Hi everyone!
With summer rolling in, dressing up a little more now that restaurants opening again, I thought why not make a list of where to eat outside via all my favorite patio and rooftop dining spaces in the city. That way it’s all in one post for easy access!
River North/Streeterville/Millennium Park
Ah downtown – always bustling with people and places to go. Definitely not hard to find great spots to eat outside here! Some of mine include Barrio for delicious Mexican food (or really good brunch), Cindy’s for great views of city landmarks like The Bean, City Winery for a nice little happy hour on the riverwalk (or their patio in the West Loop), Bernie’s for a delicious burger, The Hampton Social for great lobster rolls and brunch (Streeterville location for the rooftop), and The Gwen for a hidden rooftop inside one of the downtown malls.
Wrigleyville
Home of the Cubbies! This area is filled with places to eat outside, especially as the neighborhood changed a bit after the World Series win a few years ago. Some of my favorites include Old Crow for country music, Happy Camper for great pizza and snacks (along with their other locations in Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, and Old Town), Moe’s Cantina (also in River North) and Big Star (also in Wicker Park) for Mexican food and margaritas, and Deuce’s Diamond Club for a party vibe.
West Loop
They don’t call the Randolph Street area “Restaurant Row” for nothing! So many great finds in West Loop as it’s grown into its nickname over the years – plus Randolph Street is blocked off to traffic right now so you can walk around with ease as Phase 4 takes effect this weekend in the city. I love visiting Joe’s Imports for authentic Italian delights like their housemade parmesan puffs and pasta, Saint Lou’s Assembly (great frosé and, in the fall, s’mores kits), Parlor Pizza for yummy ‘za and appetizers (also their other locations in Wicker Park and River North), Green Street Meats for barbecue, Bar Siena for delicious Italian dishes (plus Bombobar is right next door with gelato and sorbet), Formento’s also for Italian plus their chocolate cake is divine, and Federales for a party vibe (gotta ring the bell with a tequila ice shot).
Wicker Park/Logan Square
A great way to have more relaxed days out and to find hidden gems too! You get wonderful views at The Robey hotel (and multiple rooftops too), Big Star which I mentioned earlier, Paradise Park (part of the Happy Camper family), Parson’s Chicken & Fish with their frozen negroni cocktails (also in Lincoln Park), Park & Field which has a huge patio and bonfire pit, Royal Palms Shuffleboard for games and great drinks, Bang! Bang! Pie for their pie, biscuits, and shrimp n’ grits (unfortunately pick up only so no patio for now), Pilot Project for local beer, wine, and hard kombucha flights, Estereo for yummy cocktails and cute dogs, and Middle Brow Bungalow for scrumptious pizza and drinks.
See you in the next post!
