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21 Outdoor Restaurants Open In Chicago

As we settle into spring, it's time to give the people what they want, patios. ☀️

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

 
 
 
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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.

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