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If you want a taste of Izard’s award-winning cuisine al fresco, head to Cabra. You might know her for her flagship restaurant Girl & the Goat. You might know chef Stephanie Izard from her time on Top Chef. Head to the tree-lined back patio for a cozy vibe or take in top-notch people watching at one of the three tables along the plant-filled entryway path-the latter is ideal for a pre-Steppenwolf dinner.Ĭabra – Chicago is set on the top floor of The Hoxton in the West Loop.

While the skylight patio and preserved moss wall satisfy the need to be outside during Chicago’s colder months, the Lincoln Park restaurant offers two outdoor spaces once the weather warms up. MICHELIN-starred Boka, a James Beard Award winner, delights diners with playful yet refined dishes such as brown butter roasted Atlantic cod with celtuce, beech mushrooms, and kombu (kelp) from chef Lee Wolen. Come hungry and ready to snap plenty of selfies. The dishes are equally artful, ranging from charcuterie boards and colorful salads to its namesake shareable roasts, including lamb, chicken, and whole fish. And behind you is the pretty brick façade of the historic landmarked building that River Roast calls home. To the left and right are two of the city’s beautiful bascule bridges. Look south and you’ll see the Chicago River and its steady parade of boats. It’s hard to know where to look first when sitting outside on the riverfront patio of this River North restaurant. The chic atmosphere is both relaxing and energizing, accompanied by solid American fare such as sticky duck wings, chicken-fried lobster, and charred cauliflower with agave vinaigrette. Glass, brick, wood, and ivy come together to create a dazzling effect. The Dawson’s River West patio-a popular outdoor perch-is one to behold. Glass, brick, wood, and ivy come together to create a dazzling effect on The Dawson’s patio.
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It features its own bar plus a fire pit, making it well-suited for a plate of fish or slow-roasted pork shoulder tacos (served on handmade tortillas) and a pitcher of margaritas or on-draft sangria.

It’s partially covered with exposed wood beams and overhead heaters (should cooler temperatures prevail). But you’re most likely here for the massive patio. Pilsen Yards is known for live music, vinyl DJ sets, and a secret speakeasy-style bar in the back. Toast your good fortune for snagging a seat with a glass of Lebanese wine and spreads (wild mushroom hummus or whipped eggplant), kebabs, and hot mezze. A mix of traditional tables, chairs, and low-slung couches on the second-floor space fuel a rooftop lounge-like vibe as the night progresses. A pergola offers some shade, as do the oversize umbrellas. But that’s just a preview of Aba’s actual outdoor space. With towering trees and an abundance of lush plants, Aba’s dining room channels an open-air expanse.
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Come before sunset to take full advantage of the stellar view.
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While the floor-to-ceiling windows give those dining inside a great view of the nearby Chicago River, the restaurant’s spacious outdoor patio offers an unobscured front-row seat to the boats passing by and the iconic skyscrapers across the river. Chicago Cut counts President Obama as a fan.

Skewing more modern than traditional, this River North steakhouse has long been a magnet for those who can’t get enough of dry-aged steaks and a sophisticated wine list. Read on for the 12 best places to dine outdoors in Chicago. Whether you’re craving Peruvian rooftop dining or a charcuterie board with a river view, this list has you covered. A MICHELIN-starred New American spot in Lincoln Park embraces the warmer weather with not just one but two outdoor dining options. In Pilsen, a Mexican favorite ups its festive factor with a dedicated patio bar. While there are plenty of ad hoc outdoor dining situations in the Windy City, there are some extra-thoughtful setups that stand out from the crowd.Ī River North gastropub is home to one of the city’s most scenic water views. Few other Chicago season openers are as universally anticipated as patio season (sorry, baseball fans).
