The Best Places to Kick-Off Summer in Chicago
via The Park Hyatt Chicago
When someone asks a Chicago local how they can live through the harsh winters, the answer is always “the summers make it all worth it!” and we could not agree more. Chicago shows off in the summertime, with outdoor street festivals, concerts and best of all, outdoor dining options! Here are some great places to kick-off beautiful summertime Chi:
NoMI Garden {800 Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL; 312.239.4030}
Soak in the beauty of the Chicago skyline at the Park Hyatt’s 7th floor garden escape. While NoMI’s interior dining space boasts floor to ceiling windows with sweeping views of Lake Michigan, it’s the garden terrace that really steals the show. Sip on exquisite hand-crafted cocktails & luxurious wines, dine on elevated American cuisine, and enjoy a fresh breeze and golden hour city views at NoMI Garden.
Cabra {200 North Green Street, Chicago, IL; 312.761.1717}
A rooftop bar and restaurant overlooking the Chicago skyline? Say less. Renowned Chef Stephanie Izard’s Cabra sits atop The Hoxton Hotel in the West Loop and features eclectic & traditional Peruvian fare with an equally impressive cocktail menu. With its rooftop location and floor to ceiling windows, Cabra offers sweeping panoramic views of the city all year long, but their outdoor space is the real showstopper come summertime.
via Big Star
Big Star Wicker Park {1531 North Damen Avenue, Chicago, IL; 773.235.4039}
Big Star is a Chicago staple known for their strong margs & tasty tacos. They boast three locations across the city, but when it comes to summertime, Big Star Wicker Park is the place to be; with a brand new, all-weather, solar-powered indoor/outdoor event space as well as a sunny atrium & spacious sidewalk patio. Big Star’s ample seating areas and large tables make it a great spot for groups looking to sip on some margarita pitchers, share some tacos and soak up the sun.
Scofflaw {3201 West Armitage Avenue, Chicago, IL; 773.252.9700}
Scofflaw in Logan Square is a neighborhood staple and favorite, featuring hand-crafted, gin-focused cocktails and elevated bar food in a welcoming, divey atmosphere. Scofflaw’s wood-centric “Chicago style” bar is a great place to enjoy a drink, but their intimate covered patio steals the show during the warmer months. Enjoy happy hour specials, late night sips or weekend brunch while basking in the sun. Pro tip: Hang around until Midnight for freshly baked cookies served nightly!
The Peninsula Hotel Chicago {108 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL; 312.337.2888}
The Peninsula Hotel Chicago is home to not one, but two elegant outdoor spaces to embrace Chicago summertime. Z Bar is The Peninsula’s high-end rooftop terrace overlooking iconic Michigan Avenue, serving innovative hand-crafted cocktails, seasonal, global cuisine and jawdropping nighttime skyline views. The Peninsula’s second outdoor space can be found at Shanghai Terrace, a Chinese-focused restaurant & bar with an urban garden terrace, exclusively open during the warmer months. Whether you’re staying at the hotel or are just looking for a luxurious meal out, a visit to Z Bar or Shanghai Terrace will provide an unforgettable outdoor dining experience.
Easy Does It {2354 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL; 773.420.WINE}
Take time to slow down and relax at Logan Square’s Easy Does It, a wine bar with an expansive hidden back patio allowing for the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Easy Does It offers a delicious assortment of wines by the glass + bottle as well as some seasonal beers, ciders and cocktails. While they don’t offer a food menu, the bar does host food trucks on the weekends.Grab a seat at Easy Does It’s picnic table-flanked patio for happy hours, weekly wine tastings, live music events + more!
via Pilsen Yards
Pilsen Yards {1163 West 18th Street, Chicago, IL; 312.243.2410}
Pilsen Yards is home to one of the dreamiest, most spacious patios, complete with twinkling lights, exposed brick walls and lush greenery. In true Pilsen style, their Latin street food-focused menu features a delicious assortment of shareables, tacos & entrées while their beverage list offers summer-focused cocktails, an extensive beer list and enough mezcals & tequilas to last you through the whole season. To start your weekend off on the right note, Pilsen Yards also hosts live music vinyl sets from various local DJs Thurs-Sun.
Kaiser Tiger {1415 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL; 312.243.3100}
If you’re looking to pair your crisp patio drinks with outdoor games, head to Kaiser Tiger in the West Loop. Not only do they offer their own house-brewed draft beers and traditional Biergarten fare like Sausage Boards + Bavarian Pretzels, but their beautiful outdoor space is home to bocce ball courts and table games as well! The laid back atmosphere, fair prices and spacious patio make Kaiser Tiger a welcome reprieve from Randolph Street and a relaxing daytime destination.
Park & Field {3509 West Fullerton Avenue, Chicago, IL; 773.360.7373}
There are patio parties, and then there are patio parties at Park & Field. This Logan Square oasis boasts an award-winning, super-sized, 6000+ sq ft, four-season patio that you’ll want to relax on all summer long. Park & Field’s patio has a festive camper bar serving spiked slushies and 50+ craft beers, wines + cocktails with their lunch & dinner menus available to enjoy outside as well. Full-sized bocce ball courts are set up to play with friends, a roaring fire pit is ready for cooler nights, and the good vibes are always rolling!
Joy District {112 West Hubbard Street, Chicago, IL; 312.906.7836}
Find your next instagramable moment at Joy District’s iconic River North rooftop bar. Its location tucked between high-rises and adorned with sprawling floral greenery gives the rooftop a very ‘urban oasis’ vibe i.e. a little taste of paradise right in the heart of the city! The Roof at Joy District offers specialty cocktails and a curated food menu 7 days a week. Large group reservations and private party options are available upon request.
via Pizzeria Portofino
Pizzeria Portofino {317 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL; 312.900.9018}
Catch a beautiful lake effect breeze and stunning riverfront view at River North’s Pizzeria Portofino. Their expansive panoramic windows and breezy riverside patio are always a hotspot during the warmer months, so book reservations in advance to secure that perfect patio table! Pizzeria Portofino’s menu highlights (you guessed it) hand-stretched pizzas, as well as other Italian inspired dishes and robust coastal wines. Enjoy their patio for golden hour sips, tasty dinners or daytime weekend brunch!
The Godfrey Hotel {127 West Huron Street, Chicago, IL; 312.649.2000}
A boutique Chicago hotel with a year-round roofscape bar + lounge complete with firepits and 360° city views? Yes, please! The Godfrey is located in the heart of River North, making it the perfect stay option for those exploring the city or the perfect starting off point for a day or night out downtown. Channeling Miami energy, the rooftop is equipped with huge white leather couches, shimmering water elements and a fully retractable roof. Get summer started at The Godfrey and indulge in weekday happy hours, weekend brunch, fresh seafood-focused fare and a never ending selection of craft cocktails.
By Robyn Glaza | Market Manager