Dad Deserves the Best!

Father’s Day is an annual celebration to honor the dads and father figures in our lives. This year, the holiday falls on June 16, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate all of the special men in your life right here in the Chicago Southland!

Delicious dishes for dad

This Father’s Day, tell dad to step away from the barbecue and into one of these incredible Chicago Southland-area restaurants serving up delicious dishes just for him!

Kick of the Father’s Day weekend festivities on June 15 with a BBQ in the Park, hosted at Commissioners Park in Hazel Crest. Gather the family and enjoy a complimentary BBQ plate, or bring along your own grill, food and cookout supplies and make your own meals! Games, family fun and music will be on deck. Only the first 100 registrants will receive a complimentary plate, and registration must be completed ahead of time at the Hazel Crest Park District (2600 171st Street).

Enjoy a buffet meal at Chuck’s Southern Comforts Cafe in Burbank. Chuck’s will be serving up both a breakfast and a lunch/dinner buffet, making it easy to celebrate dad all day long! Breakfast options include the hungry man scrambler, bananas foster French toast, chilaquiles, ham and more. Enjoy for just $20 per adult and $12 per child ages 5-12. If you prefer to visit for lunch or dinner, Chuck’s will offer pulled pork, chicken wings, mac and cheese, Cajun corn on the cob and more! Seating for the lunch buffet begins at 1:00 PM, and costs $32 per adult and $16 per child ages 5-12. Reservations are highly recommended, so be sure to call 708-229-8700 to save your spot now!

Stop by Wine Thief Bistro in Frankfort for a New Orleans-style shrimp boil on the patio! Celebrate dad the Big Easy way and enjoy the enticing aromas of fresh ship and mouthwatering Cajun spices. All you can eat boil baskets are $30 per person. Plus, fresh oysters will also be available, in addition to drink specials such as a special cocktail list of NOLA-inspired classics, and 25% off select pours. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made exclusively on the Tock website.

Treat dad to a few fatherly favorites from Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, with two Chicago Southland locations: New Lenox and Orland Park. Dad is sure to love a trio of filet medallions paired with a glass of barrel reserve, or a Leonard Burger, a tribute to the Cooper’s Hawk founder’s own father, paired with cabernet sauvignon.

Ophelia’s Banquets in Blue Island will be hosting Soulful Father’s Day Luncheon, beginning at 2:00 PM. Enjoy a wonderful dinner along with live entertainment provided by Soul 2 the Bone. Admission is $50 per attendee ages 14 and up and $25 for those ages 8-13. Reserve your table now by calling 1-800-674-3542 or visit the Facebook event page for more information!

Father-themed fun

If you’re looking for some unique ways to celebrate, check out these local events that dad is sure to love!

Dads can enjoy free fishing all weekend long at Monee Reservoir! From June 14-16, each dad who stops by will receive a free container of bait and a small gift. Fishing poles are available for loan. No registration or fishing license is required! All ages can enjoy the great outdoors across Monee Reservoir’s accessible shoreline fishing areas. For more information, please visit the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s website, ReconnectWithNature.org.

Play a free round of mini golf with your dad at Haunted Trails Family Amusement Park & Picnics in Joliet and at Haunted Trails Family Entertainment Center in Burbank! Both locations’ mini golf courses are open for tee time from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Dads must be accompanied by at least one child or grandchild (fees may apply for additional golfers). Call the Joliet location at 815-722-7800 or the Burbank location at 708-598-8580 for more information!

Head to At The Office Sports Bar & Grill in Crestwood on Father’s Day to grab some grub and enjoy a live performance by local artist The Koop, a solo acoustic guitar player.

Other events taking place throughout Father’s Day weekend include the Orland Park Summerfest and the first installment of the annual Concerts on the Green series in Frankfort. Plus, exptend the fun past the weekend while you and dad catch the Chicago Hounds facing off against the San Diego Legion on June 17 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview! Check out VisitChicagoSouthland.com/Events for more listings!

Memorable moments

Looking for a picture-perfect Father’s Day memory? Check out some of these unique Chicago Southland suggestions that all dads will love.

Home to over 600 holes of golf, the Chicago Southland is home to the perfect golf course for any enthusiast! Check out the incredible course offerings at VisitChicagoSouthland.com/Golf. There are even one dozen disc golf courses to enjoy.

Does your dad enjoy watching sports more than playing them? We’ve got you covered! The Chicago Southland is home to a wide variety of incredible sports teams, including professional level players! Treat pops to tickets to a Windy City ThunderBolts game at Ozinga Field in Crestwood. Soccer dads will appreciate the chance to see the Chicago Red Stars play at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, while basketball lovers will be amazed by the Southland Saints, playing at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills. Major League Rugby team the Chicago Hounds can also be found at SeatGeek Stadium throughout the summer! And don’t forget, just beyond the Chicago Southland boundaries are Guaranteed Rate Field and Wrigley Field, home of the MLB teams, the Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Cubs, respectively.

Home to 14 craft breweries, the Chicago Southland is a beer lover’s paradise! Check out our Cheers and Beers guide, featuring brewery listings, events, recipes and more. Cheers to you, dad!

There are an endless number of ways to celebrate Father’s Day. Be sure to check out our entire Things to Do landing page for even more dad-spiration.

How ever you’re spending this Father’s Day, we wish you a happy and memorable holiday!

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