Tour de Beer Garden at The Park, Rocco's and Rokwelz

I had been waiting for this one. The beer garden and sand volleyball courts behind the fence at OF Bowl were practically taunting me. I had been there before, years ago, but I was eager to return and see if it was all I had it cracked up to be.

I was right: is a little piece of retreat, bordering Cicero Avenue and tucked alongside .

1. Adult atmosphere. In our opinion, it doesn't get much better than this. The place almost feels like a secret adult hangout. With plenty of space for several games of bags, and two sand volleyball courts, it's the perfect combination of adult drinks and game time. There were no kids when we stopped in, right around dinnertime. Groups of friends were trickling in for their volleyball league. Most grabbed a bucket of beer and plopped down to await their turn in the pits.

2. Beer selection. They could stand to diversify their selection a bit. Thirteen domestics are available, ranging from Bud Light to Magner's. Premium beers include Michelob and Michelob Ultra, and Sam Adams, to name a few. Imports include St. Paulie's Girl, Twisted Tea, Killians, Dos Equis, and my warm weather favorite, Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy.

3. Courteous wait staff. Our waitress was attentive, and more importantly when it comes to two indecisive patrons, very patient. She waited us out while we made up our minds and brought our food and drinks quickly. She also knew her stuff—she was able to quickly rattle off any specials and beers on tap. She also used a nifty phone app to take our orders. We were impressed.

4. Daily specials. There wasn't much on special the day we visited, but call ahead to (708)687-2000 to check. They were offering buckets of beer on special, but there were only two of us, and I was on duty.

5. Plenty of seating. This is where The Park shines, in my opinion. The layout is spacious with enough tables to accommodate approximately 100 people. You can sit with your back to the sand volleyball courts, or turned to watch the action. You can butt up against the bags games, or hide out at a corner table. The outside bar is easy access from any spot. 

6. Both shady and sunny options. All tables have umbrellas, but we picked one where the sun could peek under. The shaded deck is always an option, too, if an umbrella doesn't keep the rays off of you.

The Verdict: Perfect combination of atmosphere, food and drink, and fun. We felt like we were on vacation: Isn't that exactly what a good beer garden should accomplish?

. The restaurant's outside area — lined with floral boxes filled with petunias — is more of a date spot than anything else. Frank Sinatra music plays quietly in the background and the bar doesn't serve tap beers; only bottled.

But the overall beer selection is good and meal specials are reasonably priced. Spend an hour in the garden and you'll feel like you've taken an afternoon trip to Europe.

1. Adult atmosphere. Since Rocco's is more of a dinner spot than a drinking hole, you might assume that it'd be filled with children. But no. This hideaway offers the perfect refuge for a group of adults who haven't seen each other in a while, or good friends looking to share an even better meal.

2. Beer selection. A great selection of bottled beers doesn't really make up for the lack of on-tap beers (in my opinion at least). And by "lack," I mean none. Maybe that's the aura the place is going for — an upper class, food-focused restaurant that boasts a hearty wine selection. But when we're talkin' beer gardens, I consider on-tap brews a must have.

3. Courteous wait staff. I don't want to be a jerk about this, but have you ever had a server who is overly courteous? I spent about an hour at Rocco's on a Tuesday evening and I'm not exaggerating when I say that I was visited at least a dozen times (total) by the server and two different bus boys. Granted, I was dining alone. Irregardless, I could have used a few minutes to relax and not be pressured.

4. Daily specials. Drink specials at Rocco's garden don't exist. However, daily food specials rotate throughout the year. Grub prices are reasonable — diners can choose a pricy filet or an affordable pasta. Appetizers run the gamut as far as prices are concerned, but you can certainly dine on the cheap, if you want to.

5. Plenty of seating. The beer garden is quaint. That's what I liked about it. A nice intimate setting features about six total tables, four of which accommodate up to four people each. The others tables are for couples. But just because the space isn't sprawling doesn't mean it's not worth a stop. It's nice to not have to battle loud conversations or noisy music while chatting with your fellow garden goers. If you prefer the noise, Rocco's isn't for you.

6. Both shady and sunny options. Yes. Choose your seat wisely and you'll be just fine.

The Verdict: Rocco's is definitely worth a pit stop — especially if you are looking for an intimate setting with the feeling of a European getaway. Good food, a great bottled beer selection and an atmosphere that feels far away from Tinley Park. I'd recommend it.

has already been a pleasant surprise, as they won our buffalo wing . Don’t judge the unassuming strip mall exterior. The place is great to unwind outside in their simple, comfortable patio area with a fire pit. Servers are lightning fast without coming off as pests. The food is a notch above most bar fare. The so-called sliders actually taste like real handmade burgers. Specials every day. A trickle of the inner music comes outside, but not enough to drown out your deep conversations. All around an excellent experience. Did I mention a fire pit?   

1. Adult atmosphere. As with all Orland Park watering holes, Rokwelz sports a full menu, which may lead to a few families earlier on. But come beer-o’-clock, it’s just you and others of an appropriate maturity level…depending on who’s judging.

2. Beer selection. A solid mix of common and just off the beaten path bottles and an extensive list on tap. Ask about their special Amber beer. Rokwelz will even pour a chilled sambuca if you ask nicely. They change it up, so best check with the bartender and servers. Ours knew all the specials by heart and what drinks fell under the deal umbrella, which brings us to...

3. Courteous wait staff. A++. Our guy had drinks and menus in front of us before we could even blink. He also cleared away empty glasses, bottles and plates before we asked, and made sure the proper glasses stayed full. He even bundled the appropriate sauces with our appetizer leftovers (the sampler is great but it’s a lot of food). And he was quick with the bill when asked.

4. Daily specials. Every single day, and in multiples. Cocktails, pitchers and shots. All can be found on Rokwelz’s website.

5. Plenty of seating. Enough. Six tables that can seat five around comfortably and a few bench seats near the fire pit. Plenty of stretching room.

6. Both shady and sunny options. All but one table has umbrellas. The single drawback to our whole night was how low the umbrellas were, but that’s about as first-world-problem as it gets.

The Verdict: Again, don’t be fooled by the strip mall veneer. Rokwelz provides on many levels, allowing for a fun and peaceful night. We’re all working harder these days, and we need a place to stretch our legs, sling a few back and make jokes about life. This can happen there.