Dancing Marlin Restaurant in Frankfort
Creative New American Shared Plates & Fresh Seafood
A few years ago, three distinctly different personalities met to discuss a revolutionary new concept for dining in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. The trio, Dancing Marlin partners Ed Nemec, Tom Kara and Raymond Konior, had a common vision for creating something as elusive as the Blue Marlin for which the restaurant is named: a culinary destination where shared experiences could deepen relationships between friends, family and new acquaintances. The three men worked tirelessly and persevered to craft a dining experience unlike anything the area had known. Dancing Marlin transforms dining into an escape from the mundanities and monotony of everyday life. Distinguished by its innovative and audacious shareable plates and a variety of Creative New American entrées, the menu never gets old, and the food and drink ignite enthusiastic conversation.


At Dancing Marlin, dining is a journey – it’s an interactive experience where diners work together in a lively, yet comfortable setting to decide where the meal is going next. Creative New American menu items can be sampled and shared with fellow diners across multiple courses, enjoyed in both small and entrée sized large plates or anything in-between. The menu is varied and eclectic, filled with familiar favorites from land and sea alongside dishes that borrow spices and techniques from world cuisine. At Dancing Marlin, sharing is equal parts food and drink. We feature a hand-picked bottled wine program and serve wines by the glass from kegs delivered directly from premium wineries. Our 18 on-tap wines ensure perfect air and temperature control for every glass poured. Each glass is like opening a new bottle, encouraging trial, sharing and pairing without compromise. We offer creative craft cocktails which change seasonally, using superior spirits and fresh ingredients to invite trial and to assure tasting pleasure.
The rules for sharing? There are no rules! Diners are encouraged to create their own experience – from noshing and drinking in community spaces, to a multicourse medley of shared food and drink. We encourage our guests to begin by ordering a few dishes to share. If you are still hungry, go ahead and try a few more! The variety of tastes we offer are sure to please. If someone at the table is not the sharing type – and there’s nothing wrong with that – he or she may enjoy our larger entrées with a classic 2-, 3- or 4-course meal. Our knowledgeable staff has a passion for food and drink, and we encourage you to ask them for pairing suggestions to enhance your culinary and drinking adventure.


We recognize dining is as much about the experience as it is the cuisine, and we take pride in creating an atmosphere as rousing as our food. Our interior design elements are re-claimed or re-purposed, and serve as a reflection of our responsible and sustainable values. Have a seat at the chef’s communal table – “The Kitchen Table” – and experience an exclusive behind the scenes look at our open kitchen. The Kitchen Table atmosphere buzzes with excitement and creates a sharing environment for up to 18 people. It is a destination table for couples, friends, colleagues, and strangers who want to become friends.
Located minutes from I-80, just south of Orland Park, we invite you to visit Dancing Marlin. Our seasonally evolving menu highlights innovative, responsible, and sustainable fare with a purpose. Here’s to dining experiences that are as unique and beautiful as a “Dancing Marlin” on the surface of the ocean.
Eat. Drink. Share.
Come visit Dancing Marlin soon!

Dancing Marlin Restaurant in Frankfort
Creative New American Shared Plates & Fresh Seafood
A few years ago, three distinctly different personalities met to discuss a revolutionary new concept for dining in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. The trio, Dancing Marlin owners Ed Nemec, Tom Kara and Raymond Konior, had a common vision for creating something as elusive as the Blue Marlin for which the restaurant is named: a culinary destination where shared experiences could deepen relationships between friends, family and new acquaintances. The three men worked tirelessly and persevered to craft a dining experience unlike anything the area had known. Dancing Marlin transforms dining into an escape from the mundanities and monotony of everyday life. Distinguished by its innovative and audacious shareable plates and a variety of Creative New American entrées, the menu never gets old, and the food and drink ignite enthusiastic conversation.
At Dancing Marlin, dining is a journey – it’s an interactive experience where diners work together in a lively, yet comfortable setting to decide where the meal is going next. Creative New American menu items can be sampled and shared with fellow diners across multiple courses, enjoyed in both small and entrée sized large plates or anything in-between. The menu is varied and eclectic, filled with familiar favorites from land and sea alongside dishes that borrow spices and techniques from world cuisine. At Dancing Marlin, sharing is equal parts food and drink. We serve wines by the glass from kegs delivered directly from carefully selected wineries. Our 18 wines are served on tap to ensure perfect air and temperature control for every glass poured. Each glass is like opening a new bottle, encouraging trial, sharing and pairing without compromise. We offer creative craft cocktails which change seasonally, using superior spirits and fresh ingredients to invite trial and to assure tasting pleasure.
The rules for sharing? There are no rules! Diners are encouraged to create their own experience – from noshing and drinking in community spaces, to a multicourse medley of shared food and drink. We encourage our guests to begin by ordering a few dishes to share. If you are still hungry, go ahead and try a few more! The variety of tastes we offer are sure to please. If someone at the table is not the sharing type – and there’s nothing wrong with that – he or she may enjoy our larger entrées with a classic 2-, 3- or 4-course meal. Our knowledgeable staff has a passion for food and drink, and we encourage you to ask them for pairing suggestions to enhance your culinary and drinking adventure.
We recognize dining is as much about the experience as it is the cuisine, and we take pride in creating an atmosphere as rousing as our food. Our interior design elements are re-claimed or re-purposed, and serve as a reflection of our responsible and sustainable values. Have a seat at the chef’s communal table – “The Kitchen Table” – and experience an exclusive behind the scenes look at our open kitchen. The Kitchen Table atmosphere buzzes with excitement and creates a sharing environment for up to 18 people. It is a destination table for couples, friends, colleagues, and strangers who want to become friends.
Located minutes from I-80, just south of Orland Park, we invite you to visit Dancing Marlin. Our seasonally evolving menu highlights innovative, responsible, and sustainable fare with a purpose. Here’s to dining experiences that are as unique and beautiful as a “Dancing Marlin” on the surface of the ocean.