Is Wooden Paddle Worth the Hype? We Think Yes.
Six years ago, Brianna and Jonathan opened the doors to Wooden Paddle and the rest is (delish) history. Nestled in the heart of Lemont Downtown, Wooden Paddle’s award-winning shareable wood-fired pizzas and delicious plates attract appetites from around the region.
Whether you’re looking forward to a family night out, a fun date night, a great place to get together with friends, sharing plates and listening to stories - Wooden Paddle is the place to be.
A MOM & POP PIZZA SHOP
Wooden Paddle is a warm-hearted mom and pop pizza shop fueled by family love. Restaurant owners Brianna and Jonathan are parents to two children and have a third on the way. You’ll get to know the whole family the more you stop by Wooden Paddle, and they’ll make you feel like you’re a part of the family.
In person, on socials, and even on their pizza boxes - Wooden Paddle’s humor and fun personality shines through. The staff at Wooden Paddle become fast friends and make you feel right at home.
THE PERFECT PIZZA PATIO
Lovers of any and all pizza pies will find comfort on Wooden Paddle’s outdoor patio. The wooden benches are decorated with rustic cushions, complimenting two-top tables and chairs with a woven look.
Their relaxing patio, picturesque decor, and modern interior make you even more excited to spend time away from home. Everyone is welcome to pull up a seat, relax, and make the most out of your visit to one of the best Italian & American spots in town.
CREATIVE MENU OFFERINGS
Chef Juan Alvarado debuted Wooden Paddle’s new menu that brings innovative approaches for scrumptious appetizers, entrees, and desserts here to Lemont.
Killa calamari
Snap into it
Saffron bucatini
Strawberry fields crostata
For those with dietary restrictions, Wooden Paddle offers creative menu alternatives just for you. Wooden Paddle’s gluten-free crust is airy, toasty, and tastes just like the real deal. If you’re vegan or sensitive to dairy, they offer dairy-free cheese options. The dairy free ricotta is next level.
Wooden Paddle’s cocktail menu offers an array of options, from light and refreshing to citrus-forward and bubbly. One of their summer cocktails is Feeling Peachy, where tequila and orange aperitif are brightened by fresh lemon juice, and the real peach puree packs a punch of flavor.
Pro-Tip: Reserve a table at Wooden Paddle ahead of time.
SPECIAL EVENTS ALL YEAR LONG
From January through December, Wooden Paddle hosts fantastic community events that are aligned with enjoying seasonal produce and trends, as well as holiday traditions. Wooden Paddle curates unique tasting menus, celebratory Galentine’s Day meals, lovely Mother’s Day brunches, Thanksgiving takeaway for families of all sizes, celebratory New Year’s Eve dinners, and more.
Keep an eye out for these announcements, as reservations may go quickly!
BUSINESS EXPANSION: FROM LEMONT TO LA GRANGE
Over the past few years, Wooden Paddle has experienced great success here in Lemont thanks to the love and support from local residents and diners. As their growth continued, just last year in 2025, Wooden Paddle opened a second location in La Grange.
The Wooden Paddle team documented their journey on YouTube in a series called Restaurant Build. From signing to renovations, design choices, and inspections, to menu and team prep, anyone can learn firsthand about the steps needed to open a restaurant. You can watch their story by searching for the YouTube playlist “Wooden Paddle - Opening A Restaurant” or by clicking here.
