
The 12 best restaurants to dine outdoors in Chicago

by Lisa Shames
Updated May 29, 2024
Patio season might be on the shorter side in Chicago—but that doesn’t dampen enthusiasm for dining outside, thanks to scenic spaces that go above and beyond.
For an especially transportive meal, head to the drop-dead gorgeous garden at an Italian favorite. A spacious patio at a modern steakhouse means you get an up-close look at the Chicago River. An all-weather beer garden, complete with a retractable roof, stretches outdoor dining season at a stylish lodge-inspired restaurant.
Whether you’re craving rooftop or water views, this list has you covered. Read on for the 12 best places to dine outdoors in Chicago.
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LeshaVIP
Dined 3 days ago
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Christine
Dined 5 days ago
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Alex
Dined on Jan 11, 2025
4.8 (10099)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
River North (Chicago)
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Jim91
Dined 3 days ago
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Jim91
Dined 3 days ago
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Sergio
Dined on Feb 9, 2025
4.8 (7295)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Lincoln Park
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Dined 4 days ago
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OpenTable Diner
Dined 4 days ago
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joanne
Dined 6 days ago
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Sherman
Dined on Feb 28, 2025
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EveVIP
Dined on Mar 5, 2025
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DebraVIP
Dined 1 day ago
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SoniaVIP
Dined 2 days ago
4.8 (1093)
$31 to $50
Central Asian
Bucktown / Wicker Park
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DianaVIP
Dined 2 days ago
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DianaVIP
Dined 2 days ago
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