Even though Chicago weather has been very unpredictable lately, summer is right around the corner (or at least we can hope)! Patio season is what makes these long Chicago winters tolerable. Who can resist sipping on a cold cocktail and dining alfresco?
Here are my “Top 10 Restaurants with Patios” in the city…
10. La Sirena Clandestina
La Sirena Clandestina serves Brazilian-inspired food and cocktails. They have a small patio area out front where you can eat, drink, and chill. This is a great choice when you want to sit outside but don’t want to go to an overcrowded restaurant. It is located on a quiet stretch of Fulton Market, so it isn’t as hectic as other restaurants in the area.
Cheese and Shrimp Skewers at La Sirena Clandestina // Photo: @topchicagoeats
FAB TIP: Happy hour is Monday-Friday from 3 p.m.-5 p.m.
{Location}
La Sirena Clandestina
West Loop || 954 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 226-5300
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Ratings: 3.5 Fabs}
9. 90 Miles Cuban Café
90 Miles has delicious Cuban food along with plenty of seating in their front and back patios. They also have a great atmosphere with live music every week. Come for the amazing authentic Cuban dishes and stay for the FREE salsa lessons!
FAB TIP: This restaurant is BYOB.
{Location}
90 Miles Cuban Café
Roscoe Village || 3101 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 248-2822
Logan Square || 2540 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 227-2822
Lincolnwood || 3333 W Touhy Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (847) 679-2822
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Ratings: 3.5 Fabs}
8. Expat
Expat is a pop-up patio in the West Loop that opened for the first time last summer. It is located on a small stretch of Green Street in-between Nellcôte and Green Street Smoked Meats. Expat offers all of the essentials for a perfect summer night on a patio: a raw bar, small plates, beer, cocktails, and boozy snow cones. Be sure to check it out because who doesn’t love a Rosé snow cone on a hot summer day!
Rosé Snow Cone at Expat // Photo: @topchicagoeats
FAB TIP: Open for lunch and dinner.
{Location}
Expat
West Loop || 118 N Green St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 432-0500
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Ratings: 3.5 Fabs}
7. Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits
Pie and biscuits while sitting outside? Where do I sign up? When you pass by Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits, you can often see a long line out the door. Don’t let that steer you away as the line moves quickly. There are a few tables inside, but when the weather is nice, you’ll want to sit outside at one of the many picnic tables or chairs. The patio is great for large groups AND it’s dog-friendly!
Passion Fruit Pie at Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits // Photo: @topchicagoeats
FAB TIP: You can pre-order whole pies and skip the line.
{Location}
Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits
Logan Square || 2051 N California Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 276-8888
{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)
{Fab Ratings: 4 Fabs}
6. Acanto
Acanto is an Italian restaurant located across the street from Millennium Park. The patio is right on Michigan Avenue, which provides great views on sunny summer days. Grab some pizza or pasta…and stay awhile!
Rigatoni at Acanto // Photo: @topchicagoeats
FAB TIP: Happy Hour is Monday-Friday from 2:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. and features half priced pizzas along with drink specials.
{Location}
Acanto
South Loop || 18 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 578-0763
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Ratings: 4 Fabs}
5. Celeste
Celeste is a modern drinking lounge/restaurant and serves seasonal American cuisine. The patio at Celeste is located on the fourth floor of the building. The Victorian-style décor is unique and gives the atmosphere an elegant feel. The full menu is available on the patio. It is located close to the Loop, which makes it the perfect spot to go for after work drinks and appetizers.
Brussels Sprouts and Beef Carpaccio at Celeste // Photo: @topchicagoeats
FAB TIP: Closed on Mondays.
{Location}
Celeste
River North || 111 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 828-9000
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Ratings: 4 Fabs}
4. Big Star
Big Star is a bourbon and beer-focused restaurant with a Mexican street food-inspired menu. Big Star’s patio is spacious, which is often packed during warmer weather. If you are in a hurry or don’t want to wait for a table, order at the takeout window, where the full menu is offered.
Al Pastor and Chorizo Tacos at Big Star // Photo: @topchicagoeats
FAB TIP: You can now order breakfast tacos Friday-Sunday from 9 a.m.-11 a.m.
{Location}
Big Star
Wicker Park || 1531 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 235-4039
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Ratings: 4 Fabs}
3. Parson’s Chicken & Fish
Parson’s has one my favorite fried chicken sandwiches in the city along with a large patio in the back, making it the perfect spot to hang out on a summer afternoon. This extensive patio space has picnic tables throughout as well as a ping-pong table. Their famous Negroni slushies cannot be missed!
Fried Chicken Sandwich at Parson’s Chicken & Fish // Photo: @topchicagoeats
FAB TIP: Happy hour is Monday-Friday from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. and includes $5 Negroni slushies.
{Location}
Parson’s Chicken & Fish
Logan Square || 2952 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 384-3333
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Ratings: 4 Fabs}
2. The Dawson
The Dawson is a casual, neighborhood spot for classic American food and crafty cocktails. The bi-level restaurant features a nice patio area. Although The Dawson is located on a corner of a busy intersection, there is large fence surrounding the patio, which keeps you secluded. The large brick patio decorated with string lights throughout the space gives it a relaxed backyard feel. There is also a little lounge area with comfy chairs and couches in front of a large brick fireplace for those chilly summer nights.
Chicken Fried Lobster at The Dawson // Photo: @topchicagoeats
FAB TIP: The Dawson offers daily entree and drink pairing specials in addition to a happy hour featuring small bites, beers, and cocktails. Monday-Friday from 4:30 p.m-6 p.m.
{Location}
The Dawson
River West || 730 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 243-8955
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Ratings: 4.5 Fabs}
1. Ada Street
Ada Street is the type of place you wouldn’t go unless you heard about it through a friend. It is hidden on a little side street in between warehouses. This American-Mediterranean restaurant space is quite massive, but the back patio is where you want to be. The patio has an AstroTurf lawn and ping-pong table where you can enjoy a variety of small plates and creative cocktails.
Trout & Arugula Panzanella and Gin Fizz Cocktail at Ada Street // Photo: @topchicagoeats
FAB TIP: There are limited reservations available from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome.
{Location}
Ada Street
Bucktown || 1664 N Ada St, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 697-7069
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Ratings: 4.5 Fabs}
What are some of your favorite patios to go to? Comment with your favorites below.
Eat, Eat, Repeat,
Lisette
Note: These meals were not complimentary. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.
