The Local Option

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OAK PARK / FOREST PARK
WINE STORE
SHOE REPAIR
HAND CAR WASH
House Red
7403 W. Madison St., Forest Park; 708-771-7733
Weekly winetastings and a friendly, informed staff. A color coding system makes navigating a snap.

Tony’s Shoe Clinic
115 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park; 708-383-2781
Area repairers often relinquish customers to shoe ER doctor Tony Muñoz, who can revive even the most hopeless cases.

Loro Auto Works
1029 South Blvd., Oak Park; 708-524-2950
The premium wash for $22, which includes floor mat shampoo and tire shine, is one of the best deals around.
BIKE SHOP
BEEF JOINT
SUSHI
Oak Park Cyclery
1113 Chicago Ave., Oak Park; 708-524-2453
Full-service store that specializes in folding bikes and sells popular brands like Trek. Expert repair center.
Johnnie’s Beef
7500 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park; 708-452-6000
You can’t really recommend anything else when Johnnie’s justifiably legendary beef sandwich is nearby in Elmwood Park.

Sagano
731 Lake St., Oak Park; 708-383-2766
Offers fresh standards plus some snazzy signature eye-catchers like the Fire Dragon maki (spicy tuna, avocado, and unagi).

 
COFFEE SHOP
WORKOUT PLACE
BAKERY
Blue Max Coffee Roasters & Café
26 Lathrop Ave., Forest Park; 708-366-9224
Roasts its own organic, fair trade coffee and makes an awesome raspberry scone.
Fitness Formula Club
1114 Lake St., Oak Park; 708-383-1114
Oak Park’s shiny new 24-hour fitness emporium, with an indoor pool, rock climbing wall, outdoor deck, and yoga classes.

Oak Park Bakery
904 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park; 708-383-1712
Buttery coffeecakes and delicate kolácky pastries are the claim to fame of this 100-year-old institution. Also try the éclairs.
 
 

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