Parkers' Restaurant & Bar

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

Gourmet Comfort, Rooted in American Land and Sea

Parkers' Restaurant & Bar describes its philosophy simply: a creative partnership with the American fisherman and farmer. That grounding shapes everything on the plate — globally inspired American cuisine built entirely from fresh domestic ingredients, served in a setting that, as the restaurant puts it, is "free of pretension and loaded with ease."

The space itself reinforces that spirit. Parkers' occupies a transformed New England-style freestanding building on Highland Avenue at 31st Street, just south of I-88 in Downers Grove, a western suburb of Chicago. Inside, a mosaic-tiled open kitchen anchors a comfortable 150-seat dining room, while a 50-seat bar and cocktail lounge features a dramatic wood vaulted ceiling and live entertainment most evenings. The room manages to feel both polished and genuinely relaxed — the kind of place that works equally well for a weekday lunch or a celebratory dinner.

A Wine List That Earns Its Recognition

Wine Spectator has recognized Parkers' with its Best of Award of Excellence four times — a two-glass rating that signals a list of serious depth and range. For guests who care about what's in the glass as much as what's on the plate, that sustained recognition matters. It reflects a long-term commitment to pairing a well-curated cellar with the kitchen's American-sourced cooking.

More Than Dinner

The weekly Sunday New Orleans Dixieland Jazz Brunch has become a signature event in its own right — a lively, music-filled mid-morning to early-afternoon occasion that draws regulars from across the western suburbs. Live music also runs Wednesday through Saturday evenings, keeping the bar and lounge animated well into the night.

Parkers' is part of the Select Restaurants group, whose portfolio spans fine waterfront dining to upscale neighborhood spots across the country. The Downers Grove location holds its own within that company, earning Zagat recognition alongside its Wine Spectator honors.

For private events, the restaurant offers dedicated spaces — including the Wellfleet Room and the Olympia Room — making it a practical choice for celebrations, corporate gatherings, and catered functions. The full-service approach, from weekday lunches through weekend brunches and private parties, makes Parkers' one of the more versatile addresses for American dining on Chicago's west side.