Outdoor Dining Spots You Didn’t Know About… But Won’t Want to Miss!
There’s nothing quite like a meal on a quiet patio as the sun sets on a gorgeous Chicago evening. It’s a fleeting and precious thing, and we need to love every moment of them that we can get. And while much of this summer was spent on crowded rooftops or seeing people we have missed, as fall comes ever closer, we’re focusing more on intimate gatherings outdoors. These spots for outdoor dining are perfect for those meals! Whether they’re hidden away, new additions you might not have gotten the chance to visit yet, or just are old favorites worth another look, these patios and rooftops are our must-visits for the remainder of summer…
Starbucks Reserve Roastery {646 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago; 312.283.7100}: The Reserve Roastery has floor upon floor of amazing caffeinated beverages, snackable treats and unique experience, but we recommend heading to the very tip top floor. There, you’ll find an intimate rooftop where you can look out on Michigan Avenue while you sip on your favorite roast or even an afternoon cocktail. There’s no better spot to bring an out of town guest or a first date you really want to impress.
The Patio at Café Brauer at Lincoln Park Zoo {2021 North Stockton Drive, Chicago; 312.742.2400}: Lincoln Park is one of the city’s most picturesque areas, and The Patio at Cafe Brauer has views of all that beauty. From your table, you can look out over the natural beauty of the southern sections of Lincoln Park Zoo, plus see highlights of the amazing Chicago skyline. It’s a fun family spot that still serves cocktails (which mom and dad will love) for an afternoon playing hooky or an escape from the sun during a busy weekend.
Shanghai Terrace at The Peninsula Chicago {108 East Superior Street, Chicago; 312.337.2888}: Fall or summer, Shanghai Terrace is one of our favorite locations in Chicago. Tucked away at The Peninsula Chicago, you will experience the best in service and high-end Chinese dining, all in a truly beautiful setting. They also have rotating seasonally changing menu specials and cultural celebrations to keep an eye out for. Visit again and again!
Geja's Cafe {340 West Armitage Avenue, Chicago; 773.281.9101}: Sure Geja’s is a cozy spot in the wintertime, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less romantic in warm weather! Have a fondue date outdoors this summer and fall on their intimate patio. As the nights get cooler, you might even appreciate the warmth of a fondue pot on the table!
Chicago Chop House {60 West Ontario Street, Chicago; 312.787.7100}: The summer steakhouse experience is a wonderful one. The smell of the fire-cooked steaks and chops, the sounds of the city, and the relaxing knowledge that someone is expertly cooking you an amazing meal. It can’t be beat! Chicago Chop House’s addition of a smaller River North patio just gives us all yet another reason to visit this long-time city favorite.
The Hidden Goat at Little Goat Diner {820 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.888.3455}: If you’re planning an end-of-summer soiree, larger birthday partay or even just an intimate wedding, THIS is the rooftop of your dreams! On the roof of Little Goat Diner in the West Loop, there’s a bar and kitchen as well as a dining room, credenza and terrace, all of which you can book for your events! That’s definitely worth celebrating :)
Scofflaw {3201 West Armitage Avenue, Chicago; 773.252.9700}: Cocktail. Garden. You shouldn’t need to hear anything more! We’ll add on Scofflaw’s amazing and uniquely vast menu of gins, plus late night chocolate chip cookies if you need extra motivation though. Because this spot has it ALL!
Diver At The Park {3475 North Clark Street, Chicago; 773.687.8972}: The new addition to Wrigleyville is a vacation right in the heart of Chicago! The River North location of this Tulum-inspired eatery drew in taco and cocktail-lovers from the day they opened their doors in 2020. Now, they’re bringing that magic to Wrigley! Recently opened, but already gaining in popularity, head here for when you want a great Mexican dish without having to buy the plane ticket.
Time Out Market Chicago {916 West Fulton Market, Chicago; 312.637.3888}: You can’t have missed the TimeOut Market patio if you walk through Fulton Market. It’s casual, but always bumping with visitors, music and laughter. But did you know there’s also an upstairs bar, complete with rooftop patio? Tony’s Rooftop Bar is named for Time Out founder Tony Elliott, and offers amazing city views as well as delicious cocktails. If you want a little distance from the street-level activity, this is the perfect escape!
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor