Now more than ever, restaurants are pulling out all the stops for Chicago diners to enjoy a meal (and hot cocktail or two) despite the fierce winter. Covered patios, complex igloos and tents, and plenty of heaters and lights are out to create the ultimate winter wonderland feast. 

So whether you’re craving bottomless tacos in a glowing igloo or Michelin-starred cuisine in heated tents, check out our favorite spots below. 

Barcocina

Credit: Barcocina

From bottomless brunch on the weekends to bottomless tacos every Tuesday, we could spend a week at Barcocina. The hotspot Mexican-fusion spot has now included glowing, festive igloos for their diners. Enjoy their fresh ingredients and three distinct category drink menu (sweet, smoky and spicy) within. 

Where: 2901 N Sheffield Ave

Outdoor Dining Feature: Enclosed igloos.

For more information.

Beatrix Fulton Market

Credit: Beatrix Fulton Market

Coffee, baked goods, and a restaurant menu all combine into the perfect all-day venue at the Fulton Market District in the West Loop. Plus, you can now reserve an igloo or greenhouse to dine in warmth style. A greenhouse accommodates up to four; the igloos can host six people and includes a round of cocktails for $150 total. 

Where: 834 W Fulton Market

Outdoor Dining Feature: Enclosed igloos or greenhouses. 

For more information.

Park and Field

Credit: Park and Field 

Grab a hot cocoa and an Adirondack by the fire for the best Bears watch parties in town. Head to the Park and Field patio to enjoy bocce, plates to share, and—most importantly—a Camper Bar for multiple rounds of craft cocktails and rare, vintage beers at your disposal. 

Where: 3509 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Outdoor Dining Feature: Bonfires, space heaters, blankets provided. 

For more information.

Paradise Park

Credit: Paradise Park

In the third installment from the marinara-muddled minds behind happy camper and homeslice, welcome to Paradise Park. Their heated, wildly decorated ( flamingo lawn ornaments, swing sets, and a literal Winnebago) and massive patio serves classic and eccentric pies, plus there’s trailer-park-themed cocktails to keep your spirits up through the frost.

Where: 1913 W North Avenue 

Outdoor Dining Feature: Roofed patio and heating lamps.

For more information.

Beatnik On the River

Credit: Beatnik On the River 

The Carribean-electric oasis in West Town is now serving their globetrotting food & party-vibe seasonal cocktails on a heated, heated patio where you can still enjoy the river views.  

Where: 180 N. Upper Wacker Drive

Outdoor Dining Feature: Heated, enclosed patio. 

For more information.

The Dawson

Credit: The Dawson 

The (2020 Michelin Recommended) Dawson has opened its heated tents for patio dining and hot cocktails! Don’t miss their festive weekend Winter Market, where locals can stock up on freshly baked dessert pies and savory pot pies; seasonal snacks such as Three Sisters Garden Rosemary Smoked Candied Pecans; Thai Coffee and truffles; craft-cocktails-to-go and gift packs of whiskey tasting flights.  

Where: 730 West Grand Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 

Outdoor Dining Feature: Tent and heated outdoor area. 

For more information.

The Moonlighter

Credit: The Moonlighter 

Their brand new enclosed, heated patio tents are ready to for customers to enjoy late night house-made burger in. The Moonlighter is known for its laid-back vibes, hospitality and sports-showings—and that homey, delicious energy continues into the outdoor seats by fireside.  

Where: 3204 W Armitage Avenue 

Outdoor Dining Feature: Heated patio tents. 

For more information.

Taxim’s

Credit: Taxims 

Taxim’s heated rooftop pergola is open, where you can enjoy their weekly All-Greek wine specials under twinkling string lights. Their uber-original and delicious Greek dishes are served in the exposed brick patio, adorned with a small bar and a lush garden wall of herbs lining the exterior of the enclosed staircase that leads to the restaurant. 

Where: 1558 N. Milwaukee Ave

Outdoor Dining Feature: Heated rooftop pergola. 

For more information.

The Boiler Room

Credit: The Boiler Room

The self-proclaimed secret recipe of The Boiler Room? “Craft beer, craft cocktails, Jameson on draft, PBR tallboys & abundant pizza.” We highly recommend trying this golden ratio (but perhaps with a hot cocktail), on their heated outdoor patio.

Where: 2210 N California Ave 

Outdoor Dining Feature: Covered patio, with heating lamps at each table.

For more information.

ROOH

 

 

 

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Meaning soul or spirit, ROOH brings the spirit of India to Chicago. And did Rooh EVER bring some soul to their patrons. Dinners can now enjoy Indian delicacies and drink rum-infused hot chakra chocolate under a heated, lit hexadomed tent. Plus, because they use quieter electric heaters, the restaurant is able to play soft music to set a calming, classy vibe.  

Where: 736 W. Randolph Street 

Outdoor Dining Feature: Heated hexadomed tent. 

For more information.

The Woodlawn

Credit: The Woodlawn

The Black-Owned Woodlawn multi-purpose facility is providing the ultimate experience for its diners. Enter: rooftop, transparent igloo seating, and enclosed mini ski lodges Streetside Pods to dine in! Both are complete with 3-course customized meals and luxurious 2-hour seating. Two to five people can enjoy igloos for $125 per person, while parties of up to six can cozy up in a pod at $100 per person. 

Where: 1200 East 79th Street

Outdoor Dining Feature: Heated lamps, outdoor rooftop igloo + closed streetside pods

For more information.

TZUCO

Credit: TZUCO

Chef Carlos Gaytán’s (the first Latin American to earn a Michelin Star) new restaurant in Chicago is a homage to his Mexican Culinary heritage and his love for French Cuisine. Enjoy his extraordinary flavors under the retractable roof in TZUCO’s all-season heated patio. 

Where: 720 N State St

Outdoor Dining Feature: Heated patio, roof overhead. 

For more information.

Le Colonial

Credit: Le Colonial

Le Colonial is an upscale, authentic Vietnamese and French cuisine eatery, created by Executive Chef Quoc Luong. Weather permitting, they’ve opened up limited seating on their “porch” — a fabulous upper level floor with nearly floor to ceiling windows.  

Where: 57 E Oak Street

Outdoor Dining Feature: Heating lamps, enclosed roof.

For more information.