We’ve finally turned the corner. Here are a few ideas on where to eat and drink outside.
Here are 20 great places to eat and drink outside right now.
Chicago Cut Steakhouse
This splendid steakhouse has a super-sized outdoor patio, with plenty of umbrella-topped tables and views of the Loop skyline and Chicago River.
300 N. LaSalle St., 312-329-1800
Homestead on the Roof
The space encompasses a sprawling rooftop garden and working outdoor fireplace, and it’s a delightful environment.
1924 W. Chicago Ave., 773-904-1145
Howells & Hood
The street-level patio of this beer-focused restaurant offers a full-service bar with TVs, propane-lit fire tables and very comfortable seating.
435 N. Michigan Ave., 312-262-5310
Tavern at the Park
Steaks and other American fare can be enjoyed in the Tree House, the name of the rooftop deck, which offers a bird’s nest view of Millennium Park and Michigan Avenue.
108 E. Randolph St., 312-552-0070
The Terrace
Right outside the Peninsula Hotel’s Shanghai Terrace (by far the most elegant Chinese restaurant in town) is a fourth-floor terrace, exquisitely furnished and surrounded by skyscrapers. Dress up for this one.
108 E. Superior St., 312-337-2888
Terzo Piano
Great Millennium Park and Michigan Avenue views from this third-floor restaurant atop the Art Institute’s contemporary wing. A great destination for lunch, but Terzo Piano serves dinner only on Thursdays.
159 E. Monroe St., 312-443-8650
III Forks
Elegant, upscale locations provide a luxurious atmosphere and our exclusive menu items will leave you speechless.
180 N. Field Boulevard, 312-938-4303
Ada St.
1664 N. Ada St., 773-697-7069
Agio Italian Bistro
Tall fences and bushes shield this outdoor patio from the street traffic just a few yards away; the classic Italian menu is tough to beat.
64 S. Northwest Highway, Palatine, 847-991-2150
Athena Greek Restaurant
212 S. Halsted St., 312-655-0000
Boka
There’s not much room for seating, but when the weather’s right and the glass doors are out of the way, even inside diners get a sense of it.
1729 N. Halsted St., 312-337-6070
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!
One of Chicago’s oldest outdoor spaces is a large patio with a sliding-glass roof. Come for the tapas, stay for the paella.
2024 N. Halsted St., 773-935-5000
The Dawson
A steel-and-wood pergola and barrel bar tables give this spacious patio a rough-hewn, built-by-hand vibe.
730 W. Grand Ave., 312-243-8955
Japonais by Morimoto
The lower level of this excellent Japanese restaurant is an indoor-outdoor environment that overlooks the North Branch of the Chicago River.
600 W. Chicago Ave., 312-822-9600
Parker Rooftop Bar
Sitting proudly on top of Hotel Lincoln, the J. Parker Rooftop Bar offers some of the most spectacular views in all of downtown Chicago. As you sip one of our signature cocktails, enjoy unobstructed water views of North Avenue Beach and the beautiful green scenery of Lincoln Park.
1816 N Clark St, (312) 254-4747
Park Grill
Chicago’s largest outdoor venue is the Plaza Grill, which offers a light, pubby menu, tons of seating and wonderful views of the Michigan Avenue streetscape (and The Bean sculpture to the east).
11 N. Michigan Ave., 312-372-7275
River Roast
This will be River Roast’s first complete summer (after opening in July), and it will take full advantage of the 120-seat riverside patio running along the restaurant’s south wall. Great river and downtown views.
312 N. LaSalle St., 312-822-0100
Frontier
Frontier wants you to get weird with the meats, which is why they serve alligator, elk, and turtle bolognese.
1072 N Milwaukee Ave, (773) 772-4322
Piccolo Sogno
Can we interest you in a quiet dinner on the Piccolo Sogno Patio? Pasta, wine, and simply prepared fish is the move.
464 N Halsted St, (312) 421-0077
Tanta
Tanta is always a fun restaurant with a lively scene, but it’s best in the summer. Combine a River North rooftop with the fresh, citrusy goodness of their cebiches and you have a winning combination.
Don’t forget a pobre niguiri, which is skirt steak and quail egg over rice, and one of the better small bites you can eat.
118 W. Grand Ave., 312-222-9700
