We only get so many warm months and the city does all it can to embrace them. Patios and beer gardens are plentiful in every neighborhood but we’ve painstakingly narrowed down our favorites around town.
You can’t go wrong with a patio day, but—if you need some help deciding where to day drink—check out the list below.
Downtown / West & South Loop
PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK/PUNCH BOWL SOCIAL CHICAGO
310 N. Green St. - West Loop
The fun and games at Punch Bowl Social spill outdoors onto their spacious patio. Soak up some sun before a round of bowling or virtual reality games!
PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK/THE DAWSON
730 W. Grand Ave. - River West
Located just off the Grand blue line station, The Dawson offers an off-the-beaten-path patio option for seafood and woodfire grilled entrees. Just don’t forget about the cocktails!
Photo via Facebook/River Roast
315 N. LaSalle Dr. - River North
If the views from this riverside patio, bar, and restaurant don’t have you over a barrel, the food certainly will. Make River Roast your next post-work patio!
PHOTO VIA PAGE ONE PR
164 E. Grand Ave. - Streeterville
353 W. Hubbard St. - River North
Both of The Hampton Social’s Chicago-proper locations give you not one, but two outdoor spaces to choose from: an all-season covered terrace and a second-story rooftop. Regardless of which one you decide to post up on, just make sure you have a glass of rosé in hand.
PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK/SAINT LOU'S ASSEMBLY
664 W. Lake St. - West Loop
When taking over Saint Lou’s Assembly, Sunnygun made sure to keep the beautiful back patio. Try one of their innovative cocktails or light bites that take inspiration from around the world!
PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK/BEATNIKONTHERIVER
180 N. Upper Wacker Dr. - The Loop
1604 W. Chicago Ave. - West Town
Beatnik has two locations, both with amazing, and unique, patios. Feel the breeze and take in the sights as the boats sail by at Beatnik on the River (pictured above), or pop over to the West town location for some sunbathing in their atrium that features a retractable roof. While it might not be a traditional patio, you’ll still be able to get your daily dosage of Vitamin D.
PHOTO VIA TOUCH COMMUNICATIONS/PICCOLO SOGNO
464 N. Halsted St. - River West
Piccolo Sogno's patio—massive yet virtually undetectable from the street—might be the greatest hidden gem in River West. The classic Italian restaurant's pizzas and pasta taste even fresher when sitting out on this shaded, extra green oasis.
Photo via Bunker/Slow Down Co.
1515 W. Monroe St. - West Loop
Bunker is West Loop's newest dog-friendly outdoor patio spot! Relax with an assortment of vintage cocktails and frosé all in a massive outdoor setting. Plus, you'll never go hungry with burritos and Mexican-inspired dips on the menu for snacking!
205 E 18th St. - South Loop
This American French fusion restaurant offers the perfect space for outdoor eating and large group dining!
North Side
2952 W. Armitage Ave. - Logan Square
2435 N. Halsted St. - Lincoln Park
5721 N. Clark St. - Andersonville
Parson's patios are synonymous with Chicago summers. Find your spot at one of the picnic tables, order a boozy slushie and settle into one of the city's most popular warm-weather spots.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CORRIDOR BREWERY
3446 N Southport Ave - Lakeview
A craft brewery situated in the heart of Southport Corridor, Corridor Brewery & Provisions exclusively serves their own beer at their brewery, providing visitors with an exceptional tasting experience. Wonderful beer paired with locally sourced food, with a lovely patio to enjoy the summer air? Sign us up!
Photo PROVIDED BY Middle Brow
2840 W. Armitage Ave - Logan Square
Bungalow by Middle Brow is a beer, wine, and pizza den that is Midwest made through-and-through. This is a farm-to-city establishment that makes their own beer and wine and pizza dough and bread, and we could keep going! Bungalow by Middle Brow is redefining the meaning of "local spot". So come check them (and their patio) out!
Photo via Page One PR
2021 N. Stockton Dr. - Lincoln Park
What's the best way to wind down from a day at the zoo? Cafe Brauer's lakefront patio offers an excellent view and fresh food that pairs great with a breezy summer afternoon. Cute animals, patio dining, cool beverages? You can never count us out of those plans.
IMAGE VIA FACEBOOK/BIG STAR
551 N. Ogden - West Town
1531 N. Damen Ave. - Wicker Park
3640 N. Clark St. - Wrigleyville
Duh. These patios are some of the busiest in town. Get your taco and margarita on at the West Town or Wicker Park locations, or take in the massive patio and retractable windows for open-air vibes in Wrigleyville after a Cubs game.
PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK/SHEFFIELD'S
3258 N. Sheffield Ave. - Lakeview
Sheffield’s beer garden is a classic just outside of the main Wrigleyville stretch. Enjoy tasty BBQ, bar food, craft beers, and more drinks!
PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK/FRONTIER
1072 N. Milwaukee Ave - West Town
Try something you have never seen on a menu before at Frontier. This spot is known for its whole animal experience. That’s right, you can order a whole pig, boar or goat for dinner. You can also get your drink on with regional craft beers, select fine wines, house-made cocktails and even pitchers of alcoholic punch on this Cajun-influenced restaurant's patio.
Photo via Facebook/The Whistler
2421 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Logan Square
If you’ve ever complained that The Whistler is too tiny, summer is the best time to visit when you can spill over into the back patio and enjoy some personal space and strong drinks.
PHOTO CREDIT: LAKESHORE BEVERAGE VIA SLEEPING VILLAGE
3734 W. Belmont Ave. - Avondale
This Chicago music venue also brings a spacious new patio to the Avondale area. With 56 beers and ciders on tap, you won’t soon get thirsty sitting out there on a sunny day.
South Side
IMAGE VIA FACEBOOK/THE PROMONTORY
5311 S. Lake Park Ave. - Hyde Park
The Promontory is a mainstay cultural and culinary hub in Hyde Park. If you’ve been waiting to see what the kitchen has to offer, why not do it al fresco? Or, have a few drinks on the patio before catching a show at the indoor music venue.
Photo via Facebook/Simone's
960 W. 18th St. - Pilsen
This sidewalk patio is a jam in Pilsen. Simone’s atmosphere never fails to attract fun people and fun times for a combination of craft beers and Mexican-inspired pub food.
Photo via Facebook/Maria's
960 W. 31st St. - Bridgeport
Don’t even bother coming to this homey Bridgeport staple if you’re not interested in making new friends and toasting to warm Chicago nights. There’s also outdoor seating at Kimski next door if you need a food-filled break from the bar.
PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK/TRUTH ITALIAN RESTAURANT
56 E. Pershing Rd. - Bronzeville
This Black woman-owned restaurant offers classic Italian dishes with a modern twist. Truth Italian’s outdoor patio is elegantly designed, making it a great date night destination.
Photo via Facebook/Nella Pizza
1125 E. 55th St. - Hyde Park
Nella's left its former home in Lincoln Park, but the Italian kitchen and Neapolitan pizza pros have since popped back up in Hyde Park with a lovely new al fresco dining area to visit.
Photo via Facebook/Cork & Kerry
10614 S. Western Ave. - Beverly
3259 S. Princeton Ave. - Bridgeport
Join the South Side Irish at this Beverly bar. Its sprawling patio is a great place to spend a summertime afternoon—and if your stay extends into the evening, no one will judge you.
PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK/THE WOODLAWN
1200 E. 79th St. - Chatham
Enjoy a fresh selection of traditional and modern dishes at this South Side gem. The Woodlawn is a modern and upbeat Internet cafe with a patio and rooftop for a unique outdoor dining experience. They offer coffee from a local South Side roaster by day and a pop-up experience by night.
PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK/VIRTUE
1462 E. 53rd St. - Hyde Park
Virtue Restaurant recently reopened its patio for outdoor dining. Celebrate Southern cooking and summertime at one of Hyde Park's most popular spots.
PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK/PHLAVZ
717 W. Maxwell St. - University Village
Known for its spicy jerk flavors, Phlavz Bar & Grille is a great place to enjoy a delicious meal in the sun. The menu includes fried jerk wings, loaded jerk chicken fries, salmon egg rolls, and more. They offer unique boozy drinks and also serve booze-free drink options. Window and patio seating is now available on a first-come, first-served basis.
West Side
Photo via Facebook/Lola's
2858 W. Chicago Ave. - Humboldt Park
If it's a Detroit-style dog you're after, Lola's is the place to be this summer. This cute little sandwich shop makes for a great sunny lunch break destination. Don't worry, Chicago-style hot dogs are also on the menu.
Photo via Facebook/Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar
2700 W. Chicago Ave. - Ukrainian Village
Did someone say oysters al fresco? Heritage's sidewalk patio is the spot for eating fresh summer bites all season long.
Photo via Facebook/Esmeralda's
2539 W. Division St. - Humboldt Park
Caribbean craft cocktails have arrived in Humboldt Park! Esmeralda's is a newer destination this summer but once you're buzzing off of these drinks, you'll be glad you made the trip.
Photo via Instagram/Nellie's Restaurant
2458 W. Division St. - Humboldt Park
Nellie's is a fan favorite for Puerto Rican food in the heart of Humboldt Park! This family-owned restaurant is best known for its brunches. Order the avena de coco (coconut oatmeal) and thank us later.
Photo via Facebook/Green Tomato Cafe
3750 W. Ogden Ave. - Lawndale
As the name might suggest, the Green Tomato is all about serving you what's fresh. Visit this patio for a meal of "made-from-scratch goodness" or swing by for your morning coffee. Bridgeport Coffee Co. brews are always available.
Photo via Macarthursrestaurant.com
5412 W. Madison St. - South Austin
Your tour of Southern cuisine in Chicago doesn't end until you've been to MacArthur's. It's a longtime favorite in the neighborhood and attracts new fans every day. Patio seating is available if you prefer to enjoy your fried goods and greens in the great outdoors.
Photo via Facebook/Humboldt Haus
2956 W. North Ave. - Humboldt Park
Best sub sandwiches in Humboldt Park—hands down! Refuel after a walk through the park (located directly across the street) with one of these fresh-made sammies and your choice of draft beer. We recommend kicking back on the sidewalk patio and chowing down.
Even More Awesome Patios In Chicago
2311 W. North Ave. - Wicker Park
1935 W. Chicago Ave. - West Town
2417 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Logan Square
3471 N. Elston Ave. - Avondale
2050 W. Balmoral Ave. - Bowmanville
3204 W. Armitage Ave. - Logan Square
2118 N. Damen Ave. - Bucktown
5148 N Clark St. - Andersonville
1401 N. Ashland Ave. - Wicker Park
1415 N. Wood St. - Wicker Park
1368 E. 53rd St. - Hyde Park
Did we miss your fav? Email us at [email protected] and let us know!
