We’re calling it now. Newly opened Naia in River North is going to be Chicago’s “it” restaurant patio this summer. Soon, if not already, photos of its prime riverfront location will flood your Instagram feed. Remember when Cindy’s, the rooftop restaurant and bar at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, opened and images of the Bean and Millennium Park across the street were everywhere? This is like that, but add water. Lots and lots of water.
But like politics and barbecue, everybody has a different opinion on what makes an outdoor dining space great. And that’s especially true in this case when the time frame in which we can enjoy them to their fullest comes in very limited quantities.
With that in mind, our guide to Chicago patios eschews the word “best.” Instead, we are offering picks curated to fit various moods, needs and situations. Sunglasses not included.
Go here if you want …
… a place that feels like Chicago
Maria’s Package Goods and Community Bar / Kimski, 960 W. 31st St., Bridgeport
When you have a classic Chicago 30-year-old slashie next door to a hip Polish Korean restaurant, things are bound to get interesting on the 85-seat shared patio between them — and that’s what makes this Bridgeport twofer a special place. Sure, its charming outdoor area tucked behind the sister spots that features a mix of traditional tables, gazebos and cozy lounge chairs offers the ideal conditions for a laid-back evening. But regular events like Tuesday’s Patio Jam and Breakfast Sandwich Club on Saturday afternoons, both featuring local guest chefs, make it feel like a party where everyone is invited. Belly up to Maria’s for adult beverages and Kimski for dishes like Chicago-style pork-filled dumplings with cheese sauce. Repeat as needed.
… to people watch
Naia, 300 N. LaSalle St., River North
It’s a challenge to figure out what to focus your attention on first at this River North newcomer. There are the yachts parked outside its sprawling 150-foot riverfront patio (any closer to the water and you’d be in it.) “You can come here via car or by boat, and that’s a first for us, so it’s pretty cool,” said Luke Stoioff, who along with his business partner, David Rekhson, is behind the Mediterranean-leaning restaurant led by chef Athinagoras Kostakos, known for winning “Top Chef Greece” and is a partner in DineAmic’s Lyra, Violi and La Serre. Then there’s the view of the river, bridges (LaSalle and Wells to be exact) and skyscrapers. Inside, there’s a 50-foot hand-carved stone sculpture of its water nymph namesake. Or perhaps the roving hummus cart has caught your eye. Finally, your gaze will turn to all the beautiful dressed-to-impress people who have claimed Naia as their own.
… to day drink
Omarcito’s Latin Cafe, 3801 W. Fullerton Ave., Logan Square
Even without a bar — or perhaps because of it — this counter-service restaurant with some of the city’s most soulful jibaritos, empanadas and lechon has deservedly earned a reputation as a top day (and night) drinking spot. The catch? You bring your adult beverage of choice. Omarcito’s offers a limited selection of mixers like lemonade and sparkling water. For those who need a pick-me-up earlier in the day, there are coffee drinks, including a coconut café leche (hot and iced) and banana oatmeal shake. Order at the bright yellow shipping container counter and grab a spot on the patio. DJ sets on the weekends add to the party vibe.
… food to soak up all that day drinking
Mott Street, 1401 N. Ashland Ave., West Town
The patio at this laid-back Wicker Park restaurant lets you continue the day-drinking party with some killer food (and more drinks) to boot. Inspired by Asia’s night markets, Mott Street’s patio is decked out with twinkling lights, lush greenery and flowers hanging from the wood pergola. But it’s the food you’ve come for, and Mott Street is happy to oblige with signature dishes like the everything chicken wings, pork- and kimchi-stuffed cabbage and jackfruit bulgogi. If you’re hoping to get your hands on Mott Street’s sought-after burger, come before 7 p.m.
… to bring your dog
Robert’s Pizza and Dough Company, 465 N. McClurg Court, Streeterville
This Streeterville restaurant has earned plenty of recognition for its thin-crust pizza and the passion/obsession of its creator, Robert Garvey. (Don’t just take our word for it; Bill Murray is a fan too.) But its dog-friendly, plant-filled 100-seat patio steps from the Chicago River’s Ogden Slip is more of an insider secret — until now. The trees and bright yellow umbrellas help keep the sun at bay for you and your furry four-legged friend. Save some dough (sorry, not sorry) during happy hour 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
… a neighborhood hang
Perilla Fare, 401 N. Milwaukee Ave., West Loop
“Unless you know about our patio you don’t know it’s there,” said chef/owner Andrew Lim of the restaurant that specializes in modern interpretations of traditional Korean flavors with dishes like gochujang riblets, spicy sakura pork collar and wagyu skirt steak. But as recent long lines for its outdoor Monday nights Windy City Wiener Wars — the annual hot dog showdown that pits local chefs against each other — indicates, word has gotten out. Tucked behind Perilla Fare on a quiet West Loop corner (yes, they do exist), this patio is equal parts delicious food and drink and community space.
… summer Friday vibes every day of the week
The Duck Inn, 2701 S. Eleanor St., Bridgeport
A fine-dining chef may be running the joint, but there’s nothing fussy about the Duck Inn. Rather, Kevin Hickey transformed a Bridgeport mainstay into a neighborhood gastropub that feels like a summer Friday all week long. That same howdy neighbor sentiment applies to the cozy tree- and plant-filled patio. Wednesdays are pizza nights with pies coming out of the backyard wood-fired oven from Hickey and guest chefs. The last Thursday of the month offers a tropical barbecue and pig roast with live entertainment. Come for the cheffed-up classic Chicago hot dog and cold beer and stay for feel- good vibes no matter the day of the week.
… a romantic date night
Piccolo Sogno, 464 N. Halsted St., West Town
When it comes to go-to outdoor dining lists, there’s one restaurant that’s consistently been on them year after year: Piccolo Sogno. Its backyard patio is overflowing with lush greenery, towering trees and flowers, offering an intimate escape from city life. Rustic, ingredient-driven Italian dishes from chef/owner Tony Priolo like handmade pastas, fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas lean into that vacation vibe as does the all-Italian wine list. Its name translates to “little dream” for good reason.
… a chaotic (in a fun way) good time
Recess, 838 W. Kinzie St., West Town
With some 14,500 square feet of outdoor space and a menu of beer buckets, slushies, large format cocktails and festive bar food (loaded tater tots, elote dip, cheeseburger sliders), this West Loop spot is a playground for adults. Like any great recess, there are games too, both for the table — think Monopoly, ring hook and table air hockey — and on the many large flat-screens. Work up a thirst with bean bag toss and beer pong. Karaoke, weekend DJs and special watch parties — hello, World Cup! — ensure there are no timeouts.
… to bring the kids on the North Side
Honey Butter Fried Chicken, 3361 N. Elston Ave., Avondale
For more than two decades, this Avondale counter-service spot has been showcasing fried chicken and the magic that happens when honey butter is dabbed on it. Along the way, the restaurant has added fried chicken sandwiches and creative sides like schmaltz smashed potatoes and pimento cheese fries to the menu. During the warmer months, Honey Butter’s patio decked out with tables with big umbrellas, plants and overflowing flower boxes adds another seating option beyond the cozy dining room. A special kids menu makes ordering for the little ones easy. It’s even better better on Wednesdays when kids eat for free and glasses of wine are just $9.
… to bring the kids on the South Side
Sanders BBQ Supply, 1742 W. 99th St., Beverly
Getting named one of the best 50 restaurants in the country by The New York Times may have taken the folks behind this Beverly spot by surprise, but not its many fans who faithfully line up for authentic low-and-slow barbecue specialties like pulled pork, ribs and chicken wings, and crowd-pleasing sides like mac and cheese and bourbon-seasoned beans. Grab the kiddos and head to one of the two spacious patios, including one with plenty of grass for them to roam free. A BYOB policy for the grown-ups makes for a happy meal all around.
… to bring your beer connoisseur friend
Hopleaf Bar, 5148 N. Clark St., Andersonville
Long before craft beer was a thing, Andersonville’s Hopleaf was pouring suds from around the world from its 60-plus draft lines to say nothing of its hard-to-find bottled offerings. What it doesn’t have are TVs or any other live entertainment to distract from the matter at hand. For a more thorough away-from-it-all adventure, head to the cozy tree-lined back patio. Pair with Belgian-inspired dishes like beer-cooked mussels and crispy pork belly for the full experience.
… daily specials every day of the week
Pilsen Yards, 1163 W. 18th St., Pilsen
Why offer specials just a few nights a week when you can have them every day you’re open? That’s the question this hip Pilsen mainstay answers with food and drink offerings ranging from a $15 burger, beer and shot on Thursday to happy hour half-off drafts (cocktails and beer) Wednesday through Sunday. And the spacious patio is the place to enjoy it all. Partially covered with exposed wood beams, the outdoor area features its own bar and lots of seating to enjoy a variety of Latin-inspired street food along with equally creative beverages. Vinyl DJ sets Thursday through Sunday add to the ambiance.
