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A patio with wooden furniture outside a brick building with a sign that reads “Off Color Brewing”
Show support for a favorite brewery and post up on its patio.
Off Color Brewing [Official Photo]

Where to Find Chicago Breweries With Outdoor Seating and Beer Gardens

These brewery taprooms and brewpubs offer a variety of patio options

by Ashok Selvam Updated
View as Map
Show support for a favorite brewery and post up on its patio.
| Off Color Brewing [Official Photo]
by Ashok Selvam Updated

Brewery taprooms are special places where families and friends can gather in harmony. Small children can entertain themselves while grownups attempt to have adult conversations. This is the ideal Chicago that natives dream about. The pandemic put a real hurt on draft beer sales, but now that breweries can welcome guests to their patios, they won’t have throw away all that spoiled beer.

The following map lists a few of Eater Chicago’s favorite breweries with outdoor options. There are sidewalks, converted parking lots, beer gardens, and more. Some require reservations, some are first come, first serve. Note: some breweries feel reservations give them more control of the safety in the space. They are better equipped to staff properly and to adjust to the flow of customers. Some may take deposits on reservations. No shows always hurt, but they hurt even more during the pandemic. Don’t complain. Everyone’s trying the best they can.

As of March 2, Chicago restaurants are permitted to serve customers indoors with a 50 percent maximum capacity per room, or 50 people — whichever is fewer. At the same time, despite winter weather, a number of Chicago restaurants continue to offer outdoor seating. Regardless, the state requires reservations for indoor and outdoor dining. The level of service offered is indicated on each map point. However, this should not be taken as an endorsement for dining in, as there are still safety concerns. For updated information on coronavirus cases in your area, please visit the city of Chicago’s COVID-19 dashboard. Studies indicate that there is a lower exposure risk when outdoors, but the level of risk involved with patio dining is contingent on restaurants following strict social distancing and other safety guidelines.

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Hubbard's Cave

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Fans of stouts love Hubbard’s Cave, as the brewery doesn’t care if temperatures are sizzling, dark and heavy beers are always on tap. That’s not to say there aren’t refreshing fruited options, but no one will judge a customer if they want to sip something high ABV in the middle of a heatwave. The tented outdoor area, which overlooks suburban Chicago’s chief tourist attraction — the Leaning Tower YMCA — is perfect for a beer and some barbecue.

6343 W Gross Point Rd, Niles, IL 60714
(847) 635-0655
(847) 635-0655

Half Acre Beer Co Balmoral Tap Room & Garden

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One of Chicago’s most popular brewpubs has a good-sized beer garden in back. Reservations are limited to 90 minutes and available via Tock.

2050 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 754-8488
(773) 754-8488

Dovetail Brewery

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Dovetail, a Ravenswood brewery on “Malt Row,” specializes in lagers. It has a sidewalk patio set up for outdoor enjoyment.

1800 W Belle Plaine Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 683-1414
(773) 683-1414

Also featured in:

Begyle Brewing

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One of Chicago’s friendliness breweries, Begyle is also part of Ravenswood’s “Malt Row” and the brewery has added patio seating in front and in back. 

1800 W Cuyler Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 661-6963
(773) 661-6963

Also featured in:

ERIS Brewery and Cider House

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One of Chicago’s growing number of women-owned breweries, Eris serves up a knockout hazy IPA along with some stellar cider. They’ve taken part of their parking lot and converted it into patio space. Reservations are available via Tock.

4240 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60641
(773) 943-6200
(773) 943-6200

Also featured in:

DryHop Brewers

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The Lakeview brewpub, along with neighboring sibling Roebuck, has a solid selection of draft beers for hopheads. There’s a sidewalk patio which is expanded on select weeks into Broadway, part of the city’s street dining expansion program. It’s first come, first serve.

3155 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 857-3155
(773) 857-3155

Also featured in:

Metropolitan Brewing

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Metropolitan, one of the most unique taprooms in Chicago, offers gorgeous views of the Chicago River from Avondale. The brewery cranks out a variety of lagers for those who aren’t keen on hops. First come, first served.

3057 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618

Also featured in:

Maplewood Brewery & Distillery

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Maplewood, a tiny brewery in Logan Square near where Diversey and the Kennedy Expressway meet, has a quaint sidewalk patio. Reservations are limited to 90 minutes and available via Tock.

2717 N Maplewood Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 270-1061
(773) 270-1061

Also featured in:

BiXi Beer

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Bo Fowler’s Asian brewpub has a new brewer who worked at Three Floyds. The beer menu will change to reflect the new hire. The second floor patio space is small, but on warm days, retractable roof is left open providing a fun new dimension. First come, first served.

2515 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 904-7368
(773) 904-7368
An open-air patio space with two tables, chairs, and an outdoor sofa.
Check out new beers and soak up some sunshine at Bixi.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Pilot Project Brewing

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This “brewery incubator” in Logan Square has something for everyone with beer, coffee, and spiked kombucha. The patio is spacious and set aside from the sidewalk. Food is available. It’s first come, first served.

2140 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 270-5995
(773) 270-5995

Also featured in:

Bungalow by Middle Brow

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Middle Brow Bungalow has been active during the pandemic adding morning bread service and pioneering safe dining habits in Logan Square. Enjoy wonderful thin-crust pizza and tinned fish. The patio, set aside from the sidewalk, is a relaxed place to hang out.

2840 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 687-9076
(773) 687-9076

Also featured in:

Off Color Brewing Taproom The Mousetrap

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Lincoln Park is bizarrely home to one of Chicago’s most creative breweries, one that’s never brewed an IPA. The patio at Off Color, off Kingsbury, is small, but gives Chicagoans on-premise access to a vivacious selection of brews. Reservations are limited to 90 minutes and include a $10 deposit. Tables should be booked the day before.

1460 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 929-2916
(312) 929-2916

Also featured in:

The Perch Kitchen and Tap

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A collaboration between the owners of 4 Star Restaurant Group (the Smoke Daddy) and Finch Beer Co., this is Wicker Park’s second brewpub. There are two outdoor areas: The front sidewalk patio, and the garden to the east of the building. The space just opened and the offerings will change up. Reservations via Tock.

1932 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 486-2739
(773) 486-2739
Sidewalk patio seating in front of a restaurant with square tables and large, colorful umbrellas.
There’s a sidewalk patio in front and a sculpture garden in back.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

District Brew Yards

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District Brew Yards in West Town rose as Burnt City Brewing moved from Lincoln Park into a spacious facility joined by Around the Bend, Case Humilde, and Bold Dog beers. A new private patio is open, and long-time Bucktown barbecue spot Lillie’s Q has also move in with ribs, brisket, and more. Credit and debit cards only. Enter through the main door, not the outdoor patio entrance, to help the flow and ensure better social distancing.

417 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 295-1270
(773) 295-1270

Also featured in:

Goose Island Taproom

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For all of Goose Island’s resources, Budweiser hasn’t built them a proper patio. Still, the brewery has set up makeshift outdoor spots at the Fulton Market and Lincoln Park locations. While the scenery isn’t exotic, on any given day Goose could be exhuming something tasty from its vaults, and that alone is worth the trip.

1800 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 262-4717
(312) 262-4717

More in Maps

Midwest Coast Brewing Company

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Midwest Coast features picnic-style tables set up in the parking lot, and food delivered via 2nd Kitchen. It’s first come, first served, and they have plenty of hand sanitizer from Koval Distillery.

2137 W Walnut St, Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 361-1176
(312) 361-1176

Also featured in:

Cruz Blanca

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This Mexican-influenced brewpub has come of age in recent years with a fantastic barrel-aged program. The restaurant recently unveiled a new food menu, it’s first since Rick Bayless left the West Loop operation. The brewpub recently switched to first come, first served for the patio. There’s a maximum two-hour stay.

904 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 733-1975
(312) 733-1975

Also featured in:

Haymarket Pub & Brewery

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Haymarket, on the corner of Halsted and Randolph in West Loop, has expanded its outdoor seating options next door. A Chicago-centric beer list also features Belgians and modern American styles. Call for patio reservations.

737 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 638-0700
(312) 638-0700

It’s canning day! Our very special collab with our neighbors @jpgraziano is available for preorder now, and available...

Posted by Haymarket Pub & Brewery on Monday, March 15, 2021

Also featured in:

Alulu Brewery and Pub

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Pilsen is a magical place thanks to Alulu, a small-batch brewery with a friendly staff and astonishingly tasty food coming from such a small kitchen. It’s first come, first serve for the patio.

2011 S Laflin St, Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 600-9865
(312) 600-9865

Lo Rez Brewing and Taproom

Copy Link

It’s first come, first serve at this rustic Pilsen space that’s dog and kid friendly. BYO food while trying a wide selections of beers, including an imperial stout with chipotle and guajillo chiles.

2101 S Carpenter St, Chicago, IL 60608
(888) 404-2262
(888) 404-2262

Also featured in:

Moody Tongue Brewing Company

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Moody Tongue’s story has been told: The owner is went to culinary school and concocts beers with fancy ingredients (like truffles), and brews them with fresh fruits for some unique beverages. The food is a blend of bar favorites and fine dining. Last summer, staff opened a small sidewalk patio. Reservations and walk-ins accepted.

2515 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 600-5111
(312) 600-5111

Also featured in:

Horse Thief Hollow

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In Beverly, Horse Thief Hollow offers something for everyone from IPA, to black lagers, to imperial stouts. Patio reservations are available via Resy. Find smoked meats, salads, and more.

10426 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60643
(773) 779-2739
(773) 779-2739

Also featured in:

Open Outcry Brewing Company

Copy Link

In Morgan Park, Open Outcry has established itself as a neighborhood staple for the last few years with pizza and craft beer. The rooftop patio is a more recent addition and provides plenty of space for social distancing. The first-floor’s garage-door style window also open up for plenty of ventilation. It’s first come, first served.

10934 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60643
(773) 629-6055
(773) 629-6055

Also featured in:

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Hubbard's Cave

6343 W Gross Point Rd, Niles, IL 60714

Fans of stouts love Hubbard’s Cave, as the brewery doesn’t care if temperatures are sizzling, dark and heavy beers are always on tap. That’s not to say there aren’t refreshing fruited options, but no one will judge a customer if they want to sip something high ABV in the middle of a heatwave. The tented outdoor area, which overlooks suburban Chicago’s chief tourist attraction — the Leaning Tower YMCA — is perfect for a beer and some barbecue.

6343 W Gross Point Rd, Niles, IL 60714
(847) 635-0655
(847) 635-0655

Half Acre Beer Co Balmoral Tap Room & Garden

2050 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

One of Chicago’s most popular brewpubs has a good-sized beer garden in back. Reservations are limited to 90 minutes and available via Tock.

2050 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 754-8488
(773) 754-8488

Dovetail Brewery

1800 W Belle Plaine Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

Dovetail, a Ravenswood brewery on “Malt Row,” specializes in lagers. It has a sidewalk patio set up for outdoor enjoyment.

1800 W Belle Plaine Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 683-1414
(773) 683-1414

Begyle Brewing

1800 W Cuyler Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

One of Chicago’s friendliness breweries, Begyle is also part of Ravenswood’s “Malt Row” and the brewery has added patio seating in front and in back. 

1800 W Cuyler Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 661-6963
(773) 661-6963

ERIS Brewery and Cider House

4240 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60641

One of Chicago’s growing number of women-owned breweries, Eris serves up a knockout hazy IPA along with some stellar cider. They’ve taken part of their parking lot and converted it into patio space. Reservations are available via Tock.

4240 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60641
(773) 943-6200
(773) 943-6200

DryHop Brewers

3155 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657

The Lakeview brewpub, along with neighboring sibling Roebuck, has a solid selection of draft beers for hopheads. There’s a sidewalk patio which is expanded on select weeks into Broadway, part of the city’s street dining expansion program. It’s first come, first serve.

3155 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 857-3155
(773) 857-3155

Metropolitan Brewing

3057 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618

Metropolitan, one of the most unique taprooms in Chicago, offers gorgeous views of the Chicago River from Avondale. The brewery cranks out a variety of lagers for those who aren’t keen on hops. First come, first served.

3057 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618

Maplewood Brewery & Distillery

2717 N Maplewood Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Maplewood, a tiny brewery in Logan Square near where Diversey and the Kennedy Expressway meet, has a quaint sidewalk patio. Reservations are limited to 90 minutes and available via Tock.

2717 N Maplewood Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 270-1061
(773) 270-1061

BiXi Beer

2515 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Bo Fowler’s Asian brewpub has a new brewer who worked at Three Floyds. The beer menu will change to reflect the new hire. The second floor patio space is small, but on warm days, retractable roof is left open providing a fun new dimension. First come, first served.

2515 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 904-7368
(773) 904-7368
An open-air patio space with two tables, chairs, and an outdoor sofa.
Check out new beers and soak up some sunshine at Bixi.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Pilot Project Brewing

2140 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

This “brewery incubator” in Logan Square has something for everyone with beer, coffee, and spiked kombucha. The patio is spacious and set aside from the sidewalk. Food is available. It’s first come, first served.

2140 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 270-5995
(773) 270-5995

Bungalow by Middle Brow

2840 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Middle Brow Bungalow has been active during the pandemic adding morning bread service and pioneering safe dining habits in Logan Square. Enjoy wonderful thin-crust pizza and tinned fish. The patio, set aside from the sidewalk, is a relaxed place to hang out.

2840 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 687-9076
(773) 687-9076

Off Color Brewing Taproom The Mousetrap

1460 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60642

Lincoln Park is bizarrely home to one of Chicago’s most creative breweries, one that’s never brewed an IPA. The patio at Off Color, off Kingsbury, is small, but gives Chicagoans on-premise access to a vivacious selection of brews. Reservations are limited to 90 minutes and include a $10 deposit. Tables should be booked the day before.

1460 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 929-2916
(312) 929-2916

The Perch Kitchen and Tap

1932 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

A collaboration between the owners of 4 Star Restaurant Group (the Smoke Daddy) and Finch Beer Co., this is Wicker Park’s second brewpub. There are two outdoor areas: The front sidewalk patio, and the garden to the east of the building. The space just opened and the offerings will change up. Reservations via Tock.

1932 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 486-2739
(773) 486-2739
Sidewalk patio seating in front of a restaurant with square tables and large, colorful umbrellas.
There’s a sidewalk patio in front and a sculpture garden in back.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

District Brew Yards

417 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

District Brew Yards in West Town rose as Burnt City Brewing moved from Lincoln Park into a spacious facility joined by Around the Bend, Case Humilde, and Bold Dog beers. A new private patio is open, and long-time Bucktown barbecue spot Lillie’s Q has also move in with ribs, brisket, and more. Credit and debit cards only. Enter through the main door, not the outdoor patio entrance, to help the flow and ensure better social distancing.

417 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 295-1270
(773) 295-1270

Goose Island Taproom

1800 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612

For all of Goose Island’s resources, Budweiser hasn’t built them a proper patio. Still, the brewery has set up makeshift outdoor spots at the Fulton Market and Lincoln Park locations. While the scenery isn’t exotic, on any given day Goose could be exhuming something tasty from its vaults, and that alone is worth the trip.

1800 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 262-4717
(312) 262-4717

Related Maps

Midwest Coast Brewing Company

2137 W Walnut St, Chicago, IL 60612

Midwest Coast features picnic-style tables set up in the parking lot, and food delivered via 2nd Kitchen. It’s first come, first served, and they have plenty of hand sanitizer from Koval Distillery.

2137 W Walnut St, Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 361-1176
(312) 361-1176

Cruz Blanca

904 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

This Mexican-influenced brewpub has come of age in recent years with a fantastic barrel-aged program. The restaurant recently unveiled a new food menu, it’s first since Rick Bayless left the West Loop operation. The brewpub recently switched to first come, first served for the patio. There’s a maximum two-hour stay.

904 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 733-1975
(312) 733-1975

Haymarket Pub & Brewery

737 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661

Haymarket, on the corner of Halsted and Randolph in West Loop, has expanded its outdoor seating options next door. A Chicago-centric beer list also features Belgians and modern American styles. Call for patio reservations.

737 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 638-0700
(312) 638-0700

It’s canning day! Our very special collab with our neighbors @jpgraziano is available for preorder now, and available...

Posted by Haymarket Pub & Brewery on Monday, March 15, 2021

Alulu Brewery and Pub

2011 S Laflin St, Chicago, IL 60608

Pilsen is a magical place thanks to Alulu, a small-batch brewery with a friendly staff and astonishingly tasty food coming from such a small kitchen. It’s first come, first serve for the patio.

2011 S Laflin St, Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 600-9865
(312) 600-9865

Lo Rez Brewing and Taproom

2101 S Carpenter St, Chicago, IL 60608

It’s first come, first serve at this rustic Pilsen space that’s dog and kid friendly. BYO food while trying a wide selections of beers, including an imperial stout with chipotle and guajillo chiles.

2101 S Carpenter St, Chicago, IL 60608
(888) 404-2262
(888) 404-2262

Moody Tongue Brewing Company

2515 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Moody Tongue’s story has been told: The owner is went to culinary school and concocts beers with fancy ingredients (like truffles), and brews them with fresh fruits for some unique beverages. The food is a blend of bar favorites and fine dining. Last summer, staff opened a small sidewalk patio. Reservations and walk-ins accepted.

2515 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 600-5111
(312) 600-5111

Horse Thief Hollow

10426 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60643

In Beverly, Horse Thief Hollow offers something for everyone from IPA, to black lagers, to imperial stouts. Patio reservations are available via Resy. Find smoked meats, salads, and more.

10426 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60643
(773) 779-2739
(773) 779-2739

Open Outcry Brewing Company

10934 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60643

In Morgan Park, Open Outcry has established itself as a neighborhood staple for the last few years with pizza and craft beer. The rooftop patio is a more recent addition and provides plenty of space for social distancing. The first-floor’s garage-door style window also open up for plenty of ventilation. It’s first come, first served.

10934 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60643
(773) 629-6055
(773) 629-6055

Related Maps