicago — and wow, what a find. The restaurant is inside a beautifully converted church, and the atmosphere is stunning: vaulted ceilings, warm wood beams, glowing orb lighting, and a stained-glass window anchoring the space. It’s elegant but still approachable. The bar runs the length of the room with a gorgeous curved counter and luxe seating. It has that perfect mix of upscale and relaxed — the kind of place where you instantly want a cocktail. I ordered a gin and St. Germain cocktail, which was light, floral, and perfectly balanced. We shared a few dishes, and every plate was beautifully presented and delicious. What we ordered: • Burrata & Fig Jam Toast — creamy cheese with sweet fig jam and perfectly toasted bread. • Mac & Cheese — rich, gooey, golden-topped shells with a hint of truffle. • Little Gem Salad with Grilled Salmon — crisp greens, tomatoes, tortilla strips, and perfectly cooked salmon. The service was warm and attentive without being rushed, and the vibe struck that sweet spot between lively and cozy. We sat at the bar and had a fantastic view of everything happening in the space. For a restaurant we found on a whim, this was an absolute gem. Thoughtful food, beautiful ambiance, and great drinks. I’ll definitely be back next time I’m in the area. Lake Bluff, IL Perfect for: date nights, solo bar dining, or a relaxed but elevated dinner. If you love local food finds, cocktails, and hidden gems, follow me on Google, Instagram, Facebook, and Beli for more foodie adventures.

  • Izi Kehayov
    2 month ago

    I really enjoyed this place. It was a nice Sunday afternoon and the weather was great so we dined outside. The seating outside is really nice, and so seemed the inside as well. The food was delicious and tasted great (except that my burger we DEFINITELY not cooked medium because it was very dry, but i still give the place 5 stars since that was either my waitress or the cook who dropped the ball there. But it happens. I am sure that if cooked to medium it would be much better). I highly recommend the Grilled Octopus. Bathrooms were nice and clean, which i always pay attention to. They also have good espresso, and not every place has that. I definitely recommend this place and would love to go back.

  • Tanya Stefanova
    3 month ago

    Went to have a late lunch. Ordered roasted octopus, fox burger, crème brûlée. Everything was fresh and delicious. After finishing the food had an espresso. Coffee was good too. Service is great. View from the terrace is beautiful, looking at the lake. The restaurant is a former church so the interior has very high ceilings. Remarkable place.

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