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

 

 

 

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A post shared by Homeslice (@homeslicechi) on Jun 7, 2020 at 12:50pm PDT

Lincoln Park

Imaginative thin-crust pizzas & beer in a rustic-style lodge room with tree-trunk tables & TVs.
Outdoor setting: Back patio

For more information. 

La Storia 

 

 

 

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A post shared by La Storia Ristorante (@lastoriachi) on Apr 16, 2017 at 9:51am PDT

Gold Coast

Elevated, multiregional Italian kitchen & bar in historic surrounds with patios & a courtyard.
Outdoor setting: Back patio

For more information.

Tavern on Rush 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Tavern On Rush (@tavernonrush) on Jun 14, 2020 at 9:37am PDT 

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.

For more information.

Barcocina  

 

 

 

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A post shared by Barcocina (@barcocinachi) on Jun 4, 2020 at 10:59am PDT

Lakeview

Modern takes on classic Mexican fare plus tequila, margaritas & sangria in rustic-industrial digs.
Outdoor setting: Front patio. 

For more information.

Athenian Room 

 

 

 

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A post shared by @whatiorderbyjoe on Apr 23, 2020 at 10:43pm PDT 

Lincoln Park 

Casual restaurant cooking Greek specialties like gyros & juice-soaked fries since the 1970s.
Outdoor setting: Front patio

For more information.

Café Ba-Ba-Reeba!

 

 

 

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A post shared by Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! (@cafebabareeba) on Jun 4, 2020 at 2:04pm PDT

Lincoln Park 

Spanish tapas, paella & pitchers of sangria fuel a lively scene at this classic Chicago restaurant.
Outdoor setting: Back patio

For more information. 

Park and Field  

 

 

 

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A post shared by Park And Field (@parkandfield) on Jun 15, 2020 at 6:00pm PDT

Logan Square 

Sharing plates & craft cocktails are served amid vintage sporting equipment or on a massive patio.
Outdoor setting: Back patio

For more information.

Small Cheval 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Chicago Bucket List (@chicagobucketlist) on Apr 21, 2020 at 10:46am PDT

Logan Square 

Sister to the Chicago original serving elevated burgers & American dishes in a stylish setting.
Outdoor setting: Front patio

For more information.

Mozzarella Store 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Chicago Bucket List (@chicagobucketlist) on May 21, 2020 at 8:18am PDT

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. 

For more information.

Beatnik on the River

 

 

 

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A post shared by Beatnik On The River (@beatnikontheriver) on Jun 17, 2020 at 9:31am PDT

The Loop

Creative global eats & tropical cocktails, paired in a funky-ornate setting with riverfront seats.
Outdoor setting: Patio overlooking the river.

For more information.

Twin Anchors  

 

 

 

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A post shared by Seth Marcus | Food & Travel (@chicityfoodie) on Jun 14, 2020 at 6:44pm PDT

Old Town 

Old-school tavern & barbecue restaurant founded in 1932 & once frequented by Frank Sinatra.
Outdoor setting: Front patio

For more information.

 

Ema

 

 

 

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A post shared by Ēma (@emachicago) on Jun 5, 2020 at 8:06am PDT

River North 

Mediterranean small plates & spreads with fresh bread paired with regional wines in airy digs.
Outdoor setting: Outside patio

For more information.

Sienna Tavern 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Siena Tavern (@sienatavern) on Jun 8, 2020 at 1:45pm PDT

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

For more information. 

Piccolo Sogno 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Piccolo Sogno (@piccolosognorestaurant) on May 29, 2020 at 5:00pm PDT 

River West 

Charming, chef-owned restaurant serving Italian cuisine & pizza in an intimate environment.
Outdoor setting: Back patio

For more information. 

Bar Siena 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Bar Siena (@barsiena) on Jun 23, 2020 at 10:30am PDT

West Loop 

Regional Italian fare & drinks served in a stylish, 2-story space with a patio & a buzzy bar.
Outdoor setting: Back patio

For more information. 

Avec 

 

 

 

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A post shared by avec (@avecchicago) on Jun 11, 2020 at 3:38pm PDT

West Loop

Inventive small & large plates served in a cozy, minimalist space with communal seating. 
Outdoor setting: Back patio

For more information.

Federales

 

 

 

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A post shared by Federales Chicago (@federaleschicago) on Mar 2, 2020 at 1:30pm PST

West Loop

Mexican barbecue-style tacos, ceviche & tequila in a funky warehouse setting with a beer garden.
Outdoor setting: Back patio

For more information.

Girl & the Goat 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Girl & The Goat (@girl.and.the.goat) on Jun 17, 2020 at 10:00am PDT

West Loop

A hot spot where Stephanie Izard serves up innovative small plates from a dramatic open kitchen.
Outdoor setting: Front patio

For more information. 

Recess 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Recess (@chicagoinrecess) on Jun 14, 2020 at 8:37am PDT

West Loop

Tongue-in-cheek nods to Chicago politics inform the food & drink menus at this vast American spot.
Outdoor setting: Back patio

For more information.

Big Star 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Big Star Chicago (@bigstarchicago) on Jun 8, 2020 at 8:00am PDT

Wicker Park | Wrigleyville

Mexican street food, plus margaritas & other drinks fuel a lively scene at this funky hangout.
Outdoor setting: Front patio

For more information.

Ina Mae Tavern 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Ina Mae Tavern (@inamaetavern) on Jun 4, 2020 at 10:24am PDT

Wicker Park 

Funky outpost with a New Orleans vibe, chef-driven fare, live music & specialty retail products.
Outdoor setting: Front patio

For more information.

J. Parker 

 

 

 

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A post shared by The J. Parker (@jparkerchicago) on Jan 10, 2020 at 4:00pm PST

Lincoln Park 

Handcrafted cocktails, a light New American menu & city views on the Hotel Lincoln's swanky rooftop.
Outdoor setting: Rooftop patio

For more information.