Alfredo`s Amigos, 4535 N. Lincoln Ave.; 784-0330. This outdoor patio accommodates 75; Sip a margarita and eat Mexican food among the hanging and potted plants and shrubbery.
Alexander`s Chicago, 217 W. Huron St.; 951-6000. Though the cafe is a large one, it`s very pleasing. Located on a quiet tree-lined street, it has candles on every table. Lunch offers items from the regular menu; evenings bring cocktails and appetizers outside.
Arnie`s Cafe, 1050 N. State St.; 266-0390. This small sidewalk cafe is a good lookout point for people-watching. You can order anything from the regular menu, such as burgers or salads.
Avanzare, 161 E. Huron St.; 337-8056. This popular sidewalk cafe feels private, with its sturdy awnings and shoulder-height flower boxes. Choose from an array of pasta, entrees and desserts on the full menu. For the first time this year, lunch will be available on weekends.
Biggs` Terrace Cafe, 1150 N. Dearborn St.; 787-0900. The outdoor terrace is on the lawn in front of the restaurant`s Victorian facade. Trees, a landscaped lawn and wrought-iron fence complete the picture. The menu is light California cuisine.
Bistro 110, 110 E. Pearson St.; 266-3110. Just off Michigan Avenue, this quaint sidewalk cafe is decorated with flower boxes and plants. Lunchtime offers the complete menu; dinner is lighter, consisting of appetizers and salads. Open every day.
Blue Mesa, 1729 N. Halsted St.; 944-5990. Along with the regular menu, savor the blue chips and hot salsa in the landscaped garden. It seats about 80, and is thankfully off the street.
Boogie`s Diner, 923 N. Rush St.; 915-0555. This sidewalk cafe is a popular place for lunch, dinner and in-between meals. The menu includes salads and sandwiches.
The Bridge Marina and Nightclub, 1177 N. Elston Ave.; 235-6674. The popular nightclub has two outdoor decks and a rooftop which can accommodate up to 100 people. Try the light lunch or dinner menus. You`ll also find dancing, and on some nights, live music outside.
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!, 2024 N. Halsted St.; 935-5000. This lovely garden, with its tapas and sangria, takes you back to Spain. Seating has been reduced this year in order to accommodate everyone who wants to sit in the front of the restaurant. Come early or you`ll have to wait.
Cafe Fleurie, 21 E. Bellevue Pl.; 266-2100. Formerly belonging to Hotel 21, this is now part of the new Meridian Hotel. It`s one of the city`s best places for people-watching. The cafe has an outdoor bar and serves pizza and sandwiches.
California Pizza Kitchen, 414 N. Orleans St.; 222-9030. Don`t miss the pizza specials at this small sidewalk cafe which seats 20. Order from the regular menu.
Charlie`s Ale House, 1224 W. Webster Ave.; 871-1440. Enclosed by ivy-covered walls, this large patio offers a street view. The regular menu is served in the front; cocktails and appetizers in the back.
Charlie & Pasquale`s, 405 N. Wabash Ave.; 527-3100. Formerly Don Roth`s River Plaza, this sidewalk cafe offers an outdoor grill for dinner, a self-serve hot dog cart, and a fountain. Seating is plenty, accomodating 120.
Chezz Chazz, 3651 N. Southport Ave.; 348-8122. Though adjacent to a Jewel parking lot, the cafe is always busy with the film crowd from the nearby Music Box theater. This small sidewalk cafe offers a full menu along wih lighter snack choices.
Convito Italiano`s Panezuppa Cafe, 11 E. Chestnut St.; 943-2983. The pleasant sidewalk cafe spills over into an adjacent courtyard. Look for lighter fare: soups, pizza and calzone.
Cozy Cafe, 2819 N. Lincoln Ave.; 549-9374. Enjoy breakfast or lunch in the back patio. You`ll find pine tables, ficus trees and a trellis with grapevines. Omelets are a specialty.
Cricket`s, 100 E. Chestnut St.; 280-2100. Located in the Tremont Hotel, this comfortable standby has a charming sidewalk cafe. Under the colorful umbrellas, you can pick appetizers, cold soups, salads and burgers from a lighter menu.
Dick`s Dock at Dick`s Last Resort, 435 E. Illinois St.; 836-7870. Though the menu is limited to cold sandwiches, you can sit on the water`s edge. It`s a nice change from the clamor inside; you`ll preserve your eardrums too. You`ll find the dock on the Ogden Slip at the North Pier Terminal. The Veranda is connected to Dick`s building, and is located just outside the front door. Here the menu is the same as that inside.
Dos Hermanos Mexican Restaurante & Cantina, Sears Tower, 233 S. Wacker Drive; 993-0527. This sidewalk cafe offers an eclectic view of Franklin and Adams Streets. Order from the regular menu; specials have been added.
Edwardo`s, 521 S. Dearborn St.; 939-3366. The sidewalk cafe is small, but it`s fun to enjoy these unusual pizzas outside. Beer and wine are served too.
El Jardin, 3335 N. Clark St.; 528-6775. People line up to sit in the front and back gardens. Though the food doesn`t always win raves, the attraction is the frosty margaritas.
Fernando`s, 3450 N. Lincoln Ave.; 477-6930. The garden in the back of the restaurant has 20 tables. Have a margarita and a burrito among the greenery.
Four Farthings Tavern & Grill, 2060 N. Cleveland Ave.; 935-2060. This busy cafe is a cheerful place to sit, with its bright yellow umbrellas. It`s also a good spot for people-watching, covering the corners of Lincoln, Dickens and Cleveland. Regular lunch and dinner menus.
Garden Cafe at the Art Institute of Chicago, Columbus Drive entrance between Jackson Boulevard and Monroe Street; 443-3508. This cafe is a pleasant place for lunch after a museum tour. Live jazz every Tuesday.
Giordano`s, 1840 N. Clark St.; 944-6100. The sidewalk cafe is relatively large. You can order anything from the full menu, but don`t miss the stuffed pizzas.
Halsted Street Fishmarket`s S.S. Upper Deck, 2048 N. Halsted St.;
525-6228. Believe it or not, this rooftop garden has a nautical motif. You`ll enjoy 30-plus varieties of fish alongside the pilot house, masts and flags. Just don`t try to walk the plank.
Hamburger Hamlet, 44 E. Walton St.; 649-6601. The sidewalk cafe in this Gold Coast fixture serves a full menu, including its trademark hamburgers. A small fence plus an overhang protects diners from the elements.
Hat Dance, 325 W. Huron St.; 649-0066. A canopy partially covers this sidewalk cafe which is close to art galleries in the River North area. Unusual Mexican food is the specialty.
Jean-Claude, 2540 N. Clark St.; 525-1800. The fence, blooming flower boxes and slightly raised terrace make you feel you`re on an island at this popular sidewalk cafe. Choose from the full bistro menu. Specialties include chicken with garlic sauce and fresh fish. Jean-Claude takes Bastille Day celebrations seriously, so plan ahead.
Jerome`s, 2442 N. Clark St.; 327-2207. People flock to this restaurant for its homemade breads and pastries. The sidewalk cafe is inviting, with its gazebo and flower boxes. It is also raised off the street, which you`ll appreciate on a busy night.
John Barleycorn Memorial Pub, 658 W. Belden Ave.; 348-8899. This popular Lincoln Park pub has a surprisingly large outdoor patio in the back. About 40 tables sit among the flowers, grapevines and lion`s head fountain. Choose from the full menu; specialties are the hamburgers.
Johnny Rockets, 901 N. Rush St.; 337-3900. The sidewalk cafe has over 20 tables. Forget about light eating for once and try a burger, fries and malt.
Kincade`s, 950 W. Armitage Ave.; 348-0010. This popular bar-restaurant offers sandwiches, burgers and quesadillas outside. The colorful two-level terrace has lots of trees. Though most of the surfing motifs were stolen by the end of last summer, management promises to replace them.
King Crab Tavern & Seafood Grill, 1818 N. Halsted St.; 280-8990. The patio behind the restaurant can seat 40; it`s a popular place and the wait can last up to two hours. The fresh seafood is displayed on a blackboard menu. You`ll enjoy it next to planter boxes of morning glories and hanging trees, which are lit up at night.
Les Plumes, 2044 N. Halsted St.; 525-0121. This lovely patio garden is off the street, so it feels very secluded. You can choose from light entrees or just snacks or appetizers. At night, candles light the tables.
Lindo Mexico, 2642 N. Lincoln Ave.; 871-4832. Enjoy Mexican fare and fine margaritas al fresco on the patio, which seats about 85 people.
Lutz Continental Cafe & Pastry Shop, 2458 W. Montrose Ave.; 478-7785. Though this German-American bakery-cafe no longer serves dinner on the patio, you can still enjoy a light lunch or Lutz`s famous pastry and coffee.
Mama Mia! Pasta, 116 S. Michigan Ave.; 372-1953; and 195 N. Dearborn St.; 782-0733. Both sidewalk cafes offer plenty of pasta for a low, low price. Outdoor seating is pleasant, with colorful umbrellas and flower boxes.
Maple Tree Inn, 10730 S. Western Ave.; 239-3688. The garden is framed under a canopy of maple trees. The menu is limited, but there`s still plenty of Cajun-Creole cooking to choose from. Leave room for the garlic bread boats. Mirador, 1400 N. Wells St.; 951-6441. The new two-level outdoor patio is filled with lush greenery. Grill items and finger foods are the main draw.
Moody`s Pub, 5910 N. Broadway; 275-2696. You`d never know the restaurant is on a busy street: the award-winning patio setting with its three gardens will remind you of an arboretum. The menu offers hamburgers and beer on tap.
Moonraker`s, 733 S. Dearborn St.; 922-2019. Its predominantly red and blue colors and the trees on the street give this sidewalk cafe a summery feel. The menu includes seafood, salads and sandwiches.
Oak Tree, 25 E. Oak St.; 751-1988. The sidewalk cafe is a prime spot for people-watching. It feels relatively private with fencing and flower boxes. People often line up for breakfast as well as lunch. Open 24 hours inside.
Oo-La-La!, 3335 N. Halsted St.; 935-7708. The small, enclosed garden in Mediterranean colors is the perfect setting for the French-Italian menu. You`ll enjoy a selection of pastas among the potted plants and ivy.
Periwinkle, 2511 N. Lincoln Ave.; 883-9797. This pleasant garden patio offers brunch, lunch and dinner. The main attraction is the coffee: choose from 27 varieties and watch it brewed tableside.
Pizzeria Due, 619 N. Wabash Ave.; 943-2400. This small second-story deck seats 25; it`s a nice change from the maddening crowd inside and you`ll have the same menu. You can reserve a seating except for Friday and Saturday evenings.
Ranalli`s, 1925 N. Lincoln Ave.; 642-4700 and 642-9500; 24 W. Elm St.;
440-7000. This long-time Lincoln Park favorite has more than 150 tables;
sometimes that`s not enought to accommodate everyone. Pizza is the main attraction, but don`t forget pasta entrees, either. The Elm street location has outdoor dining on the first and second floor balconies.
Randall`s RibHouse, 41 E. Superior St.; 280-2790. The sidewalk cafe is striking, with red and white flowers and black furniture: 100 people can pick from the full menu; try the rib specials. Fifty people can sit in the outdoor bar area for drinks and appetizers.
Restaurant Zio, 1148 N. State St.; 337-2474. This small sidewalk cafe is fenced-in and is partially shaded by an awning. Order from the regular menu;
Northern Italian cuisine is the specialty.
Rue Saint Clair, 640 N. St. Clair St.; 787-6907. The sidewalk cafe has been remodeled this year to impart more of a French feel. Latticework separates the cafe from the street; inside are marble-top tables, wicker chairs and flower boxes. The summer menu includes chicken salad and steak frites.
Savoy Bar & Grill, 440 S. LaSalle St.; 663-8800. This casual sidewalk cafe with umbrellas is right next to One Financial Place. Join the suits as they sample the light self-service menu.
Society Cafe at the Chicago Historical Society, 1601 N. Clark St.;
787-8858. Located in the southwest corner of Lincoln Park, this lovely cafe offers lunch in a real garden setting. Seating is limited, accommodating 20 people. Lunch includes sandwiches and specialty salads.
Southport City Saloon, 2548 N. Southport Ave.; 975-6110. The shaded patio, with its cobblestones and antique tables, is a lovely place to sit. There`s even a bar outside. The full summer menu offers steak, chicken, ribs and fish.
Star Top, 2748 N. Lincoln Ave.; 281-0997. The cozy back garden is an interesting one, with its pool table and rotisserie grill. Sample the international menu or try a spit roast.
Stefani`s, 1418 W. Fullerton Ave.; 348-0111. The popular outdoor garden offers flowers in hanging pots, a fountain and a bar. Seventy people can enjoy the restaurant`s Northern Italian cuisine outside.
Stevie B`s, 2623 N. Halsted St.; 472-7513. Located on the side of the building, this courtyard has a cobblestone floor, hanging plants and potted trees. Barbecued ribs and chicken are the specialties.
Tempo, 1 E. Chestnut St.; 943-4373. This sidewalk cafe, popular all day long, is set up with plants, railings, and nearby trees for semi-privacy. Omelets are the house specialty. Inside open 24 hours.
3rd Coast on Delaware, 888 N. Wabash Ave.; 664-7225. Seating has been expanded to accommodate 70 people; the flower boxes laden with impatiens make it a pleasant stay. The light menu and good coffee seem to attract souls in backpacks quoting Verlaine and models just in from a shoot.
Trattoria Gianni, 1711 N. Halsted St.; 266-1976. The terra cotta floor, plants and flowers make a nice setting for the restaurant`s pasta, veal or chicken dishes. In addition, music plays while you sit outside.
Un Grand Cafe, 2300 W. Lincoln Park West; 348-8886. This outdoor terrace faces the Lincoln Park Conservatory and affords a decent view of the Chicago skyline. Order from the full menu; steak and frites are a specialty.
Von Stuke`s Hofbrau, 4128 N. Lincoln Ave.; 525-4906. This German bierhaus has an outdoor garden with vines and a small waterfall. Sit at small tables or Bavarian-style on long wooden benches. The menu offers homemade German specialties and lots of beer.
