Wooden Paddle

Wooden Paddle is a catering and wood-fired pizzeria in Lemont, IL. It serves the Chicago suburbs with a menu designed for sharing, featuring hand-eaten food and craft cocktails. The restaurant offers semi-private and fully private event spaces that can host up to 70 guests. It holds a rating of 4.60 based on customer reviews.

Founded in 2013 by co-founders Jonathan Cowan and Brianna Cowan, the business has grown with a team that includes Juan Alvarado as Director of Operations. The culinary leadership is split between two locations, with Josiah Sirek serving as Chef-de-Cuisine for Lemont and Angelo Gallegos for the La Grange location. The menu encourages ordering multiple plates per person to try a variety of dishes. Brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., alongside breakfast pizzas. Standard dining hours run from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays.

The Lemont location is situated at 212 Stephen St. It sits on Stephen Street, about a short walk from Lemont Village Hall and the Lemont Area Historical Society Museum. Main Street, the Lemont Post Office, and Saint Patricks School are all within a quarter mile of the restaurant.

Wooden Paddle is known for its positive customer rating and its role as a gathering place for shared meals in the Lemont area. The business combines its wood-fired pizza offerings with a social atmosphere that encourages lively conversation and communal dining.

The restaurant stands out in Lemont for its specific focus on shareable plates and its dedicated private event spaces, providing a distinct dining experience in the local community.