Feasting al fresco: Guide to enjoying Chicago's patio dining scene

Spring is here! Although the weather may disagree, the calendar says it’s here. If there is one thing Chicagoans are not afraid of, it is a little chill. Just look at how Chicago handled COVID outdoor dining. So put on an extra layer and head outside to enjoy some cool outdoor patios.

Punch Bowl Social – 310 N. Green St. – West Loop

• According to its website, Punch Bowl Social is “an adult playground.” TripAdvisor reviewers rave about the Legit Nachos. 

Bronzeville Winery – 4420 S. Cottage Grove Ave. – Bronzeville

• OpenTable says, “Bronzeville Winery is a destination where exceptional food, fine wine, and vibrant energy come together.” 

The Warbler – 4533 N. Lincoln Ave. – Lincoln Square

Time Out recommends the crispy cauliflower. 

City Winery – 1200 W. Randolph St. – West Loop and 11 E. Riverwalk – South Loop  

• City Winery features Chicago-made wines. Wine garden pop-up coming soon.  

The Duck Inn – 2701 S. Eleanor St. - Bridgeport

• The Duck Inn is known for its whole-roasted duck, but more casual diners in search of hot dogs must try the Duck Inn Dog, made with all-natural beef and duck fat, then topped Chicago-style. 

Las Fuentes – 2558 N. Halsted St. – Lincoln Park

The Chicago Bar Project praises the Tres Leches dessert. 

The Dawson – 730 W. Grand Ave. – River West

Choose Chicago says Dawson specializes in beverageswith whimsical touches.

Omarcito’s Latin Cafe – 3801 W. Fullerton Ave. – Logan Square

• Look for the bright yellow take-out counter, a former shipping container, and follow the live music.

Corridor Brewery & Provisions – 3446 N. Southport Ave. – Lakeview

Corridor serves locally sourced food meant to be paired with their specialty craft beers. 

Robert’s Pizza and Dough Co. – 465 N. McClurg Ct. – Streeterville

• Certified Pizzaiolo through the Scuola Italiana Pizzaioli, a pizza school in Italy, the doughis made in-house daily and crafted into artisanal brick-oven pizzas.

Trivoli Tavern – 114 N. Green St. – West Loop

• Dine in the cobblestone alley known as “Gin Alley.” Find Me Gluten Free raves about the gluten-free pasta.

Bunker – 1515 W. Monroe St. – West Loop

• Minutes from the United Center. The outdoor space is also dog-friendly.

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden – 52 W. Elm St. – Gold Coast

• Celebrity chef Art Smith offers seasonal menus featuring farm-to-table ingredients.

Frontier Chicago – 1072 N. Milwaukee Ave. – West Town

• For a whole-animal experience, choose from wild boar, goat, alligator, lamb, pig, salmon, and an antelope leg.

Taureaux Tavern – 155 W. Van Buren St. – The Loop

• Support Taureaux’s Charity Cocktail Program, as seen on WGN9 Daytime Chicago.

Phlavz Bar & Grille – 717 W. Maxwell St. – University Village

• Dine in or look out for their food trucks throughout the city.