Illinois has some pretty bizarre restaurants, but none might be more bizarre than a restaurant located inside of a sweat lodge. Sweat lodges themselves are a bit rare, as this old school relaxation has largely gone by the wayside. But in Chicago, there is a sweat lodge that not only offers wet and dry spa, but a restaurant! Read on to see just what this place is like.
The Chicago Sweatlodge Old World Sauna is your classic, old-world spa.
It is one of the best places to relax in Chicago.
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But it also has a restaurant within it.
Don't worry, it's not like there is a strict dress code.
They have Eastern European and Mexican fare on the menu.
There is special emphasis on seafood and chicken.
It's a great place to hang out, relax, and eat some delicious food.
You can find this very unusual restaurant at 3500 N. Cicero Avenue in Chicago. Find out more at their website.
Once a cornerstone of Des Plaines' religious community, the former Good Shepherd Lutheran Church has recently be converted into a one-of-a-kind Mediterranean restaurant. While keeping the church's stain glass and other architectural features intact, Foxtail on the Lake offers a memorable dining experience overlooking Lake Opeka. The restaurant opened last fall adding to a seven decade legacy that has been built into the walls of the church.
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Butting up against Des Plaines' Lake Park, this restaurant is surrounded by greenery.
The church's cathedral ceilings give the building a distinct profile in the area.
The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church originally opened around 1960, around the same time when the 18-hole golf course just next to it also opened.
From the outside, it still looks a lot like a church, but dinner and lunch services have taken the place of religious services here.
Renovations on the church took place over a year and a half.
Now, guests can enjoy Mediterranean meals in a sprawling 15,000-square-foot dining area and 5,000-square-foot patio.
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Foxtail on the Lake can seat and serve up to 210 guests inside and 115 on the patio.
Fan-favorite dishes include the striped bass with cauliflower carrot puree, fava beans, snow peas, roasted kabu turnip, cantaloupe microgreens and crispy shallots.
You can't go wrong with any of the seafood options here.
There are plenty of gluten-free options, as so many of the dishes are based around proteins and fresh vegetables.
From the outdoor patio, you can enjoy a paella or a plate of oysters while watching the fountain on Lake Opeka.
I think it's worth spending some time wandering through the church's interior, but when the weather is nice, I'd suggest sitting outside.
That being said, dining anywhere at Foxtail on the Lake will be an unforgettable experience.
There are multiple dining spaces worth giving a try-- some on the ground floor by the windows and other spots higher up that have sweeping views of the entire space.
There are no bad seats at Foxtail on the Lake, as everywhere you go immerses you deeply in the history of the building. The glass and lighting in the restaurant are from the church, and a piece of the of the altar has been placed over the host stand as a reminder of the building's history. When you plan out a visit to Foxtail on the Lake, consider booking a night at the nearby Hilton Chicago/Northbrook so you can enjoy their specialty cocktails, (such as Forgive Me Father, Hell Froze Over, or Gotta Have Faith), and take a quick cab ride to a hotel. If you are looking to really dive in deep to Illinois' historic roots, head to Chicago to try Daley's Restaurant, the oldest restaurant in the city. Have you been to Foxtail on Lake? Let us know what you thought about it!
The Prairie State is filled with incredible natural beauty — from its national and state parks to its lush gardens to its magnificent natural wonders. One thing outsiders may not know about Illinois, though, is that it's also home to a number of awe-inspiring waterfalls that can be viewed from hiking trails and scenic drives. While there are opportunities to sometimes picnic near these falls, many aren't quite safe or accessible for dining. So when I discovered an upscale restaurant with a private waterfall, known as Connected in Peoria, Illinois, that made it feel like you were actually outdoors, I was beyond delighted. Let's take a look inside!
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Connected, located at 3218 N. Dries Lane, is an award-winning fine dining establishment in the Central Illinois city of Peoria.
Its interior transports visitors into another world that emulates an outdoor village, complete with building facades, strung lights, and recreated nature.
Its menu showcases an upscale take on classic American fare with Italian influence, serving everything from hot and cold antipasti to house-made pasta, fresh seafood, and signature entrees that feature wild boar, filet mignon, lamb, and veal.
You really can't go wrong no matter what you decide to order.
The restaurant was opened in 2009 by acclaimed chef Troy Ummel and has since become known for its flavorful dishes and ambiance.
One of its most distinguishing features is a stunning 30-foot waterfall that towers over a private dining room aptly named the Waterfall Room.
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The water feature was added in 2010 as a way to help immerse diners in an environment that felt calming, natural, and like it was outdoors. This waterfall restaurant in Illinois is a popular spot among locals and has become a regular for some.
The statement piece has become a beloved aspect of the dining experience, touching on the senses not only for its striking visual beauty but also for its subtle, relaxing sound.
And it's not the only water feature in the establishment, either — a smaller rock waterfall soothes diners in another corner of the restaurant. At every turn, it's the most peaceful setting for a quiet evening out.
Elsewhere, a small creek provides a one-of-a-kind table-side experience. These incredible features contribute to the overall ambiance, creating the perfect setting for a romantic evening out and what is sure to be a most memorable experience.
So, will this restaurant with a private waterfall in Peoria, Illinois make your dining bucket list? When searching for a "waterfall restaurant near me," you can't go wrong with Connected in Peoria.
Do you know of another unique restaurant in Illinois worth visiting? Tell us in the comments!
Start making plans to visit this spot that's one of the best restaurants in Peoria, Illinois by checking out the Connected website and the Connected Facebook page. And while you're in the area, why not make a weekend getaway out of it? Peoria is a top destination in Illinois for its rich history, natural beauty, and fantastic downtown area.
Located on the riverfront in East Peoria and pet-friendly, Stoney Creek Hotel Peoria is the perfect place to stay while you explore the city. Grab a pint at this brewery in a former church, explore the most scenic road in America at this famous scenic drive, or spend a night touring Peoria's waterways with this beloved boat cruise. You will have a blast exploring this charming city.