Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Downtown / Loop

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

ChicagoNear West

Neighborhoods

AndersonvilleBerwynBucktown / Wicker ParkDowntown / LoopGold Coast / StreetervilleLakeview / East Lakeview

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

65 restaurants available nearby

1. Acanto

4.8

Exceptional(3939)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown / Loop

Booked 58 times today

Across from Millennium park and along Chicago’s Cultural Mile, Acanto Restaurant + Wine Bar is a treasured destination for those who appreciate authentic and approachable Italian food in a conversation-friendly atmosphere. Acanto serves seasonally-driven Italian cuisine from both regions of Italy utilizing artisanal ingredients from Midwest farmers and producers. Acanto boasts one of the most lauded wine programs in the US, including a 3-star rating by World of Fine Wine and a two-glass “Best of Excellence” rating by Wine Spectator. The libations menu is rounded out by Italian classics including spritzes and negronis along with craft cocktails, beer, and spirits. The word Acanto is the Italian translation of Acanthus, the flowery leaf featured prominently in Roman architecture. Famed architect Louis Sullivan used Acanthus in his distinctive terra cotta ornamentation found on the facade of the historically-landmarked building that houses Acanto.

2. Bandol

4.2

Awesome(283)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary French / American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 13 times today

Bandol blends French and Mediterranean classics with modern seafood, a raw bar, and American influences, inspired by the coastal town of Bandol. Its light-filled, art-deco space is ideal for everything from a morning espresso and pastry to a business lunch, memorable dinner, or late-night digestif. Parisian-style outdoor seating offers a relaxing escape in the heart of the city. Bandol serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekday happy hour, and weekend brunch.The upscale to-go coffee bar and bakery counter offers Lavazza coffee, grab-and-go breakfast items, and house-made pastries, perfect for a quick pick-me-up.Parking validation is available for guests parked at 172 W Madison Self-Park Garage. After 4 p.m. on weekends and weeknights, enjoy free parking with a $25 meal purchase. Bring your parking slip for validation. Not valid for valet parking.

3. Chateau Carbide

3.9

Excellent(221)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • River North (Chicago)

Booked 15 times today

Welcome to Château Carbide, a rooftop winter escape, just for you. See our inimitable seasonal style in full display, where luxurious, private lodges dot the rooftop scene, each adorned with cozy fireplaces and plush, intimate seating for up to 5 guests. Snack on a winter-inspired small bites including a French onion grilled cheese and sip seasonal cocktails while taking in the stunning city-wide views of Chicago and all its snowy splendor.Please note the following policies:**Chateau Carbide is a 21+ establishment**Light Bite service is available until 10:00 PM**Outdoor tables are subject to availability, and a reservation does not constitute an outdoor table. We do our best to accommodate all guest seating requests. **Reservations are encouraged but not required, subject to availability.

4. Gibsons Italia

4.8

Exceptional(4202)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 154 times today

Gibsons Italia is built on a tradition & elegance that is relentless in the pursuit of the very best. Chef-driven tastes of Italy are paired with the superiority of Gibsons Steakhouse, creating a restaurant that makes the familiar, exceptional. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.

A photo of Quartino - Chicago restaurant

5. Quartino - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(11112)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 135 times today

Quartino Ristorante is a lively, authentic Italian restaurant and wine bar in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Our menu features Italy's regional specialties including artisanal salumi, Neapolitan thin-crust pizza, house-made pasta, and seasonal dishes. Menu items, served in moderate portions and meant to be shared, are perfect for adventurous diners ready for a unique experience.

6. LUXBAR

4.6

Exceptional(2943)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 90 times today

The quintessential American bar, LUXBAR features seasonal and classic cocktails made from freshly pressed juices, premium ice, house made shrubs, and an extensive selection of spirits that runs especially deep in whiskey and bourbon. A "Build Your Own Manhattan" menu, thoughtful, approachable wine list, and beer menu with vintage and local options make the bar a go-to for casual, mid-week drinks and bites with friends, watching weekend sports and post-shopping. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.

A photo of Chicago Cut Steakhouse restaurant

7. Chicago Cut Steakhouse

4.8

Exceptional(10099)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)

Booked 105 times today

Chicago Cut Steakhouse is one of Chicago’s most iconic dining experiences in a city that boasts dozens of options for steak-centric dining. Our downtown Chicago steakhouse offers guests a selection of signature, USDA-certified prime beef that is hand-cut and dry-aged on site. Our curated menu also features fish, shellfish, chops and a selection of unique side dishes and appetizers. In addition to delicious martinis and specialty cocktails, Chicago Cut offers a wine list with more than 600 bottles that has been highlighted Wine Spectator, the world’s leading authority on wine. Our dining area features a lively bar scene, vibrant red velvet banquettes and spacious dining tables, private dining options and beautiful, sweeping views of the Chicago River. In the warm months, we also open our sprawling outdoor dining patio, which makes Chicago Cut an excellent spot for an outdoor brunch, lunch or dinner reservation along the river.

A photo of Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse - Chicago restaurant

8. Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse - Chicago

4.7

Exceptional(9272)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)

Booked 86 times today

Riverfront dining in the heart of the Windy City. Join us for a magnificent meal on the water and let the good times flow. Ideal for gatherings of all sizes with easy access to parking, major hotels, and convention centers.

9. Nonnina

4.6

Exceptional(2901)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 59 times today

Nonnina echoes old school cooking techniques inspired by the partners’ “nonnas,” offering an upscale, yet approachable experience with a retro vibe. We have installed Plasma Air's state-of-the-art air filtration ionizers that use proactive air purification technologies to deactivate airborne viruses safely.Please note: OpenTable Reservations are not accepted for Happy Hour. We do our best to accommodate all outdoor dining requests, but they are on a first come first serve basis.

10. BLVD Steakhouse

4.3

Awesome(3006)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • West Loop

Booked 63 times today

BLVD Steakhouse is a classic American steakhouse inspired by Hollywood's Sunset Blvd—the golden era's famed strip of dining and entertainment establishments. Our space embodies the glamour and luxury that defined Old Hollywood, offering sophisticated yet approachable service with a chef-driven menu of prime cuts, fresh seafood, and other seasonal favorites from Celebrity Chef/Partner Joe Flamm. Outside, our massive full season patio with a sprawling bar evokes an enchanted ‘secret garden’ look and feel with lush greenery, linen curtains, luxe upholstery, and romantic string lighting.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

MR
MaryR
Chicago / Illinois •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
My friend and I went for Happy Hour. The oysters were so delicious we treated ourselves to a 2nd order. Drinks were so tasty and excellent service.
More info
BandolPrice: Moderate• Contemporary French / American• Downtown / Loop
•
4.2
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Service was incredible and the dessert was the best tiramisu I’ve ever had!!!
More info
Gibsons ItaliaPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.8
MB
MercBenz
New York City •6 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
I had a wonderful time at Quartino. The food came at lightning speed and the service was excellent. We loved loved the Tuscan kale salad, you must try at all costs. The penne vodka chicken and veal meatball app were delicious but I found the fettuccini Alfredo to be very eggy and unpleasant. Our server Christopher was friendly and quick! The zeppole were cooked in old oil and were immediately noticed by all of us at the table. Their nojitos are yummy, I recommend the passion fruit. I will come back especially with these awesome prices!
More info
Quartino - ChicagoPrice: Moderate• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.6
OT
OpenTable Diner
Grand Rapids / Western Michigan •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
I have gone to the restaurant for years. I love it. Great atmosphere phenomenal food!
More info
AcantoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown / Loop
•
4.8
J
Jessica
Orlando / Central Florida East •1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 1, 2025
My best friend and I booked a table in the winter lodges at sunset and it was beautiful and the food and drinks were so yummy. The fire and blanket kept us pretty warm for a very cold night too thanks!
More info
Chateau CarbidePrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• River North (Chicago)
•
3.9

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