There is nothing quite like the reward of Chicago in the summertime. After our brutal winter and wishy-washy spring, Chicagoans don’t take the summer warmth and sunshine for granted; naturally, we take advantage of every day it’s nice out. The best way to take advantage of “Summertime-Chi” is by spending the day on a patio, of course!
When the weather is pleasant, dining al-fresco is the way to go! Grab a seat on a sidewalk table that affords great people-watching, the sun on your back, and ice-cold drinks to beat the heat. While there are always new patio options popping up around the city, these 5 patios are some of our favorites and provide some of the best places to enjoy great food and drinks outside in the city!
1. VOLO RESTAURANT WINE BAR
This hidden oasis in Roscoe Village is reminiscent of a backyard garden. Its cabanas are a perfect place to share an intimate meal featuring oysters and duck confit or to enjoy wine and cheese. The restaurant also offers a dog-friendly sidewalk cafe, so your furry friends can tag along! This relaxing patio is also enclosed and heated during colder months, meaning you can enjoy it year-round!
2. RECESS
This West Loop “adult playground” makes you feel like a kid again, except this time with alcohol! The outdoor monstrosity is a whopping 14,500 square feet and includes tables situated inside repurposed shipping containers and giant games such as Connect Four and Jenga. As for food, Recess offers up a full menu as well as an outpost of Bob’s Pizza.
3. MOODY’S PUB
During those precious few warm months in summer, the beer garden at Moody’s Pub is one of the best locations to unwind and enjoy the weather. The enormity of the tri-level beer garden makes it seem more like a park. It houses 57 picnic tables, three waterfalls bubbling away, and wall-crawling ivy, all within the confines of a brick wall with black wrought-iron railings that block out the noise of Broadway. Enjoy a summer day in the shade of several large silver oak trees while listening to sparrows chirping away.
4. BISTRO CAMPAGNE
Bistro Campagne is a charming courtyard with brick walls, ivy, and lots of plants and trees that make it feel intimate and private. It’s one of Lincoln Square’s best-kept secrets! Due to being a less well-known patio option, the scene at Bistro Campagne is usually filled with regulars, making it a good patio to visit if you’re looking to miss the crowds! Enjoy French classics like escargot and boeuf bourguignon, and plan on ordering a second bottle of wine as an excuse to spend more time here. Who knows, maybe you’ll become a regular, too!
5. PICCOLO SOGNO
Inside the ivy-covered walls of this Italian oasis, it’s as lush and romantic as a fairy-tale forest. It’s hard to complain about the light, simple Italian dishes, but the food doesn’t stand a chance against the perfectly balanced setting, bathed in warm, golden light. Antipasti and something from the enormous, reasonably priced Italian wine list are all you need for a perfect summer evening!
WHO IS FULTON GRACE?
We are one of Chicago’s leading providers of comprehensive real estate services. We are home to an ever-growing team of savvy & reputable local realtors, seasoned property managers, and customer-service-oriented staff. Whether you’re looking to find a new home, sell your home, or have your property managed, let us be your trusted real estate advisors.