With warmer weather around the horizon, we are excited to share with you a curated list of patio, rooftop deck and al fresco dining spots in Chicago and the Chicagoland suburbs. From sophisticated rooftops and fine dining experiences to casual happy-hour destinations, the options make the most out of patio dining season while it lasts.
Komo | Chicago, IL
Komo Chicago: A Japanese fine dining destination on West Loop’s Restaurant Row, located at 738 W Randolph St., Chicagoans are invited to take their taste buds on an unforgettable journey this upcoming season on Kōmo’s intimate, four table patio for those looking to take their experience outdoors, with both a la carte and 8-course tasting menu available. Guests are invited to test out their latest Happy Hour Menu with half off featured cocktails and delicious items such as Fried Katsu Bao, Japanese Tacos, Spicy Tuna Crunch, and more. For more information or to book your table this summer season, please visit www.komochicago.com.
The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant | Chicago, IL
The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant: Formerly Engine Company 104 of the Chicago Fire Department, the landmark restaurant at 1401 South Michigan Avenue features both a lush backyard patio providing a quaint escape in the city as well as an outdoor veranda affording picturesque views of the South Loop skyline. The timeless house favorites including steaks, chops, and seafood, are complemented by distinctive, contemporary seasonal dishes. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit https://www.chicagofirehouse.com/.
Steak 48 | Chicago, IL
Steak 48: The luxurious River North spot located at 615 N Wabash Ave offers a second–floor outdoor dining patio to enjoy a beautiful summer night in Chicago. Diners can choose between USDA Prime steaks, the highest-grade Wagyu steaks, fresh seafood, and shellfish among many chef-crafted sides, inventive appetizers, handcrafted cocktails and curated wine selection. For more information or book a reservation, please visit https://www.steak48.com/steakhouses/chicago/.
Aire Rooftop | Chicago, IL
Aire Rooftop: Spend the summer up in the Aire! One of Chicago’s most sensational rooftop decks, located at 100 W Monroe Street above the Hyatt Centric the Loop Chicago, will open for the 2024 summer season with a bang on May 19th. Aire is thrilled to announce new modifications of the space, including new furniture and added seating, a new grill station that will offer chargrilled pizzas and a full menu, and a self-serve beer station where beer can be poured by the ounce. For more information or make a reservation, please visit https://www.airechicago.com/.
Carnivale | Chicago, IL
Carnivale: Chicago’s one-of-a-kind restaurant serving Latin-fusion cuisine invites guests to take advantage of patio season on the scenic outdoor terrace with refreshing libations and sensational signature dishes. The West Loop hotspot also offers seven unique private and semi-private spaces, perfect for celebratory events. Carnivale is located at 702 West Fulton Market Street. For reservations and event inquiries, please visit www.carnivalechicago.com.
City Cruise Chicago | Chicago, IL
City Cruises Chicago: Set sail on City Cruises’ luxurious vessels including the Odyssey Lake Michigan, Spirit of Chicago, Chicago Elite, and the Odyssey Chicago River. Whatever the holiday or occasion, it’s better on a yacht. Guests can enjoy curated cocktails and cuisine during brunch and dinner cruises, all while taking in the unmatched views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline from the Chicago River. Chicago River cruises board at 455 N Cityfront Plaza Dr. For more information or to book a cruise, please visit https://www.cityexperiences.com.
Oaken Bistro + Bar | Lake Forest, IL
Oaken Bistro + Bar: Bringing together worldly flavors and responsible, local ingredients rooted in flavors both strong and bold, Oaken Bistro + Bar, 200 N. Field Dr., features both indoor and outdoor dining, with a sleek lounge, stunning bar, spacious dining rooms, and a patio complete with intimate fire pit seating. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch service on weekends, the restaurant incorporates natural elements in everything from design and decor to menu offerings including a standout cocktail program complete with floral and herbal infusions. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit https://www.oakenbistro.com/.
101 Club | Chicago, IL
101 Club: Coming in hot, the 101 Club is Chicago’s newest destination for outdoor dining this spring and summer located at 101 E. Erie Street. Opening April 22nd, 101 Patio Bar & Grill boasts an open-air patio space equipped with two fireplaces and surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking landscaping. With a Mediterranean focused menu ranging from shareable small plates to soups, salads, hearth-baked flatbreads, handhelds and seafood-centric entrees the sensational food is accompanied by craft cocktails, world-class spirits, international wines and local brews. Opening May 15th, 101 Rooftop features sweeping views of the Chicago Skyline. The rooftop will serve sensational craft cocktails alongside a strong selection of wines by the glass and local beers in a vibrant, sophisticated setting. On the menu, visitors will find a selection of shareable appetizers, fresh salads, burgers, sandwiches and a range of sushi offerings from maki to sashimi and nigiri. In the summer months 101 Rooftop will offer a Sunday Dixieland Jazz brunch experience, and a DJ spinning every Friday and Saturday evening. For more information, please visit https://www.101club.com/.
Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook | Oak Brook, IL
Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook: Enjoy classic American fare in a casual setting al fresco on the lakeside patio in the Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook, 2815 Jorie Blvd. Water’s Edge serves both savory and sweet breakfast dishes and—later in the day–fresh salads, wraps and sandwiches. Whether starting the day in Oak Brook with a hot breakfast or taking a break from the pool for a family lunch on the patio, There’s a seat for you at Water’s Edge. Reservations can be made on their OpenTable, https://www.opentable.com/r/waters-edge-oak-brook.
Forbidden Root | Chicago, IL
Forbidden Root: Chicago’s first botanic brewery and restaurant in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood, located at 1746 W Chicago Ave, brews craft beer inspired by nature, exploring a rich world of wild ingredients such as herbs, spices, flowers, fruits and roots. More than just a brewpub, Forbidden Root also offers fresh and seasonal dishes that are a blend of approachable, but elevated, comfort food led by Executive Chef Peter Beatty. Forbidden Root has select sidewalk tables and seating at the table by their overhead doors for those looking for al fresco. A selection of al fresco dining is also available at sister property Cultivate by Forbidden Root in Ravenswood (1746 W Chicago Ave). For more information or to make a reservation, please visit https://forbiddenroot.com/brewpubs.