While the city is filled with incredible restaurants, bars, and cafes, nothing beats enjoying delicious food and drinks with a side of sunshine. From stunning rooftop bars to lush beer gardens, tranquil waterfront spots, and serene picnic havens, the city offers countless opportunities to eat, drink, and socialize in the open air. This guide will take you through plenty of the best places in and around Chicago to satisfy your cravings while soaking up the sun.
Chicago’s Best Outdoor Dining and Drinking Spots
Rooftops
The J. Parker Stunning skyline, park and lake views are what you get at this chill Lincoln Park restau-bar, a welcome respite from the throng-populated River North scene. Unobstructed, 13-story views and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating add to the appeal, facts furthered by globally inspired cocktails and casual-cool, pickled-centric bites from adjacent Perennial Virant. Hotel Lincoln, 1816 N. Clark St., 312.254.4747
NoMI Garden Sedate and swanky at once, this seventh-floor spot affords sweeping city views from its outdoor terrace. Dotted with sleek table seating and low-slung furniture, it’s the perfect place to while away hours over craft cocktails. Since tipples alone won’t do, pair them with maki, selections from the raw bar or indulgent local cheeses plated with house-made jam. Park Hyatt, seventh floor, 800 N Michigan Ave., 312.239.4030
Beer Gardens
Sheffield’s Wine & Beer Garden The city’s most beloved beer garden is set amid vine-trimmed brick walls and old growth trees. It’s nothing fancy, mind you—just a handful of picnic tables—yet the jovial vibe is precisely the draw. That, and the umpteen brews, thoughtful vins and finger-licking ’cue. 3258 N. Sheffield Ave., 773.281.4989
Moody’s Pub Throwback in the most endearing way, this Edgewater tap is a fuss-free place to enjoy balmy days. Grab a seat on the shaded, tiered beer garden, taking in the park-like setting, complete with waterfalls and ivy-trimmed walls. Then, order a Moodyburger or the self-proclaimed “biggest salad in town.” Moody’s Pub, 5910 N. Broadway St., 773.275.2696
Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar Artisanal cocktails, grab-and-go booze, a serious in-house selection of craft and Belgian beers and an artsy, DJ-manned setting exude plenty of Chicago charm. That said, you’ll want to grab a seat on the petite patio during summertime, when free Polish-Korean barbecue keeps hunger pangs at bay. 960 W. 31st St., 312.890.0588
Picnic Spots
Northerly Island This 91-acre peninsula located south of Adler Planetarium is a bucolic place for a stroll, and equally pleasing for leisurely lunches, fishing and seasonal concerts. 1521 S. Linn White Dr., 312.745.2910
Millennium Park There’s so much to love about this focal Loop landscape: iconic sculptures, the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion and the lovely Lurie Garden, to name a few. Some advice: Brown bag it or pick up grub from Tony Mantuano’s al fresco salad bar, and take it all in. 201 E. Randolph St., 312.742.1168
Grant Park Music Festival This collaboration between the Grant Park Orchestral Association, the City of Chicago and the Chicago Park District is a free outdoor classical music series held at the architecturally impressive Jay Pritzker Pavilion all summer long. Pack a picnic and eat beneath summer skies. Millennium Park, 205 E. Randolph St., 312.742.7638
Alfred Caldwell Lily Pond This quiet escape was designed by its namesake landscape architect in the prairie school style. Enter at Fullerton Parkway between Stockton and Cannon Drives, and take a seat along flagstone steps leading to the water’s edge. 2391 N. Stockton Dr., 312.742.7736
Beaches
Oak Street Beach Catch some rays along North Lakeshore Drive at this sublime shoreline stretch, home to a coastal bar and restaurant, a see-and-be-seen expanse of powdery beach. Chair and volleyball rentals are also available. 1000 N. Lake Shore Dr., 312.742.5121
Kathy Osterman Beach Marked by a LEED-certified beach house, this sandy arc (also called Hollywood Beach) sits at the northerntip of Lincoln Park. It’s an ideal spot for swimming or jounging around. 5800 N. Lake Shore Dr., 312.742.5121
North Avenue Beach Anchored by an iconic blue and white, ocean liner-inspired beach house, this sandy expanse lures locals for sandwiches, salads and ice cream at its seasonal Castaways Bar and Grill. Rent jetskis, kayaks and lounge chairs or join in a yoga session, which takes place seasonally at sunrise, during late morning and at sunset. 1600 N. Lake Shore Dr., 312.742.5121
By Jennifer Olvera
