Chicago’s outdoor dining scene transforms the Windy City’s streets into an open-air feast. From Beatnik on the River’s Mediterranean-inspired riverside terrace to Harry Caray’s Tavern’s bustling Navy Pier patio, the city offers distinctive al fresco experiences.
Loop workers flock to Pierrot Gourmet’s sidewalk café, while Lincoln Park locals savor authentic Italian at Sapori Trattoria’s garden patio. Whether craving deep dish at Gino’s East or BBQ at Smoque’s outdoor tables, Chicago’s patio culture delivers year-round.
Explore the Windy City’s best outdoor tables below!
Featured Outdoor Dining Spots in Chicago
- Beatnik on the River
- Smoque BBQ
- Bongiorno's Cucina Italiana & Pizzeria
- Gino's East
- Harry Caray’s Tavern
- Miss Ricky's
- Pierrot Gourmet
- Sapori Trattoria
- Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe
- Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken - Streeterville
Casual Outdoor Dining in Chicago
Bongiorno's Cucina Italiana & Pizzeria
What to Expect
Scenic riverfront seating
Description
Bongiorno's Cucina Italiana & Pizzeria offers Italian cuisine with a focus on pizza, Italian beef, and traditional dishes like lasagna and tiramisu. Located near the Chicago River, it provides a scenic outdoor dining experience with views of the city's architecture. The restaurant is vegetarian-friendly and offers vegan options, making it a versatile choice for various dietary needs.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Bongiorno's Cucina Italiana & Pizzeria
Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken - Streeterville
What to Expect
Artisanal donuts and fried chicken
Description
Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken in Streeterville offers a unique blend of artisanal donuts and fried chicken sandwiches. The small space includes patio seating, providing a casual outdoor dining experience. Known for its fresh, small-batch donuts made hourly, the restaurant also serves a variety of breakfast and lunch items, including gluten-free and vegan options.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken - Streeterville
Miss Ricky's
What to Expect
Vibrant decor with eclectic wall features
Description
Miss Ricky's offers Italian dishes in a vibrant setting within the Virgin Hotel. It features a unique decor, including a wall of cut-off ties and miniskirts, and provides both indoor and outdoor dining options. The menu includes a variety of Italian classics and modern twists, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. The restaurant is well-suited for casual upscale dining in the heart of Chicago.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Miss Ricky's
Pierrot Gourmet
What to Expect
Seasonal sidewalk seating
Description
Pierrot Gourmet is a European-style café offering a modernized bistro-inspired atmosphere. It features a menu with breakfast classics, flatbreads, tartines, soups, salads, and the popular rotisserie chicken. The café includes seasonal sidewalk seating, providing an energetic city experience. It offers an expanded takeaway menu and curated wines for purchase.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Pierrot Gourmet
Sapori Trattoria
What to Expect
Cozy Patio with Italian Cuisine
Description
Sapori Trattoria offers a cozy Italian dining experience in Chicago's Lincoln Park and Lakeview neighborhoods. It features a large patio area ideal for outdoor dining, complemented by house-made pasta and authentic Italian dishes. The intimate setting makes it suitable for special occasions or casual gatherings.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Sapori Trattoria
Smoque BBQ
What to Expect
Succulent Smoked Brisket
Description
Smoque BBQ offers a casual atmosphere with outdoor seating, serving American-style barbecue. Known for its succulent brisket and flavorful ribs, it provides a relaxed setting for enjoying classic BBQ dishes like mac and cheese and cornbread. While not primarily focused on outdoor dining, its outdoor seating area is a pleasant spot to enjoy a meal.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Smoque BBQ
Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe
What to Expect
Signature Berry Bliss Pancakes
Description
Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe offers a casual dining experience with outdoor seating, ideal for breakfast and brunch. It features a variety of American cafe-style dishes, including signature pancakes. The cafe is wheelchair accessible and provides free Wi-Fi, making it a convenient spot for casual gatherings.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe
Waterfront Dining in Chicago
Beatnik on the River
What to Expect
Bohemian riverfront patio
Description
Beatnik on the River offers a bohemian dining experience with globetrotting cuisine and stunning views of the Chicago River. Its 80-seat patio features colorful tile, Indonesian daybeds, and fringe-lined umbrellas, creating a unique setting. The restaurant's eclectic interior includes vintage jewelry and Middle Eastern-inspired decor. It serves inventive cocktails and dishes inspired by the Mediterranean and beyond. Features a boho-chic ambiance with candlelight and chandeliers.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Beatnik on the River
Harry Caray’s Tavern
What to Expect
Waterfront sports bar with memorabilia
Description
Harry Caray’s Tavern offers a quintessential Chicago dining experience with stunning waterfront views of Lake Michigan. Located near Navy Pier’s main entrance, it features a family-friendly menu, extensive sports and pop culture memorabilia, and a vibrant sports bar atmosphere. The outdoor patio provides a great spot for people-watching and enjoying major sporting events on HDTVs. Seasonal attractions include outdoor dining igloos and a cozy Lakefront Lodge.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Harry Caray’s Tavern
Other Outdoor Dining Options in Chicago
Gino's East
What to Expect
Graffiti-covered walls and rooftop terrace
Description
Gino's East offers a unique dining experience with its signature Chicago-style deep dish pizzas. The Superior Street location features a rooftop terrace and a lively atmosphere, while the River North location is known for its graffiti-covered walls. Both offer a variety of Italian and American dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options. While not primarily focused on outdoor dining, Gino's East provides a memorable experience with its iconic pizzas and lively settings.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Gino's East