The cold is here to stay in Chicago, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to head indoors. Midwesterners are always made of sterner stuff and have a tolerance for low temperatures. Many of the fire pits and propane heaters that were en vogue in 2020 have become fixtures all over town, as have insulated tents that protect patio diners from bitter winter winds. Check out this list of the city’s best heated patio options.
Read MoreWhere to Dine on Heated Patios in Chicago
Chicagoans can stand the cold better than most, but it’s a lot easier with a fire pit or heater
Fireside Restaurant & Lounge
Nestled beside the Metra tracks in Andersonville, the Fireside offers an ample selection of bar food, including pizzas, burgers, salads, and ribs, both smoked and fried, and a large heated patio in back, out of sight of the train.
Le Sud
A lively Mediterranean French retreat in North Center, Le Sud has gone all-out on its winterized, infrared heating enclosure. Settle in for a selection off its solid wine list or a plate of chicken tagine with olives, apricots, raisins, and fennel.
Wood
This Northalsted bar offers beer, wine, and cocktails, plus substantial stick-to-your-ribs fare, like pot au feu and roasted pork cooked over a wood fire, that may be best appreciated eaten outdoors on a heated patio.
Farm Bar
Farm Bar serves up all the glories of the Midwest, including beer and pretzels, a Friday fish fry, and cheese in its many forms, from melted on top of burgers to fried curds. Some of the produce and honey come from the owners’ own farm in the Driftless region of western Wisconsin.
Superkhana International
Enjoy a piping hot cup of co-chef Zeeshan Shah’s family chai while hanging out on this criminally underused patio in Logan Square. Shah and co-chef Yoshi Yamada deliver a fun smattering of Indian-inspired food, including the butter chicken calzone and some delicious cheesed flatbreads pizzas. The pretty private patio is flanked by heaters.
Andros Taverna
This boistrous modern Greek hotspot from co-owners and spouses Hsing Chen (French Laundry) and Doug Psaltis (formerly of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises) is home to an expansive 80-seat outdoor patio with heaters and a glass canopy to keep the elements at bay. Patio seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Testaccio Chicago
Regional Italian street food is the theme at Testaccio in Logan Square, and the patio tries to emulate European street dining. Owner Aldo Zaninotto has turned a summer patio into a heated, enclosed affair so customers can enjoy chef Jacob Solomon’s wood-fired oven specialties inspired by Rome.
Park & Field
This retro-style sports bar in Logan Square, known by many for the huge reservation-only patio space in front, aims to please fans and friends-of-fans with a broad selection of craft beers and upscale bar fare. Patrons can plant themselves at outdoor tables surrounding heaters and fire pits when the weather turns cold.
Rica Arepa | Venezuelan Restaurant
The arepa, a cornmeal flatbread stuffed with any manner of meat, cheese, and vegetables, is a staple of Venezuelan cuisine, and those served at Rica Arepa are especially good examples. Both the original location in Hermosa and the second location in Lakeview have heated enclosed patios for the colder months.
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Taquizo
Formerly Las Palmas, Taquizo’s charming and colorful interior includes a greenhouse-style patio, ideal for sipping cocktails and inhaling smoked-grilled octopus tacos with a tamarind-Morita glaze.
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Taxim
Rooftop dining doesn’t have to end when the weather gets cold. This Greek restaurant in Wicker Park keeps its rooftop open all year round — with heaters in winter — so that diners can enjoy Greek specialties and raki with a view of the Damen el stop.
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Big Star
It only makes sense that this Wicker Park taco joint, where the patio is bigger than the interior, keeps its outdoor service running when the weather gets cold. After all, it’s never a bad time for a taco and a beer.
Frontier
Chef Brian Jupiter’s comfortably rustic whole animal restaurant and bar helps Chicagoans avoid the doldrums with a cozy covered patio — complete with a fireplace — plus a heated beer garden.
Beatnik West Town
The West Town outpost of this beautiful boho-themed restaurant and cocktail bar addresses blustery weather with an unusual enclosed courtyard that’s open year-round.
Tanta Chicago
At Peruvian restaurant Tanta, there’s a deep dive to be had into the wide array of diverse influences on the country’s cuisine for those who are willing. Its heated rooftop makes it all the more alluring as a year-round hot spot.
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Joy District
This River North nightclub destination has transformed its third-floor rooftop space into a heated outpost with enclosed igloos that keep winter winds at bay.
The Smith
This New York import off Clark Street in River North excels at providing something for every diner — including a heated patio.
Recess
Surrounded by shipping containers in West Loop, Recess is expanding its patio this season and enclosed the roof overhang with a tent. Management is hoping customers will adopt it as a place to celebrate game days.
Pizzeria Portofino
Above the Chicago Riverwalk, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises’ scene-y Italian spot Pizzeria Portofino houses an all-weather, temperature-controlled waterfront patio with striking views in every season.
El Che Steakhouse & Bar
Chef John Manion’s Argentine steakhouse in the West Loop is full of beef, wine, and live-fire cooking. The restaurant features a heated sidewalk patio.
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Aurelio's Pizza
This tavern-style pizza specialist near Soldier Field has two outdoor dining areas. While the upper deck lacks heat, the lower is toasty, even during the winter.
Pilsen Yards
With heated coils buried underneath the floor, Pilsen Yards was made to welcome guests even in frigid temps. The restaurant and bar features fun cocktails and a Mexican-inspired menu with tacos and more.
Reggies Chicago
A popular music venue near the McCormick Place Convention Center, Reggies touts a covered rooftop deck that transitions smoothly to cold weather with a wood stove and propane heaters. The space, which fits about 99, also features a free pool table, flat screen TVs, and its own bar.
Osito's Tap
Osito’s, the essential Chicago cocktail bar that debuted in 2019 in Little Village, is prepared for the rain and cold with tent and heaters for outdoor service. Patrons can indulge in fancy liquors like mezcal and tequila, and a solid selection of beer. Osito’s also sells food, including tacos.
Ascione Bistro
This Hyde Park favorite serves Italian fare and has a heated back patio. It’s also a strong choice for brunch.
Open Outcry Brewing Company
This South Side brewery is a family-friendly spot with pizza and delicious beers from former Revolution Brewing head brewer Will Turner. The patio features four cabin-like spaces that keep customers warm.