Whether it’s your first summer in Chicago or your 40th, little feels quite as satisfying as that first breezy patio hang. But with such a wealth of options — particularly after last year’s tighter indoor dining restrictions prompted many restaurants and bars to expand outdoor spaces — how does one find the perfect patio?
We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking to dine with your No. 1 doggo or lounge languidly with a cocktail in hand, here are Chicago-area standout patios and rooftops that hit all the right marks. Still looking for more? Here’s a roundup of other great spots, or check out our searchable restaurant guide.
Keep in mind that as Illinois moves toward fully reopening June 11, you might want to plan ahead and make reservations when possible to have a better shot at a seat. Some restaurants might not end all restrictions immediately, so be prepared to follow each venue’s COVID-19 guidelines — and tip well.
A patio where your dog can dine with you: Nonnina
Like its inspired pandemic pivot to casual, tented outdoor space Casa Nonnina, this River North restaurant has another hit on its hands with its puppy menu, available on its outdoor patio. While you enjoy grilled octopus; burrata with fennel and blood orange; and pizzas topped with calamari or ‘nduja, Fido can tuck in to such delicacies as a grilled hot dog with bacon rice ($5) and Cane di Puccino ($3), an elegant dessert of whipped cream with kibble crumble and peanut butter. 340 N. Clark St., 312-822-0077, nonninachicago.com
More spots with doggy dining: Bandit, Bar Siena, Siena Tavern, Barrio
A patio with killer views of the Chicago River: Pizzeria Portofino
The Riverwalk is a fun place for curious Epicureans, but along the way, many riverside restaurants have patios with delicious bites to boot. They include Pizzeria Portofino, one of Chicago’s favorite new restaurants in 2019 (right before the pandemic brought hospitality to a screeching halt). But a return to dining also means a return to scenic meals from the Portofino perch — the pizza is delicious, and Portofino also offers a small selection of pasta dishes and a healthy variety of antipasti. 317 N. Clark St., 312-900-9018, pizzeriaportofino.com
More spots with river views: River Roast, Metropolitan Brewing, Gibsons Italia, Beatnik on the River
A backyard beer garden: Half Acre Balmoral Taproom
What was once the larger, but younger of Half Acre’s two taprooms is now the sole location, after the Chicago brewery recently sold its original Lincoln Avenue taproom to Hop Butcher for the World. Sentimental yearnings aside, the massive Balmoral brewery holds up as the heir apparent, in part thanks to its outdoor space, which holds a beer garden with plenty of room for standing and sitting. 2050 W. Balmoral Ave., 773-754-8488, halfacrebeer.com/balmoral-brewery
More spots with beer-garden-esque spaces: The Northman Riverwalk, Sheffield’s Wine & Beer Garden, Moody’s Pub
A patio with all the space you need and then some: Recess
Meant to hark back to the carefree days of school-sanctioned fun time, Recess is a sprawling West Loop space with a structure composed of shipping containers. On the beverage front, Recess offers signature, classic and frozen cocktail options (all $13), mixed shots ($7), local beer and wine. Grab a spot on the expanded patio, which now includes seating on the second floor of the restaurant. Reservations are recommended. 838 W. Kinzie St., 312-801-1181, chicagoinrecess.com
More sprawling patios: The Dawson, Kaiser Tiger, Pizza Lobo, Pilsen Yards
A patio with live music and mouthwatering brisket: Babygold Barbecue
FitzGerald’s already had a place in the hearts of many folks in the Chicago area for its never-ending supply (and support) of live music, as it features daily performances. Then, earlier this year, the Berwyn standby went and added a barbecue restaurant from acclaimed chef John Manion that also includes Creole-inspired fare.
What could be better for a summer patio setting? Guests will also find beer, wine, frozen palomas and margaritas on draft, plus root beer floats for kids (or anyone with a sweet tooth). At FitzGerald’s, 6613 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn; 708-637-4364, babygoldbbq.com
More patios with live music: Montrose Saloon (daily), The Northman Riverwalk (daily), Rewired (Thursdays), Testaccio (weekends)
A patio on the beach — quite literally: Reggie’s on the Beach
Bust out your flip flops and grab a towel, because this Hyde Park favorite is located on the edge of the sprawling 63rd Street Beach within Jackson Park. Fans applaud the friendly staff, laidback atmosphere and beachy cocktails, and bar food like chicken wings and grilled catfish rounds out the experience. This scenic spot on the shores of Lake Michigan is a sibling to music venue Reggie’s, so you also know the tunes will be great. 6259 Lake Shore Drive, 312-949-0120, facebook.com/reggiesonthebeach
More patios on the water: Castaways, The Lakefront Restaurant at Theater on the Lake
A patio well-suited for lounging: Larry’s
It’s true that Larry’s patio in Uptown is home to plenty of standard four-top tables, but it also has a healthy amount of lounge-friendly furniture, like day beds, where you can really make yourself comfortable. And given that the space exceeds 8,000 square feet, you won’t feel cramped.
The neighborhood bar — which comes from the owners of ultrahip Heritage Bicycles and is housed inside the The Lawrence House apartment building — specializes in cocktails but also has wine and a few draft beers available. 1020 W. Lawrence Ave., 872-873-1001, larryschicago.com
More patios and rooftops that are lounge-able: Cindy’s, Aba, Cabana Club at The Robey
A brewpub patio where your dog can catch some rays: Pilot Project
Pilot Project is not a single brewpub, per se; it’s a brewery incubator that supports fledging breweries as they get their physical operations off the ground. As of publishing, Pilot Project was hosting a half-dozen different breweries, but you can enjoy them all on its single patio along with your dog, if that’s their sort of thing. 2140 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-270-5995, pilotprojectbrewing.com
More patios with rays for dogs: Lou’s Backyard, Cupitol Coffee & Eatery, Ranalli’s, The Rambler, The Moonlighter
A Peruvian rooftop with stunning cocktails: Tanta
The only thing better than eating locally and sustainably sourced food from Peruvian culinary heavyweights is doing so in a picturesque downtown spot with ample greenery, string lights and stunning city views. Pretend you’re on a rooftop bar in the Andes — menu highlights include the mushroom and spinach empanadas and the restaurant’s signature, fiery El Chingon cocktail, made with a spinning globe of rocoto pepper-infused ice. 118 W. Grand Ave., 312-222-9700, tantachicago.com
More patios that spice up your night: Lírica, La Palapa, Antique Taco Bridgeport, Mi Tocaya Antojería
A patio with soothing waterfall ripples: Gibson’s Bar and Steakhouse Oak Brook
Aside from bearing the name behind one of Chicago’s legendary steakhouses, Gibson’s Bar and Steakhouse in Oak Brook boasts a beautiful outdoor patio landscape. Guests enjoy the waterfall that blocks out city noise and aligns nicely with the restaurant’s assortment of fresh seafood dishes. 2105 S. Spring Road, Oak Brook; 630-954-0000; gibsonssteakhouse.com
More patios with something special: Old Grounds Social, Park & Field
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