The Foxtail

The Foxtail brings a lively dining atmosphere and cuisine inspired by the Mediterranean Sea and California coast to the heart of downtown Downers Grove.

The interior design and décor is one of the most notable elements of The Foxtail. The high ceilings, bright white walls, hanging and potted plants and various suspended light fixtures — along with the use of intricate colorful tiles — evokes images of Morocco and is in keeping with the Moroccan design style that highlights color, texture and fluid lines.

In the main dining room, a large bar spans nearly the entire length of the restaurant. A selection of high top tables and booths offer a panoramic view out the front windows to the bustling downtown. There is also a secondary dining space with a slightly different but still complimentary design aesthetic that can be used for large groups or parties. The walls are adorned with a curated selection of art. Sidewalk dining is also available.

Created by the team behind fellow Downers Grove eatery, Cadence Kitchen & Co., locally sourced quality ingredients are fundamental to the menu at The Foxtail. The primarily Mediterranean offerings have a middle eastern influence as reflected by the shawarma, kabobs and tagine.

The Foxtail’s shared plates features the highly recommended Grilled Octopus that comes with shishito peppers, potatoes and fresno aioli. The Spicy Eggplant served with warm house-made pita bread is delicious and offers a flavorful kick, compliments of the harissa (hot chili pepper paste.)

The Raw Bar features a selection of poke bowls, oysters, shrimp and the popular Hamachi Crudo.

Of the selection of “mains,” the Moroccan Tagine and Brick Chicken are two of the starring items. The Beef Shwarma is very good as well and comes with a generous serving of meat as well as some especially tasty fries.

The four house made flatbreads with a light fluffy crust are also popular and each equally tantalizing. A selection of salads with protein options are also available.

It’s hard to resist the selection of wine, liquor and cocktails when you see the colorful concoctions being served at neighboring tables. Or in the case of some cocktails, when they are delivered in a cloud of cool smoke, resulting from the popular technique of smoking the cocktail which adds to the aroma and depth of flavor.

With numerous tempting options to choose from the dessert menu is also difficult to dismiss. The Key Lime Cheesecake with pistachio crust and a berry drizzle is particularly delightful but chocolate lovers will no doubt be baited by the rich Fiona olive oil chocolate cake, topped with fudge icing and caramelized cacao nibs and served with Turkish coffee ice cream.

Though the menu predominantly favors meat-eaters there are a few vegetarian and vegan selections available, with other items being adaptable to accommodate such dietary restrictions. Additionally, the menu has numerous gluten free offerings.

The Foxtail is open for brunch, lunch and dinner with happy hour Tuesday through Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. Live music is also scheduled for certain evenings.