clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
More Maps

Chicago’s Tastiest Lunch Options

The Most Romantic Restaurants in Chicago

Great Chicago Sports Bars for Watching the Super Bowl and Other Big Games

More in Chicago See more maps
A covered patio space beside the Chicago River.
Chicagoans know that the weather can turn mid-meal.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

25 Sheltered Spots for Open-Air Dining in Chicago When It Rains

Owners get creative to keep customers warm and dry

by Naomi Waxman, Ashok Selvam, and aimee.levitt Updated
View as Map
Chicagoans know that the weather can turn mid-meal.
| Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago
by Naomi Waxman, Ashok Selvam, and aimee.levitt Updated

From surprise snow flurries to sudden downpours, Chicago's weather isn’t always suitable for al fresco dining and drinking. Chicagoans are crafty and know that there are ways to escape Mother Nature. Retractable roof coverings and sliding walls — which before 2020 were nice-to-have accouterment — are now vital assets for restaurants as the COVID-19 pandemic continues and more variants emerge.

Check out these establishments that shelter outdoor patrons from the elements.

For updated information on coronavirus cases, please visit the city of Chicago’s COVID-19 dashboard. Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission. The latest CDC guidance is here; find a COVID-19 vaccination site here.

Read More
If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

BiXi Beer

Copy Link

Logan Square’s ambitious Asian-inspired brewpub from chef and owner Bo Fowler (Owen & Engine) has a spacious and partially-covered roof deck that faces out to Milwaukee Avenue. The restaurant’s juicy burgers and diverse noodle selection are a solid cure for rainy day blues.

2515 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 904-7368
(773) 904-7368

Also featured in:

Pizza Lobo

Copy Link

This pizzeria in Logan Square houses a 4,000 square foot patio for drinking and devouring New York-style pies. It’s helmed by former Bad Hunter chef Dan Snowden and Heisler Hospitality (Sportsman’s Club), and a second location is in the works in Andersonville.

3000 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(312) 265-1745
(312) 265-1745

Also featured in:

Open Outcry Brewing Company

Copy Link

This top-notch brewery and taproom in Beverly features both a partially-covered rooftop space and retractable garage doors on the main floor. The open spaces allow for airflow but still keep patrons dry as they sip their beers and eat Neapolitan-style pizzas.

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

Also featured in:

Vybz Rooftop

Copy Link

Perched above Good to Go, a Jamaican restaurant on the Evanston-Chicago border at Howard Street, Vybz Rooftop isn’t covered, precisely, but it does have covered pods, complete with blankets, heaters, and furniture that would not look out of place in someone’s living room. There’s live reggae music on Fridays.

711 W Howard St, Evanston, IL 60202
(847) 868-8226
(847) 868-8226

Village Tap

Copy Link

Outdoor drinking is nothing new at this Roscoe Village beer garden. Staff have enclosed the back patio to provide imbibers some relief from the elements.

2055 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 883-0817
(773) 883-0817

The Piggery

Copy Link

Located about a mile from Wrigley Field — Cubs fans can take the complementary shuttle if they don’t feel like walking — the Piggery, true to its name, specializes in things that are porky, notably ribs and Cuban sandwiches. Its cheerful, partially-covered rooftop bar overlooks Irving Park Road, and it has plenty of TVs so no one has to choose between sports and fresh air.

1625 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 281-7447
(773) 281-7447

Also featured in:

Frontier

Copy Link

Chef Brian Jupiter’s bar and whole animal restaurant sports a welcoming covered patio with string lights and a fireplace, along with a heated and ventilated beer garden.

1072 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
(773) 772-4322
(773) 772-4322

Also featured in:

The Duck Inn

Copy Link

Chef Kevin Hickey’s mega-hit in Bridgeport sports coverage for its charming backyard patio. Patrons can gobble up rotisserie duck, duck fat french fries, duck wings, and more in any kind of weather.

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

Also featured in:

Azul Mariscos + Muelle

Copy Link

Perched along the Chicago River, this seafood spot highlights cuisine from Nayarit (a state in western Mexico) and an easy-breezy patio space that’s partially covered.

1177 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
(773) 770-3766
(773) 770-3766
A large restaurant patio with a partially covered section.
Azul offers lovely riverside views.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Pilsen Yards

Copy Link

The owners of Pizza Capri reinvented their Pilsen space to be pandemic proof with heated floors and enclosures for the patio. Enjoy Mexican-American food and fancy drinks (or a cheap beer, the space has a little bit for everyone) on the back patio.

1163 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 243-2410
(312) 243-2410
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Marvin's Food & Fuel

Copy Link

This restaurant at the base of Morgan’s on Fulton, one of Chicago’s most popular event venues, also offers a 6,000 square-foot rooftop space, complete with a 1,500 square-foot glass penthouse structure and retractable glass canopy. It’s available for private events with amenities like indoor and outdoor bars, private cabanas, and a grilling station.

954 W Fulton Market St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 291-9255
(312) 291-9255

Also featured in:

Nobu Hotel Chicago

Copy Link

It took seven years, but celebrity-backed sushi restaurant and hotel Nobu finally made its Chicago debut in 2020 along Randolph Restaurant Row. Splurge-happy diners can find a safe spot from precipitation under an overhang that covers most of the hotel’s 5,000-square-foot rooftop.

155 N Peoria St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 779-8888
(312) 779-8888

Cabra

Copy Link

Cabra, the Peruvian-influenced restaurant from Top Chef champion and celebrity chef Stephanie Izard perched atop the Hoxton hotel, includes a trendy patio space with sweeping views of Fulton Market. It’s partially covered so diners can stay dry while devouring ceviche and goat empanadas.

200 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 761-1717
(312) 761-1717

Also featured in:

Recess

Copy Link

Recess’s massive outdoor patio is ideal for pandemic social distancing, and even includes a few safe spots for rainy days. A covered structure in center of the 14,500-square-foot space provides a barrier between patrons and the elements, and retractable garage doors line an indoor-outdoor area with an extended roofline.

838 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 801-1181
(312) 801-1181
A huge outdoor patio space with a very tall covered pergola in the middle.
Recess goes all out for patio season.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Athena Greek Restaurant

Copy Link

Athena’s spacious outdoor terrace is already a rarity in Greektown, but the restaurant tops itself with both a retractable roof and waterfall.

212 S Halsted St #1, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 655-0000
(312) 655-0000

Also featured in:

More in Maps

The J. Parker

Copy Link

A sliding glass-enclosed rooftop at the J. Parker inside the Hotel Lincoln offers lovely views over Lincoln Park.

1816 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 254-4747
(312) 254-4747

Gibsons Italia

Copy Link

Riverfront destination Gibsons Italia has retractable glass roof and walls, as well as stadium-style seating to ensure beautiful skyline and river views. When it opened in 2018, it won Eater Chicago’s award for Most Beautiful Restaurant of the Year.

233 N Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 414-1100
(312) 414-1100
A chic lounge space with brown leather armchairs beside an open wall.
Gibsons Italia features open-air lounging along the Chicago River.
Marc Much/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Beatnik On The River

Copy Link

This richly decorated boho-themed restaurant and cocktail lounge (a sibling to the original Beatnik in West Town) has no trouble luring diners to its 80-seat patio overlooking the Chicago River. Patrons can expect to lounge on daybed seating amid lush greenery, and still remain dry when the skies grow cloudy.

180 N Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 526-3345
(312) 526-3345

Also featured in:

Bird’s Eye Bar & Grill

Copy Link

Lincoln Park Zoo unveiled this family-friendly retreat in summer 2021 with a casual menu of sandwiches and pizza slices, booze for grownups, and a prime view of the lions.

Chicago, IL 60614
A large, partially-covered patio dining space.
Bird’s Eye may be especially appealing to young diners.
Matt Reeves/Bird’s Eye Bar & Grill

bar avec

Copy Link

One Off Hospitality (the Publican) has another hit on its hands with this eighth-floor rooftop bar above Avec River North, the sister spot to Mediterranean-style original Avec in West Loop. Formerly the Laurel Room, the bar is beautifully situated for sweeping views of the neighborhood.

640 N LaSalle Dr 8th floor, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 736-1740
(312) 736-1740

Also featured in:

IO Godfrey Rooftop Lounge

Copy Link

Rooftop bar the IO Godfrey comes equipped with a retractable roof that features gorgeous views of downtown Chicago, along with cocktails, brunch, and more.

127 W Huron St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 374-1830
(312) 374-1830

Also featured in:

RPM Seafood

Copy Link

A luxurious dining destination along the Chicago River, RPM Seafood balances its pristine dining room with a bustling outdoor patio ideal for those looking to see and be seen. Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and celebrity couple Bill and Giuliana Rancic opened the restaurant in early 2020.

317 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 900-9035
(312) 900-9035
Two floors of outdoor dining space along the Chicago River.

Also featured in:

Roots Handmade Pizza - South Loop

Copy Link

The fourth location from Quad Cities-style pizzeria Roots Handmade Pizza debuted in 2020 with glass retractable roof on Printers Row. It cost a cool $600,000 and takes about 20 seconds to retract.

744 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605
(773) 645-4909
(773) 645-4909
A spacious, partially-covered rooftop patio.
This speedy rooftop opens or closes in under a minute.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Reggies Chicago

Copy Link

This music venue and record store sports one of the only rooftop bars south of Madison. Known for its chicken wings, Reggie’s roof has a tent to keep patrons dry while sipping a beer or mixed drink.

2105 S State St, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 949-0120
(312) 949-0120

Also featured in:

Il Culaccino - Chicago Italian Restaurant

Copy Link

South Loop Italian spot Il Culaccino is prepared for potential wind, rain, and snow with a retractable roof and walls.

2134 S Indiana Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 794-5300
(312) 794-5300

Also featured in:

More in Maps

© 2023 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
Link copied to the clipboard.

BiXi Beer

2515 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Logan Square’s ambitious Asian-inspired brewpub from chef and owner Bo Fowler (Owen & Engine) has a spacious and partially-covered roof deck that faces out to Milwaukee Avenue. The restaurant’s juicy burgers and diverse noodle selection are a solid cure for rainy day blues.

2515 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 904-7368
(773) 904-7368

Pizza Lobo

3000 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

This pizzeria in Logan Square houses a 4,000 square foot patio for drinking and devouring New York-style pies. It’s helmed by former Bad Hunter chef Dan Snowden and Heisler Hospitality (Sportsman’s Club), and a second location is in the works in Andersonville.

3000 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(312) 265-1745
(312) 265-1745

Open Outcry Brewing Company

10934 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60643

This top-notch brewery and taproom in Beverly features both a partially-covered rooftop space and retractable garage doors on the main floor. The open spaces allow for airflow but still keep patrons dry as they sip their beers and eat Neapolitan-style pizzas.

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

Vybz Rooftop

711 W Howard St, Evanston, IL 60202

Perched above Good to Go, a Jamaican restaurant on the Evanston-Chicago border at Howard Street, Vybz Rooftop isn’t covered, precisely, but it does have covered pods, complete with blankets, heaters, and furniture that would not look out of place in someone’s living room. There’s live reggae music on Fridays.

711 W Howard St, Evanston, IL 60202
(847) 868-8226
(847) 868-8226

Village Tap

2055 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL 60618

Outdoor drinking is nothing new at this Roscoe Village beer garden. Staff have enclosed the back patio to provide imbibers some relief from the elements.

2055 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 883-0817
(773) 883-0817

The Piggery

1625 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613

Located about a mile from Wrigley Field — Cubs fans can take the complementary shuttle if they don’t feel like walking — the Piggery, true to its name, specializes in things that are porky, notably ribs and Cuban sandwiches. Its cheerful, partially-covered rooftop bar overlooks Irving Park Road, and it has plenty of TVs so no one has to choose between sports and fresh air.

1625 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 281-7447
(773) 281-7447

Frontier

1072 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Chef Brian Jupiter’s bar and whole animal restaurant sports a welcoming covered patio with string lights and a fireplace, along with a heated and ventilated beer garden.

1072 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
(773) 772-4322
(773) 772-4322

The Duck Inn

2701 S Eleanor St, Chicago, IL 60608

Chef Kevin Hickey’s mega-hit in Bridgeport sports coverage for its charming backyard patio. Patrons can gobble up rotisserie duck, duck fat french fries, duck wings, and more in any kind of weather.

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

Azul Mariscos + Muelle

1177 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Perched along the Chicago River, this seafood spot highlights cuisine from Nayarit (a state in western Mexico) and an easy-breezy patio space that’s partially covered.

1177 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
(773) 770-3766
(773) 770-3766
A large restaurant patio with a partially covered section.
Azul offers lovely riverside views.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Pilsen Yards

1163 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608

The owners of Pizza Capri reinvented their Pilsen space to be pandemic proof with heated floors and enclosures for the patio. Enjoy Mexican-American food and fancy drinks (or a cheap beer, the space has a little bit for everyone) on the back patio.

1163 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 243-2410
(312) 243-2410
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Marvin's Food & Fuel

954 W Fulton Market St, Chicago, IL 60607

This restaurant at the base of Morgan’s on Fulton, one of Chicago’s most popular event venues, also offers a 6,000 square-foot rooftop space, complete with a 1,500 square-foot glass penthouse structure and retractable glass canopy. It’s available for private events with amenities like indoor and outdoor bars, private cabanas, and a grilling station.

954 W Fulton Market St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 291-9255
(312) 291-9255

Nobu Hotel Chicago

155 N Peoria St, Chicago, IL 60607

It took seven years, but celebrity-backed sushi restaurant and hotel Nobu finally made its Chicago debut in 2020 along Randolph Restaurant Row. Splurge-happy diners can find a safe spot from precipitation under an overhang that covers most of the hotel’s 5,000-square-foot rooftop.

155 N Peoria St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 779-8888
(312) 779-8888

Cabra

200 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607

Cabra, the Peruvian-influenced restaurant from Top Chef champion and celebrity chef Stephanie Izard perched atop the Hoxton hotel, includes a trendy patio space with sweeping views of Fulton Market. It’s partially covered so diners can stay dry while devouring ceviche and goat empanadas.

200 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 761-1717
(312) 761-1717

Recess

838 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60642

Recess’s massive outdoor patio is ideal for pandemic social distancing, and even includes a few safe spots for rainy days. A covered structure in center of the 14,500-square-foot space provides a barrier between patrons and the elements, and retractable garage doors line an indoor-outdoor area with an extended roofline.

838 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 801-1181
(312) 801-1181
A huge outdoor patio space with a very tall covered pergola in the middle.
Recess goes all out for patio season.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Athena Greek Restaurant

212 S Halsted St #1, Chicago, IL 60661

Athena’s spacious outdoor terrace is already a rarity in Greektown, but the restaurant tops itself with both a retractable roof and waterfall.

212 S Halsted St #1, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 655-0000
(312) 655-0000

Related Maps

The J. Parker

1816 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

A sliding glass-enclosed rooftop at the J. Parker inside the Hotel Lincoln offers lovely views over Lincoln Park.

1816 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 254-4747
(312) 254-4747

Gibsons Italia

233 N Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606

Riverfront destination Gibsons Italia has retractable glass roof and walls, as well as stadium-style seating to ensure beautiful skyline and river views. When it opened in 2018, it won Eater Chicago’s award for Most Beautiful Restaurant of the Year.

233 N Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 414-1100
(312) 414-1100
A chic lounge space with brown leather armchairs beside an open wall.
Gibsons Italia features open-air lounging along the Chicago River.
Marc Much/Eater Chicago

Beatnik On The River

180 N Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606

This richly decorated boho-themed restaurant and cocktail lounge (a sibling to the original Beatnik in West Town) has no trouble luring diners to its 80-seat patio overlooking the Chicago River. Patrons can expect to lounge on daybed seating amid lush greenery, and still remain dry when the skies grow cloudy.

180 N Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 526-3345
(312) 526-3345

Bird’s Eye Bar & Grill

Chicago, IL 60614

Lincoln Park Zoo unveiled this family-friendly retreat in summer 2021 with a casual menu of sandwiches and pizza slices, booze for grownups, and a prime view of the lions.

Chicago, IL 60614
A large, partially-covered patio dining space.
Bird’s Eye may be especially appealing to young diners.
Matt Reeves/Bird’s Eye Bar & Grill

bar avec

640 N LaSalle Dr 8th floor, Chicago, IL 60654

One Off Hospitality (the Publican) has another hit on its hands with this eighth-floor rooftop bar above Avec River North, the sister spot to Mediterranean-style original Avec in West Loop. Formerly the Laurel Room, the bar is beautifully situated for sweeping views of the neighborhood.

640 N LaSalle Dr 8th floor, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 736-1740
(312) 736-1740

IO Godfrey Rooftop Lounge

127 W Huron St, Chicago, IL 60654

Rooftop bar the IO Godfrey comes equipped with a retractable roof that features gorgeous views of downtown Chicago, along with cocktails, brunch, and more.

127 W Huron St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 374-1830
(312) 374-1830

RPM Seafood

317 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

A luxurious dining destination along the Chicago River, RPM Seafood balances its pristine dining room with a bustling outdoor patio ideal for those looking to see and be seen. Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and celebrity couple Bill and Giuliana Rancic opened the restaurant in early 2020.

317 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 900-9035
(312) 900-9035
Two floors of outdoor dining space along the Chicago River.

Roots Handmade Pizza - South Loop

744 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605

The fourth location from Quad Cities-style pizzeria Roots Handmade Pizza debuted in 2020 with glass retractable roof on Printers Row. It cost a cool $600,000 and takes about 20 seconds to retract.

744 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605
(773) 645-4909
(773) 645-4909
A spacious, partially-covered rooftop patio.
This speedy rooftop opens or closes in under a minute.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Reggies Chicago

2105 S State St, Chicago, IL 60616

This music venue and record store sports one of the only rooftop bars south of Madison. Known for its chicken wings, Reggie’s roof has a tent to keep patrons dry while sipping a beer or mixed drink.

2105 S State St, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 949-0120
(312) 949-0120

Il Culaccino - Chicago Italian Restaurant

2134 S Indiana Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

South Loop Italian spot Il Culaccino is prepared for potential wind, rain, and snow with a retractable roof and walls.

2134 S Indiana Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 794-5300
(312) 794-5300

Related Maps