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Chicago's Patio Season Guide, 2016 Edition

Because you made it through another winter

by Jeffy Mai
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by Jeffy Mai

Spring in Chicago means it's finally time for one glorious thing—patio season. As the weather heats up, many of Chicago's best restaurants and bars are opening their patios and rooftops for guests to catch some rays while enjoying outdoor staples like tacos and daiquiris. Here are many top spots below, as well as some new openings for 2016, so check it out to see where you'll be lounging around the next few months.

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Bang Bang Pie Shop

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The only thing that makes Bang Bang’s pies even better is getting to enjoy them out in the side yard. Rows of picnic tables line the area, making it the perfect spot to relax over a savory biscuit sandwich or luscious slice of pie.

2051 N California Ave, Chicago, IL, 60647
(773) 276-8888
(773) 276-8888
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Bernie's Lunch & Supper

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Michigan-based import Bernie’s Lunch & Supper is ready for its first full al fresco season. The seasonal rooftop deck is a nice after-work drinks spot that’s bound to see plenty of crowds stopping in for craft cocktails and a menu full of rustic Mediterranean flavors.

660 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL, 60654
(312) 624-9892
(312) 624-9892
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Big Star

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Chicago’s most popular patio is always an attractive option. Large crowds and long waits are to be expected but tough it out and you’ll be rewarded with delicious tacos and margaritas. Or order from the takeout window and saunter over to nearby Wicker Park for a lovely picnic.

1531 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL, 60622
(773) 235-4039
(773) 235-4039
Big Star

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Chop Shop

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Wicker Park’s restaurant, bar, butcher shop and event space has an upstairs patio perfect for escaping the noise of the city. Decked with strung-out lights and umbrellas, it’s tucked away from the rest of the neighborhood and opens at 11 a.m. daily, giving guests a daytime spot to lounge around while enjoying a burger or nice steak.

2033 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 537-4440
(773) 537-4440
Chop Shop

Cindy's

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The Chicago Athletic Association's beach house-style rooftop is sure to be a popular destination this spring. The picturesque view of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan makes an ideal backdrop for some daytime drinking, or stop by in the evening and huddle around the fire pits outside. Either way, it’s hard to find a more awe-inspiring terrace.

12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60603
(312) 792-3502
(312) 792-3502
Marc Much

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Dos Urban Cantina

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The highly-acclaimed Mexican restaurant will unveil a brand new sidewalk patio that seats over 40 guests. It’ll feature lush botanicals, creating an inviting new outdoor destination to lounge over a drink or enjoy dinner in Logan Square.

2829 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 661-6452
(773) 661-6452
Marc Much

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Earls Kitchen + Bar

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The New City location of the Canadian restaurant chain has a modern and spacious patio area accommodating up to 100 guests, complete with lounge seating and fire pits. Enjoy globally-inspired, seasonal fare like a Sante Fe chicken salad and Strawberry Spritz cocktail.

1538 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL, 60610
(312) 929-3952
(312) 929-3952
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Firefly Kitchen

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Up in the suburb of Wilmette, this Brooklyn-inspired bistro features a 35-seat enclosed back patio. The space includes quad tables with umbrellas, chairs, lounge furniture and heaters so guests can enjoy the restaurant’s seasonal comfort dishes outside even when it’s cool out.

111 Green Bay Rd, Wilmette, IL, 60091
Firefly Kitchen

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Forno Rosso

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Forno Rosso’s second location in the West Loop is debuting a 60-seat patio this spring to create an “Italian outdoor café experience,” according to owner Nick Nitti. Guests can enjoy the full menu outside, which includes the rustic Neapolitan pies that have gained a cult-like following among pizza lovers.

1048 Randolph Street, Chicago, IL, 60607
(312) 243-6000
(312) 243-6000
Marc Much

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Fountainhead

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Beer and whiskey aficionados love Fountainhead for its extensive drink selection. Just as impressive is the restaurant’s rooftop, which is where you’ll want to be when it opens in May. A menu of seasonal, pub-friendly fare pairs well with the booze and locals have made the spot a neighborhood favorite by packing the house nightly.

1970 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL, 60613
(773) 697-8204
(773) 697-8204
Yelp

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Fremont

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Thanks to the expansive retractable roof, Fremont provides an al fresco feel to guests throughout the restaurant during all hours of the day. The large moon roof on the upper level offers cityscape views while guests enjoy cocktails, dinner or a decadent weekend brunch buffet.

15 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 239-0995
(312) 239-0995
Marc Much

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GreenRiver

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One of last year’s biggest openings is ready for its first full patio season. The rooftop restaurant debuts its terrace again, boasting sweeping views of the cityscape. The outdoor bar area can accommodate 40-45 people standing and features Head Bartender Julia Momose’s highballs such as Yuzu Gin & Tonic, GreenRiver Vodka Soda and GreenRiver Rhum & Cola. An adjacent dining area can seat up to 50 guests for Chef Aaron Lirette’s seasonal fare.

259 E Erie St Fl 18, Chicago, IL, 60611
(312) 337-0101
(312) 337-0101
Michelle Smith

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Happy Village

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This Ukrainian Village dive bar has been around for more than 50 years and it’s not hard to see why it’s so popular. The beer garden, which is open year-round, is an oasis filled with plenty of seating, a tent and even a goldfish pond. There are also ping pong tables inside, making it a great place to bring your own food and host a party.

1059 N Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL, 60622
(773) 486-1512
(773) 486-1512
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Mezcaleria Las Flores

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Fans of mezcal will soon be able to enjoy more than 60 bottles of the agave spirit on a sidewalk patio. The new Logan Square bar will share the space with neighbor Johnny’s Grill so guests can relax over a smoky cocktail and a griddled burger.

3149 W Logan Blvd, Chicago, IL
(773) 278-2215
(773) 278-2215
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Osteria Langhe

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The well-received Italian eatery offering Piemontese fare is launching a “secret garden” in early May. The reservation-only, quaint backyard features a communal table for 14 guests accompanied by a garden where Chef Cameron Grant sources fresh ingredients.

2824 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL, 60647
(773) 661-1582
(773) 661-1582
Timothy Hiatt

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Parson's Chicken & Fish

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Delicious fried chicken and a spacious patio. What else could one need? In this case, a Negroni slushy is the perfect complement to warm spring day in Chicago. Parson's bucks the trend of bad frozen cocktails by making theirs in a machine with Letherbee gin, Luxardo bitter and sweet vermouth.

2952 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL, 60647
(773) 384-3333
(773) 384-3333
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Piccolo Sogno

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Date night doesn’t get more romantic than with a rustic meal on Piccolo Sogno’s lush garden patio. Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city with a glass of wine and some of the best Italian fare in town.

464 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL, 60642
(312) 421-0077
(312) 421-0077
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Queen Mary

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Explore British maritime drinking traditions at the Ukrainian Village tavern on Division Street. The 50-seat sidewalk patio, set to open this spring, will allow guests to drink up on gin, rum and scotch-based cocktails outside while singing their favorite shanties.

2125 W Division, Chicago, IL, 60622
(773) 697-3522
(773) 697-3522
Marc Much

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Red Door

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Chef Troy Graves is dishing out globally-inspired bites at this Bucktown gastropub. That means the menu offers items ranging from Hong Kong noodles and ricotta gnocchi to Dorilocos, a Mexican street food. Best of all, you can enjoy it from the glorious wood-accented patio that seats up to 100 guests.

2118 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL, 60647
(773) 697-7221
(773) 697-7221
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Replay Beer & Bourbon

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New for the season, the arcade bar shares a 68-seat, dog-friendly patio with adjacent cocktail lounge Elixir. Guests can enjoy both menus al fresco while taking in the sights and sounds of Andersonville.

5358 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60640
(773) 654-1369
(773) 654-1369
Replay and Elixir

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River Roast

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Kick back and feel the cool breeze of the lake from the patio of Chicago’s premier riverfront restaurant. To complement the gorgeous view, Chef John Hogan delivers an array of contemporary tavern fare including signature roasted meats, fish and veggies, all carved tableside.

315 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 822-0100
(312) 822-0100
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Small Cheval

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The Au Cheval spinoff offers near-replicas of the nationally-acclaimed burger that Chicagoans can’t get enough of, as well as ample patio seating so you don’t have to wait hours in line. The slimmed-down menu keeps things simple with just a few beverage options to go alongside the burgers and fries, but when the food is this good, you’ll find no complaints.

1732 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(312) 929-4580
(312) 929-4580
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SPiN Ping Pong

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The newly opened ping pong social club features an outdoor patio directly off State Street. The space will have a STIGA ping pong table for playing, alongside a lounging area for guests to enjoy al fresco dining and custom cocktails.

344 N State St, Chicago, IL, 60654
(773) 635-9999
(773) 635-9999
Barry Brecheisen

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St Lou's Assembly

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Hot on the heels of its surprise opening, Saint Lou’s Assembly will launch a back porch patio in mid-May. The 100-seat space will feature bleacher seating, lush planters and a bocce ball court while guests can unwind with picnic-style grab & go bites as well as boozy floats and select cocktails from Moneygun.

664 West lake Street, Chicago, IL, 60661
Blue Star Properties

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Tanta Chicago

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Pisco sours and patio season go hand-in-hand. Luckily, Tanta makes a fantastic version of the South American cocktail for guests to enjoy on its rooftop along with summer-centric Peruvian bites. A retractable awning also keeps guests warm and dry, making it a great spot to hang out during spring showers.

118 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL, 60654
(312) 222-9700
(312) 222-9700
Tanta

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The Dawson

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The huge patio—decked out with strung-up lights, lots of greenery and its own bar—makes this a hotspot during spring and summertime. The signature frozen Mai Tai is a definite crowd favorite, made with a boozy mix of Bacardi 8, Rhum Clément Agricole, housemade orgeat and cointreau.

732 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL, 60654
(312) 243-8955
(312) 243-8955
The Dawson

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The Duck Inn

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A stone's throw from U.S. Cellular Field, The Duck Inn packs in a crowd on warm-weather days and nights. It's a bi-level backyard with rustic benches and tables over a brick floor.

2701 S Eleanor St, Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 724-8811
(312) 724-8811
The Duck Inn

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The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Chicago

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The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Chicago will open its doors to the public on May 16th and house a fifth-floor terrace for guests to relax on. Dubbed Upstairs at The Gwen, the Art Deco-infused space will focus on elevated craft cocktails paired with shareable small plates.

521 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 645-1500
(312) 645-1500
The Gwen

The Promontory

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Hyde Park’s restaurant/music venue concept has two floors of open-air space along with patio seating. Jared Wentworth presents a menu of modern hearth cuisine so diners can feast on items like grilled gulf prawns, kalbi short ribs and wagyu strip steak.

5311 S Lake Park West, Chicago, IL, 60615
(312) 801-2100
(312) 801-2100
Nick Fochtman

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Whiskey Business

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There can never be enough outdoor seating in Wicker Park so this new whiskey bar is getting in on the action with its rooftop. Expect an ample amount of space (170 seats), communal tables and big-screen televisions showing all of the big games starting in May.

1367 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, Chicago, IL
(773) 698-7362
(773) 698-7362
Marc Much

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Bang Bang Pie Shop

2051 N California Ave, Chicago, IL, 60647

The only thing that makes Bang Bang’s pies even better is getting to enjoy them out in the side yard. Rows of picnic tables line the area, making it the perfect spot to relax over a savory biscuit sandwich or luscious slice of pie.

2051 N California Ave, Chicago, IL, 60647
(773) 276-8888
(773) 276-8888
Facebook

Bernie's Lunch & Supper

660 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL, 60654

Michigan-based import Bernie’s Lunch & Supper is ready for its first full al fresco season. The seasonal rooftop deck is a nice after-work drinks spot that’s bound to see plenty of crowds stopping in for craft cocktails and a menu full of rustic Mediterranean flavors.

660 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL, 60654
(312) 624-9892
(312) 624-9892
Facebook

Big Star

1531 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL, 60622

Chicago’s most popular patio is always an attractive option. Large crowds and long waits are to be expected but tough it out and you’ll be rewarded with delicious tacos and margaritas. Or order from the takeout window and saunter over to nearby Wicker Park for a lovely picnic.

1531 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL, 60622
(773) 235-4039
(773) 235-4039
Big Star

Chop Shop

2033 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Wicker Park’s restaurant, bar, butcher shop and event space has an upstairs patio perfect for escaping the noise of the city. Decked with strung-out lights and umbrellas, it’s tucked away from the rest of the neighborhood and opens at 11 a.m. daily, giving guests a daytime spot to lounge around while enjoying a burger or nice steak.

2033 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 537-4440
(773) 537-4440
Chop Shop

Cindy's

12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60603

The Chicago Athletic Association's beach house-style rooftop is sure to be a popular destination this spring. The picturesque view of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan makes an ideal backdrop for some daytime drinking, or stop by in the evening and huddle around the fire pits outside. Either way, it’s hard to find a more awe-inspiring terrace.

12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60603
(312) 792-3502
(312) 792-3502