Flower-Filled Chicago Spots That Make You Feel Like You’re in a Secret Garden
via La Serre
If everything's coming up roses for you recently, perhaps you’re ready to celebrate. Or maybe you’re just feeling floral and festive! No matter the reason, if you’re itching to get your flower fix, we’ve compiled a list of Chicago’s prettiest flower-filled restaurants you’ll want to visit again and again.
La Serre {307 North Green Street, Chicago; 312.500.1128}
This new spot in Fulton Market has to be at the top of your list. Its menu and vibe are inspired by the coastal regions of Provence and Saint-Tropez. And you’ll believe it as soon as you walk in, because the whole space is flush with florals and greenery. In fact, La Serre translates directly to “The Greenhouse”. DineAmic Hospitality Group has really outdone itself with both the décor and the menu that’s full of incredible French-Mediterranean dishes, from the Caviar Nest pasta to the Prime Beef Tartare. Plan to be immediately transported to summertime in the South of France!
Afterbar {319 Canal Street, Chicago; 312-967-3030}
Head on out to Afterbar if you’re craving some time outdoors in a nice green space! The cocktail lounge, located in the Loop, opens up into a one-of-a-kind beautiful outdoor garden area. And their menu is full of creative cocktails, wine, beer and a delicious selection of pizzas, pretzels and bar snacks. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a sunny afternoon and evening!
via Machine
Machine: Engineered Dining & Drink {1846 West Division Street, Chicago; 773.276.7422}
If you’re a fan of fresh flowers and a one-of-a-kind dining experience, visit Machine: Engineered Dining & Drink in Wicker Park. Not only do they have fantastic cocktails and a wide-ranging menu featuring items from Duck Gnocchi, to Miso Cherry Salmon to a Chocolate Carrot Cake, but they also have in-house floral experts! You heard that right! You can build your own beautiful bouquet right at your table. You pick out the flowers and they assemble them together into a stunning work of art. They also have pre-made florals, and even an option to get a flower crown if you’re feeling extra fancy.
Andros Taverna {2542 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago; 773.365.1900}
In the heart of Logan Square, Andros Taverna is the perfect place to dine if you’re craving a Mediterranean moment. The menu, full of family recipes and flavorful mezzes, is best enjoyed in their Kipos Greenhouse, which features beautiful greenery hanging from the ceiling. They have a lush indoor/outdoor open air dining area full of plants that’s perfect for any occasion. It was also recently named one of Esquire’s “Best New Restaurants in America.” Be sure to check out their daily seafood specials when you stop by!
Lonesome Rose {Multiple Locations}
A fun little tropical oasis awaits you at two Lonesome Rose locations (Andersonville and Logan Square). Lots of big, lush plants provide plenty of shade for the stunning patios where you can sit and enjoy their Tex-Mex menu full of burritos, tacos and bowls, along with many cocktails (our favorite is the frozen Margarita Swirl).
Piccolo Sogno {464 North Halsted Street, Chicago; 312-421-0077}
This restaurant’s name means “little dream” in Italian and it couldn’t be more true. It has an incredible secluded garden covered in beautiful trees and lush greenery. We’d go as far as to say this is one of the very best patios in Chicago. You can enjoy the outdoor space with a delicious glass of wine from their extensive, award-winning wine list while eating some of their pastas or one of their summer seasonal salads.
Athena {212 South Halsted Street, Chicago; 312-655-0000}
Don’t miss out on this little slice of Greece in the heart of Chicago! Greektown’s Athena restaurant has a massive patio with a retractable roof, which makes it a great place to enjoy the outdoors, no matter the weather or time of day. There’s also a waterfall and flowers of course, which add to the vibrant ambiance. Their mouth-watering menu is full of Mediterranean inspired dishes, like herb-crusted Lamb Chops and Bakalao. All of their vegetarian options come highly recommended for the non-meat eaters in your life too! Don’t forget to try their cocktails, like the Espresso Masthini, described as a fun twist on a Greek drink with coffee, lacquer and a “kick.”
Gino & Marty’s {844 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312-291-9120}
If curb appeal is all it takes to draw you in to have a memorable dinner, Gino & Marty’s has to be on your list of places to visit! This West Loop staple has a stunning floral arrangement decorating its entrance. The beautiful flowers are definitely photo-worthy, they even caught the attention of the Chicago Sun Times recently! And just wait until you go inside and sit down to an authentic Italian feast! We recommend the famous Spicy Gnocchi or the Chicken Parm to top off this flower-filled adventure!
By Kerry Leary | Special Correspondent