One Of Illinois’ Most Unique Eateries Was Originally A Church
Some restaurants are memorable because of the food. Others stand out because of the view.
This Des Plaines spot becomes unforgettable for reasons that reach far beyond both. Set inside a beautifully converted former Good Shepherd Lutheran Church dating to the late 1950s, the space blends historic character with a fresh, modern dining experience.
Original architectural details remain front and center, giving the interior a sense of scale and atmosphere that feels rare for a suburban setting. Natural light, soaring structure, and preserved design elements create a striking backdrop that elevates every visit.
Paired with a creative, Mediterranean-leaning menu and a setting near the water, the experience feels distinctive without losing its sense of comfort. It is the kind of place where the surroundings become just as memorable as the meal itself.
The Building Was Originally A 1950s Church
Before the plates of grilled octopus and filet poke bowls arrived, this building was a place of quiet reflection. The Foxtail On The Lake is housed inside a former Good Shepherd Lutheran Church building dating to the late 1950s that has been thoughtfully transformed into a distinctive restaurant space.
The original structure was preserved with tremendous care. Visitors walking in for the first time often pause just inside the entrance, taken by the sheer scale and beauty of the space around them.
What makes this conversion so special is that it never tries to hide its roots. The bones of the church are proudly on display, giving the entire dining experience a sense of history and weight that a brand-new building simply cannot replicate.
This is a place where the setting itself becomes part of the meal, and that combination of architecture and atmosphere is genuinely rare in the Chicago suburban dining scene.
Vaulted Ceilings That Will Make Your Jaw Drop
Few design features in any restaurant can compete with the dramatic visual impact of soaring vaulted ceilings, and The Foxtail On The Lake has them in full glory.
The original church ceiling stretches high above the dining room, creating a sense of grandeur that feels both awe-inspiring and surprisingly comfortable.
Warm wood beams run across the ceiling, softening the height and adding a rustic elegance to the space. Glowing orb lighting hangs at various levels throughout the room, casting a golden warmth that makes everything look better, including the food on your plate.
The combination of architectural height with carefully chosen lighting creates an atmosphere that shifts naturally from bright and energetic during lunch to moody and romantic as the evening progresses. Whether seated near the main floor or up on the balcony level, the ceiling remains a constant visual anchor that reminds every guest they are somewhere genuinely extraordinary.
It is the kind of detail that stays with you long after the meal ends.
A Stunning Stained-Glass Window
Right at the heart of the main dining room, a large stained-glass window commands attention in a way that no painted wall or art installation ever could. This original church feature was preserved during the renovation and now serves as the visual centerpiece of the entire restaurant.
When light filters through the colored glass during daytime hours, it casts soft, shifting patterns across the dining room floor and tables. In the evening, the window is lit from behind, making it glow like a living piece of art against the darkening sky outside.
The glass murals are so captivating that guests have specifically mentioned returning during sunset just to witness how the light interacts with the colors at that particular time of day.
It is a feature that rewards repeat visits, because the window genuinely looks different depending on the hour and the season. Few restaurants anywhere can claim a centerpiece this historically rich and visually breathtaking.
Lakeside Location With Breathtaking Outdoor Views
The name gives it away, but nothing fully prepares first-time visitors for just how beautiful the setting actually is. The Foxtail On The Lake sits directly beside a peaceful lake, and the views from both the indoor dining room and the outdoor terrace are genuinely spectacular throughout every season.
The outdoor patio is particularly popular during warmer months, when guests can dine with a clear sightline across the water. The natural scenery provides a calming backdrop that makes even a casual weekday lunch feel like a special occasion.
From inside, large windows frame the lake like a painting, so those who prefer air conditioning never have to sacrifice the view. The restaurant also has a balcony level upstairs that offers an elevated perspective on the water, making it a highly requested seating option for anyone who calls ahead.
The combination of the lake, the church architecture, and the surrounding greenery gives this location a visual character that feels both local and surprisingly destination-worthy.
Mediterranean-Inspired Menu With Exciting Variety
The menu at The Foxtail On The Lake takes its inspiration from Mediterranean cuisine and weaves in American comfort food in a way that feels natural rather than forced. The result is a selection of dishes that manages to feel both familiar and genuinely exciting at the same time.
Starters include standouts like grilled octopus with potatoes, a flavorful hummus plate, burrata with fig jam toast, and feta dip that arrives beautifully presented.
For main courses, options range from Moroccan tagine with spiced couscous and optional chicken to the Foxtail ‘Paella’ made with orzo, shrimp, mussels, clams, scallops, chicken, and andouille sausage.
The breakfast flatbread is a popular brunch order that surprises first-timers with its creativity. The filet poke bowl brings a fresh, lighter option to the table that pairs well with the lakeview setting.
With a kids menu also available, the restaurant manages to serve a wide range of guests without ever feeling like it is trying too hard to please everyone at once.
Signature Dishes That Are Worth Every Bite
Among the many dishes on the menu, a few have earned a reputation as absolute must-orders. The grilled octopus with potatoes is consistently highlighted as a standout, arriving with a crispy exterior and tender interior that makes it hard to share.
The Fox Burger is a satisfying, well-constructed option for those craving something hearty and classic.
The filet poke bowl brings together fresh ingredients in a light but filling combination that suits both lunch and dinner perfectly. The Moroccan couscous dish arrives in a flavorful broth packed with vegetables and chicken, with layers of spice that build warmly rather than overwhelm.
On the dessert side, the chocolate mousse cake has become a crowd favorite, and the creme brulee delivers that satisfying crackle on top that dessert lovers always hope for.
Every dish comes out piping hot and plated with clear attention to visual presentation, which makes the whole experience feel elevated without ever tipping into pretentious territory.
Service That Feels Attentive And Genuinely Warm
Great food in a stunning building still falls flat without great service, and The Foxtail On The Lake understands this completely. The service team operates with a level of coordination and warmth that makes guests feel genuinely looked after from the moment they walk through the door.
Servers here are notably knowledgeable about the menu. They can speak confidently about ingredients, preparation methods, and flavor profiles, which makes ordering feel like a conversation rather than a transaction.
Water glasses stay full without guests ever having to ask, and the pacing of courses feels thoughtfully managed.
The staff clearly works well together as a team, and that internal cohesion shows up in the guest experience in small but meaningful ways. Special occasions are acknowledged with genuine warmth, including thoughtful dessert presentations for birthdays and anniversaries.
For a restaurant that handles both casual drop-ins and large group reservations, the consistency of service quality across different visit types is a real point of pride for this Des Plaines gem.
A Hidden Speakeasy Bar Downstairs
As if the main dining room were not already impressive enough, The Foxtail On The Lake has a secret weapon tucked beneath the building. A speakeasy-style bar located downstairs adds a completely different energy to the overall experience, making a visit here feel like two nights out for the price of one.
The speakeasy has a vibe that is distinctly its own, with moody lighting and an intimate atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the soaring ceilings of the restaurant above.
It has been used for private events and holiday parties, and the energy down there during a full evening is described as electric and genuinely fun.
For guests who finish dinner and want to extend the night without leaving the building, heading downstairs is an obvious and rewarding choice. The bar program is creative throughout the restaurant, and that same spirit carries into the speakeasy space.
It is one of those features that makes The Foxtail feel less like a restaurant and more like a full destination experience.
Price Range, Hours, And What To Expect On Your Visit
The Foxtail On The Lake falls comfortably into the mid-range pricing category, marked as a double-dollar sign establishment.
This means guests can expect quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation without the sticker shock of a downtown Chicago fine dining bill. For the experience on offer, the value feels solid and fair.
The restaurant is typically open Tuesday through Friday from 11 AM until late, Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM until late, and closed on Mondays. Brunch on weekends is a particularly popular time to visit, with the natural light pouring through those stained-glass windows at its absolute best.
Making a reservation is strongly recommended, especially for Wednesday through Saturday evenings and weekend brunch. The restaurant fills up quickly, and walk-ins during peak hours may face a wait.
Only 20 Minutes From O’Hare Airport
Here is a travel fact that more people should know: The Foxtail On The Lake 10 to 20 minutes by car from O’Hare International Airport, depending on traffic.
For travelers with a long layover or anyone flying in and out of Chicago who wants a genuinely memorable meal, this restaurant is an easy and rewarding detour from the terminal routine.
Des Plaines itself is a quiet suburb, and the restaurant is located at 1177 Howard Ave, which is easy to reach by rideshare or rental car. The lakeside setting makes the short drive feel worthwhile the moment you pull into the parking area and see the building for the first time.
Whether arriving for a solo lunch, a birthday dinner, or a spontaneous stop during a travel layover, the restaurant delivers an experience that feels far removed from ordinary suburban dining.
The combination of the church architecture, the lake view, the creative menu, and the warm service makes it one of those rare places that surprises you every single time.