Small businesses are the backbone of our community…and shopkeepers pride themselves on personalized customer service to make your shopping trip a delightful experience. Shop boutiques, antiques and music stores. Buy real art, hand-made gifts, beautiful plants and much more. You’ll find just about everything you need and things you simply can’t do without while shopping Forest Park’s unique mix of independently owned shops. This holiday season and all year long…remember to shop small and support local.
American
BIZZY BEES
Bizzy Bees – 26 Lathrop: Danche Guitar specializes in modifying, repairing and customizing guitars, basses and other stringed instruments…and they do amazing work! Danche is also a Fender dealer and they have tons of new and used instruments.
CHARLIE’S RESTAURANT
Charlie’s Restaurant – 7427 Roosevelt Rd: You’ll need to set aside a couple of hours to shop the Emporium. This collective of full-time dealers and collectors sell antiques from the 1700s to the mid-century or as they say at the Emporium — “from the Stone Age to the Space Age.”
CHUBBY’S HOT CHICKEN
Chubby’s Hot Chicken – 7411 Madison St: Located in Forest Park since 1982, Kagan & Gaines is a full-line music store for instruments and accessories. From student band and orchestra rentals to professional instruments, they offer a large selection for all skill levels.
ELBA’S GOLDEN STEER STEAKHOUSE
Elba’s Golden Steer – 7535 Roosevelt Rd: If you need a piece to complete a project or simply want to add a splash of vintage to your home or office, Studio 8 is the place to shop. From mid-century modern and art deco to everything in between, Studio 8 vintage boutique has up-cycled furniture, home decor, art, estate jewelry and more.
FATDUCK TAVERN & GRILL
FatDuck Tavern & Grill – 7218 Madison St: Studio of Art is a working studio and art gallery where you can buy original art or take a class and create your own. Melody – artist and owner – is passionate about art and believes that if you love art, you can create it. There are classes for every level of experience. Find your class and sign up today.
GOLDYBURGERS
Goldyburgers – 7316 Circle Ave: Vintage Acadia offers vintage furniture, home décor, clothing, and unique treasures. Whether you’re decorating or searching for the perfect find, Vintage Acadia makes every trip memorable.
HARVEST 365 FRESH GRILL
Harvest 365 Grill – 7610 Roosevelt Rd: If you need a piece to complete a project or simply want to add a splash of vintage to your home or office, Studio 8 is the place to shop. From mid-century modern and art deco to everything in between, Studio 8 vintage boutique has up-cycled furniture, home decor, art, estate jewelry and more.
JUNCTION DINER
Junction Diner – 7410 Madison St: Studio of Art is a working studio and art gallery where you can buy original art or take a class and create your own. Melody – artist and owner – is passionate about art and believes that if you love art, you can create it. There are classes for every level of experience. Find your class and sign up today.
MADISON PARK KITCHEN
Madison Park Kitchen – 7525 Madison St: If you need a piece to complete a project or simply want to add a splash of vintage to your home or office, Studio 8 is the place to shop. From mid-century modern and art deco to everything in between, Studio 8 vintage boutique has up-cycled furniture, home decor, art, estate jewelry and more.
OLD SCHOOL TAVERN
Old School Tavern – 201 Des Plaines Ave: Studio of Art is a working studio and art gallery where you can buy original art or take a class and create your own. Melody – artist and owner – is passionate about art and believes that if you love art, you can create it. There are classes for every level of experience. Find your class and sign up today.
O’SULLIVAN’S PUBLIC HOUSE
O’Sullivan’s Public House – 7244 Madison St: Vintage Acadia offers vintage furniture, home décor, clothing, and unique treasures. Whether you’re decorating or searching for the perfect find, Vintage Acadia makes every trip memorable.
PARKY’S HOT DOGS
Parky’s – 329 S Harlem Ave: If you need a piece to complete a project or simply want to add a splash of vintage to your home or office, Studio 8 is the place to shop. From mid-century modern and art deco to everything in between, Studio 8 vintage boutique has up-cycled furniture, home decor, art, estate jewelry and more.
RHYTHM & BLUES CAFE
Rhythm & Blues Cafe – 7522 Madison St: Studio of Art is a working studio and art gallery where you can buy original art or take a class and create your own. Melody – artist and owner – is passionate about art and believes that if you love art, you can create it. There are classes for every level of experience. Find your class and sign up today.
SCRATCH PUBLIC HOUSE
Scratch Public House – 7505 Madison St: Vintage Acadia offers vintage furniture, home décor, clothing, and unique treasures. Whether you’re decorating or searching for the perfect find, Vintage Acadia makes every trip memorable.
STARSHIP RESTAURANT & CATERING
Starship Restaurant – 7618 Madison St: If you need a piece to complete a project or simply want to add a splash of vintage to your home or office, Studio 8 is the place to shop. From mid-century modern and art deco to everything in between, Studio 8 vintage boutique has up-cycled furniture, home decor, art, estate jewelry and more.
Chinese/Med/Thai
CHINA DRAGON 2 |
China Dragon 2 – 7600 Madison St: Accents by Fred is a distinctive boutique that is home to multi-media artists Fred Bryant and Ann Hanson. Recycled silverware, one-of-a-kind gemstone jewelry and handcrafted greeting cards are just some of the unique creations that can be found in this amazing place.
HABRAE THAI CAFE
Habrae – 7230 Madison St: Your one-stop shop for everything eclectic, Jeanine Guncheon Etcetera specializes in unique new and vintage items unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Her specialty is furniture, home accessories and high-quality handmade pieces crafted by Jeanine herself and artists from around the country
PETRA FALAFEL
Petra Falafel – 7314 Madison St: Oliva’s Boutique is a new children’s store in Forest Park. In addition to children’s clothing and accessories, they have a “Pamper Me Kids Spa” that offers manicures, pedicures, and kids spa parties. For more information or to book an appointment, call (708) 943-6033.
YUM THAI
Yum Thai – 7330 Madison St: Royal Christian Bookstores & Café is more than just a bookstore. Along with Bibles and Christian books for all ages, you’ll find beautiful music, apparel, and heartfelt gifts to lift the spirits of both the gift giver and receiver for every special occasion, celebration, and milestone.
WHITE CRANE
White Crane – 819 S Harlem Ave: The ‘Blondes’ have always gone the extra mile to ensure that their impact on the environment is minimized…and that mind set is evident in their shop. They sell a variety of eco-friendly gifts and accessories, and organic products that are also incorporated into their spa services.
Italian
CAFFE DELUCA | 7427 Madison St
Established in 1977, Military & Police Supply offers the highest quality military and law enforcement gear on the market. One of the last unique Army/Navy stores, MPS has everything you need in their 3,000 square foot showroom with thousands of items and a knowledgeable staff to point you in the right direction.
DI’VINO RESTAURANT & BAR | 1527 S. Harlem Ave
Play It Again Sports is THE place to buy new and used sports and fitness gear — or sell your own. They buy a wide variety of quality used items and they make it easy for the seller. Just gather your gear and stop in – no appointment necessary. New items come in every day so make shopping at Play It Again Sports a regular thing!
FIORE PIZZERIA & BAKERY | 7407 Madison St
Play It Again Sports is THE place to buy new and used sports and fitness gear — or sell your own. They buy a wide variety of quality used items and they make it easy for the seller. Just gather your gear and stop in – no appointment necessary. New items come in every day so make shopping at Play It Again Sports a regular thing!
JIMMY’S PLACE | 7411 Madison St
Established in 1977, Military & Police Supply offers the highest quality military and law enforcement gear on the market. One of the last unique Army/Navy stores, MPS has everything you need in their 3,000 square foot showroom with thousands of items and a knowledgeable staff to point you in the right direction.
PIACERE MIO | 7636 Madison St
Play It Again Sports is THE place to buy new and used sports and fitness gear — or sell your own. They buy a wide variety of quality used items and they make it easy for the seller. Just gather your gear and stop in – no appointment necessary. New items come in every day so make shopping at Play It Again Sports a regular thing!
Mexican
CACTUS GRILL | 315 S Harlem Ave A
Established in 1930, family-owned Grand Appliance is on a mission to make appliance shopping easy with a knowledgeable sales team, everyday low prices on thousands of in-stock products and fast delivery PLUS and expert installation.
CHIRRION | 7510 Madison St
Established in 1930, family-owned Grand Appliance is on a mission to make appliance shopping easy with a knowledgeable sales team, everyday low prices on thousands of in-stock products and fast delivery PLUS and expert installation.
MEXICAN REPUBLIC | 7404 Madison St
Schauer’s motto is “Helping customers one person at a time! Get in, get out, get it done!” –- and you can find everything you need and more for just about every project at this true old-fashioned family-owned hardware store. Dogs are welcome, too!
NREBOZO | 7403 Madison St
Schauer’s motto is “Helping customers one person at a time! Get in, get out, get it done!” –- and you can find everything you need and more for just about every project at this true old-fashioned family-owned hardware store. Dogs are welcome, too!
SWEET TREATS/GROCERIES/BEVERAGES
ESPRESSO CAFE FOREST PARK | 7501 Roosevelt Rd
Famous Liquors has been the area’s go-to liquor store for wine and spirits for over 90 years. They offer and large selection of wines in their wine center with a knowledgeable staff to help you choose just the right wine. You’ll find the latest ‘spirits’ throughout the store…and you can enjoy free wine-tastings every Saturday from noon to 4 pm.
FOREST PARK BAKERY | 7332 Madison St
This small family-owned bakery is a favorite among area locals. Their featured products like the Strawberry Short Cake or Chocolate Fudge Drip Cake are to die for, but so are their brownies, donuts, cupcakes and cookies – and they’re experts are creating delicious custom cakes for your special occasion.
KRIBI COFFEE | 7324 Madison St
Living Fresh Market is so much more than a grocery store. You’ll find everything you need to feed yourself or your family, plus delicious surprises like hoagies from Flippin’ Flavors, seafood from Two Fish, and coffee from Sip and Savor. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., with a bakery, deli, fresh produce, vegan options, and 15% off your purchase on Tuesdays!
THE BROWN COW ICE CREAM PARLOR | 7347 Madison St
Since 1983, Silverland Bakery has provided the most delicious, all-natural Brownies, Cookies and Bars — perfect for gifts, parties, and events. They are a laid-back bakery whipping up homemade brownies & cookies, plus vegan raw bars & sugar-free options.
SILVERLAND BAKERY | 439 Des Plaines Ave
From the smell of homemade waffle cones to watching them handcraft their super premium ice cream, you’ll find the perfect dessert to indulge upon in this charming vintage ice cream parlor. Brown Cow – serving up happiness since 2004.
U3 COFFEE | 7430 Madison St
Since 1983, Silverland Bakery has provided the most delicious, all-natural Brownies, Cookies and Bars — perfect for gifts, parties, and events. They are a laid-back bakery whipping up homemade brownies & cookies, plus vegan raw bars & sugar-free options.