There are various visual clues that signal the beginning of Chicago`s summer (nobody trusts the calendar in this town). Buckingham Fountain springs to life. The Wendella and Mercury boats begin skimming the water. Condos hold their Hawaiian-luau pool-opening festivities. The baseball teams are sources of serious concern.
And the sidewalk cafes sprout up.
There are few joys in life that can surpass a good meal, outdoors, on a perfect Chicago summer day. Which goes a long way toward explaining why so many Chicago restaurants offer outdoor dining.
And why we put together this handy little (little?) list.
Chicago`s well-deserved reputation for culinary diversity is borne out in this year`s al fresco roundup. From simple setups (a few chairs on the sidewalk) to elaborate (a dramatically lit landscaped yard), across a wide range of styles, this year`s crop of outdoor dining spots has a little something for everyone. Want live entertainment? You`ll find it here. If you`re looking for romance-and who isn`t-we`ve even got a few outdoor fireplaces for you. We`ve even categorized some of the restaurants for easy reference.
Last year at this time, you may recall, Chicago`s al fresco season was very much in the news. Snafus with city licenses threatened to postpone the openings of the city`s beer gardens. (Beer gardens differ from sidewalk cafes- beer gardens operate on private property while sidewalk cafes operate on city property-and operate under different rules.)
Things are much calmer this year, to just about everyone`s relief. And while several outdoor spots from last year haven`t returned, there are more than enough newcomers to take their places.
Ultimately, the appeal of outdoor dining has much to do with the fleeting nature of the outdoor season. There are so few days, all clustered in a relatively small number of weeks, in which outdoor dining is possible, let alone desirable. In Chicago, we learn quickly to cherish those moments.
Enjoy.
City
AVANZARE, 161 E. Huron St., 312-377-8056. Fun place to dine with friends at noon; a romantic spot for the evening. This sidewalk cafe features lovely flowers and privacy, plus shelter from the elements.
BIGGS TERRACE CAFE, 1150 N. Dearborn St., 312-787-0900. Outdoor dining here is on the spacious lawn in front of the Victorian facade of the restaurant. Open until 11 p.m., for weekday dining, and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. A romantic setting, and on special occasions there is live musical entertainment.
BIGSBYS BAR AND GRILL, 1750 N. Clark St., 312-642-5200. Most major televised sports events are shown outside in this spot located on the lower level of Kennedy Square. Late night dining during the week until 11 p.m., and until midnight Friday and Saturday.
BISTRO 110, 110 E. Pearson St., 312-266-3110. Romantic outdoor dining until 11 p.m. everyday at this sidewalk cafe. Watch the carriage rides from this spot, and consider coming for Sunday brunch, 12:30-2 p.m., when you will be entertained with live music.
BLUE MESA, 1729 N. Halsted St., 312-944-5990. Dining here is off the street. Enjoy the landscaped garden until 11 p.m. weekdays and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. There are some covered tables.
BOOGIES, 923 N. Rush St., 312-915-0555. This diner will provide live entertainment for private parties, so if you are looking for a clown act or a juggler, this is the place to book. Covered by an awning, Boogies is a place to go for a fun evening. You can stay until 10 p.m. weekdays and 11 p.m. on the weekend. Also open Sundays until 8 p.m.
CAFE BA-BA-REEBA!, 2024 N. Halsted St., 312-935-5000. This popular spot for eating offers romantic dining until 11 p.m. weekdays and until midnight on weekends. Great people watching here, and often there is live entertainment. There might be a wait to get a table.
CAFE LA TOUR, 800 N. Michigan Ave., 312-280-2230. This outdoor cafe at the Park Hyatt Hotel offers one of the most captivating views of Chicago: The Water Tower, Chicago`s well-known landmark. Eleven sidewalk tables accommodate 44 diners. Consider ordering a fruit tart for dessert, or other ice cream creations to end your meal. Quiche also is a specialty here.
CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN, 414 N. Orleans St., 312-222-9030. About 20 people can find a spot for pizza at the sidewalk cafe. If you`re hungry for pizza during the weekend, come here up to midnight. Great people watching.
CARLUCCI, 2215 N. Halsted St., 312-281-1220. The garden is partially covered with an awning, and the walls are covered with ivy, making it a romantic spot to dine. Diners might want to try panzanella umbra, a salad of bread, tomato, celery and garlic with oil and vinegar. Also on the varied menu are pastas, veal, and a new house cocktail of Prosecco, an Italian sparkling wine mixed with citrus fruit juices. Brunch is offered on weekends, with a wide variety of tempting dishes.
CHARLIE AND PASQUALE`S, 405 N. Wabash Ave., 312-527-3100. Twenty dollars gets you a 1 1/2-hour cruise Wednesday nights on the nearby Wendella Sightseeing Boats with food provided by Charlie`s kitchen. The boat leaves at 5:30 p.m. and returns at 7; included on the cruise is live entertainment plus an open bar and lots of delightful appetizers; a two-hour ride July 3 to watch the fireworks is $35. Make reservations at the restaurant. Regular outdoor dining at the restaurant with umbrella-topped tables and lovely fountain is served 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Piano player Friday evenings 5-8 p.m.
CHARLIE`S ALE HOUSE, 1224 W. Webster, 312-871-1440. Lots of ivy covers the walls in this outdoor patio. If you want a private party, you can get a bright tent for shelter over the patio. Tables will be covered with umbrellas this season. You may dine weekdays until 11 p.m., and until midnight weekends. Try barbecued ribs or chicken pot pie and lumpy mashed potatoes.
COZY CAFE, 2819 N. Lincoln Ave., 312-549-9374. Looking for your morning coffee and breakfast served out of doors? Then head for the back patio of the Cozy Cafe. They will be ready to serve at 7:30 a.m. and remain open for lunch until 2:30 p.m. Umbrellas provide shelter from the sun and rain.
CRICKET`S, 100 E. Chestnut St., 312-280-2l00. Outdoor dining at this charming sidewalk cafe will begin in mid-June. Umbrellas provide color. Located in the Tremont Hotel, you can expect light fare on the menu.
DICK`S DOCK AT DICK`S LAST RESORT, 435 E. Illinois St., 312-836-7870. Sit on the water`s edge for your outdoor dining at this place, or sit in front of the entrance for a different view. Live music can be heard every night of the week and it is mostly Dixieland jazz. The dock is on the Ogden slip at the North Pier terminal.
DOS HERMANOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT AND CANTINA, Sears Tower, 233 S. Wacker Drive, 312-993-0527. Located one floor above the street, this outdoor cafe on the deck offers dining to many office workers in the area. Light menu offered. EAST SIDE TERRACE, Swissotel, 323 E. Wacker Dr., 312-565-0565. With a spectacular view the lake and the city, the circular terrace is tucked into the east side of the hotel and features a light menu of primarily cold items and ice cream specials.
EDWARDO`S, 521 S. Dearborn St., 312-939-3366. Umbrellas top the tables at this small outdoor cafe in the Printers Row area. You can order unusual pizzas from the menu as well as wine and beer.
ELBO ROOM, 2871 N. Lincoln Ave. 312-549-5549. New this year, the sidewalk cafe at this two-year-old restaurant features seating for 26 at umbrella-topped tables, and menu items such as shrimp gazpacho, honey-mustard chicken, grilled salmon.
EL JARDIN, 3335 N. Clark St., 312-528-6775. This restaurant offers two dining areas, one in front and one on the back patio, which is partially covered with an awning. It offers a full menu selection-try the tacos.
FERNANDO`S, 3450 N. Lincoln Ave., 312-477-6930. This covered garden-patio is open until midnight on weekends for late diners; otherwise 10:30 p.m. on weekdays. Lots of greenery and flowers to gaze upon while eating.
FIREPLACE INN, 1448 N. Wells St., 312-664-5264. Expanded seating is the new item at this restaurant. Sixty diners may mingle in the outdoors cafe, and order anything from the main menu. Fireplace is known for its barbecued baby back ribs. Planters are filled with bright flowers. Open until midnight on the weekends.
FOUR FARTHINGS TAVERN & GRILL, 2060 N. Cleveland Ave., 312-935-2060. A great spot to people-watch, diners here will enjoy a full menu and a lighter fare menu. This is a garden setting, with lots of trees and pots of flowers, and tables covered with bright yellow umbrellas.
GARDEN CAFE AT THE ART INSTITUTE, Columbus Drive entrance between Jackson Boulevard and Monroe Street, 312-443-3508. In a courtyard setting overlooking the majestic Triton fountain, this large cafe seats 250 diners. To complement the museum`s newly renovated 20th-century galleries scheduled to open Wednesday, the menu cover features a reproduction of Pierre Bonnard`s ”On the Checkered Tablecloth” (1939). Menu items include cold cucumber and shrimp soup, quiche and grilled swordfish. There is a $6 minimum per person between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., and no reservations are taken. Just want a cool drink? There`s no minimum charge 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
GIORDANO`S, 1840 N. Clark St., 312-944-6100. Here is a place for late night dining on weekends; you can be served until 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. This is a large outdoor area, with umbrella-covered tables. Pizza is great here-don`t miss a stuffed one.
HAMBURGER HAMLET, 1024 N. Rush St., 312-649-6601. A canopy covers this sidewalk cafe. Hamburgers can be ordered up until 10:30 p.m.; it offers a full menu, too.
HAT DANCE, 325 W. Huron, Chicago, 312-649-0066. A large canopy-covered outdoor dining area allows patrons to enjoy the local art scene in the River North gallery district while sipping on a frozen margarita. Diners can order authentic Mexican fare. Try the Mexican dorados, a spicy pizza.
HEARTLAND CAFE, 7000 N. Glenwood Ave., 312-465-8005. Usually one of the first restaurants to open its outdoor dining, Heartland provides a full canopy over the patio, and screens go up when the bees get busy, usually in August. Flowers add color. Weekends the outdoor cafe stays open until midnight. Look for a full vegetarian menu.
HAT DANCE, 325 W. Huron St., 312-649-0066. The place to go for lunch when touring the art galleries in the River North area. An awning covers the seven or eight tables. Open for lunch only, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
JEAN-CLAUDE, 2540 N. Clark St., 312-525-1800. A romantic spot, the raised terrace surrounded by flowers offers a perfect setting for lunch or late dinner; stay until 10 p.m. weekdays, 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. There is likely to be some live and lively entertainment on Bastille Day, so make your plans and reservations early.
JEROME`S, 2442 N. Clark St., 312-327-2207. Even if you miss the evening dining hours at this popular place, you can always stop in for a dessert and a drink. The gazebo and the flowers offer a delightful setting, as you watch the people pass by. Great homemade breads and pastries always are available.
JOHN BARLEYCORN MEMORIAL PUB, 658 W. Belden Ave., 312-348-8899. The lion`s head fountain is still there, but new flowers and shrubs have been added to this outdoor patio. Forty tables are covered with umbrellas. There is a large menu for both lunch and dinner.
JOHNNY ROCKETS, 901 N. Rush St., 312-337-3900. Open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., this Rush Street outdoor cafe has umbrellas on the tables. Service is at the tables. Great place for a burger, fries and, of course, a malt.
KINCAIDS, 950 W. Armitage Ave., 312-348-0010. Something new has been added to this place-bright umbrellas now cover each of the tables. You can dine here on weekends until midnight, other nights until 11 p.m. The outdoor garden/jungle atmosphere make this a great place for dining with a hint of romance.
KING CRAB TAVERN & SEAFOOD GRILL, 1818 N. Halsted St., 312-280-8990. Fresh seafood is the speciality here, and you may order it until 10 p.m. on the weekdays and 11 p.m. on the weekends. This is a fun yet intimate place to gather with friends. Lots of planters and trees are lighted at night. This is a popular place, so the wait might be lengthy.
KINZIE STREET BISTRO, 400 N. Wells St., 312-822-0191. Seventy-five seats are added this year on the sidewalk facing the Merchandise Mart. Sit at the canopied tables set against a stucco wall and enjoy appetizers, lunch, dinner or cocktails.
LA CREPERIE, 2845 N. Clark St., 312-528-9050. A romantic option in the Lincoln Park area for a variety of crepes, plus escargot and onion soup. This year, the restaurant has expanded its French wine list and added an imported, fermented apple cider.
LARGE BAR, at the Dixie Que, 2001 W. Fullerton at Damen, 312-467-7142. This is a new addition, an intimate nook with mirrored walls, vintage bar decorations, a pass-through kitchen window for easy, casual food service, and a great place to be on a moon-lit evening. Enjoy live music featuring local jazz, folk and blues groups performing from The Beale Street Band Shell, actually a converted roadside garage. Live entertainment starts 9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 9 p.m. Sundays.
LINDO MEXICO, 2642 N. Lincoln Ave., 312-871-4832. Plenty of new plants and flowers this year enliven this already festive patio. Al Fresco dining here could include a frosty margarita to complement the Mexican fare. Patio seats about 85 people.
LUTZ CONTINENTIAL CAFE & PASTRY SHOP, 2458 W. Montrose Ave., 312-478-7785. Stop here to enjoy a pastry or two on the patio at this German- American bakery. Lunch is available, too, but no dinners. Be sure to order their wonderful coffee to accompany your pastry.
MAMA MIA! PASTA, 116 S. Michigan Ave., 312-372-1953. You have to come here early to get pasta at low, low prices, because it closes at 8 p.m. Enjoyable outdoor dining in a pleasant surrounding.
MAPLE TREE INN, 10730 S. Western Ave., 312-239-3688. The real thing in the form of trees provides the cover for the patio. Come in for the New Orleans menu, but don`t expect a quiet, romantic evening during the weekend. The place gets busy and active. Try the garlic boats.
MARCO`S PARADISE, 3358 N. Sheffield, 312-281-4848. Mexican food is offered in the al fresco tree-lined patio. Lots of plants and flowers grace the cafe, and umbrellas cover the tables. This is a fairly new addition to the Wrigleyville neighborhood.
MICHAEL`S OF LINCOLN PARK, l946 N. Clark St., 312-787-3647. Facing picturesque Lincoln Park, this sidewalk cafe offers seating for thirty. Check out the salad and baked potato bar and, of course, consider having a Chicago- style hot dog.
MIRADOR, 1400 N. Wells St., 312-951-6441. The two-level patio is surrounded by greenery and flowers. Consider the $15.95 three-course Sunday brunch on the patio, from noon until 4 p.m.. During the week diners enjoy the sound of live entertainment from the Blue Room, usually jazz and innovative sounds. You can dine until 11:30 p.m. on the weekends.
MOODY`S PUB, 5910 N. Broadway, 312-275-2696. Three gardens on the patio make diners think they are in a park. Enjoy the small but complete menu. Beer on tap quenches the thirst.
MOONRAKERS, 733 S. Dearborn, 312-922-2019. This is a fun place to end the working day. Located in Printers Row, you can enjoy service until 10 p.m. on the patio. Varied menu.
OO-LA-LA! 3335 N. Halsted St., 312-935-7708. Something new has been added to this busy place: Saturday and Sunday brunch, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Lots of flowers cuddle next to the white-washed fence surrounding the patio. Atmosphere is European, and so is the menu.
PEGASUS RESTAURANT, l30 S. Halsted, 312-226-3377. The roof garden in this new restaurant is expected to open June 15, offering traditional Greek foods. The area is to be covered with a tent-awning, and all tables will have umbrellas. Try the grilled octopus. (See Phil Vettel`s review on the Restaurant page elsewhere in the Friday section.)
PERIWINKLES, 2511 N. Lincoln Ave., 312-883-9797. Come here for a romantic evening under the stars, with an umbrella over your table in case it starts misting. There are 27-plus varieties of coffee, and it is brewed right at your table. Open for lunch and dinner, or just stop by to enjoy a glass of wine with the cool evening breezes.
PIZZERIA DUE, 619 N. Wabash Ave., 312-943-2400. You can order anything outside that you do inside at this small upstairs patio dining spot-and that means some of the best pizza in town. Expect to wait, especially weekends. The canvas roof protects even in the rain.
POPS FOR CHAMPAGNE, 2934 N. Sheffield, 312-472-1000. Pops comes alive at 5 p.m. Fridays with live jazz, and a wonderful selection of appetizers and desserts. And there is always music at the Sunday brunches, too, 10:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Be prepared for a cover charge on the nights there is live entertainment. Trees cover the patio. The oblivion fantasy-an intensely chocolate cake, topped with fresh raspberry Chambord sauce-is divine.
