Published Invalid Date
21 Outdoor Restaurants Open In Chicago

by Chicago Bucket List
We Chicagoans put on a happy face, three layers of sweaters, and a parka for 8 months out of the year. So, it's no surprise that the warmer months act as a well-deserved escape for most of us. Chicago is finally beginning to see the light... and the patios.
Dining may look slightly different than what we’re used to. However, we’re welcoming any sort of dining these days that doesn’t include views of our apartment’s flex wall and 32” TV.
To celebrate the sun's soft reopening and get us in the spirit to start drinking spirits (With people! Outside! In public!), we’ve curated a list of 21 restaurants throughout Chicago that offer outdoor seating.
Homeslice
View this post on Instagram
Lincoln Park
Imaginative thin-crust pizzas & beer in a rustic-style lodge room with tree-trunk tables & TVs.
Outdoor setting: Back patio
La Storia
View this post on Instagram
Gold Coast
Elevated, multiregional Italian kitchen & bar in historic surrounds with patios & a courtyard.
Outdoor setting: Back patio
Tavern on Rush
View this post on Instagram
Gold Coast
One of the best seats in the city, perfect people-watching right in Gold Coast. Tavern features steakhouse fare, nightly DJs & outdoor seating define this lively, upscale restaurant.
Outdoor setting: Front patio taking up the block.
Barcocina
View this post on Instagram
Lakeview
Modern takes on classic Mexican fare plus tequila, margaritas & sangria in rustic-industrial digs.
Outdoor setting: Front patio.
Athenian Room
View this post on Instagram
Lincoln Park
Casual restaurant cooking Greek specialties like gyros & juice-soaked fries since the 1970s.
Outdoor setting: Front patio
Café Ba-Ba-Reeba!
View this post on Instagram
Lincoln Park
Spanish tapas, paella & pitchers of sangria fuel a lively scene at this classic Chicago restaurant.
Outdoor setting: Back patio
Park and Field
View this post on Instagram
Logan Square
Sharing plates & craft cocktails are served amid vintage sporting equipment or on a massive patio.
Outdoor setting: Back patio
Small Cheval
View this post on Instagram
Logan Square
Sister to the Chicago original serving elevated burgers & American dishes in a stylish setting.
Outdoor setting: Front patio
Mozzarella Store
View this post on Instagram
Gold Coast
An Italian foodies dream filled with runny burrata and pizzas. Enjoy views of the iconic Water Tower from their patio and a dessert to round out your meal.
Outdoor setting: Front patio.
Beatnik on the River
View this post on Instagram
The Loop
Creative global eats & tropical cocktails, paired in a funky-ornate setting with riverfront seats.
Outdoor setting: Patio overlooking the river.
Twin Anchors
View this post on Instagram
Old Town
Old-school tavern & barbecue restaurant founded in 1932 & once frequented by Frank Sinatra.
Outdoor setting: Front patio
Ema
View this post on Instagram
River North
Mediterranean small plates & spreads with fresh bread paired with regional wines in airy digs.
Outdoor setting: Outside patio
Sienna Tavern
View this post on Instagram
River North
Neapolitan pies, homemade pastas, mozzarella bar & wine in an upscale space with bar & lounge smack dab in the middle of the city.
Outdoor setting: Front patio
Piccolo Sogno
View this post on Instagram
River West
Charming, chef-owned restaurant serving Italian cuisine & pizza in an intimate environment.
Outdoor setting: Back patio
Bar Siena
View this post on Instagram
West Loop
Regional Italian fare & drinks served in a stylish, 2-story space with a patio & a buzzy bar.
Outdoor setting: Back patio
Avec
View this post on Instagram
West Loop
Inventive small & large plates served in a cozy, minimalist space with communal seating.
Outdoor setting: Back patio
Federales
View this post on Instagram
West Loop
Mexican barbecue-style tacos, ceviche & tequila in a funky warehouse setting with a beer garden.
Outdoor setting: Back patio
Girl & the Goat
View this post on Instagram
West Loop
A hot spot where Stephanie Izard serves up innovative small plates from a dramatic open kitchen.
Outdoor setting: Front patio
Recess
View this post on Instagram
West Loop
Tongue-in-cheek nods to Chicago politics inform the food & drink menus at this vast American spot.
Outdoor setting: Back patio
Big Star
View this post on Instagram
Wicker Park | Wrigleyville
Mexican street food, plus margaritas & other drinks fuel a lively scene at this funky hangout.
Outdoor setting: Front patio
Ina Mae Tavern
View this post on Instagram
Wicker Park
Funky outpost with a New Orleans vibe, chef-driven fare, live music & specialty retail products.
Outdoor setting: Front patio
J. Parker
View this post on Instagram
Lincoln Park
Handcrafted cocktails, a light New American menu & city views on the Hotel Lincoln's swanky rooftop.
Outdoor setting: Rooftop patio
LIKE WHAT YOU'VE READ?
Never miss out on a new experience!
Create a Bucket Listers account to access exclusive offers and the latest news in your city