Getting the hottest summertime seats

Taylor Hartz | Staff Writer

It’s patio season and restaurants and bars across the city are opening up their sidewalks, decks and outdoor spaces for sunshine seating. 

When it comes to a good view, City Winery at 11 W. Riverwalk South can’t be beat. Situated right on the water, start off with a view and then enjoy the Italian burrata made with marinated tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt and toasted ciabatta before diving into a menu filled with salad and sandwich options.

There’s a variety of win, but the best is the pink rosé, a generous pour of a watermelon, peach, strawberry and cantaloupe flavored wine.

For something more summery, get a frosé. This icy pink wine is served with a striped straw and fresh raspberries and will beat the heat.

The bar features six house wines including Riverwalk Red, a blend that will be available all summer. The bar also offers Goose Island beers and a variety of seasonal cocktails. The waterfront spot is located on Marina Plaza between State Street and Dearborn Street and will feature live music on weekends. City Winery is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, weather permitting.

Gibson’s Italia, 233 N. Canal St., has a great view of the river from its third floor patio. Enjoy angus steaks, sirloin and a selection of fresh seafood. 

One of River North’s newest outdoor hotspots is Bar Cargo, 605 N. Wells St., a roman style pizzeria.

The restaurant has about eight tables on its sidewalk patio, but they plan to add to the outdoor seating soon. In addition, a beer garden is in the works on the back patio, which will seat at least 60.

Bar Cargo offers a variety of cocktails including the strong Tuscan Sunset is a bit strong. For something more mild, try the limoncello, a refreshing frozen lemonade.

The calamari is perfect and the the pizza was a great option though it’s not Chicago deep dish or thin crust. The Queen pizza includes a classic red sauce, basil and mozzarella, though for something a little more meaty, try the Chicago, a meat covered pie with sausage and peppers.

Point and Feather, 113 W. Hubbard St., offers refreshments, food and entertainment. 

The patio isn’t open yet, but the inside offers a fun variety of bar games and eats like pretzel bites, chips and cheese curds, Detroit-style deep dish pizzas, or sandwiches

House favorite cocktails include the Queen of Thorns made with beefeater gin, pineapple, dried rose and lemon. They’ve also got a bunch of craft beers, ciders and cocktails and with boozy shakes.

For a fiesta fix the tiny patio space at Fat Baby Tacos, 109 W Hubbard St., is worth the wait. This River North spot has a small but mighty outdoor area that is first come first serve, so get their early.

In addition to margaritas and sangria by the pitcher, there are made-in-house agua frescas in cucumber chia, hibiscus ginger lemonade and horchata de coco.

Guests can design their own taco burrito or bowl and choose chicken, steak, carnitas, shrimp or veggies.

Get any dish in classic, American, street or spicy style and add extras for flavor.

For late nights out, they have a special menu after 10 p.m. that highlights tamales, tacos and tequila shots.