RESTAURANTS SHOPPING NIGHTLIFE ENTERTAINMENT & ATTRACTIONS ACCOMMODATIONS TRANSPORTATION Book Your Trip

Outdoor Chicago-Nightlife

Author: Audarshia Townsend

Take your turn at some of Chicago's best alfresco lounging spots; dine outdoors or have drinks looking over the Chicago river.

Outdoor Chicago Nightlife

Chicagoans work hard—very hard—so that they can enjoy the limited days when they can play oustide. That play, of course, includes the glorious nightlife when they can lean over the rails of Wrigleyville rooftops to watch Cubs games, chill out in casual beer gardens with cold, frothy longnecks, or nab those coveted lakefront or riverside seats with a view to thrill.

In fact, it really doesn’t matter sometimes where you are, just as long as you’re out in the night air. Some places, of course, go all out with alfresco, offering guests the optimum outdoor dining experience.

Hotel Lounges

You’ll certainly pay to play at places like the Conrad Chicago (521 N. Rush St., 312-645-1500), Peninsula (108 E. Superior St., 312-337-2888) and the Park Hyatt’s NoMI (800 N. Michigan Ave., 312-239-4030), whose outdoor lounges attract those who don’t mind spending $14-$25 for a specialty cocktail or premium glass of wine. And you’ll find more than just the hotel’s guests frequenting these bars as some of the well-heeled locals can be found among them swilling glasses of bubbly as well.

Sports Bars

Most sports bars have some type of outdoor component, at spots like Murphy’s Bleachers (3653 N. Sheffield Ave., 773-929-7061)—which is directly across the street from Wrigley Field—summertime is their primetime. The same goes for Castaways (1603 N. Lake Shore Dr., 773-281-1200), a haven for active types who usually relax on the bar located on the upper deck of a “shipwrecked” boat right off the shores of Lake Michigan. It’s right next to the volleyball courts and bike path, so customers usually come up after sweating it out all day.

A Night in Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park, a neighborhood known for its large concentration of young, moneyed professionals, appears to have outdoor bars on every block. On warm nights, you’re bound to see restless twentysomethings watching the games as they guzzle budget booze outside of McGee’s Tavern (950 W. Webster Ave., 773-549-8200), Mickey’s (2450 N. Clark St., 773-435-0007) and Zella (1983 N. Clybourn Ave., 773-549-2910).

Cocktails in the Gold Coast

Older, more sophisticated crowds are drawn to the alfresco scene in the Gold Coast, particularly on Rush Street. Some people will settle in for hours with dinner and cocktails at the sidewalk cafes to watch colorful characters stroll by. The most popular hangouts include Luxbar (18 E. Bellevue Pl., 312-642-3400), Tavern on Rush (1031 N. Rush St., 312-664-9600) and Whiskey Bar (1015 N. Rush St., 312-475-0300), which are all in a section fondly called “The Viagra Triangle” and are largely frequented by business travelers.

The Club Scene

Those looking for clubbier settings head west for neighborhoods like River North, West Loop and the Bucktown/Wicker Park area. Japonais (600 W. Chicago Ave., 312-822-9600) is a celebrity magnet, attracting the likes of bold-name superstars like Brangelina, Lenny Kravitz and Kayne West.

And even though there’s no deejay, stylish patrons head for the lower-level lounge and its sweet riverside location with a tropical setting filled with cabanas.

Unwind in the West Loop

The West Loop’s Warehouse District is also a standout for the upscale, yet chilled-out neighborhood appeal of Fulton Lounge (955 W. Fulton Market, 312- 942-9500). When it gets really crowded inside, folks filter onto the sidewalk seating area for fresh air. Another neighborhood favorite, The Northside (1635 N. Damen Ave., 773-384-3555), for its yearround outdoor beer garden that’s big for its daily drink specials and prime people-watching opportunities.

JavaScript must be enabled in order for you to use Google Maps.

nearby places of interest

Zed 451 (old)
739 N. Clark St. , Chicago, IL 60610

Zed 451 is a swank rooftop lounge, accented with a fireplace, plots of grass, tree-stump seats, and a menu that takes cues from all over the world. Be sure to get here early since lines quickly form by seven on weekends.

312 Chicago
136 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60602

This seasonally influenced Italian-inspired American eatery buzzes by day with politicians (City Hall is across the street), and buzzes with diners heading to the nearby Cadillac Theater at night.Make a Reservation

Ai
358 W. Ontario Street, Chicago, IL 60654

This River North Japanese Sushi Restaurant & Lounge opened it's doors in late-September 2007. From the siblings who brought Ringo Japanese Restaurant and Tsuki to Lincoln Park, comes this lounge/restaurant with authentic Japanese cuisine.

Andy's Jazz Club
11 E. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610

Bin 36
339 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

This spot has everything for the oenophile, with a retail store, tavern, restaurant and cheese bar.

Branch 27
1371 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

Branch 27 is an American bistro that features sharable plates, an inviting vibe and a simple, hearty menu.

Cans Bar and Canteen
1640 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60647

Bucktown favorite Cans Bar and Canteen serves 34 different canned beers as well as premium liquor, wine, and various bottled beer. The locals crowd mixes with high-end tourists looking to get a taste of one of Chicago's coolest neighborhoods.

Joe's Sports Bar
940 W. Weed St., Chicago, IL 60622

Joe's Sports Bar is a sports bar featuring live music, good food, and its very own beer garden.

Little Bucharest Bistro
3661 N. Elston Ave., Chicago, IL 60618

This charming bistro combines American classics with a Romanian flare.

Market Restaurant and Sports Bar
1113 W Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60607

Famed American cuisine is highlighted at the Market. It is a multi-faceted dining experience offering many different atmospheres in which to eat. Guests can sit outside and relax in the Sidewalk Cafe or have an innovative drink on the roof in the Rooftop Lounge. Inside, there is the Restaurant and Sports Bar with a contemporary vibe and flavorful food by Chef Joe Rosetti--and a Beer Garden connected to the outside.

Murphy's Bleachers
3655 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago, IL 60613

Murphy's Bleachers has been a part of Cubs and Wrigleyville tradition since the 1930s, when it was known as Ernie's Bleachers (a drive-up hot dog stand that sold beer by the pail). It is located behind the bleacher section of Wrigley Field, making it an easy pre-and-post-game hang-out for those die hard Cubs fans, the bleacher bums.

Nookies Too
2114 N. Halsted St. , Chicago, IL 60614

Good, clean diner food at low prices.

Park Grill
11 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60602

Park Grill is versatile venue with an equally broad menu specializing in classic American cuisine with a hint of sophistication. It's a white tablecloth place where you won't feel out of place in shorts.

People Lounge
1560 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

This Spanish tapas restaurant and music lounge also has a happening bar scene.

Quartino
626 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

Pizza, small plates and affordable wine dominate the menu at this Italian hotspot located right off Michigan Avenue.

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
1 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

This Chicago brewpub is an outpost of the nationwide chain; the top draw here is the rotating selection of handcrafted beers brewed on-site.

Rockit Bar & Grill
22 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610

Stylish yet comfortable, this River North bar and grill puts a twist on American favorites. Expect to hear some classic rock music as the name implies and take in the old album cover-jacketed menus.

Ruth's Chris Steak House
431 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

All the steak house accoutrements are in supply here, but it's the pat of butter on the steak at the end that sells it to steak house aficionadoes. Chicago steak gets solid treatment here.

Shochu
3313 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60657

Named after the famed Japanese liquor, Shochu, this restaurant is trendy in nature with their Asian-inspired small plate recipes.

Tavern on Rush
1031 N. Rush St., Chicago, IL 60611

This upscale, two-story lounge and steakhouse features a dramatic lower-level lounge with a gorgeous bar and a clubby restaurant upstairs.

The Beer Garden at Navy Pier
700 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

The Beer Garden at Chicago's Navy Pier offers visitors a unique combination: a massive collection of the city's finest brews and the unbeatable environment and views of Navy Pier.

The Berghoff Restaurant and Bar
17 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60603

The Berghoff, a traditional 19th-century German beer hall located in Chicago's downtown, has been re-born under the direction of the founder's great-grandduaghter Carlyn Berghoff.

Vines on Clark
3554 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60657

Don't have tickets to the game? Vines on Clark is the place to be. With views of Wrigley Field from the rooftop, beer garden, and a few select seats in the main dining room, along with high-def TVs and the sound of the roaring crowd, it's like you're at the game.

Drinks Over Dearborn
650 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60654

This boutique beer, wine and spirits shop carries an inventory carefully selected by Kyle McHugh, a food and wine professional with years of experience in the restaurant and nightlife industries. Not just a shop, Drinks Over Dearborn will also offer a wide range of special events and tastings, including the "Rare & Luxurious Room." Sounds fun.

10pin Bowling
330 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

This hip, nightlife-centered Chicago lounge features 24 bowling lanes and an extensive martini list. Edible fare here is served from a small plates menu, perfect for sharing.

312 Chicago
136 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60602

Ai
358 W. Ontario Street, Chicago, IL 60654

Alumni Club
871 E. Algonquin Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173

Tons of big screen TVs and cold beer.

Andy's Jazz Club
11 E. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610

B.L.U.E.S
2519 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614

Chicago blues house features local artists every night at 9:30 p.m. Cover varies.

Bamboo Room
616 E. Golf Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173

South Pacific-inspired lounge, with nightly DJs.

Big Chicks
5024 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60640

The colorful Uptown bar caters to a mostly lesbian and gay clientele but is very straight-friendly.

Bin 36
339 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

This spot has everything for the oenophile, with a retail store, tavern, restaurant and cheese bar.

Blue Chicago
536 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

Sample the sounds of the sultry saxophone, the bold bass, the thundering trumpet and the daring drum beats at Blue Chicago, one of Chicago's best blues clubs. Open seven nights a week, Blue Chicago features some of the best names in blues and jazz.

Cans Bar and Canteen
1640 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60647

Casey Moran's
3660 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60613

This top Wrigleyville-area sports bar is a no-brainer to visit if you're visiting the home of the Chicago Cubs, but is a year-round home to sports fanatics and just fans, too.

Chi Bar
301 East North Water Street, Chicago, IL 60611

Created by renowned designer, Jeffrey Beers, Chi Bar boasts innovative cocktails, shareabledelights, and sleek ambiance.

English
444 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60610

From the Eat Well, Drink Better group, comes a new gastropub known as English. Located in the beautiful River North area, English serves good food and offers a wide variety of liquor choices as well as the favored beers and ales.

Fizz Bar & Grill
3220 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60657

Enjoy any of the multiple Chicago nightlife scenes available at this popular North Side bar. The basics are all in place here and it's good for a solo night at the bar or any kind of group event you can dream up

Harlem Avenue Lounge
3701 South Harlem Ave., Berwyn, IL 60402

Blues fills the air every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the Harlem Avenue Lounge.

Joe's Sports Bar
940 W. Weed St., Chicago, IL 60622

Joe's Sports Bar is a sports bar featuring live music, good food, and its very own beer garden.

Lizzie McNeill's
400 N. McClurg Ct., Chicago, IL 60611

This heaven-to-many Irish bar sits deep in Streeterville on a quiet corner just across the street from the Chicago River. If you want a pint and a party, you'll likely find it from the sometimes raucous, sometimes not so, crowd here.

Moonshine
1824 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60622

This popular Chicago bar and restaurant kicks off the West Division Street strip with a simple, but everything's there bar menu and good, Southern-leaning menu fare.

Murphy's Bleachers
3655 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago, IL 60613

NV Penthouse Lounge
116 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610

This ultra-hip modern lounge sits atop 7 floors and serves an exclusive crowd. Take in the sweeping views of the Chicago skyline while the new-wave DJs keep the pop music thumping in the background. The outdoor terrace is a popular place to imbibe a pricy, but well-made drink.

Pops for Champagne
601 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60611

Live jazz, huge champagne list, and a fireplace create a memorable atmosphere.>

Redmoon
70 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60605

A sophisticated suburban Chicago night spot with guest DJs weekly, Redmoon delivers with a wide-ranging martini menu and other club features like the huge projection screens showing all kinds of footage.

Rednofive
440 N. Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60622

Dance club with funky atmosphere, intriguing lighting, and an upper VIP level that has been relevant for years now with constantly changing music line-ups and promotions.

Religion
720 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60610

This reinvented Chicago club is now Religion and was part of Club 720, a top Latin dance spot. The new space rocks more of a DJ-induced sound, dancing and a cosmopolitan club experience without the pretensions.

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
1 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

This Chicago brewpub is an outpost of the nationwide chain; the top draw here is the rotating selection of handcrafted beers brewed on-site.

Rockit Bar & Grill
22 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610

Stylish yet comfortable, this River North bar and grill puts a twist on American favorites. Expect to hear some classic rock music as the name implies and take in the old album cover-jacketed menus.

Roscoe's Tavern
3356 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614

This popular gay and lesbian spot includes six bars and a large dance floor en route to one of the wilder nightlife experiences in all of Chicago.

Schuba's Tavern
3159 N. Southport Ave., Chicago, IL 60657

Intimate setting and great sound blend for great live music shows and a casual environment are all represented at this North Side bar.

Sidetrack
3349 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60657

This spacious club is appreciated for its highly social front piano and great people-watching that goes along with its location along one of the busiest boulevards in Boys Town.

The Berghoff Restaurant and Bar
17 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60603

The Berghoff, a traditional 19th-century German beer hall located in Chicago's downtown, has been re-born under the direction of the founder's great-grandduaghter Carlyn Berghoff.

The Neo-Futurarium
5153 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60640

A group of writers/directors/performers who create 30 plays in 60 minutes - bringing audiences something truly unique for over 20 years.

The Redhead Piano Bar
16 W. Ontario St., Chicago, IL 60610

Top-notch piano players make The Redhead Piano Bar a sought-after venue when it comes to sophisticated live music in Chicago. Gather around the piano, or head toward the back of the room for more intimate conversation.

The Underground
54 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60610

The Underground is late-night dance spot offering a constantly changing line-up of talent from DJ's to Hip Hop performers and you never know what. It's one of the likeliest spots to catch a high-toned celebrity in Chicago (from David Beckham to classic acts like the Sugar Hill Gang).The decor here recalls a futuristic underground bunker complex-like feel except that the steady wave of beautiful people lends a more positive note to the ambience.

Vines on Clark
3554 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60657

10pin Bowling
330 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

This hip, nightlife-centered Chicago lounge features 24 bowling lanes and an extensive martini list. Edible fare here is served from a small plates menu, perfect for sharing.

Ravinia Festival
418 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park, IL 60035

A lineup of pop, classical, folk, jazz and other musical performances under the stars or an open-air pavilion. Concerts March through Sept.

The Neo-Futurarium
5153 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60640

A group of writers/directors/performers who create 30 plays in 60 minutes - bringing audiences something truly unique for over 20 years.

The Second City
1616 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60614

The best in comedy and the launching ground of generations of comedic talent, The Second City guarantees a fun night out.

Renaissance Chicago O'Hare Suites Hotel
8500 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago, IL 60631

Just a short shuttle ride from the O'Hare International Airport, the Renaissance Chicago O'Hare Suites Hotel is a comfortable and affordable place to stay for business and leisure travelers alike.