Olive & Well

Gosh this place is so lovely!! The staff are fantastic, very helpful. They do pairings between the olive oil and the balsamic vinegar. They help you think about what you're eating and what would work best, cooking and salads etc. Highly recommend.

I discovered this place over a decade ago and keep coming back. I absolutely love their infused oils and balsamic vinegars. The owners have changed at least once since I've been coming here, but the product has remained high quality and the service always great. Definitely recommend this little store!

I came in here to get a birthday gift for a friend, and was pleasantly surprised by what I found. There was olive oil, balsamic, honey, jam, and more that you could buy individually or in nicely packaged gift sets. Additionally, the owner was very kind and welcoming. I'd highly recommend for anyone looking to support a local business and purchase a fun treat.

We keep coming back for the infused vinegars. I found the service to be good and have been helped with decisions each time we have been in the store. The store does feel a bit arty and mildly inflated, but still welcoming. Just keep in mind that they sell specialty olive oils and vinegars, so it is hard not to have a mildly extravagant feel to the place.

We received a bottle of Madagascar Black Pepper olive oil and a bottle of Sicilian Lemon balsamic, along with a couple of recipe cards, as a hostess gift from our niece and her husband who live in Oak Park. Oh my...the Lemon Pepper Salmon and Garlic Parmesan Asparagus recipe is delicious! We just had it again tonight and are planning on placing an online order since we live in MI. It’s now one of our new favorites! Thank you for sharing your recipes. We hope to visit your store when visiting family and find more delicious recipes and products.

Amazing selection of products! The best thing is - if you live out of state like we do, you can still order gifts online and have them shipped in time for Christmas! I highly recommend!

The owner, Kay, was very knowledgeable and helpful. Great place!

Big selection of olive oils and basalmic vinegers. Great quality, we use them and great for gifts. Who new so many great tasting choices existed.

Gosh this place is so lovely!! The staff are fantastic, very helpful. They do pairings between the olive oil and the balsamic vinegar. They help you think about what you're eating and what would work best, cooking and salads etc. Highly recommend.

I discovered this place over a decade ago and keep coming back. I absolutely love their infused oils and balsamic vinegars. The owners have changed at least once since I've been coming here, but the product has remained high quality and the service always great. Definitely recommend this little store!

I came in here to get a birthday gift for a friend, and was pleasantly surprised by what I found. There was olive oil, balsamic, honey, jam, and more that you could buy individually or in nicely packaged gift sets. Additionally, the owner was very kind and welcoming. I'd highly recommend for anyone looking to support a local business and purchase a fun treat.

We keep coming back for the infused vinegars. I found the service to be good and have been helped with decisions each time we have been in the store. The store does feel a bit arty and mildly inflated, but still welcoming. Just keep in mind that they sell specialty olive oils and vinegars, so it is hard not to have a mildly extravagant feel to the place.

We received a bottle of Madagascar Black Pepper olive oil and a bottle of Sicilian Lemon balsamic, along with a couple of recipe cards, as a hostess gift from our niece and her husband who live in Oak Park. Oh my...the Lemon Pepper Salmon and Garlic Parmesan Asparagus recipe is delicious! We just had it again tonight and are planning on placing an online order since we live in MI. It’s now one of our new favorites! Thank you for sharing your recipes. We hope to visit your store when visiting family and find more delicious recipes and products.

Amazing selection of products! The best thing is - if you live out of state like we do, you can still order gifts online and have them shipped in time for Christmas! I highly recommend!

The owner, Kay, was very knowledgeable and helpful. Great place!

Big selection of olive oils and basalmic vinegers. Great quality, we use them and great for gifts. Who new so many great tasting choices existed.

Olive & Well is an adorable hidden gem that offers customers the finest and healthy olive oils and balsamic vinegars. I walked in and fell instantly in love with this shop. Mary Ann's energy was so inviting. She gave me some informative information about the shop. I really enjoyed my first time visit here on today. I will be coming back very soon to purchase more flavors of the olive oil. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic customers are no longer able to sample the olive oils and balsamic vinegars. There are other goodies that you can purchase as well. Reasonable prices and decent size quantity Highly recommend

I worked with Olive & Well on our wedding favors. They went above and beyond by helping me design the label, applying them for me, and perfecting the olive oil and balsamic vinegar recipes. We have had numerous guests ask us for more favors because they loved them so much! I highly recommend working with Olive & Well on any special event party favor you may need. The quality is fantastic and the price is one of the lowest in the Chicago area.

I heard about Olive and Well while at the Elements of Flavor class at Flavour Cooking School (see my review). While we were tasting different oils and smelling vinegars, Denise, the owner, encouraged everyone there to take a trip to O&W sometime to see what their favorite kind of oil or vinegar might be. Yesterday, I had the day off for my birthday, so we decide to head out to taste some oils and vinegars. I never realized olive oil had such a strong flavor; then again, I've never just tasted olive oils before, so I wouldn't know what flavor it imparts to food. I know I don't like one that tastes too grassy, but I need to spend a bit more time there to find one I like. It was really interesting to find all the different flavors; they had blood orange, meyer lemon, roasted garlic, smoky chipotle... my partner really enjoyed the smoky chipotle, but he wants to think of some ways to use it before purchasing. The meyer lemon one really had a lemon flavor, and I may buy it as a Christmas gift for my mom. Now. My world has been rocked by the variety of vinegars available. Honestly, I guess I'm just out of the loop, because I never conceived of so many flavors of vinegar. I think I tasted all of them (or most of them); the flavors included white peach, pineapple, fig, black currant... in the end, we left with four vinegars: Pomegranate, French Lavender, Madagascar Vanilla and a traditional balsamic. Each of the ones we purchased have a really lovely flavor, and it's not too sweet (the peach and pineapple almost tasted like juices, but they were great!). There were even a few recipes we found on the way out with a suggested use for the lavender vinegar. I can't wait to use them in a great salad dressing or something. And since vinegar doesn't go bad, I may be adding some tasty new vinegars to my cupboard in the future!

Love having this store in my local area. Great selections but my favorite is the aged balsamic. I use it every day.

I just left Olive and Well, sending a text to my wife saying "Golly they are ever so nice!". It is a rare boutique store that seemingly continues to thrive and the world is a happier place for it. Their olive oil selection is amazing, I was sent to buy something for an Aunt as a gift on Thanksgiving and they asked questions and debated the right oil to go with. On top of it all they wrapped and packaged it up in a gift bag. I wish them all the success in the world and will definitely be back to buy more.

Do you have to be a total foodie snob to sample olive oils as if they were wines? Maybe, but it's still fun. Olive and Well specializes in olive oils and balsamic vinegars from all over the world. Each comes with a little cup that you can use to taste any product you're interested in, or to combine oils and vinegars together, often making a creation greater than the sum of their parts. Oh yes, you will drink salad dressing. And enjoy it. Some of the products have additional flavors (lemon, raspberry, etc.) added but most just depend on their natural essence for unique flavor. The prices aren't as scary as you would think, and Sondra will walk you through the process with no pressure.

Olive & Well has changed my life! Well, my cooking. I mean, like I was like "wow" after my first encounter with quality olive oil, but now I'm in love. I got an orientation to quality olive oils and vinegar the first time I happened into Olive & Well. I learned the difference between their products and those that I can get at the grocery store. I bought a basic (unflavored) olive oil and started cooking with it. It was good and we liked it. Then, Olive & Well sent some emails about a buy three get one free sale. That gave us the opportunity to try four different olive oils. We ordered online a day after the sale ended and had some hiccups with the employee who processed it for us. I worked with the owner (Sondra) who hooked us up with the sale and let me pick it up in the store to avoid shipping costs. We totally loved cooking with flavored olive oils. For example, we could fry chicken in a frying pan using the flavored olive oil and the chicken would magically take on that flavor. Now we've bought buttery and garlic olive oils and they're now our absolute favorites. Imagine not having to deal with garlic burning in the frying pan before tossing in veggies? Or maybe making healthier butter noodles by using butter flavored olive oil instead? It's really incredible. I have had almost entirely positive customer service experiences with Olive & Well. I mean, like I said earlier, there was that one hiccup with that employee and our online order but that was smoothed over pretty quickly. Everything else has been top notch! We really love Olive & Well!

In the past year or so, I've finally embraced cooking as art and not just a chore to be lumped in with other domestic tasks such as cleaning and doing laundry. Once I identified cooking as a real hobby, I realized I should invest in a proper set of pots and pans, pretty flatware, new dishware and the not-as-obvious: Quality spices and olive oils. Which brings me to Olive & Well. My fascination with the charming little store began with a gift set bestowed upon me for babysitting my niece and nephew. My sister presented me with a fancy box filled with Blood Orange olive oil, fig balsamic and white peach balsamic... not surprisingly, I've hardly put the lovely bottles down since our initial meeting! Recently, I stopped by Olive & Well to pick up the ultimate foodie darling: Meyer Lemon olive oil. It certainly isn't cheap at almost $33 for a 750mL bottle, but it doesn't take a flavor snob to know that essence of Meyer Lemon makes EVERYTHING in life better. If you find yourself lost in the magnificent myriad of oils and vinegar, seduce your palate with a complimentary taste of your chosen potion. Sample away, skippy... that's what it's there for! I'm no longer living in the area, but my soul is soothed knowing that my beloved Meyer Lemon olive oil is only a website order away. Live well via Olive & Well!

Only in Oak Park could we have a special store with small batches of specialty olive oil in pretty silver tanks. This is why I live in Oak Park - for the unique shops! The hours stink but then most everything in OP closes down early. I walked over there two times last week to find they were closed. I should have checked online first. Today I bought a new Oil, Arbosana. I mixed it with a little parm and some Tuscany spices from Penzeys (another great OP shop) and ate it with some left over flat bread from Cosi. Yum! A perfect evening snack.

Came back down to Oak Park (coincidentally the town of my birth back in the stone age), Came back SPECIFICALLY to stop and Olive & Well to get some more Dark Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar, which has become essential to existence in our home. This time I also picked up some Anjou Pear Cinnamon Balsamic Vinegar. Oh the bliss of it all. This time I am knocking off a star though because I can no longer ignore the indifferent, bordering on unfriendly service from the staff. Ok, so this place is rather hoi polloi. In this day and age, that is no excuse to have an attitude. Yes I will return because I adore your products, but you sure fail on customer service.

i love the garlic olive oil. it's fantastic for cooking or for a drizzle on salads, rice or noodles. i've been coming to oak park for my olive oil for years. you can go in and taste each straight from its small stainless steel tank. you pick which you'd like, choose your size and your oil comes fresh tapped from its tank. my other favorites are the porcini, lemon, and sesame oils. they also offer specialty vinegars, spices, sauces and mustards. i know this store offers cooking classes. for christmas gifts last year, i bought a few family members a small bottle of these specialty oils with a pouring spout. they were well received.

Not all that impressed. Poor customer service. Long waits. Not very helpful... I wish I could comment on the actual products...just never been able to get beyond the bad service.

UPDATE: August 6, 2014 - I received an email which said Olive & Well will be closing. I am so sad. I just found a wonderful new Olive Oil store in Chicago French Market inside Ogilvie Train Station (Chicago). I guess I will be going there now. ORIGINAL POST: I first met Sondra (Proprietor) a few months back when she hosted a cooking demonstration in her store featuring her olive oils. What an experience! I love Oak Park because of their quaint, unique and "Main Street" feel shops and eateries. However, for anyone visitng OP, it is a MUST that you stop in Olive & Wells to sample the best tasting olive oils and balsamic vinegars this side of heaven. My favorite will always be the Succlulent Fig Balsamic Vinegar, but I've tried the White Peach Balsamic Vinegar and it is to die for! Sondra is very good at pairing the oils and vinegars, as it can be very overwhelming trying to choose flavors on your own. Street Parking can be a little tight, but there is a parking garage within close proximity. I give Olive & Well a BIG thumbs up!

I absolutely love food. And I absolutely love people that immerse themselves deep into their food careers. This includes chefs, cooks, artisans, and regular everyday people that have a passion for producing quality food in their own kitchen. Having said that, I wasn't sure what to expect from this place having never visited an olive oil store. Groupon in hand, I entered this tiny shop. For some reason I was expecting a normal store layout; i.e. shelves, large displays and eye candy on the walls to draw your attention to various items you may not need. Olive & Well couldn't be further from this. There was a table in the middle with canisters of olive oil and various vinegars within. Simple and to the point. Along with each is a small tidbit about what the oil is and how it came to fruition. Not in the mood to sip olive oil at 10 AM, I grabbed 2 varieties and was in and out in 5 minutes. The person behind the register seemed nice but wasn't as helpful as others have stated. Perhaps a man in his later 20s doesn't fit the mold of the regular clientele, but such is life. Overall a decent store that provides oils and vinegars of various flavors. It's nothing I personally seek out but I'm glad I was able to visit with my groupon.

If you think all olive oils are the same, you haven't been to Olive & Well. They have an amazing array of olive oils and vinegars on tap waiting for you. Where else can you taste before buying? I was enjoying the taste of a Cocoanut olive oil when Sondra, the owner, came over and said "If you like that, I've got something you'll love." She then proceeded to mix a little of the Cocoanut olive oil with Persian Lime olive oil for me to taste. OMG! I can't wait to try it on some grilled shrimp. Then there was the Balsamic and Garlic olive oil; perfect for steak marinade. The possibilities are endless. Needless to say, I picked out a nice selection and had them shipped home. I'll definitely be back and I recommend you stop by the next time you pass through Oak Park (it's only a block from Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple).

Wonderful shop and even better customer service. Don't let the foodie atmosphere intimidate you. The staff is very approachable and knowledgeable. If you have time, allow the staff (or shop owner, Sondra) to take you on a tasting tour. Enjoy the entire experience--from Tuscan spiced olive oil, to fig balsamic vinegar. I thought I knew how to cook...I thought I new olive oil. This has opened a new world for me, and I enjoy sharing the oils and vinegars as gifts. More than once Sondra has saved the day with last minute hostess gifts and down-to -the-wire holiday gifts. They will ship for you--and they are pros in packaging the glass jars. They will box them up and make a lovely presentation. Try the Tunisian olive oil. It tastes better than butter. I use it on popcorn, bread, and in pizza crust. Parking in Oak Park is very easy and affordable. On a busy day when there's not street parking, just go straight to the garage across the street.

I love going to this store! Both times I have been in the staff working has been super helpful in picking out flavors and has even let me try various flavors. Both times I've been to the store I have been purchasing unique flavors to give as a gift and was happy with the results. They even wrapped up and packaged two of the bottles I bought for mother's day. There are recipe cards they will throw in with bottles for free to give you an idea how to use them. The selection of oils and vinegars is the largest I've seen in similar stores. My only complaint is I wish they had bread I could use to taste with versus taking sips of the oils alone.

A cut above compared with other Olive Oil shops I have visited. I would have liked tasting the different oils with cubes of bread. I think that would have helped in my decision. I loved seeing that they also offer dried artisan pastas, tea towels, and other adorable kitchen accessories.

I don't know whether it's the fattie or foodie side of me, but Sondra has had me thinking about food all night long!! I had the pleasure to be introduced to my new fav shop in Oak Park, Olive and Well at a cooking/wine tasting event last night and walked out with 3 bottles, all while coveting more. All the comments about Sondra here are true....she is the most down to earth, knowledgable and passionate person about her products, which are top of the line. The many different flavors of olive oil are out of this world but then to be able to get balsamic vinegars in flavors such as Peach Champagne, Pomengranate, Vanilla, Coconut at the same place for pair is PHENOMINAL!!! Sondra is an expert on pairing and will tell you many different ways to use her products and her hillarious side kick, Ms. Maxine will even show you how to use olive oil in desserts!! I am inspired to cook again and cannot wait to use my new items (Coconut Balsamic vinegar, Lime Olive oil, and Roasted Onion and cilantro oil) in everything! This place is a must go!

Pretty standard oil place. I got a coupon here, and wanted to take time and try a few oils. When I walked in it was empty, so I figured it would be no bother. But from the attitude of the shopkeeper made me feel like i was a big interruption or something. The oil was ok, but I don't know if I'll go back.

Even if sampling olive oils in the same way you taste wines isn't your thing, I guarantee that a stop at Olive and Well will be well worth your time. This place opened a few years ago in a primo, though for whatever reason jinxed, location in downtown Oak Park. Even after my first visit, however, I knew this place was a keeper and would eventually become a staple on the Avenue (which it has). After not having been in in a long time, I went in over the weekend to do some holiday shopping. Took no time at all to be reminded of why it is that I love this store so much. Quaint yet sophisticated, down to earth yet complex, and unique, unique, unique. Sondra, the proprieter, couldn't be sweeter -- to every customer, every single time you come in there. She remembered that I was married a year and a half ago and made sure to ask how things were going. Almost 8 months pregnant, she was sure to congratulate me on the baby-on-the-way and insisted that I come back in with the baby once the weather warms up so she can meet the little one. In some stores, this type of chit-chat with the owner would be perceived as annoying or perhaps pushy -- but not here. Sondra is as genuine as they come and knows more about oils and vinegars than I thought was humanly possible. She always makes a great recommendation -- be it for a gift, a food pairing, or tasting. I can't recommend this place enough for anyone looking to expand their palate or that of a good friend or family member. Plus, you have the added bonus of being in the heart of downtown Oak Park, which is just full of cute little shops. Hands down, one of the better boutiquey food shops in the area. This Oak Park location is jinxed no more!

Tasty tasty oils and friendly service. I wandered in here one snowy afternoon and strolled around tasting some of the oils and vinegars. After finishing her call the owner came over and apologized for the delay and asked if I needed any help. She offered suggestions on using some of the oils or vinegars and enthusiastically suggested I try a few that I had overlooked. I ended up taking home a bottle of truffle oil that I used to make a mean mac n cheese.

Nice little shop with amazing oils...... Oak Park gem for gift buying!

Great selection of oils and vinegars. Tons of tasting options. Very knowledgeable staff, especially Kris who recommended great pairings.

Lovely place, great service, yummy olive oil and balsamico tasting... I will be back!!! I wish there were more places like this - amazing boutique food shops with quality products....

I dream about the 18-yr-old Balsamic from this place. No joke. I have never eaten this much salad in my life. Highly, highly recommended.

Fantastic oils and vinegars! Plus they ship gifts. You can taste everything before you buy and the owner is quite passionate about what she sells. Love this store!

I had passed this shop many times and never stopped in. I didn't understand what could be so much better about olive oil and vinegar than the stuff I bought at the grocery store. But then there was a Groupon for Olive & Well, and since I like to support our local indie stories, I bought the Groupon and used it. Well, call me a convert! The first time, I bought a white peach vinegar that was AMAZING. Great for salad dressing and for cooking chicken. When I ran out, I went back and got a honey ginger and a cranberry, which were both great as well. No more grocery-store balsamic for me. I haven't yet tried the olive oils, but after reading the reviews here, I think I will get some of that next.

What a great place to find THE best Olive Oil! I have started cooking much healthier now thanks to Olive and Well - very flavorful EVOO. Website makes it easy to find out what they have here and orders are delivered very efficiently.

Very unique little shop located along Oak Park Avenue. I was intigued at first by the numerous silver tanks set up throughout the store, so I stopped in. Each was filled with a different specialty olive oil that you could sample and there are also shelve and sheves of pre-bottled oils. Although I did not leave with any olive oil this time, I found an amazing raspberry-peach champagne jam. The owner, Sondra, was very nice and suggested a few ways to use the jam including glazing white meat or adding MORE liquore and drissling over a cake! Yum! I was sold!