You know when a place just sort of… sticks with you? Foxtail on the Lake did that to me. It wasn’t flashy or over-the-top. But something about the way the light filtered through the big front windows or how the lake shimmered just beyond the patio — yeah, that stayed.
So, if you’re thinking of heading over in 2025, maybe for the first time or maybe because you’ve been meaning to — here are a few things you might want to know. Not in a rulebook kind of way. More like the kind of stuff a riend would tell you while scrolling through their camera roll, pointing at food pics.
Why Foxtail on the Lake Feels Like a Little Discovery?
Honestly, I didn’t expect much the first time I went to Foxtail on the lake. I’d heard whispers — a friend of a friend mentioned the goat cheese was great, someone else swore by the view — but I hadn’t really planned to be impressed. Then I walked in, and it just felt different.
Like it was trying to be cozy and modern at the same time, without trying too hard. The kind of place that feels like it belongs to you after one visit. A hidden spot that’s not trying to be hidden — but somehow still is.
1. The Building Has a Story (and You Can Feel It)
Foxtail on the Lake didn’t just pop up out of nowhere. It’s housed in a former bank building — tall ceilings, marble details, the kind of architecture that reminds you places used to be built to last. It sits right in downtown Des Plaines, a short walk from Lake Opeka.
You can almost feel the echo of old vaults and boardroom conversations, now swapped out for laughter and clinking glasses.
And yeah, maybe that’s a little poetic, but it’s also kind of true.
Highlights:
- Located in a repurposed historic bank building
- Tall ceilings and old-school architectural charm
- Just a short walk from Lake Opeka
- Feels like a blend of history and comfort
2. The Menu Isn’t Trying to Impress You — But It Will
Okay, food. Let’s talk about the foxtail of the lake. Because wow.
The menu here leans Mediterranean, but not in a “let’s all pretend we know what fava beans are” kind of way. Though they do have fava beans. And snow peas. And some of the creamiest goat cheese I’ve ever tasted — it was tucked into a dish with roasted carrots and a blue cheese vinaigrette that I wasn’t even sure I’d like. But it worked.
For cheese lovers — oh man, it’s a playground. Fresh burrata cheese, parmesan cheese, feta cheese, even parmigiano cheese (yes, the fancy kind). And for the kids? Simple joys like a KIDS CHEESE BURGER or KIDS GRILLED CHEESE. No pretentiousness, just solid comfort.
Honestly, I didn’t expect to care so much about baked pita bread. But here I am, craving it again.
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Don’t Miss:
- Roasted carrots with goat cheese and blue cheese vinaigrette
- Mediterranean-style dishes with fava beans and snow peas
- Crispy baked pita bread (surprisingly addictive!)
- Cheese lovers’ dream: burrata, feta, parmesan, and more
- Kid-friendly favorites like grilled cheese and mini burgers
3. Gluten-Free? Yeah, You’ll Be Okay Here
If you’re someone with a gluten allergy — or maybe just navigating the increasingly complex world of gluten modifications — the staff here gets it. Like, really gets it. There’s a gluten-free menu, extensive gluten-free options, and clear indications for bread/buns, allergy risks, and gluten-free toast.
Sure, some things still come on challah or brioche with gluten (hello, breakfast sandwiches), but they’re careful and accommodating. I have a friend who’s super sensitive to gluten, and she left full and happy. That’s rare.
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Gluten-Free Wins:
- Dedicated gluten-free menu available
- Gluten-free toast and bread options
- Thoughtful approach to allergies and cross-contamination
- Clear labels and accommodating staff
4. Go for the Food, Stay for the Vibe
It’s the little things. The lake side patio, especially at golden hour, is one of those moments where time slows down a bit. And inside? A beautiful light-flooded restaurant that just makes you want to linger.
You’ll see couples sharing avocado toast, kids scraping the cheese off MAC N CHEESE, maybe someone typing away on a laptop. It’s casual but not careless. And somehow, it all works.
Atmosphere Perks:
- Lakeside patio perfect for golden hour
- Bright and airy interior with modern comfort
- Good mix of casual diners, couples, and solo visitors
- Relaxed and family-friendly without feeling noisy
5. The Location Makes It Feel Like a Getaway (Without Leaving Town)
It’s not just that it’s by Lake Opeka — though that helps. It’s the feeling of stepping out of the everyday and into a place where you notice things. The clink of a fork, the scent of garlic mash potatoes, a stranger’s dog lying under their table.
It’s also right near a handful of other Nearby Restaurants, so you could turn a visit into a mini food tour if you felt like it. But honestly, you might not want to leave once you’re here.
Why It Feels Like a Mini Escape:
- Steps from peaceful lake views
- Tucked into downtown Des Plaines, but still serene
- Great base for a local food crawl with nearby restaurants
- Dog-friendly and full of little sensory joys (hello, garlic mash potatoes)
6. Not Just Dinner — Brunch Is Where It’s At
If you’re only coming for dinner at Foxtail on the lake, you might be missing the best part.
Brunch here is kind of a hidden gem. Think house potatoes with crispy edges, fluffy brioche bread under eggs Benedict, and yes, avocado toast that somehow doesn’t feel overdone. They even have gluten-free toast, so no one’s left out.
Oh, and if you’re into cheese (which, let’s be real, you probably are if you’ve read this far), the breakfast potatoes sometimes come with a little sprinkle of cheddar cheese. That alone might be worth the trip.
Brunch Standouts:
- House potatoes with crispy edges and just the right salt
- Eggs Benedict with fluffy brioche or gluten-free toast
- That avocado toast you thought you were over — think again
- Cheddar cheese surprise on breakfast potatoes
- Brunch that works for both foodies and picky eaters
7. You Might End Up Coming Back Sooner Than You Thought
I didn’t expect to remember it. Not the way I do. But Foxtail on the Lake lingers.
Maybe it’s because the food surprised me. Or because the staff seemed to enjoy being there. Or maybe it was just the way the place made me feel like I had nowhere else to be.
You go once. And then you start wondering who else you should bring next time.
What Brings People Back:
- Surprisingly memorable food and service
- Staff that actually seem to enjoy being there
- A “this could be our spot” kind of energy
- Easy to bring friends, family, or just yourself next time
Conclusion
Foxtail on the Lake in Des Plaines isn’t just another restaurant — it’s a hidden gem that quietly leaves a mark. From the thoughtful food and cozy interiors to the lakeside view and genuinely warm staff, it has that rare ability to feel both familiar and special.
Whether you’re in it for the brunch, the gluten-free care, or simply the golden hour light on the patio, something about it makes you want to linger — and then come back. If you’re looking for a standout dining experience, Foxtail on the Lake in Des Plaines is worth discovering in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Foxtail on the Lake good for people with gluten allergies?
Yeah, definitely. They’ve got a real gluten-free menu, plus staff who actually know what cross-contamination means, which is honestly kind of a relief.
2. Do they serve brunch every day?
Pretty sure it’s weekends only, like Saturday and Sunday mornings — but it’s one of those things you might want to double-check online just in case it changed.
3. What’s parking like?
Parking’s pretty simple — there’s a lot nearby and free street parking too, and I’ve never had to circle more than once.
4. Can I sit outside by the lake?
Yep, they’ve got a beautiful lake side patio that’s perfect when it’s sunny — but it can get breezy near Lake Opeka, so maybe grab a sweater.
5. What should I try if I love cheese?
You’re in luck — the MAC N CHEESE, burrata dishes, goat cheese salads, even the blue cheese vinaigrette are all seriously satisfying.
6. Do they have vegetarian options?
Definitely — the roasted veggie plate, avocado toast, and a few cheese-heavy sides are totally meatless and still full of flavor.
7. Can kids find food they’ll eat?
Oh yeah — they’ve got a solid kid’s menu with things like KIDS CHEESE BURGER and GRILLED CHEESE that are simple but tasty.
8. Is it super fancy?
Not really — it feels classy without being stiff, so you won’t feel out of place whether you’re in jeans or dressed up.
9. What’s the vibe like inside?
It’s bright and airy during the day, cozier at night — very laid-back with a kind of modern-lakehouse feel.
10. Is it worth a drive from the city?
I’d say yes — between the food, the view, and the easy pace, it feels like a little escape without needing a weekend trip.
