Even with its famously temperamental weather, outdoor dining in Chicago doesn’t have to be complicated. These restaurants offer dinner — and brunch, and lunch, and drinks — with a scenic view of the city’s natural and man-made beauty.
OFFSHORE ROOFTOP
Spectacular Vista: The world’s largest rooftop bar at more than 52,000 sq. ft., Navy Pier’s Offshore allows you to relax with a glass of wine or cocktail surrounded by picture-perfect views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. Enjoy a seasonal menu of new American cuisine that emphasizes shareable plates, although seafood and beef entrées are also on the menu.
PIZZERIA PORTOFINO
Riverside Pizza: With its downtown setting overlooking the Chicago River, Pizzeria Portofino’s outdoor terrace makes the act of eating pizza feel extravagant. The menu of hand-crafted pies, complete with artisan cheese imported from Italy, is enhanced by pastas, seafood dishes and decadent desserts.
ABA
Hot Ticket: Inspired by Mediterranean summer, the greenery-filled rooftop patio at Aba in Fulton Market is one of the most sought-after reservations in town. But it’s not only about the atmosphere and the view. The acclaimed menu includes innovations like crispy short rib hummus, shawarma-spiced skirt steak and halibut ceviche, and the beverage list is filled with rare Mediterranean wines and spirits.
PICCOLO SOGNO
On Cloud Wine: Piccolo Sogno, which means “little dream” in Italian, has an appropriately dreamy location in River West. Under the secluded shade of large trees and the patio’s golden yellow umbrellas, guests can dine on classic upscale Italian fare — including pastas, sauces and olive oil imported from Sicily — and choose from more than 400 Italian wines curated by expert Ciro Longobardo.
AVLI
Greek with a Twist: Avli puts a contemporary spin on Greek cuisine. While traditional fare like souvlaki and shared hot and cold meze plates are available for lunch, the dinner menu brings in dishes such as smoky lamb chops, whole fish and five-day brined chicken. All three Avli Chicago locations — River North, Lakeshore East and Lincoln Park — have outdoor seating available.
BEATNIK ON THE RIVER
Whimsical Wanderlust: The cuisine and culture of the Mediterranean, North Africa and Mexico fuse together at Beatnik on the River. As the name suggests, this restaurant sits on the Chicago River in the Loop with an elegant backdrop of Persian carpets and lanterns poking through ceiling-hung flowers. It’s more than just a feast for the eyes, though, serving creative cocktails and dishes from kale fattoush to tuna crudo.
UTOPIAN TAILGATE
Adult Playground: This rooftop bar overlooks the city skyline from the historic Old Town neighborhood. Utopian Tailgate is anything but old-fashioned, though, with bright, eclectic decor, games like giant Jenga and cornhole and an eye-popping menu. With more than 20 beers on draft, bottle service and tailgate packs, Utopian Tailgate is a prime spot for large groups looking for fun in the fresh air.
PARK & FIELD
Award-Winning Patio: Between its back deck, rugby room, front patio with a camper bar and bocce courts, Logan Square’s Park & Field is more of an experience than a restaurant. Its super-sized, all-weather patio was named one of the top 20 beer gardens in the country. But it’s still a restaurant — one with elevated Americana eats, more than 70 draft beers and even a dog-friendly menu.
PARADISE PARK
Bloody Mary Bar: Illuminated by fairy lights and disco balls, Paradise Park is a breath of fresh air in the West Town neighborhood. Between its Bloody Mary bar during weekend brunch and Tuesday night trivia, Paradise Park makes sure casual doesn’t mean boring. However, the generously-topped pizza, either original crust or tavern-style, is the true star of the show.
