Cold weather can really make the cabin fever kick in, but having fun outdoors while staying cozy is now an option.
Chicago's bars and restaurants are no match for chilly weather. Regardless of snow, the city has several all-season patios and rooftops.
1072 N. Milwaukee Ave. - West Town
The beer garden at Frontier is a cool summertime hang thanks to its retractable glass-paneled roof, but the massive fireplace, lounge seating and beautiful rustic decor keep you comfortable while soaking up some Vitamin D in the winter.
Photo via TLM/Tuman's Tap & Grill
2159 W. Chicago Ave. - West Town
Tuman's has taken over its Leavitt Street sidewalk area with a new heated and ventilated outdoor tent! Enjoy favorites like cheese boards and steak frites from this neighborhood favorite. Oh, and don't forget the beer!
Photo via The Pony
1638 W. Belmont Ave. - Lakeview
The Pony's sunlit rooftop bar is open for eating, drinking, and sports viewing! In Chicago, it's always rooftop season!
Image via facebook/Village Tap
2055 W. Roscoe St. - Roscoe Village
There's nothing like patio fun at a great neighborhood tavern. Luckily it never stops at The Village Tap's year-round beer garden.
Image via Facebook/FiresideChicago
5739 N. Ravenswood Ave. - Edgewater
Fireside's indoor fireplace and charming, heated patio complete with a retractable roof make this bar one of the coziest winter destinations around.
image via Eric Kleinberg/Courtesy of The J. Parker
1816 N. Clark St. - Old Town
J. Parker hooks it up with a tasty menu and city views so good you'll need to snap a photo. Its retractable glass atrium keeps your Instagram game from suffering during the cold months.
Image via Instagram/Big Star
1531 N. Damen Ave. - Wicker Park
Big Star is a right of passage for some Chicagoans, which means that the patio is usually packed during the summer months. Come on a cooler day to grab a seat under the heated (and dog-friendly) patio tent.
Photo courtesy of Kinship Company PR
155 N. Peoria St. - Fulton Market
West Loop's newest rooftop isn't going away for the winter! Check out a winterized experience atop the Nobu Hotel, open Wednesdays through Sundays featuring DJs, small plates, cocktails and—of course—a panoramic view of the skyline.
Image via Facebook/IOGodfrey
127 W. Huron St. - River North
Not only is I|O Godfrey the largest indoor/outdoor rooftop lounge in Chicago, it also has an amazing view of the city's skyline. Sounds like the perfect place to unwind after work.
Image Via Facebook/BeatnikChicago
1604 W. Chicago Ave. - West Town
West Town hotspot Beatnik closes its full-length windows for the winter but retains an open-air feel with its courtyard-style dining room, lush greenery and glass rooftop. Let the sun shine down while you sip on some of the best cocktails on the block—even in the dead of winter.
Photo via Paradise Park
1913 W. North Ave. - Wicker Park
It's no secret that the giant patio that occupies more than the front half of this quirky, trailer-park-themed bar is the main attraction. But what happens when your main attraction is threatened by Chicago's chilly months? You cover it and heat it, of course! Pizzas are served year-round on this patio.
Photo via Graystone
3441 N. Sheffield Ave. - Wrigleyville
Full food and drink menus are available throughout the winter season on The Graystone Tavern's new weatherproof patio. In accordance with CDC and City of Chicago guidelines, the space can seat 20 to 30 guests. The patio radiates good vibes with string lights overhead, seven TVs, and games like bags, giant Jenga and giant Connect 4.
Photo via Bar Cargo
605 N. Wells St. - River North
Drinks and pizza is the way to go at River North’s Roman pizza bar. This spot's spacious outdoor beer garden is now equipped with a roof covering and plenty of heaters so guests can hang, rain or shine. The cozy outdoor space also has TVs so you can tune into the best sports games.
Photo via District Brew Yards
417 N. Ashland St. - West Loop
Tons of fire pits and heaters are sure to keep you feeling cozy at this dog-friendly patio. Guests are encouraged to BYO-blankets, which we love. Enjoy chef Charlie McKenna’s award-winning BBQ from Lillie Q's inside and 40+ beers on draft from unique local breweries.
Photo via Volo Restaurant Wine Bar
2008 W. Roscoe St. - North Center
Heated outdoor dining is the move at Volo Restaurant Wine Bar. The relaxed atmosphere at this neighborhood hidden gem is super cute for a wintertime date.
Photo via Facebook/Pilot Project Brewing
2140 N. Milwaukee - Logan Square
One of our favorite experimental breweries, Pilot Project Brewing, is an incubator, tasting room and café located in Logan Square. With a philosophy of supporting talented brewers, fostering community and having fun with flavors, the possibilities are endless. The beer might be cold at this spot, but the heated, tented patio certainly isn't!
Photo via Facebook/Pilsen Yards
1163 W. 18th St. - Pilsen
Pilsen Yards is the classic all-occasions spot that the Pilsen neighborhood needs! With DJs, great food, even better drinks and a year-round patio (with a heated floor), you'll get everything you were hoping for out of a night here.
Photo via Facebook/Park And Field
3509 W. Fullerton Ave. - Logan Square
Between Park And Field's giant fire pits and its private, reservable yurt, this sporty spot in west Logan Square keeps outdoor drinks season alive for a few more months in the fall.
Photo via Facebook/Offshore Chicago
1000 E. Grand Ave. - Navy Pier
Offshore's glass rooftop is so massive that it can be hard to tell where it ends and the sky starts. It's a perfect place to seize the day when the sun shows itself during winter. Grab a beer or bite under the glass and feel that warmth on your face.
Photo Via: Facebook / Wood
3335 N. Halsted St. - Lakeview
Wood restaurant is an upscale dining experience where food is prepared from local farm produce and house-butchered meats over their wood-fired oven. Enjoy their heated covered patio starting January 16th for a fabulous night out.
Photo Via Facebook / Farm Bar
1300 W. Wellington Ave. - Lakeview
Looking for some midwest cuisine? Farm Bar is must try for those looking for cheese curds, pretzels, and delicious meats. This cozy spot has an awesome heated outdoor area for guests to kick back with friends and sip on housemade ciders, craft beer, and cocktails.
photo via facebook / Superkhana
3059 W Diversey Ave. — Logan Square
Superkhana International offers Indian-inspired cuisine with tons of brunch, dinner, and drink options. They also serve chai made with the chef's family recipe, so you know it'll be good.
Photo via Cody's Public House
1658 W Barry Ave - Lake View
A large patio that's dog-friendly - Is this heaven? Cody's spacious outdoors is complemented by plenty of beer and TVs, making it a perfect spot to catch playoff action this winter.
150 N Dearborn St - The Loop
Relax outdoors with some authentic Italian cuisine before catching a show in the Theater District. Don't worry - A long wine and cocktail list keeps the show going well beyond final curtain.
photo via The Mesler
1401 E 53rd St - Hyde Park
With a fire pit and plenty of spots to lounge, spending winter outdoors doesn't get much better. Enjoy craft cocktails and an innovative menu out in their "Sanctuary."
Know of another patio that will be open year-round? Let us know! Email cm (at) do312 (dot) com.
