Philander's

01/12/09

Finding Love at Philander's

by haventwemet95 at Citysearch

Say, I met the love of my life at Philander's in 1995 although I didn't know it at the time (married in 2000).

Whenever in Oak Park a bunch of us will head over to the Carleton and Philander's, you bet. Matter of fact, time to go there this winter.

Friendly folks, great music, good foods, excellent drinks and fine service-maybe romance. What more could you ask for in a place that's great? Well, it offers even more than that!

The music is a mix, lots of jazz and blues, some swinging bands, featuring outstanding local musicians like John Wright, Sami Scott, and more. People seem to dance a lot here and you don't have to be shy in asking someone to dance (I wasn't and oh, la, la!). First visited in 1971, memories revisted often. Go!

05/08/08

Live Music Lives At Philanders!

by dnanadave at Citysearch

God Bless Philander's for keeping the tradition of live music- especially jazz- alive! We need more places like this... downloading music just isn't the same as experiencing it while it's being made! The staff there is phenomenol too! Joe's great, and Colleen's real cute.

NevadaDan, 2008

• Pros: LIVE JAZZ
• Cons: poor phil's is lame, it's got too many computers! the internet should die.

09/24/04

Treat yourself

by bulletsob87 at Citysearch

Philanders is a great place to dine.I discovered it about a year ago and have been going there ever since. I love the live free nightly jazz and the great service. Jim the manager is always there with a smile to greet me. The food is outstanding especially the prime aged steaks. Philander's

also has a great deal on there menu, a three course special for 2 people at only $49.00. This place is always busy and bustling with people.Treat yourself to a fun nite out at Philanders

• Pros: great value, quality food and wine, great service

01/23/03

curlybangs' favorite

by curlybangs at Citysearch

when this restaurant first opened in the early "80s" i read a review and just knew this would be a good thing. intuitive, indeed. owners have come and gone, and one even tried to ruin this stablishment, but it has stood the test of time. 100 plus meals and only one was, well, just ok...the rest were superb. elegance, ambiance, old world charm and expensive cool that affords that inexplicable casual pleasing feeling that this place is mine. so romantic, so special. you will return. from a demanding, jaded critic.

• Pros: romantic ambiance, elegance, music
• Cons: none...really...

10/24/02

Not Steak

by dgwinston at Citysearch

Philanders serves excellent food, especially seafood. Good place to have dinner if or when you venture to Oak Park. However it is not a Steak house, especially when compared to Gibsons, etc. Might serve a good steak, but one does not go there for steak.

08/04/02

crab crusted mahi mahi

by linda1965 at Citysearch

I bet you didn't know this bar has been around for over 23 years did you? I discovered Philanderer's about 7 years ago for a office christmas party. Now I go there quite often with my friends and family. My favorite dish is the crab crusted mahi mahi and dover sole with the almond butter. My partner enjoys the ahi carpaccio and macadamia shrimp. The service is excellent, wines are pleantiful and the food is always perfect for us.

• Pros: fun, great food & service, friendly bartenders
• Cons: small booths

07/29/02

Vanilla and Lobster soup ROCKS!!!

by cremebrulee at Citysearch

This a great old school steak and seafood place.

The food and the service were the best my wife and I have ever experienced! I have diet restrictions and the chef always makes adjustments for me, even on saturday nights. We bring all of our out of town guests here for the live music and chocolate martinis.

• Pros: valet, live music, quality
• Cons: smokey bar