Looking for a place to dine that’s elegant, but not stuffy, hip but not hectic, with upscale food that won’t downsize your wallet?  Look no further than the Marion Street Grille.

Now in its sixth season, this local gem combines a casually sophisticated atmosphere, customer-friendly service, and a fresh, exciting menu into a memorable dining experience.  A recent addition is the ‘Pre-Theatre Special” served between 5 and 6:30 p.m. every evening.  For $18 per person, diners can enjoy a glass of wine, an appetizer and an entrée from a specially selected menu.

On a recent Sunday evening, Pre-Theatre Special entrees included Pork Chops Rosmarino in wine sauce with roasted potatoes; Marion Street Whitefish in a Buerre Blanc sauce with wild rice; and Chicken Frambroise — a breast of chicken with pecan breadcrumbs and a raspberry cream sauce.

Mr. Terry Thulis, proprietor, describes the Grille’s menu as “contemporary continental” with French, Mediterranean, and Cajun influences.  The bar features a wide selection of domestic wines from California and Washington State.

A “retired saloonkeeper” now in the restaurant business, the energetic Thulis oversees his thriving operation with a gourmand’s eye, and a warm way with people.  “There is something for every palette, and pocketbook,” says Thulis.  “You could eat here 10 nights in a row, and not repeat an entrée.  The filet mignon and the New York Strip Steak are melt-in-your-mouth.  You can’t get any better.”

Most desserts are made in-house.  A signature finish to a meal at the Grille is the sorbetto “ripieno” (Italian for “stuffed”).  The presentation is as good as the product, with the peach sorbetto served in a fresh peach; lemon sorbetto filling a fresh lemon, and coconut sorbetto mounded in half a coconut.  Baked goods, tiramisu, and crème brulee make for hard choices if you are a sweet lover.

The restaurant is particularly inviting on a mid-winter evening.  Votive candles twinkle on café tables set with white linen.  Lamplight glows along the walls of exposed brick, illuminating a striking collection of European poster art.  Vintage jazz music complete the feeling that one has entered another place and time, perhaps Paris in the early 1950s.

One thing keeps diners firmly in present-day Oak Park — the friendly service they receive from the Marion Street Grille staff.  Thulis says there is almost no staff turnover, a rarity in the restaurant business.  The cozy bar area has become a popular spot for single diners, particularly those traveling on business.  They can enjoy a meal in a low-key, conversational atmosphere, with staff who recognize and welcome them.

The Marion Street Grille, located at 189 N. Marion St., is open for dinner Tuesday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.  For reservations or information, call 708/383-1551.