Nestled in the heart of Oak Park, Michigan, Oak Parker is a modern neighborhood bar and restaurant that has quickly gained a reputation for its diverse menu and exceptional dining experience. This cozy establishment offers a unique twist on comfort food and classic bar fare, drawing inspiration from locally-sourced ingredients and a commitment to culinary excellence.
With a warm and inviting atmosphere, Oak Parker welcomes guests to indulge in a wide array of small plates, entrées, and shareables, all crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail. From the moment you step through the door, you’ll be greeted by the tantalizing aromas of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, expertly prepared by a team of passionate chefs.
Small Plates and Shareables
Oak Parker’s menu features a tantalizing array of small plates and shareables, perfect for whetting your appetite or enjoying as a light meal. Indulge in the Scallop Torellini ($16), succulent sea scallops nestled in a delicate pasta pillow, bathed in a rich and creamy sauce. Savor the Potato Gnocchi ($14), pillowy soft dumplings tossed with a robust mushroom ragout and shaved Parmesan.
For those seeking a unique vegetarian option, the Crispy Maitake ($12) is a must-try. These delicate mushrooms are lightly fried to perfection, accompanied by a tangy yuzu-kosho aioli that awakens the senses. Seafood enthusiasts will delight in the Garlic Butter Oysters ($18), plump and briny oysters bathed in a decadent garlic-herb butter sauce.
Meat lovers can indulge in the Bourbon Candied Bacon ($10), thick-cut bacon slices candied with a hint of bourbon and served with a side of maple-mustard sauce for dipping. Finally, the Beef Carpaccio ($16) showcases thinly sliced, tender raw beef adorned with arugula, shaved Parmesan, and a tangy lemon-caper vinaigrette.
Entrées
Oak Parker’s entrée menu is a delightful showcase of culinary creativity and locally-sourced ingredients. One of the standout dishes is the Chilean Sea Bass ($32), a succulent filet served with a vibrant beurre blanc sauce, accompanied by a medley of seasonal vegetables and roasted fingerling potatoes. For those seeking a vegetarian delight, the Carrot Wellington ($26) is a must-try. This innovative dish features a tender carrot filling encased in a flaky puff pastry, served with a rich mushroom duxelle and a drizzle of truffle oil.
Meat lovers will revel in the Pork Ragù ($28), a hearty and comforting dish featuring slow-braised pork shoulder in a rich tomato sauce, served over a bed of fresh pappardelle pasta. The Cioppino ($30) is a seafood lover’s dream, a tomato-based stew brimming with fresh mussels, clams, shrimp, and tender chunks of white fish, accompanied by grilled bread for soaking up the flavorful broth.
For those craving a truly indulgent experience, the Short Rib ($34) is a must-order. Slow-cooked to perfection, the tender short rib is served atop a creamy polenta and topped with a decadent red wine demi-glace, making every bite a flavor explosion.
From the Josper Charcoal Grill
Oak Parker’s Josper Charcoal Grill is the heart of their kitchen, imparting a unique smoky flavor to their grilled offerings. The Filet Mignon is a standout, a tender and flavorful cut of beef grilled to perfection and served with your choice of sides. For those seeking a lighter option, the Chicken Piccata is a must-try, featuring a juicy chicken breast topped with a tangy lemon-caper sauce.
One of the most popular dishes is the Bacon Glazed Chop, a thick-cut pork chop glazed with a sweet and savory bacon jam, caramelized to perfection on the Josper grill. For those with a hearty appetite, the Bone-in Ribeye is a true indulgence, a generously portioned cut of beef cooked to your desired doneness and bursting with flavor from the charcoal grill.
Burgers and Sandwiches
Oak Parker’s burger menu offers a diverse selection to cater to various tastes and dietary preferences. For the classic burger lover, the Oak Parker Burger is a must-try, featuring a juicy beef patty, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a secret sauce on a brioche bun. Vegetarians can indulge in the Impossible Burger, a plant-based patty that mimics the flavor and texture of a traditional burger, served with all the fixings.
For those seeking something a little different, the Schnitzel Sandwich is a unique offering. Crispy breaded chicken schnitzel is nestled between a soft pretzel bun, topped with mustard aioli, pickled cabbage, and arugula. The Grilled Mortadella Sandwich is another standout, featuring thinly sliced mortadella, provolone cheese, olive tapenade, and arugula on a crusty baguette.
No matter your preference, Oak Parker’s burger and sandwich options are sure to satisfy your cravings with their high-quality ingredients and creative combinations.
Boards and Sides
For those seeking a heartier dining experience, Oak Parker offers a range of boards and sides that are perfect for sharing or as accompaniments to your main dish. The Hungarian sausage board is a standout, featuring a selection of locally-sourced sausages, pickled vegetables, and house-made mustards. The schnitzel board is another crowd-pleaser, with crispy breaded chicken or pork cutlets served alongside tangy sauces and garnishes.
If you’re in the mood for something more casual, Oak Parker’s wings are a must-try. Available in a variety of flavors, from classic Buffalo to tangy lemon pepper, these wings are sure to satisfy any craving. For those who prefer a vegetarian option, the perogies are a delightful choice. Filled with potatoes and cheese, these dumplings are pan-fried to perfection and served with caramelized onions and sour cream.
No meal at Oak Parker would be complete without indulging in their famous gravy fries. Crispy golden fries are smothered in a rich, savory gravy, making for a decadent and comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with any of Oak Parker’s offerings.
Late-Night Menu
For those seeking a delicious bite late into the evening, Oak Parker’s kitchen remains open until midnight, offering a tempting selection of dishes to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re craving a hearty entrée or a shareable plate to accompany your drinks, the late-night menu at Oak Parker has something for everyone.
Indulge in their signature burgers, savor the flavors of their small plates, or explore their variety of boards and sides – all available until the last call. With Oak Parker’s commitment to locally-sourced ingredients and innovative twists on classic comfort foods, you can expect a memorable dining experience, no matter how late the hour.
Cocktails
At Oak Parker, the cocktail menu is a masterful blend of classic recipes and innovative concoctions, showcasing the bartenders’ creativity and expertise. One of the standout offerings is the O.P. Manhattan, a modern twist on the timeless Manhattan cocktail. Crafted with Woodford Reserve bourbon, Carpano Antica Formula vermouth, and aromatic bitters, this drink strikes the perfect balance between rich and smooth flavors.
For those who appreciate the complexity of an Old Fashioned, the O.P. Old Fashioned is a must-try. This rendition features Maker’s Mark bourbon, demerara syrup, and a blend of bitters, garnished with a cherry and an orange twist, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and bitter notes.
Adventurous palates will delight in the Tokyo Drift, a unique cocktail that combines Japanese whisky, yuzu, and elderflower liqueur, resulting in a refreshing and citrusy concoction with a subtle floral undertone.
Rounding out the house specialties is the Apple-A-Day, a delightful blend of Laird’s Applejack, lemon, and honey, served over crushed ice. This cocktail offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a refreshing and fruity libation.
Wines
Oak Parker boasts an impressive selection of wines carefully curated to complement the diverse menu offerings. Whether you’re seeking a refreshing white to pair with lighter fare or a bold red to accompany heartier dishes, the wine list has something to delight every palate.
For those who prefer to savor their wines by the glass, Oak Parker offers a rotating selection of both red and white varieties. The knowledgeable staff is always on hand to provide recommendations and guide you through the nuances of each pour, ensuring a harmonious pairing with your chosen dish.
If you’re in the mood to indulge in a bottle, the extensive list features a range of options from renowned wine regions around the world. From the rich and complex reds of Napa Valley to the crisp and refreshing whites of New Zealand, each bottle has been meticulously chosen to showcase the finest expressions of its varietal and terroir.
Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or simply appreciate a well-crafted glass of wine, Oak Parker’s curated selection promises to elevate your dining experience to new heights of sophistication and enjoyment.
Spirit-Free Cocktails
For those seeking a refreshing, non-alcoholic beverage, Oak Parker offers a curated selection of spirit-free cocktails. These flavorful and inventive drinks are perfect for designated drivers, those abstaining from alcohol, or anyone simply craving a delightful mocktail.
One standout option is the Sangria, a vibrant and fruity concoction that captures the essence of the classic Spanish beverage without the alcohol. Crafted with a blend of juices, fresh fruits, and a hint of spice, this sangria is a delightful accompaniment to any meal or a refreshing sipper on its own.
Another must-try is the Negroni-ish, a clever twist on the beloved Negroni cocktail. This spirit-free version masterfully combines the flavors of bitter aperitifs, citrus, and botanical notes, resulting in a complex and sophisticated drink that satisfies the palate without the need for alcohol.
Whether you’re seeking a delightful accompaniment to your meal or simply craving a flavorful and refreshing beverage, Oak Parker’s spirit-free cocktails offer a delightful and inclusive option for all guests.
Conclusion
Oak Parker is a modern neighborhood bar and restaurant that truly stands out with its diverse menu featuring locally-sourced ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere. From small plates and shareables to entrées, burgers, and sandwiches, the menu offers a wide range of options to cater to different tastes and preferences. The Josper Charcoal Grill adds a unique flavor to the grilled selections, while the late-night menu ensures that you can enjoy delicious food even after regular dining hours.
In addition to the food offerings, Oak Parker boasts a carefully curated selection of cocktails, wines, and spirit-free options, ensuring that everyone can find something to suit their preferences. The casual yet modern dining experience, combined with the friendly service, makes Oak Parker an ideal spot for a casual night out, a special occasion, or a weekend brunch.
We invite you to experience the unique charm of Oak Parker for yourself. Join the waitlist or order online for takeout, and don’t forget to follow Oak Parker on social media to stay updated on the latest offerings, specials, and events.