With summer weather finally here, it’s time to get outside. Here are 4 hand-picked spots for outdoor dining in Chicago.
The Duck Inn
“Where else can you dine on a patio that’s a literal backyard facing neighbors?,” says Philippe Gills, chef concierge at the Langham Chicago. Occupying a corner tavern in the Bridgeport neighborhood, The Duck Inn serves up creative duck dishes—as the name would imply—in addition to American eats ranging like cheese curds with hoppy mayo and a delectable duck fat dog (Chicago style, of course). Coupled with their inventive cocktail program, you’ll soon see why this has become a true destination restaurant.
Tanta
Judson Corrie, chef concierge at the Waldorf Astoria, says this Peruvian gem is simply “made for summer.” When the weather accommodates, he says nothing is better than a meal on their secluded rooftop. Their Latin menu offers so much, which is why Corrie always seems to find an exciting new dish. “Make sure pair whatever you select with El Chingon,” he says. “It’s a sublime combination of Jalapeno Tequila and Mezcal.”
Parson’s Chicken & Fish
Delicious frozen cocktails, hush puppies, fried chicken, and ping pong? Talk about a winning combination, which is why this Logan Square hot spot is a favorite of Mat Chapman, concierge at the JW Marriott Chicago. Reminiscent of attending a backyard BBQ, do yourself a favor and order one of their negroni slushies. Paired with some buttermilk fried chicken and crunchy cool sides? You’ve got a can’t-beat-it outdoor dining experience.
Piccolo Sogno
While the elegant interior is an ideal setting for an intimate dinner, it’s the lush patio out back that is the real draw for Rebecca Starodub, concierge at the Radisson Blu Aqua. This local favorite offers some of the best rustic Italian cuisine to be found and their tranquil patio is the perfect setting to enjoy it. Here’s an off-menu secret for you: they offer half portions of all of their pasta and risotto dishes.
I really like going to Piccolo Songo. Love the food there.