The Oak Parker debuts

A cool and sleek bar/restaurant has opened in Oak Park, aptly named the “Oak Parker.” The Oak Parker is owned and operated by North End Restaurant Group. Chef Jose Samoya helms the kitchen with an innovative menu. Stand-out offerings on this menu are the pastrami sandwiches, with pastrami that is made in-house; and the veal, pork and chicken schnitzels, which are hand-breaded, crisp fired and accompanied by a choice of lemon and dill, chili crisp and beans or woodsman mushroom sauce. The meats are sourced locally at Fairway Packing Co. The interior, designed by Ron Rea, has a sophisticated industrial vibe with cinder block walls and exposed rafters. A long wall in the dining area is embellished with a vibrant people mural designed by Cecile Gariepy. The space has seating for 100 guests and, during the warmer months, patio seating will be available to accommodate about 30 additional guests. Downstairs is another intimate bar complete with DJ and separate menu. On their website, Oak Parker bills itself as “A modern neighborhood bar, built for the neighborhood. Oak Parker is a space with direction, but not boundaries. A serious kitchen, great drinks, and an environment built around music – proudly in the heart of Oak Park.” “Basically, we want to be the pioneer of the late-night cocktail bar in Oak Park,” said Steve Michael, North End Restaurant Group. 13621 W. 11 Mile Road, Oak Park oakparkerbar.com