I have a dear relative who has been planning all year to celebrate her 90th birthday at the Deer Path Inn English Room. This loved one is local to the area and grew up having many wonderful experiences dining at the Deer Path Inn. She was hoping to dine on her birthday with immediate family and has been looking forward to doing so all year. We were told that the table limit is 8 individuals per table, and we respect the rules of Deer Path Inn, so we reserved 2 tables for all 16 family members who would be attending. However, the Deer Path Inn canceled these reservations, and told our family that a party our size would "impact the other diners in a negative way, even if our tables were separated" [sic]. The cancellation and refusal to even have our family seated across 2 completely different tables is a slap in the face. I have personally worked in food/customer service and never leave bad reviews to avoid coming off as a "Karen," but this is actually quite disgusting. I am not asking for a pathetic paragraph justification from the owners as I have seen on other review responses, but rather warning other potential diners of the 3rd-class treatment that this establishment is demonstrating. I will say that if you are looking to experience the stereotypical Lake Forest snobbery that much of this town's populace is known for, the Deer Path Inn will strive to fulfill (if not exceed) your wildest expectations :)

This hidden gem is amazing. The ambiance, the service, the great food and drinks, it has easily become one of my new favorites. Artemio, a veteran employee, is amazing person, he explained the history of the Deerpath, the menu, the food options and much more, his service was splendid and highly professional. I recommend this place to anyone, regardless if you eat in the English Room or the White Hart Pub, you cannot go wrong. Thank you guys, I have a reservation for tomorrow and I am so looking forward to it.

As you approach this beautiful, historic, charming Inn you're instantly transporting into a fairytale past. I've been here a few times, either to provide a makeup service for a gorgeous wedding, or to share a drink and food with friends. Either way, you will not be disappointed. You can see the romance in the wood carvings, be swept away with mouth watering food, and sleep on a cloud. This is by far one of my favorite local spots to escape! The staff is wonderful and very helpful. Make sure you grab one of their homemade chocolate chip cookies on your way out!

This is everything you would expect from a North Shore wedding and more. Between Windsor Hall and the white glove service I was impressed from beginning to end. Behind the scenes Felix was my point of contact and he was a total pro. 5 stars!

Living in the area over twenty years, this was my first experience at the Deer Path Inn. It was most impressive and delightful. My daughter and her family are staying in their hotel, and rooms are first class all the way. Wonderful design and layout, well thought out. There were seven of us for dinner including three grand babies. The menu has something for everyone including the children. My dish was the Garganelli pasta with a short rib ragu and shitaki mushrooms. At first I thought it was a strange combination, but it was a delicious combination of texture and taste, very well executed. They accommodated special dietary needs as well as the food for the children. Entrees run between $15.00 and $41.00 à la cart. Since the theme is English, one might have expected dull boring English food, but that is not the case at all. Everyone at our table really enjoyed their dishes. The Deer Path Inn is a hidden gem in Lake Forest, Illinois. In addition to the food, I found the service to be top notch as well. I know one of my daughters has been coming here for years, but I don’t know why she never introduced me to this gem? Tap on the 👍 below 👇 before you leave.

Came here with my wife for our 10 year anniversary. We have 3 little kids at home so we decided to do a local staycation. Deerpath Inn was perfect for our situation. We even went home for a few hours Saturday to spend some time with the kids and give the MIL a much needed break. The service was amazing from the concierge who helped us get an amazing room to the host who gave us an unprompted tour of the property and amenities. The room was immaculate and felt really quaint and luxurious with a wonderful view of the English Garden. We had a reservation at the formal restaurant for dinner and the table and food were amazing. Had the braised short rib and my wife had the grouper. Both were fantastic. Ambiance was even better. The 2nd night we tried the pub area which was a more relaxed vibe but food was just as good as the main restaurant. The menus were almost identical since they share the same kitchen but we were able to get sushi as well at the bar which was delicious. Coffee and muffins in the morning were amazing and were available in the fireplace room. Felt like an old hunting mens club in there which is probably exactly what it was. We rented bikes and went to the beach both nights. Felt nostalgic riding bikes through the neighborhoods at night. Beach was beautiful and not crowded at all. All in all a perfect getaway for parents with needy little babies at home that are hesitant with going far from home. We will be returning!

The food was quite good hence the 3 stars. Jorge the bartender was probably the worst thing that happened to us there. If you are a person of color he will give you attitude like no other. We went there to celebrate my birthday but were disappointed by this man's attitude.

I live close to the Deer Path Inn so I have no need to use their Hotel, though it is regarded as the nicest place in town which is no secret amongst locals. However, their food, drinks, and service are on a completely different level. I have eaten there a dozen or so times (in person and take out) and have yet to have anything less than a stellar meal/service. Their basement bar is my favorite place in town since the original Lovell's closed (which had a similar basement-bar vibe) though the White Hart Pub is nice as well. The Hot-A$$ Chicken Sliders and the Burger never disappoint! Also, the ENTIRE staff makes everyone feel important. You'll be greeted with a smile by everyone you interact with. The building and grounds are beautiful, clean, and inspiring. The only problem can be getting a table but that's to be expected when you deliver like the DPI does!

We are here for my son’s Navy boot camp graduation. Very lovely and nice place! The staff we’ve encountered so far are so genuinely nice, kind and truly aim to please! Some of the special staff we encountered are Doug, Reece, Anita, Henry and Michelle, and Julio. Our room is flawless, spotless, and has luxury amenities! The hotel is very well kept, elegantly decorated throughout with fresh flowers and orchids! Bottled waters in room, lobby, coffee bar, pastries, cookies and candy dishes throughout lobby! If you’re in the area this is definitely a great place to stay! Oh, and the restaurant has very delicious food!

This place is such a hidden gem! Amazing hotel with absolute top notch service! Highly recommend

Always a great time for dinner and drinks. The service is impeccable, our server Oswaldo was amazing, definitely a must if your in the Northshore. Everything is always amazing, but the staff is really the magical element. Thank you Oswaldo for making the visit great as always.

As a wedding photographer, the Deer Path Inn stands out as one of the most beautiful venues I've ever shot at. Inside and out, this place is just dripping with atmosphere like no other. I absolutely adored the timeless look of this place. As a bonus, it's nestled in the most perfect location, just a mere few minute walk to the cutest shopping district. Can't recommend this place enough if you're looking for a wedding venue! ig:@batchelorphoto

I worked in the kitchen here and I have to say... I have worked in a lot of commercial kitchens so I am very familiar with the good and bad. Unfortunately usually I end up never eating food out of where I have worked BUT Deerpath Inn is the exception. They are extremely clean and careful from start to finish. Their food literally looks magazine ready, every single dish. Yes it is pretty pricey but if you want your money's worth and wanna treat yourself, I recommend going here for a meal. Fabulous! They also have a sushi specialist who makes amazing fresh dishes!

We didn't stay in the hotel room, just had been for dinner, we like the dinner and the excellent service. We found out they have English tea, and they have very nice courtyard.

Loved this place so much!! Went there for afternoon tea. Delicious food and they gave us little tins of extra tea to take home! The view was beautiful and the inn is decorated with all kinds of cool things including an old kilt! We had the gluten free ( the gluten free and non gluten free have slightly different desserts) I could barley tell it was gluten free! Absolutely delicious! Great job!!❤🍵🫖

We have such great memories of our small wedding reception here 11 years ago. We've come back over the years for Sunday Brunch and Afternoon Tea and every aspect from food to service was exceptional, decadent, and opulent. Today was such an unfortunate let down. My husband ordered his tea and the menu had mentioned it should be mixed with milk. The milk never came and the staff seemed surprised/not know the menu. We felt rushed and ran out of hot water several times for the tea. After his fourth request, he was able to get a refill. We were unable to find a request of specific food pieces that we enjoyed. In the past this was offered and even provided prior to request - never in excess, nor was the request made for such. Our table was inquired of multiple times should we have a need for anything more but after the water had not been refilled and a specific food request denied, it became apparent that the question was only placed to ensure delivery of the check. In the past, we had been encouraged to sit and enjoy our tea and only made to receive the check upon desire. Had this been our first experience, I'm sure we would have found it magical and polished. We found certain members of the wait staff like Patricio extremely attentive and of the caliber we had come to expect. The Deerpath had set our expectations so high prior today that this felt like a let down or a sign of changing times - a sobering thought with so few fine dining experiences left in society. Please know of our support for the establishment but our earnest desire to see the beauty and perfection of our previous encounters restored.

The Christmas Brunch has quickly become a favorite for our family with the holiday decor🎄, impeccable service, and the food....the selection of foods is unrivaled. Beef, sushi, fish, breakfast, and the variety of desserts offers something for everyone. A small table is set for the kids too choose their meals. A new Christmas tradition for us. And Santa comes to your table to say hello. 🎅

We thoroughly enjoyed this first class hotel and are planning to return. We love classic old hotels. The restaurant was excellent and the hotel staff were exceptionally friendly and provided top notch service. A great experience!

This is my absolute favorite place to be in Lake Forest! This had been a favorite of my family for years. I love the Tudor style building and gardens area. My family and I love coming here for birthdays and any big celebration. Last night, my family came for my mom's birthday dinner. We were seated in the English Room and had great views of the garden. The room reminded me of being in a old fashioned greenhouse/old garden pavillion in England. To drink, I had a Cosmo. It had a very pretty pink color. Appetizer: my family and I split the charcuterie board. The fig jam was amazing! Entree: I had the scallops and wild mushroom risotto, which was very good. Very filling. Later, we went to the downstairs bar area and had a drink. I had the Fuller's London Pride Ale. Overall, a great experience! We will definitely be back soon!

We had our wedding here in the Windsor rooms. Mary Ellen and Michelle are phenomenal! They helped with every detail. I never felt I needed a wedding planner because they gave such great advice and made sure the hotel and meal ran perfectly. Their response times are wonderful and I felt so lucky to have found them! thank you for a wonderful wedding!!!

Located in the Deerpath Inn in Lake Forest. Small restaurant which served good food. Nice menu priced well. The room can get noisy but clears out around 8. Staff are professional and attentive.

So nice to have an elegant venue to have a very nice meal. This is one of our go to places in Highwood. The professionalism of the staff and the quality of food is top notch

Amazing place, elegant and cozy. The staff was the kindest I've seen in a long time. Frontdesk, restaurant, bar or doormen, everyone was excellent.

Although I haven't stayed at the hotel, I visit both The English Room and The Bar with some frequency. The staff at The English Room is always friendly and committed to excellent service. The Bar staff, headed by Fahad, is also top notch. Food is routinely delicious and prices are reasonable. We often have breakfast and brunch in The English Room and dinners at The Bar. Truly enjoyable regardless of which restaurant we visit. Thank you.

Excellent service. Food also well done. The ambiance could be a bit more private.

Lovely atmosphere in a very cool part of the city. We had a large group and everyone was satisfied! Food was amazing and I don’t think one plate had anything left by the end of our lunch.

Such a gem! from the old world structure to the beautiful interior...The English Room experience was terrific and the food superb! We sat near the garden and loved looking at the courtyard. We peeked in at the White Hart Pub which will be our next more casual venture...reminiscent of an old Irish pub, very dark and cozy. Will definitely be back for the brunch experience that so many have raved about.

Great cocktail and wine list. Small menu but excellent quality food!!

The food is plentiful and delicious. The service is exceptional and more importantly prices are reasonable.

I’ve sat inside at a table in the bar, and also dined outside by the fireplace. Service is repeatedly excellent. Quality of food and flavors is wonderful. Outside is nice and peaceful. Down in the bar, it feels a bit enclosed.

Had lunch on the interior courtyard patio. If I had closed and reopened my eyes, I could have imagined that I was transported to England. So beautiful. The service and food matched the beauty of the Inn. I would gladly go back.

Grabbed dinner and a cocktail at the casual bar downstairs before a concert. Service was great and so was the atmosphere and food.

I only ate at the restaurant. A very charming place. The food was good but nothing to write home about.

This is my favorite restaurant ever!!! We celebrate every birthday and milestone here. We’re friends with a bartender and the owner because we come so often. DP has such an old aesthetic feeling in the beautiful town of LF. The food is so high quality and delicious/savoury. On my birthday they brought me a huge milkshake without asking for it, and will give out free desserts. I love all their steak meals. I don’t have anything bad to say about this place. Also, time to time we might see a famous person here such as bears players or billy Korben lol

By far the most handsome place in Lake Forest! Such a charming place to visit all throughout the year. My most favorite time is Christmas. Enjoying a pre-dinner drink at the bar or in the cozy, hearth room by the stone fire on a blustery day is pure bliss. The service is impeccable and the food is consistently delicious. I prefer eating outside on the patio during the warmer months but equally enjoy the garden room. I usually order the beet and goat cheese salad and a Alaskan Halibut. I’ve enjoyed afternoon tea several times for special occasions and it is always a pleasant experience. I always leave with a box of goodies for home!

The Christmas Brunch has quickly become a favorite for our family with the holiday decor🎄, impeccable service, and the food....the selection of foods is unrivaled. Beef, sushi, fish, breakfast, and the variety of desserts offers something for everyone. A small table is set for the kids too choose their meals. A new Christmas tradition for us. And Santa comes to your table to say hello. 🎅

All dishes had too much salt including the French fries. Disappointed with the food. But it's a cute little inn.

We went here for a birthday dinner. Great ambience and the food was solid as well. They have 3 different places to eat, all are great. However, the Pub and The Bar can get rather noisy, so not ideal for conversation or folks who may have some hearing difficulties. Same menu for all 3 locations, which is interesting...would like to see some specialties fitting to the room theme for each. Drinks are very expensive ($18 for a martini) but the food is decently reasonable. Service was good, not great. We were in a party of 8 and they forgot one of the orders, but I'm sure the exception.

By far the most handsome place in Lake Forest! Such a charming place to visit all throughout the year. My most favorite time is Christmas. Enjoying a pre-dinner drink at the bar or in the cozy, hearth room by the stone fire on a blustery day is pure bliss. The service is impeccable and the food is consistently delicious. I prefer eating outside on the patio during the warmer months but equally enjoy the garden room. I usually order the beet and goat cheese salad and a Alaskan Halibut. I’ve enjoyed afternoon tea several times for special occasions and it is always a pleasant experience. I always leave with a box of goodies for home!

We held our annual black tie Rolls-Royce Owners Club Christmas Party there. It's beautiful. Our dinner was catered. Cocktails were expensive $12.00 for a glass of white wine which didn't taste very good.

We absolutely love staying at the Deerpath. Rooms are great and the service is fantastic. The only reason I bumped it down a star is because we’re never able to get a dinner reservation in the English Room because it gets booked so far in advance. The same goes for the tea. Simplicity can’t rate it 5 stars if it’s not accessible.