Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. Bust out the SPF—it’s outdoor dining season
  3. The 12 best restaurants to dine outdoors in Chicago
Restaurant list

The 12 best restaurants to dine outdoors in Chicago

A photo of Red logo
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.

4.8 (2807)
$50 and over
Mediterranean
West Loop

With towering trees and many plants, Aba’s green dining room is just a preview of the restaurant’s beloved third-floor outdoor space. For shade, there’s a pergola and oversize umbrellas. A mix of tables, chairs, and low-slung couches add up to a rooftop lounge-like vibe as the night progresses. Celebrate scoring one of Chicago’s most sought-after outdoor seats with a glass of Old World wine and spreads (smoky garlic hummus or charred eggplant), kebabs, and hot mezze.

Top review
LeshaVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Our experience at Aba was incredible, all of the food was so fresh and flavorful. Our waiter was so so friendly and even gave us a free app to try. It was a day to celebrate and the experience just made our celebrations 10x’s better. We can’t wait to go back again!

With towering trees and many plants, Aba’s green dining room is just a preview of the restaurant’s beloved third-floor outdoor space. For shade, there’s a pergola and oversize umbrellas. A mix of tables, chairs, and low-slung couches add up to a rooftop lounge-like vibe as the night progresses. Celebrate scoring one of Chicago’s most sought-after outdoor seats with a glass of Old World wine and spreads (smoky garlic hummus or charred eggplant), kebabs, and hot mezze.

Top review
LeshaVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Our experience at Aba was incredible, all of the food was so fresh and flavorful. Our waiter was so so friendly and even gave us a free app to try. It was a day to celebrate and the experience just made our celebrations 10x’s better. We can’t wait to go back again!
4.6 (7035)
$30 and under
Italian
River West

Piccolo Sogno means “little dream” in Italian, and its lush outdoor space more than lives up to that description. A large ivy-covered tree anchors the Italian restaurant’s backyard, decorated with twinkly lights and lush foliage. The seasonal menu from celebrated chef Tony Priolo focuses on rustic dishes like housemade sausage, black spaghetti with seafood, and prosciutto di Parma pizza. Consider a glass or two from the all-Italian wine list to extend your alfresco meal.

Top review
Christine
Dined 5 days ago
In the summer they have the most beautiful garden. During the winter the restaurant ambiance is wonderful as well. Excellent food and service.

Piccolo Sogno means “little dream” in Italian, and its lush outdoor space more than lives up to that description. A large ivy-covered tree anchors the Italian restaurant’s backyard, decorated with twinkly lights and lush foliage. The seasonal menu from celebrated chef Tony Priolo focuses on rustic dishes like housemade sausage, black spaghetti with seafood, and prosciutto di Parma pizza. Consider a glass or two from the all-Italian wine list to extend your alfresco meal.

Top review
Christine
Dined 5 days ago
In the summer they have the most beautiful garden. During the winter the restaurant ambiance is wonderful as well. Excellent food and service.
4.3 (115)
$30 and under
American
Rockefeller Center

The Dawson’s River West patio—a very popular outdoor spot—makes a killer first impression. Glass, brick, wood, and ivy accents create a magical spot in the heart of the city. Attention to detail is everywhere, from the lights in the trees to colorful flowers and a beautiful tiled floor. On the menu, expect imaginative American food like sticky duck wings and rabbit pappardelle, which pair well with warm-weather cocktails including a guava and grapefruit rosé sangria.

Top review
Alex
Dined on Jan 11, 2025
Thank you guys so much for being punctual about my note regarding my friends birthday, we had such a good time and will definitley be back for more!

The Dawson’s River West patio—a very popular outdoor spot—makes a killer first impression. Glass, brick, wood, and ivy accents create a magical spot in the heart of the city. Attention to detail is everywhere, from the lights in the trees to colorful flowers and a beautiful tiled floor. On the menu, expect imaginative American food like sticky duck wings and rabbit pappardelle, which pair well with warm-weather cocktails including a guava and grapefruit rosé sangria.

Top review
Alex
Dined on Jan 11, 2025
Thank you guys so much for being punctual about my note regarding my friends birthday, we had such a good time and will definitley be back for more!
4.8 (10099)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
River North (Chicago)

Leaning more modern than traditional, this sceney River North steakhouse has attracted those who can’t get enough of dry-aged steaks and sophisticated wines—its fans include President Obama and Charles Barkley. Floor-to-ceiling windows give those dining inside a great view of the nearby Chicago River, but the restaurant’s spacious outdoor patio offers an uninterrupted look at passing boats and the iconic skyscrapers across the water. Arrive before sunset to take advantage of the stellar view.

Top review
Jim91
Dined 3 days ago
Always an epic experience, with phenomenal food and service. A classic!

Leaning more modern than traditional, this sceney River North steakhouse has attracted those who can’t get enough of dry-aged steaks and sophisticated wines—its fans include President Obama and Charles Barkley. Floor-to-ceiling windows give those dining inside a great view of the nearby Chicago River, but the restaurant’s spacious outdoor patio offers an uninterrupted look at passing boats and the iconic skyscrapers across the water. Arrive before sunset to take advantage of the stellar view.

Top review
Jim91
Dined 3 days ago
Always an epic experience, with phenomenal food and service. A classic!
4.6 (1468)
$31 to $50
American
West Loop

The last thing you want while soaking in Chicago’s short but sweet summer is to waste time fighting for a patio table. To avoid that, opt for one of the West Loop’s larger outdoor dining spaces at Recess. This expansive patio has plenty of seats, from high-tops on the turf to spots inside repurposed shipping containers. Enjoy snacks, burgers, and hearty sandwiches plus refreshing cocktails, such as the Monkey Bars with whiskey and blackberry sage shrub.

Top review
Sergio
Dined on Feb 9, 2025
Went for the superbowl, had a good time could use some more servers that’s my only issue

The last thing you want while soaking in Chicago’s short but sweet summer is to waste time fighting for a patio table. To avoid that, opt for one of the West Loop’s larger outdoor dining spaces at Recess. This expansive patio has plenty of seats, from high-tops on the turf to spots inside repurposed shipping containers. Enjoy snacks, burgers, and hearty sandwiches plus refreshing cocktails, such as the Monkey Bars with whiskey and blackberry sage shrub.

Top review
Sergio
Dined on Feb 9, 2025
Went for the superbowl, had a good time could use some more servers that’s my only issue
4.8 (7295)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Lincoln Park

MICHELIN-starred Boka impresses diners with playful but refined dishes from chef Lee Wolen, like black truffle roasted chicken and porcini ricotta gnudi. For the colder months, there’s a skylight patio and a preserved moss wall to bring the outside in. Once the weather warms up, the restaurant offers two charming outdoor spaces: a tree-lined back patio for peak coziness or three tables along the plant-filled entryway for top-tier people watching—ideal for a pre-Steppenwolf dinner.

Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 4 days ago
Really loved the food and service was excellent.

MICHELIN-starred Boka impresses diners with playful but refined dishes from chef Lee Wolen, like black truffle roasted chicken and porcini ricotta gnudi. For the colder months, there’s a skylight patio and a preserved moss wall to bring the outside in. Once the weather warms up, the restaurant offers two charming outdoor spaces: a tree-lined back patio for peak coziness or three tables along the plant-filled entryway for top-tier people watching—ideal for a pre-Steppenwolf dinner.

Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 4 days ago
Really loved the food and service was excellent.
4.7 (1621)
$30 and under
Latin American
Pilsen

Pilsen Yards is known for live music, vinyl DJ sets, and a secret speakeasy-style bar (The Alderman). But you’re here for the massive patio, partially covered with exposed wood beams and overhead heaters. It features its own bar—don’t skip the on-draft sangria—plus a fire pit, responsible for excellent Latin-inspired street food like slow-roasted pork shoulder tacos served on handmade tortillas.

Top review
joanne
Dined 6 days ago
First time here, exceptional service and exceptional food!

Pilsen Yards is known for live music, vinyl DJ sets, and a secret speakeasy-style bar (The Alderman). But you’re here for the massive patio, partially covered with exposed wood beams and overhead heaters. It features its own bar—don’t skip the on-draft sangria—plus a fire pit, responsible for excellent Latin-inspired street food like slow-roasted pork shoulder tacos served on handmade tortillas.

Top review
joanne
Dined 6 days ago
First time here, exceptional service and exceptional food!
4.4 (568)
$31 to $50
American
West Town

Chef Brian Jupiter gets plenty of attention for his mastery of unusual meats like elk, venison, and wild boar. But Frontier also stands out for a knockout all-weather beer garden complete with a retractable roof and stone fireplace. For the ultimate outdoorsy meal, pre-order the “whole animal experience” for you and your group with options that include goat and a free-range American pig, plus plenty of tasty sides.

Top review
Sherman
Dined on Feb 28, 2025
Great place the food and atmosphere is amazing....

Chef Brian Jupiter gets plenty of attention for his mastery of unusual meats like elk, venison, and wild boar. But Frontier also stands out for a knockout all-weather beer garden complete with a retractable roof and stone fireplace. For the ultimate outdoorsy meal, pre-order the “whole animal experience” for you and your group with options that include goat and a free-range American pig, plus plenty of tasty sides.

Top review
Sherman
Dined on Feb 28, 2025
Great place the food and atmosphere is amazing....
4.3 (3006)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
West Loop

With a couple of very distinct dining spaces, BLVD is almost two restaurants in one. Inside, it’s glam central with metallic finishes and shimmering chandeliers. On its full-season patio, there’s an all-out garden party vibe thanks to greenery, white linen curtains, delicate light fixtures, and an 11-foot-tall wooden pergola. No matter where you sit, you’ll have access to a sophisticated but unfussy menu from Top Chef winner Joe Flamm featuring dishes like mushroom risotto and steak frites.

Top review
EveVIP
Dined on Mar 5, 2025
I finally had the opportunity to eat here with my boyfriend for his birthday on Tuesday Night. It's such a beautiful restaurant; it reminds me of "OLD HOLLYWOO". The food was great and the service was everything. Will definitely return.

With a couple of very distinct dining spaces, BLVD is almost two restaurants in one. Inside, it’s glam central with metallic finishes and shimmering chandeliers. On its full-season patio, there’s an all-out garden party vibe thanks to greenery, white linen curtains, delicate light fixtures, and an 11-foot-tall wooden pergola. No matter where you sit, you’ll have access to a sophisticated but unfussy menu from Top Chef winner Joe Flamm featuring dishes like mushroom risotto and steak frites.

Top review
EveVIP
Dined on Mar 5, 2025
I finally had the opportunity to eat here with my boyfriend for his birthday on Tuesday Night. It's such a beautiful restaurant; it reminds me of "OLD HOLLYWOO". The food was great and the service was everything. Will definitely return.
4.8 (4201)
$31 to $50
Italian
River North (Chicago)

There are Chicago River views, and then there’s the view at Gibsons Italia. Take in the soaring skyscrapers and downtown’s iconic bridges when you dine at this multi-level gem. It’s hard to find a bad seat in the house with all the floor-to-ceiling windows, but the top floor has a retractable glass roof and channels a sophisticated living room, complete with leather couches. It’s a handsome backdrop for world-class steaks and Italian-accented hits like mafaldine with Neapolitan beef.

Top review
DebraVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Patrick Barnes is an amazing talent to your establishment. He truly cares about the business and makes an investment into the clientele by reaching out and connecting with customers to make sure we have impeccable service. I recommend this restaurant to all of my clients as well as visiting guests . Not to mention you have the BEST view in the city!

There are Chicago River views, and then there’s the view at Gibsons Italia. Take in the soaring skyscrapers and downtown’s iconic bridges when you dine at this multi-level gem. It’s hard to find a bad seat in the house with all the floor-to-ceiling windows, but the top floor has a retractable glass roof and channels a sophisticated living room, complete with leather couches. It’s a handsome backdrop for world-class steaks and Italian-accented hits like mafaldine with Neapolitan beef.

Top review
DebraVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Patrick Barnes is an amazing talent to your establishment. He truly cares about the business and makes an investment into the clientele by reaching out and connecting with customers to make sure we have impeccable service. I recommend this restaurant to all of my clients as well as visiting guests . Not to mention you have the BEST view in the city!
4.7 (1780)
$50 and over
Seafood
River North (Chicago)

Stroll the Riverwalk and it’s hard not to stop and stare at the dramatic building that houses RPM Seafood. During the warmer months, you’ll spot the restaurant’s 2,000-square-foot terrace decked out with oversized umbrellas and wood-topped tables just inches from the water. Overflowing seafood towers, delicately grilled fish, and housemade pastas are just a few of the can’t-miss dishes at this elegant outdoor star.

Top review
SoniaVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Everything was exquisite. Our server Katie G was phenomenal. So welcoming, had perfect timing and flow and made my friends birthday absolutely perfect! Thank you Katie G!

Stroll the Riverwalk and it’s hard not to stop and stare at the dramatic building that houses RPM Seafood. During the warmer months, you’ll spot the restaurant’s 2,000-square-foot terrace decked out with oversized umbrellas and wood-topped tables just inches from the water. Overflowing seafood towers, delicately grilled fish, and housemade pastas are just a few of the can’t-miss dishes at this elegant outdoor star.

Top review
SoniaVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Everything was exquisite. Our server Katie G was phenomenal. So welcoming, had perfect timing and flow and made my friends birthday absolutely perfect! Thank you Katie G!
4.8 (1093)
$31 to $50
Central Asian
Bucktown / Wicker Park

Taking inspiration from Asia’s night markets, this lively neighborhood spot offers exciting fusion food and creative cocktails in a setting that’s just as refreshing. Mott Street’s sprawling patio is adorned with twinkling lights and lots of plants and flowers hanging overhead—and even your pets are welcome here. Signature dishes include the miso-butter mushrooms, everything wings, and stuffed cabbage. Get here before 7 pm to score the restaurant’s legendary burger.

Top review
DianaVIP
Dined 2 days ago
We dined for dinner tonight and the dinner menu did not disappoint!! Love Mott St! New family fav! Service was perfect!!

Taking inspiration from Asia’s night markets, this lively neighborhood spot offers exciting fusion food and creative cocktails in a setting that’s just as refreshing. Mott Street’s sprawling patio is adorned with twinkling lights and lots of plants and flowers hanging overhead—and even your pets are welcome here. Signature dishes include the miso-butter mushrooms, everything wings, and stuffed cabbage. Get here before 7 pm to score the restaurant’s legendary burger.

Top review
DianaVIP
Dined 2 days ago
We dined for dinner tonight and the dinner menu did not disappoint!! Love Mott St! New family fav! Service was perfect!!
Explore other cities and regions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo