Katie’s Favorite Outdoor Restaurants in Chicago

Spring is finally starting to show up for us in Chicago and that has me thinking about all the amazing outdoor patios and rooftops to regular this summer! Although there are so many amazing patios across Chicago, below is a list of my top 10 outdoor restaurants.

Aba (Fulton Market / West Loop)

302 North Green Street

Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, fire pits and lush greenery combined with a Fulton Market location make this outdoor patio one of my favorites. In addition to their amazing food menu, this is a great place to enjoy a fresh cocktail.

Athena (Greektown)

212 South Halsted Street

A restaurant I have been frequenting since I was a little girl, Athena has the largest patio in Greektown. The retractable roof also ensures cover if it rains. I highly recommend you order the saganaki and skordalia as appetizers!

Big Star (Wicker Park)

1531 North Damen Avenue

Arguably the best fish taco in the city, Big Star has a huge outdoor dining area. It’s a great place to spend a sunny afternoon eating tacos and enjoying pitchers of margaritas, but definitely be prepared to wait awhile to secure your table.

Chicago Cut (River North)

300 North LaSalle Drive

Located directly on the Chicago River, Chicago Cut is the best place to enjoy an indulgent steak dinner in the summertime. For any non-meat eaters like me, they also have a great selection of seafood.

The Dawson (River West)

730 West Grand Avenue

Not only does the Dawson have a welcoming patio, complete with a fireplace and strung lights, the food and cocktails are also amazing. A great place for weekend brunch, dinner or drinks.

Gibsons Italia (West Loop / Loop)

233 North Canal Street

Stunning views of the Chicago river and city skyline combined with an upscale menu make this one of those restaurants that just got everything right.

LH Rooftop (Loop)

85 East Wacker Drive

With sweeping views of the Chicago River and the Magnificent Mile, LH Rooftop is the perfect spot for some small bites and a classic cocktail.

Parlor (West Loop)

108 North Green Street

With a huge, two-story outdoor patio equipped with Ping Pong tables, Parlor attracts a pretty big crowd when its nice outside. This is a great place for a big group to catch up over some delicious Neapolitan pizza.

Piccolo Sogno (River West)

464 North Halsted Street

A very classic Italian restaurant, the patio is full of trees and strings of lights. This is a great option for dinner with your parents or a romantic date night.

Somerset (Gold Coast)

1112 North State Street

Located on the first floor of the Viceroy Hotel, Somerset’s patio overlooks the “Viagra Triangle” in the Gold Coast which makes it some of the best people watching in the city. The art deco atmosphere combined with an amazing menu make this one of my favorite Chicago restaurants.