Oak Park and River Forest are two suburbs known for their close-knit communities, picturesque streets and dedication to preserving old-fashioned, neighborhood feels.
Oak Park boasts over 54,000 residents, and River Forest is home to nearly 12,000 residents. Alongside supporting residential needs, the villages also prioritize advocating for strong, hyperlocal businesses.
Distinctly unique, Oak Park and River Forest’s business districts serve up a diverse selection of experiences for shoppers and passersby.
Here’s a quick peek into the business districts which are proud to call these communities home:
Downtown Oak Park/Lake Street
Since its inception, Downtown Oak Park has served as the village’s vibrant core for commerce, culture, cuisine and camaraderie.
With over 750,000 square feet of retail and office space and more than 40 different restaurants and cafes, Downtown Oak Park is the ultimate local destination both day and night.
A highly walkable district, Downtown Oak Park blends world-class architecture with an energetic dining and entertainment scene.
Highlights include the world-famous Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio; popular eateries like Jerusalem Cafe, Lou Malnati’s, Nando’s Peri-Peri, Sweetgreen, Chipotle, Khyber Pass, Hecho en Oak Park and practically all other types of cuisine imaginable; classic movie house Lake Theatre; shopping boutiques like 16 Suitcases and Jayne; and bookstores including brand-new Barnes & Noble and independent favorite The Book Loft.
A small Target store provides a quick retail option, while Wild Fork Foods specialty meat and seafood market sells over 700 varieties of high-quality protein. Health nuts can check out Fitness Formula Clubs (FFC) or Yoga6 and then slurp down smoothies from Smoothie King. Popcorn fans must check out Wells Street Popcorn for the famous Chicago mix. Fashion fans can spend hours browsing at Old Navy and Sephora.
Pleasant District
South of Downtown Oak Park is the Pleasant District, seamlessly blending both traditional and modern experiences alongside brick-paved streets and unique building facades.
This district along south Marion Street is easily accessible by foot, car, bike, the CTA Harlem Green Line stop and the Metra, and expands on the Downtown area’s shopping, dining and nightlife.
Enjoy the funky artwork of the area’s ever-expanding outdoor murals along South Boulevard and the train tracks while hopping in and out of restaurants like Egg Harbor Cafe and fan-favorite Poor Phil’s; marvel in the jewelry selection at Oak Park Jewelers; snag new running gear at Fleet Feet; discover Mills Park and Pleasant Home, a National Historic Landmark designed in 1897 by noted Prairie School architect George W. Maher; enjoy the spirit of European enoteca at Anfora Wine Merchants; and find comfort at the charming and historic Carleton of Oak Park hotel.
Notably, the Pleasant District is home to Oak Park summer favorite Thursday Night Out, bringing live music to Marion Street with spillover fun into Downtown Oak Park eateries.
Hemingway District
The classic hub of central Oak Park, the Hemingway District features historic landmarks, wide greenspace, and diverse shopping opportunities.
Easily accessible by both the Metra and CTA Oak Park Green Line stop, this district is just a short walk from one-of-a-kind boutiques, restaurants and year-round public events.
On the historical front, the district is the birthplace of legendary author Ernest Hemingway and home to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In this district, exciting finds and experiences are endless. Books galore can be found at the Oak Park Public Library’s main branch or Dandelion Bookshop. Long strolls can be had throughout the pathways and lawns of Scoville Park. Indulge your taste buds at Maya del Sol, Rustico, Il Vicolo and Scratch on Lake. Savor coffee and baked goods at Spilt Milk, Mulata, The Wolf, Fairgrounds Cafe and Courageous Bakery and Cafe. Find unique toy selections in upscale, European-style Geppeto’s Toy Box. Browse rows of vinyl at Oak Park Records. Discover gourmet olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars and Olive and Well. Snag new workout gear from Lively Athletics. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Candycopia.
Evident in 2026 is the revitalization of the district with its “Renew the Avenue” project — a major infrastructure upgrade replacing century-old water pipes and redesigning the streetscape with the intention of breathing new life and energy into the area. Though the project has temporarily closed parts of Oak Park Avenue to vehicle traffic, pedestrian access is still as encouraged as always.
South Oak Park Avenue
The South Oak Park Avenue business corridor, affectionately monikered “Southtown,” lies south of Madison Street between Lexington Street and Van Buren Street.
This eclectic, south end hub provides locals with bakeries, salons, coffeehouses, restaurants, florists, a boutique grocery store and more along its quarter-mile stretch of Oak Park Avenue crossing I-290.
In recent years, new investments have brought multi-family developments and new businesses to the district, which conveniently is home to the CTA’s Oak Park Blue Line stop.
Locals can stop by for a cup of joe at Addis Cafe, revel in an escape to a tropical plant oasis at the Oak Park Conservatory, enjoy the colorful flavors from Mexico at Margarita’s, explore chic Japanese dining at Sen Sushi Bar, smile over scoops of ice cream from Hole in the Wall (must stand in line first!), order lush floral arrangements at Westgate Flower and Plant Shop, add some body ink at Burning Sparrow Tattoo, fill up shopping carts at Carnival Grocery and discover baked goods at longstanding Oak Park Bakery.
Harrison Street/Oak Park Arts District
Immediately west of Austin Boulevard lies the Oak Park Arts District, a thriving art-inspired community alongside tree-lined Harrison Street.
Located just off of the CTA Austin Blue Line stop, the district is home to art studios and galleries, independent boutiques, health and wellness studios, and neighborhood cafes and eateries — a true haven for independent creatives.
Seasonal fun kicks off each spring at the beloved What’s Blooming on Harrison street festival, an event which features live music, artists and food vendors for fun across all ages.
Niche-interest businesses include Val’s Halla Records, Bead In Hand, G and G Home, RC Training & Fitness, Oak Park String Academy and Alabasta Beauty.
Asian fusion food abounds at Mora Oak Park; Italian comforts are served up at Trattoria 225; signature pies galore are baked up at The Happy Apple Pie Shop; Taco Mucho serves up tacos and margaritas; freshly baked breads fill a cozy corner at Publican Quality Bread; and coming soon to fill the vacancy from Buzz Cafe is west-suburban favorite cafe, Blackberry Market.
North Avenue Business Corridor
Lining the entire north end of Oak Park lies the North Avenue Business Corridor, with nearly 50,000 square feet of retail, restaurants and service providers.
Stretching between Austin and Harlem avenues, the corridor is a true mix of neighborhood services, multi-family housing, medical offices and community staples.
Have little ones at home? Stop by Wonder Works Children’s Museum for whimsical fun and exploration through play all year long. Hungry? Check out the flavors of Na Siam Thai Restaurant, Buona Beef, Michael’s Beef House and The Onion Roll (established in 1954). Those who enjoy biking around Oak Park will certainly enjoy the selection and service at Barnard’s Cyclery, which has proudly served the community since 1911. Add some body in at Ageless Arts Tattoo, and sharpen your music skills at Austin Music Center.
In addition, Beyond Hunger — a longtime Oak Park area food pantry — will be debuting its new food pantry inside a former grocery store location at the corner of North and Lombard Avenues in 2027.
On the River Forest side of North Avenue, Capri Imports is an Italian deli offering specialty foods.
Roosevelt Road Corridor
Along the southern border of Oak Park lies Roosevelt Road, stretching from Austin Boulevard on the eastern side to Harlem Avenue in the west.
The boundary line between Oak Park and its neighbors Berwyn and Cicero, Roosevelt Road has recently become the focus of a proposed revitalization plan, with the goal of highlighting the existing businesses which call the district home and developing a vision of a more cohesive and accessible area.
Animal lovers are grateful for the district’s Camp Bow Wow, a premiere doggy daycare facility. Fast food aficionados have been raving about the hot dogs, Italian beef and gyros at Pete’s Red Hots for over 40 years. Pizza and pasta lovers are regulars at Salerno’s Pizza for Italian favorites served up in an old-school dining environment. Need unique seasonal decor items? Then you’re in luck at Needful Things, the seasonally themed shop featuring both indoor and outdoor gifts and items. Though across the street in Berwyn, FitzGerald’s is a must for those who enjoy a live music/outdoor cocktail lounge atmosphere.
Roosevelt Road will soon become home to Q6 Events, coming later this year and promising a lively location for graduation parties, corporate events, quinceañeras, and even yoga and arts classes.
Stay tuned over the coming months and years for proposed upgrades to one of Oak Park’s largest commercial stretches.
River Forest Town Center
Finally, River Forest’s very own Town Center is the village’s premiere strip-mall shopping destination located along the Lake Street corridor.
Spanning over 80,000 square feet, the district serves as the primary retail hub for locals, offering grocery shopping, dining and clothing options with convenient parking — and close proximity to the CTA Green Line’s Harlem stop.
The plaza is anchored by Whole Foods Market, a must for those looking for organic produce, ready-made foods and other healthy grocery goods.
Pet parents can find everything they need at Petco, and medications and other quick finds are sold at Walgreens.
Enjoy shopping? Popular spots include DSW, Loft, J. Crew Factory, Chico’s and Men’s Wearhouse.
If you get hungry along the way, options include Mediterranean fast-casual spot Cava, breakfast house First Watch and reliable eatery Panera.