Waterfront Cafe is an urban oasis near Edgewater. This spot is worth a visit for the atmosphere and live music from local performers on a lakefront stage.

Downtown doesn't get to have all the fun. The Dock at Montrose features American fare with a few tacos thrown in for good measure.

Snag a spot at this historic site that features two patios (one is dog friendly) and lovely views of the lake and Downtown Chicago. A casual menu of beach eats includes nachos, burgers, beers, and more.

This three-in-one lakefront hotspot reopened its large patio for the season with seafood dishes such as salmon ceviche, crispy lobster tacos, and tuna poke, as well as plenty of boozy frozen cocktails and draft beers.

North Avenue Beach was reborn when Castaways opened, providing tourists and surburbanites a base of operations during summer weekend. It's a great place for a private event.

Navy Pier’s interiors have been revamped creating a more intimate atmosphere, well it feels more comfy compared to the ‘90s mall feel that the tourist attraction had going for the space. Within, there’s a food court with McDonald’s and Starbucks. Forget those chains and opt for the Chicago chain restaurants of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises which offer Big City Chicken, Big Bowl, and Frankie’s Pizza. There’s also Rainbow Cone, Frio, America’s Dog, a Billy Goat Tavern, and the Beat Kitchen (the Lakeview music venue actually has pretty amazing food). Don’t forget Brown Sugar Bakery, I Dream of Falafel, and Snow Dragon Shavery.

This 36,000 square-foot bar and lounge on the third floor of Navy Pier’s Festival Hall has the nation’s largest rooftop deck, as certified by Guinness. The space includes retractable glass walls to shield customers from the elements, seven fire pits, and seating for groups to drink and socialize.

Navy Pier is also home to Lirica, the new all-day sister spot to Offshore inside the 223-room Sable Hotel. The Latin-inspired restaurant, a replacement for the shuttered Riva Crabhouse, offers tapas like fish tacos, skirt steak, and a cheeseburger for the unadventurous. It’s a great location for views of Lake Michigan.

The beachside arm of South Loop rock club Reggie’s is open at the century-old 63rd Street Beach House with frozen cocktails, bar food, and a laid-back atmosphere.