The Best Patios In Chicago

Chicago has a lot of things, but patio season might be its biggest achievement!

We wait all year for the weather to finally act right, and once it does, it’s straight to the nearest patio, rooftop, beer garden, or sidewalk setup with a drink in hand. Every neighborhood has its go-to spots, but we narrowed it down to some of our favorites around the city.

You really can’t go wrong with a patio day, but if you need somewhere to start, this list has you covered.

Downtown / West & South Loop

PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK/PUNCH BOWL SOCIAL CHICAGO

Punch Bowl Social

310 N. Green St. - West Loop

Punch Bowl Social is what happens when your patio plans accidentally become your entire day. Grab a drink, claim a spot in the sun, and when you're ready for a change of scenery, head inside for bowling, arcade games, and enough entertainment to keep the group occupied for hours!

PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK/THE DAWSON

The Dawson

730 W. Grand Ave. - River West

Just off the Blue Line, The Dawson is a great pick when you want something that feels a little tucked away, but still close to everything. Come for the patio, stay for the cocktails and seafood-forward menu.

Photo via Facebook/River Roast

River Roast

315 N. LaSalle Dr. - River North

A patio on the river is always a good idea. River Roast brings the views, the drinks, and the kind of setting that makes it very easy to accidentally stay longer than you planned.

PHOTO VIA PAGE ONE PR

The Hampton Social

164 E. Grand Ave. - Streeterville

353 W. Hubbard St. - River North

The Hampton Social gives you options. Both Chicago locations have outdoor space, so whether you’re in the mood for a rooftop vibe or a covered terrace, you’re set. Bonus points if there’s rosé involved.

PHOTO VIA SUNNYGUN

SUNNYGUN

664 W. Lake St. - West Loop

MONEYGUN held onto the beautiful patio from the Saint Lou’s days and made SUNNYGUN, which was definitely the right move. It’s bright, breezy, and a solid West Loop spot for cocktails and globally inspired bites.

PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK/BEATNIKONTHERIVER

Beatnik

180 N. Upper Wacker Dr. - The Loop

1604 W. Chicago Ave. - West Town

Beatnik has two very different but equally good patio situations. Head downtown for river views and full-on scenery, or hit the West Town location for a lush, airy setup that still feels like you’re outside (even when you’re technically not).

PHOTO VIA TOUCH COMMUNICATIONS/PICCOLO SOGNO

Piccolo Sogno

464 N. Halsted St. - River West

Piccolo Sogno has one of those patios people love to act as if they discovered first, and for good reason — who wouldn't want to gatekeep this place? Hidden from the street and packed with greenery, it’s one of the prettiest outdoor dining spots in the area and somehow still feels like a little escape.

Photo via Bunker/Slow Down Co.

Bunker

1515 W. Monroe St. - West Loop

Bunker is built for an easy patio hang. It’s dog-friendly, spacious, and made for long afternoons with cocktails, frosé, and snacks that keep the table going.

photo via The Spoke & Bird

The Spoke & Bird

205 E 18th St. - South Loop

1248 W 18th St. - Pilsen

The Spoke and Bird is a great patio pick for daytime plans. It’s relaxed, easy, and especially good for brunch, coffee, or a laid-back drink when you want something a little more low-key. They've also got a location in Pilsen for those off the Pink Line.

North Side

Photo via Facebook/Parson's CHICKEN & Fish

Parson's Chicken & Fish

2952 W. Armitage Ave. - Logan Square

2435 N. Halsted St. - Lincoln Park

Parson’s is a Chicago patio classic. Grab a boozy slushy, claim an outdoor picnic table, and settle in. It’s one of those spots that feels like summer every single time.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CORRIDOR BREWERY

Corridor Brewery & Provisions

3446 N. Southport Ave. - Lakeview

Corridor Brewery is a great neighborhood patio for beer people. They brew everything in-house, the food holds up, and the outdoor space makes it easy to hang out for a while.

Photo PROVIDED BY Middle Brow

Bungalow by middle brow

2840 W. Armitage Ave. - Logan Square

Bungalow by Middle Brow is one of those spots that feels very Chicago in the best way. House-made beer, wine, pizza, and bread all come together in a space that feels casual, local, and ideal for patio season.

photo via Hi-lo

The Hi-Lo

1110 N California Ave - Logan Square

For those who prefer their patio season with a side of sophistication, Hi-Lo delivers. Its chic outdoor space, expertly made drinks, and effortlessly cool atmosphere make it one of Chicago's best spots for a sun-soaked afternoon that feels just a little more refined.

Photo via Page One PR

The Patio at Cafe Brauer

2021 N. Stockton Dr. - Lincoln Park

A patio by the zoo with lakefront views is a pretty hard combo to beat. The Patio at Café Brauer is a seasonal favorite at Lincoln Park Zoo, with views of Nature Boardwalk and the skyline.

IMAGE VIA FACEBOOK/BIG STAR

Big Star

1531 N. Damen Ave. - Wicker Park

3640 N. Clark St. - Wrigleyville

Big Star stays busy for a reason. The patios are always a scene, the tacos and margaritas do what they need to do, and it’s an easy answer anytime someone asks where to go when the weather is nice.

PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK/SHEFFIELD'S

Sheffield's Beer & Wine Garden

3258 N. Sheffield Ave. - Lakeview

Sheffield’s is a classic. Just outside the main Wrigleyville rush, it’s a solid beer garden for BBQ, bar food, cold drinks, and a patio that always feels like a good call.

PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK/FRONTIER

Frontier

1072 N. Milwaukee Ave - West Town

Frontier is a little different from your standard patio stop, and that’s part of the appeal. The menu gets adventurous, the drinks are strong, and the patio is a good place to settle in with a group that wants to order a little bit of everything.

Photo via Facebook/The Whistler

The Whistler

2421 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Logan Square

The Whistler can get tight inside, which is exactly why patio season is the move here. The back patio gives you room to breathe, strong cocktails, and a better excuse to stick around for another round.

PHOTO CREDIT: LAKESHORE BEVERAGE VIA SLEEPING VILLAGE

Sleeping Village

3734 W. Belmont Ave. - Avondale

Sleeping Village gives you live music venue energy with a patio that actually makes you want to hang out before the show. With a huge tap list and plenty of outdoor space, it’s an easy Avondale pick.

Photo Credit: The Radicle

The Radicle

2523 N Milwaukee Ave. - Logan Square

Since opening earlier this year from award-winning chef Joe Frillman, The Radicle has quickly become a neighborhood favorite thanks to its playful dual concept: a coastal-inspired raw bar showcasing pristine chilled seafood alongside an elevated artisanal pizza program. The thin-crust pies serve as a canvas for seasonal Midwest ingredients sourced from local farms, pairing perfectly with the restaurant's aperitivo-driven cocktail and wine program.

Now, guests can enjoy the experience outdoors with the debut of The Radicle's new patio, an inviting extension of the dining room designed for happy hour, leisurely dinners, late-night bites, and everything in between. Located in the heart of Logan Square, the patio is the perfect place to experience The Radicle's seasonal menu, seafood-forward dishes, creative pizzas, and laid-back neighborhood atmosphere. It's an ideal fit for stories highlighting Chicago's best new patios, al fresco dining, neighborhood gems, or where to eat this summer.

Big Chicks + Tweet

5024 N. Sheridan Rd. - Uptown

Big Chicks + Tweet is an Uptown staple with the kind of patio setup that makes warm-weather plans feel easy. Tweet brings daytime brunch and comfort food energy, while Big Chicks keeps things going later with cocktails, bar food, and one of the city’s most beloved neighborhood bar scenes. With beautiful front and back patios, an art-filled space, and a come-as-you-are vibe, it’s a strong North Side pick for patio season.

South Side

IMAGE VIA PilsenYards

Pilsen Yards

1163 West 18th Street - Pilsen

Pilsen Yards earns its spot here with a big covered patio, a patio bar, and plenty of room to spread out. It works for brunch, drinks, birthdays, and those group plans where nobody can agree on one vibe, because it kind of covers all of them.

Photo via Facebook/Simone's

Simone's Bar

960 W. 18th St. - Pilsen

Simone’s always brings a good crowd, and the sidewalk patio keeps the energy going outside. It’s a fun Pilsen stop for drinks, pub food, and a night that doesn’t need a ton of planning.

Photo via Facebook/Maria's

Maria's Packaged Goods and Community Bar

960 W. 31st St. - Bridgeport

Maria’s is one of those spots that just feels like a Chicago staple. Go for a drink, stay longer than expected, and maybe make a few new friends while you’re at it. The outdoor seating next to Kimski doesn’t hurt either.

Photo via Facebook/Nella Pizza

Nella Pizza e Pasta

1125 E. 55th St. - Hyde Park

Nella’s Hyde Park patio is a very easy yes. Good pizza, good pasta, and a comfortable outdoor setup make this one a reliable go-to when you want an unfussy meal outside.

Photo via Facebook/Cork & Kerry

Cork & Kerry

10614 S. Western Ave. - Beverly

3258 S. Princeton Ave. - Bridgeport

Cork & Kerry is the kind of place where an afternoon drink can turn into an all-day hang. The patio is spacious, the vibe is easygoing, and nobody’s rushing you out.

PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK/VIRTUE

Virtue Restaurant

1462 E. 53rd St. - Hyde Park

Virtue is already one of Hyde Park’s most loved restaurants, and patio season just makes it even better. It’s a great excuse to sit outside and spend a little extra time over a really good meal.

West Side

Photo via Facebook/Esmeralda's

Esmeralda's

2539 W. Division St. - Humboldt Park

Esmeralda’s is the kind of place you end up recommending after one visit. The Caribbean cocktails are the draw, and the patio makes it even easier to stay for another round.

Photo via Instagram/Nellie's Restaurant

Nellie's

2458 W. Division St. - Humboldt Park

Nellie’s is a longtime favorite for a reason. It’s a great brunch move, the Puerto Rican food always hits, and the patio makes it even better on a nice day.

Photo via Facebook/Green Tomato Cafe

Green Tomato Cafe

3750 W. Ogden Ave. - Lawndale

Green Tomato Cafe is a sweet neighborhood patio for breakfast, lunch, or coffee. It’s relaxed, welcoming, and exactly the kind of place that works when you want something easy and unfussy.

Photo via Facebook/Humboldt Haus

Humboldt Haus

2956 W. North Ave. - Humboldt Park

Humboldt Haus is a great stop after a walk through the park. Grab a sandwich, grab a beer, and post up on the patio for one of the easier, more low-key hangs in the neighborhood.

Updated august 2026