Chicago’s Most Exciting Al Fresco Dining Destinations
Cool breezes, the perfect excuse to wear the new shades, and impeccable Instagram lighting (which only enhances the crazy covetable skyline views in front of you) combine to remind us of one highly anticipated truth: The season of al fresco dining is finally upon us. What do we have to prove for it? For starters, a fleet of recently opened restaurants featuring outdoor eats, drinks, vibes—and city vistas to accompany them all. From a splashy rooftop opening in River North to ace patio seating in Avondale, here are 10 new ways to enjoy the food on your plate and the sun on your face.
1/10Aba
It’s easy to want to stay awhile at this 4,000-square-foot urban oasis, a newcomer to Fulton Market as of this June. Lounge-style seating, fire pits, lush greenery, and an indoor-outdoor bar make for the ultimate al fresco evening—and it only gets better. Top Chef alum CJ Jacobson runs the kitchen here, spinning out Middle Eastern-inspired plates like artichoke hummus with sunflower-seed tahini and grilled lamb chops with burnt oregano and freekeh.
2/10Z Bar
Expect instant A-lister status upon arrival at this Mag Mile rooftop, which debuted at the iconic Peninsula Hotel this June. A wraparound terrace is outfitted with comfortable lounge seating and tables overlooking Michigan Avenue, while the bar inside boasts scenic murals, dramatic skylights, and views of their own with floor-to-ceiling windows. Impress Instagram friends with a snapshot of the Daikon Frites (with garlic chives and spiced tomato jam) alongside the Sarawak Satays (with Malaysian-style chicken and beef, lemongrass, and sweet basil).
3/10Big Star Wrigleyville
Cubs fans have another reason to celebrate this summer with the opening of Big Star Wrigleyville, the honky-tonk hangout and taco-tequila haven from chef Paul Kahan that clocks in at a cool 9,000 square feet. The ample space extends to the always-abuzz patio, where 80 seats are available for sun seekers pre- or post-game. Snag a spot and a round of tacos de panza or al pastor, queso fundido, and Big Star Hot Chips with guacamole.
4/10Rooftop at Torali
Sleek seating, state-of-the-art fire pits, and more than 2,300 square feet of prime outdoor real estate greet patrons at this luxe rooftop, which is found on the 12th floor of the recently revitalized Ritz-Carlton, Chicago. Come for panoramic city views and stay for a medley of simple but decadent bites, including oysters on the half shell, meatball sliders, and crab cakes. Visit for happy hour on Wednesdays, when glasses of rosé are just $10 alongside $1 oysters.
5/10The Warbler
Chef Ken Carter helms the menu at this Lincoln Square restaurant, a go-to gathering spot for groups in the area. Naturally, they head straight away to the 90-seat patio, which is situated directly on the Lincoln Avenue thoroughfare. Abundant greenery, refreshing cocktails, and a fireplace await diners, who can explore Carter’s at once familiar and fun fare (think pork belly nachos or Korean-style chicken wings).
6/10Tied House
There’s more reason than ever to head to a show at Schubas with the arrival of this neighborhood restaurant, which opened directly next to the Southport Corridor concert venue earlier this year. Take full advantage of their outdoor courtyard, a cozy retreat complete with a fireplace and 50 seats. They’re the best spots in the house to experience chef Debbie Gold’s elevated comfort fare, such as cherry-glazed duck breast with bok choy and nebrodini mushrooms.
7/10Gibsons Italia
A fireplace, retractable roof, and stunning vistas of the Chicago River and city skyline are all draws of this fourth-floor rooftop, which opened in the city’s vibrant West Loop neighborhood just this May. With Gibsons in the name, expect serious steaks and prime seafood, along with more shareable Italian-inspired options like meatballs or prosciutto and cantaloupe. Arrive early for some sights and a signature cocktail—namely the Watermelon Spritz (with tequila, sparkling rosé, and mint).
8/10Sleeping Village
The same team from the Whistler is behind this all-day Avondale hangout, where neighborhood denizens meet up for coffee, live music, and beer—and lots of it (56 draft lines, to be exact). A year-round patio is just as impressive—the 150-seat space and its many picnic tables make it the ultimate meeting spot before any of the venue’s concerts, which include national and global talents alike.
9/10Bar Biscay
Named for the Atlantic coastline along the Bay of Biscay, this restaurant focuses on the seafood and regional specialties of northern Spain and western France. Dishes from chef Johnny Anderes are rooted in the simple, straightforward approach of the Basque style, and the décor follows suit—right down to its patio. Just 14 seats are available outside, where diners can taste through plates like whole fish with beurre Nantais and saffron-laced smoked sardines while watching the hip passersby of West Town.
10/10Devereaux
Perched on the 18th floor of the newly opened Viceroy Chicago, this 70s-chic rooftop showcases epic Chicago views and a serious cocktail menu from beverage director Lee Zaremba. Grab a Rosé Cobbler and relax by the pool while taking in sweeping sights of Lake Michigan—all amidst a leafy backdrop of verdant trees and hanging plants. Come dinner time, head downstairs to Somerset, where a street-level patio is the perfect setting for shareable plates like smoked beet tartare and Spanish octopus.
