Restaurants Offering Outdoor Dining In Lake Forest, Lake Bluff

LAKE FOREST, IL — More than 20 area restaurants will be offering outdoor dining as Illinois moves into the next phase of the governor's reopening plan. At least 11 locations in Lake Bluff and 12 in Lake Forest plan to offer al fresco seating starting Friday, according to the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce.

All restaurants must follow Restore Illinois Phase 3 bar and restaurant guidance, including keeping tables at least 6 feet apart, wearing masks whenever not seated at a table and regularly disinfecting common areas.

"Business owners have been through a lot the past few weeks, and they have worked tirelessly to adapt to the changing conditions so they can once again serve their customers. As always, we encourage customers to share feedback directly with the business owners or managers," Joanna Rolek, the chambers's executive director, said in a statement. "They appreciate your patience and want to hear about your experience as we navigate this new normal."

"To say we are thrilled to be re-opening, albeit cautiously, is an understatement," Matt Barba, general manager of the Deer Path Inn in Lake Forest, said. "We feel alive again and are willing to jump through whatever hoops necessary to safely serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, outdoors, to our guests."

Diners will need reservations, and staff will follow all safety recommendations from the state and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Barba said.

"Dining may look and feel a little different but being of service is at the heart of what we do and we cannot wait to put on our masks and gloves and get back to work," he said.

"While the past months have had new challenges, we cannot be more proud of our community and the support they have shown us," John des Rosiers, owner of Inovasi and The Otherdoor, in Lake Bluff. "Their feedback and input have even shaped our business plans for the future. What we miss most is seeing our loyal fans, and we are thrilled to get back to serving them!"

Read more: Restore Illinois Phase 3 Coronavirus Business Guidelines Unveiled

The following local and Lake Bluff restaurants are set to offer outdoor dining, according to the LF/LB Chamber of Commerce:

Lake Forest

• Chief’s Pub
• Deer Path Inn
• Egg Harbor
• Foodstuffs
• Francesca’s Intimo
• Gerhard’s Elegant European Desserts
• Kuro Bistro
• Lake Forest Food & Wine
• The Left Bank
• Market House on the Square
• MH Kitchen
• The Peanut Gallery

Lake Bluff

• Be Market
• Bluffington’s Cafe
• Donati’s Pizza
• Forest Greens Juice Bar
• Inovasi
• Lake Bluff Brewing Company
• Luke’s of Lake Bluff
• Maevery
• The Otherdoor
• Tacos el Norte
• The Silo

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The above list is subject to change and may be updated as more information is received. Representatives of any local other establishments offering open-air, on-site consumption of food or drink and who wish to be listed above may email LakeForest@Patch.com