Oak Park Natural Pet & Fish is a family-owned shop on the border of Oak Park and River Forest that has quietly built a devoted following among aquarium hobbyists across Chicago's western suburbs. The store stocks both freshwater and saltwater livestock alongside an extensive pet supply section for dogs, cats, reptiles, and birds — but it's the aquarium side that draws people from well beyond the neighborhood. The coral selection is a genuine standout.
Reviewers consistently praise it as beautiful and fairly priced, and the store has become a go-to for reef tank builders in the area. Staff member Jasmine, in particular, has earned a near-legendary reputation for guiding customers through reef tank setups, answering every question with patience and honesty. She even took in a sick betta for quarantine treatment when a new fishkeeper's tank chemistry went sideways — the kind of above-and-beyond care that no chain store would consider.
Freshwater keepers will find peacock cichlids, planted tank supplies, live plants, and a betta section that's notably humane: each fish is housed in its own filtered, planted tank with a bubbler, a far cry from the plastic cups at big-box retailers. Staff helped one customer troubleshoot crushed coral for water hardness issues; another credits the team with helping her go from a single 15-gallon setup to three thriving tanks in under a year. The shop is packed — some say crowded — with product, from Hikari fish food to aquarium hardware.
One reviewer noted the staff even helped move a 90-gallon aquarium into their home. That willingness to go the extra mile, combined with genuine fish enthusiasm from employees like Alex and Jasmine, is what keeps people coming back. Pricing has drawn occasional debate, especially on saltwater fish, but the majority of customers find rates fair for the quality and personal service.
For Oak Park aquarists who want real expertise and healthy livestock, this store delivers something the chains simply cannot.
Yolanda Cruz
27 reviews
Thank you for your service
Manny
13 reviews
Came here looking for crushed coral for my freshwater tank – as my tank water was experiencing an issue. The associate Alex, was incredibly informative and knowledgeable. He guided me in the right direction for my situation.
Guzman
13 reviews
i got white elephanted with the sweetest little guy, and i wanted to make sure i had everything i needed. i was helped by a guy who made me feel a lot more comfortable with starting a planted tank. happy to say Ceviche is very happy in his new home :]
Donnell Leach
17 reviews
They didn't have what I needed for my cat,this place is to crowded with stuff it's hard to move.
Ivan
44 reviews
Didn’t see a big selection of fresh water fish. Cichlid, koi or much verity of gold fish. The choices of fish food were limited to generic brands. One type of the Hikari brand. No pellets for Bug Bites they had granules only. Huge selections of 4 legged pet food though.
Jarell Moore
560 reviews
Very cool pet store has just about everything you would need for your pets at a reasonable price.
BWStyle “Priest”
204 reviews
I love this place. Their is a young lady at the front counter, super super helpful. She walked me around answering my random questions, and I truly appreciate her for that because I did learn so new shhh stuff. Matter of fact, I need to go their very soon, today. Thank you for assisting me. 😉
William Reese
4 reviews
I love this place a lot the respectful and and their helpful the answer helpful questions I have keep up the good work
Kyle O
13 reviews
I can't say enough nice things about this place. Incredibly knowledgeable and friendly staff, huge selection, and an unbridled passion for animals that you rarely see in pet stores anymore. They even helped me move a 90 gallon aquarium into my home! Looking forward to being a lifelong customer here.
Corey McCray
55 reviews
Why do I come here for my dog's food. Originally, when I had my 2 pit mixes that I rescued, this was the only place that had their food in the area. Over time, I would speak with the staff and get advice on food and how to research other options. Well, my 2 pities went to the great dog park, and we were dog free for a few years. I then got a Cane Corso puppy with stomach issues, and I needed to figure something out for her. Oak Park Natural Pet & Fish for the win. They really came through on what I needed to make sure she was getting. I would've never gotten this first-hand valuable insight and how to go find the answers and research from a big chain.
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (708) 660-9500 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Oak Park Natural Pet & Fish.
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23 N Harlem Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302
February 7, 2026
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