Best Outdoor Dining Spots in Chicago
Warm weather has arrived, and there’s no better way to thaw from the cold, winter months than enjoying a delicious meal and craft cocktails outdoors! In Chicago, there are a wide variety of highly-rated restaurants with outdoor dining options for you to choose from. Whether you’re new to the area or you’ve called this city home for a while now, we’ve gathered a few of the best outdoor dining in Chicago that’s sure to offer an unforgettable meal in the sunshine close to your home at Millie on Michigan.
Las Fuentes
A brief, 15-minute drive will lead you to Las Fuentes, an authentic Mexican restaurant with a warm and cozy atmosphere. Not only will you love their highly-rated tacos and margaritas, they also have a beautiful, large and private patio with string lights and colorful decorations that seats about 200, so you don’t have to worry about finding a table outside! Las Fuentes is the perfect spot for a date night, hanging out with friends, or to host your next private event!
Big Star
Located in the heart of Wicker Park, you’ll find the most-visited Chicago outdoor patio at Big Star. Named after American rock band Big Star, this spot is a neighborhood staple and one of the most popular spots in Chicago. They are a bourbon and beer-focused, taco-slinging, late-night honky-tonk. You may have to wait in line, but it is well worth the wait!
Piccolo Sogno
Craving Italian? This is the one of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago for you! At Piccolo Sogno, which means “little dream” in Italian, you are transported to dreamy Tuscany with their romantic garden patio and seasonal rustic Italian cuisine. Their extensive selection of 400+ Italian wines was carefully chosen by wine expert Ciro Longobardo, and their staff is highly trained to offer their customers well-informed recommendations so you are guaranteed the perfect wine pairing with your delicious meal. This is one of the most romantic restaurants in Chicago that you don't wanna miss!
Beat Kitchen on the Riverwalk
In walking distance to the lively downtown Chicago riverwalk, you’ll find Beat Kitchen on the Riverwalk. This restaurant has a gorgeous patio with stunning waterfront views of the Chicago River! They are known for their creative, craft cocktails and wide variety of dishes including burgers, tacos, thin-crust pizza, etc. They even have gluten-free and vegan options!
RPM Seafood
Another outdoor dining option along the Chicago River, RPM seafood is a highly-rated Seafood restaurant with an outdoor patio that is perfect for summer nights. Located in the River North neighborhood of downtown Chicago, RPM Seafood is known for having some of the world's best fish and seafood and being one of the best Chicago restaurants. Their menu includes caviar service, seafood cocktails and towers, oysters, crab, lobster, etc. If seafood isn't your thing, they have excellent housemade pastas and salads for you to choose from.
Parsons Chicken and Fish
Parsons Chicken and Fish is a local favorite, and their food is so addicting that you'll keep going back! Their affordable, yet delicious fried chicken is a Chicago staple and has won countless accolades and awards. They are also known for their famous Negroni Slushies, made of Letherbee gin, Luxardo Bitter, sweet vermouth and a bit of lemon juice. Their massive patio with picnic tables and games is the perfect place to spend a hot summer day.
