Grey's Social Kitchen Brings Fresh Look, New Take To Oak Forest

OAK FOREST, IL — A family dream has come to fruition in Oak Forest, with the opening of Grey's Social Kitchen and Bar at 5420 W. 159th St.

The new spot on the block, in the space formerly occupied by Kingsberry Waffle House, owners Terrence Brownlee and Brown have transformed the space into one that mixes good food, live music, a family setting, and bar feel.

"The vision of what we were trying to do, is a place where people can go and make it kind of a date-night type of spot," Brownlee said. "I feel like that's a little different than what is usually here. Oak Forest just ended up a great spot to do it, great location."

Named after his son Greyson, the gray theme carries throughout, with cool hues and pops of bright yellow in the bar area. A partial wall creates some separation from the restaurant into the bar. Brownlee is hoping families will be comfortable dining there with their younger members, while others socialize over drinks just past the dining room.

A stage sits waiting for performers in the front of the dining area, as well. They'll host live music several times a week—everything from Blues, to acoustic, jazz, and R&B.

"We're a restaurant first and foremost, but then we have another element—have a drink and be social," Brownlee said. "To just to call us a restaurant, would be an understatement—we want to be an event place. You can come, eat, socialize, and be able to watch a live show."

Brownlee grew up in nearby Matteson and attended Rich Central High School. He went on to graduate from Western Illinois University with degrees in marketing and logitistics.

Grey's is his first adventure in owning a restaurant. Formerly a member of the corporate workforce who then later became a contractor, he says he has "thrown his hat in a lot of different rings," which has also included helping to shape the menu offerings at Grey's.

Think traditional comfort food: fish, chicken, burgers, flatbreads, appetizers. He plans to offer a "soul food night," as well.

"All the food is inspired by my palate," he said. "I'm a huge American, eating, traditional, just basic good stuff, so that's kind of what I was looking for."

The must-haves on the menus currently would be the build-your-own burgers, and non-bread pizzas, Brownlee said. In the future, he also plans to offer brunches with a touch of "downtown spirit" brought to Oak Forest—"lobster tails, unlimited mimosas, that type of thing."

Grey's is currently open 7 days a week, 1 to 11 p.m. They'll celebrate their grand opening on Oct. 5, and owners will be 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. The kitchen will stay open until midnight.

Brownlee is looking forward to giving Oak Forest residents something fresh and new, and is eager to meet customers.

"I like people," he said. "I like being able to interact with people. I think it's going to be what our niche is—not just a restaurant, not just a bar. Good family entertainment, along with the bar, along with the restaurant."

For more information on Grey's Social Kitchen and Bar, follow them on Facebook.