Summer is here. The calendar may disagree, but the amusement parks are open (see our roundup in Go), the Grant Park festivals are beginning (see our Gospel Fest preview in Music), and the school year is dwindling down to its final agonizing days.
There may be no surer sign of summer, however, than the opening of Chicago’s sidewalk cafes and beer gardens. Chicagoans love outdoor dining, and when nature cooperates, it’s hard to find an unoccupied wrought-iron table anywhere.
Inside you’ll find a guide to this year’s new alfresco options, plus dozens of veteran outdoor eateries. We’ve also included reader favorites.
Enjoy, and don’t forget the sunscreen.
Alfresco spots
New for 2001
Becco D’Oro, 160 E. Huron St., 312-787-1300. This excellent Italian restaurant in Streeterville has an awning-topped, 70-seat cafe along St. Clair Street.
Blackbird, 619 W. Randolph St., 312-715-0708. This excellent contemporary-American restaurant has added a sidewalk cafe since our last alfresco roundup; the space, decorated simply with Philippe Starck chairs, stainless-steel tables and large umbrellas, mirrors the dining room’s minimalist look.
Buddies’ Restaurant & Bar, 3301 N. Clark St., 773-477-4066. This neighborhood fixture in Lakeview has added a 28-seat outdoor patio this year, with an attractive wrought-iron fence and burgundy awning. The basic American menu includes steaks, grilled fish and chicken-fried steak, lots of sandwiches, and a breakfast menu served Saturdays and Sundays.
Deville, 3335 N. Halsted St., 773-525-2505. There are only a few outdoor tables at this Lakeview newcomer, but the restaurant is so small any extra space is welcome, especially on weekends.
Feast, 1616 N. Damen Ave., 773-772-7100. Feast moved from its North Avenue location last month, taking over the location and phone number of its sibling, Commune — as well as Commune’s beautiful outdoor garden, adjacent to the dining room.
Fly Me to the Moon, 3400 N. Clark St., 773-528-4033. This casual Wrigleyville Italian has a sidewalk cafe along Roscoe Street, serving lunch and dinner daily. Live entertainment Fridays and Saturdays.
Gioco, 1312 S. Wabash Ave., 312-939-3870. This pioneering South-of-Roosevelt Italian adds a sidewalk cafe this summer, with room for 30. Open for lunch and dinner.
Ina’s, 1235 W. Randolph St., 312-226-8227. Ina Pinckney’s breakfast, lunch and dinner spot in the Market District has a spacious patio with room for 40. Scrapple alfresco, anyone?
Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club, 3700 N. Halsted St., 773-525-1111. This funky Lakeview spot features an eclectic menu and performers who impersonate famous female singers. Kit Kat’s sidewalk cafe can seat up to 48 — and yes, the divas perform outside in nice weather.
Kustom, 1997 N. Clybourn Ave., 773-528-3400. This Lincoln Park nightclub is also home to the Skyline Outdoor Cafe, a 200-seat rooftop cafe with its own entrance (at 1960 N. Racine Ave.) and a contemporary menu that includes light appetizers, salad and sandwiches and full entrees.
Molive, Whitehall Hotel, 107 E. Delaware Pl., 312-573-6300. Not, strictly speaking, alfresco dining, but this California-Mediterranean restaurant has an atrium space with removable windows to let the summer breezes in.
Otro Mas, 3651 N. Southport Ave., 773-348-3200. This Wrigleyville sequel to Mas has floor-to-ceiling glass doors that swing open in nice weather, opening onto a 45-seat outdoor patio. A nice atmosphere in which to enjoy Otro Mas’ lively nuevo Latino food.
Petterino’s, 150 N. Dearborn St., 312-422-0150. The Loop’s newest restaurant, part of the Goodman Theatre complex, has 30 sidewalk seats along Dearborn Street and 25 seats along Randolph Street.
Portofino Italian Bistro, 102 Hawthorne Pkwy., Vernon Hills, 847-680-4300. This sprawling new Italian in the northwest suburbs can seat nearly 300 — and that’s in addition to a pretty outdoor terrace that overlooks a lake.
Settimana, 2056 W. Division St., 773-394-1629. There are only five tables in front of this Wicker Park Italian, but in the patio behind the restaurant there are 16 more alfresco tables.
Sidewalk cafes
Atwood Cafe, Hotel Burnham, 1 W. Washington St., 312-368-1900. Atwood’s 25-seat outdoor area sits on State Street and is decorated with wrought-iron fencing and flower boxes. Open for lunch and dinner Mondays-Fridays (serving bar food mid- to late-afternoon); dinner only Sundays.
Bar Louie on the Park, 1800 N. Lincoln Ave., 312-337-9800. Bar Louie’s 24-seat outdoor area offers views of Lincoln Park; it’s just a short stroll from Lincoln Park and the zoo. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Bar Louie Dearborn Station, 47 W. Polk St., 312-347-0000. The largest link in the Bar Louie chain, the South Loop location has a 180-seat patio with Loop views.
Ben Pao, 52 W. Illinois St., 312-222-1888. The small sidewalk cafe in front of this pan-Asian spot is a good place for nibbling; the restaurant’s patio doors swing open, so even indoor diners can enjoy summer breezes.
Bice, 158 E. Ontario St., 312-664-1474. People-watching may outrank the food when gauging the appeal of this stylish Italian hangout. The sidewalk cafe is an extension of the restaurant’s open-air bar and pulls in a well-dressed crowd. A bit pricey, but the food’s good.
Bistrot Margot, 1437 N. Wells St., 312-587-3660. The sidewalk cafe is prettily done up with wicker-topped tables, rattan chairs and ivy- and flower-filled planters. Food-wise, this is one of the best bistros around.
Bistro 110, 110 E. Pearson St., 312-266-3110. The 36-seat cafe is a good location to enjoy Bistro 110’s hearty bistro food, as well as its New Orleans jazz brunch on Sundays.
Bistrot Zinc, 3443 N. Southport Ave., 773-281-3443. Cafe Zinc, the restaurant’s casual area, has a large, Parisian-style sidewalk cafe serving lunch, dinner and Saturday and Sunday brunch. The expanded dinner menu includes featured plats du jour, including steak frites on Thursdays and bouillabaisse on Fridays.
Blackhawk Lodge, 41 E. Superior St., 312-280-4080. This regional American restaurant has a 48-seat outdoor cafe, plus an enclosed veranda whose windows are left open in nice weather.
Bluepoint Oyster Bar, 741 W. Randolph St., 312-207-1222. Check out Randolph Street’s bustling scene from the 50-seat patio of this East Coast-style seafood house.
Brasserie Jo, 59 W. Hubbard St., 312-595-0800. A 20-seat, Parisian-style sidewalk cafe provides a sunny dining spot — and additional seating for those waiting patiently to dine at this popular, casual-French spot. Patio doors provide an open-air atmosphere to indoor tables as well. But the restaurant isn’t open for lunch during the summer, except for private parties.
Carmine’s, 1043 N. Rush St., 312-988-7676. The 40-seat space isn’t nearly large enough for all the people who want to eat here. Big pastas and steaks are the draws, but there’s also live entertainment (indoors) Mondays-Saturdays.
Coco Pazzo Cafe, 636 N. St. Clair St., 312-664-2777. The 50-seat sidewalk cafe is just the beginning at this rustic Italian restaurant, the casual cousin to Coco Pazzo on Hubbard Street (which offers five outdoor tables). When the dining room’s glass doors swing open, most of the restaurant is turned into an open-air cafe.
Club Creole, 226 W. Kinzie St., 312-222-0300. This casual Cajun/Creole boasts a new awning and a windscreen for its 24-seat cafe. French Quarter touches include Hurricanes by the glass or pitcher.
Crofton on Wells, 535 N. Wells St., 312-755-1790. Sophisticated, regional American food is the draw at this modestly scaled but mightily impressive spot; the sidewalk cafe seats but 16 for lunch and dinner, so arrive early.
Cru Cafe and Wine Bar, 888 N. Wabash Ave., 312-337-4001. More than 400 wines (40 by the glass) are available, along with a light menu, at this pleasant spot.
Emilio’s Tapas Sol y Nieve, 215 E. Ohio St., 312-467-7177. This Streeterville link in Emilio Gervilla’s tapas-restaurant chain has a spacious area in front of the restaurant.
Four Farthings Tavern & Grill, 2060 N. Cleveland St., 773-935-2060. Decorated with umbrella tables, flower-filled planters and latticework, the Four Farthings’ cafe is a popular spot for lunch, dinner and especially Sunday brunch. Though known as a pub, it has a menu that includes prime aged steaks and fresh seafood, and offers a kids’ menu.
Grace, 623 W. Randolph St., 312-928-9200. There’s a little less game available under new chef Michael Gaspard, but the contemporary American menu is still appealing. The sidewalk cafe seats 26 for lunch and dinner.
The Grillroom, 33 W. Monroe St., 312-960-0000. This Loop steakhouse and raw bar across from the Shubert Theatre has a 130-seat sidewalk cafe.
Harvest on Huron, 217 W. Huron St., 312-587-9617. This excellent regional-American restaurant can seat 50 at cute, faux-marble-topped tables along its sidewalk cafe.
Hudson Club, 504 N. Wells St., 312-467-1947. A supper-club-themed restaurant with a strong American menu and an even stronger wine program, offering dozens of wines by the glass or by the flight. The sidewalk cafe seats 38.
Kinzie Chophouse, 400 N. Wells St., 312-822-0191. This restaurant, across the street from the Merchandise Mart, has room for 65 on its awning-topped sidewalk cafe, and a menu that goes far beyond traditional steakhouse fare.
Le Colonial, 937 N. Rush St., 312-255-0088. There’s a 30-seat cafe at street level, but the coolest tables are on the covered second-floor terrace, whose 20 seats overlook the downstairs cafe. The upscale Vietnamese food is excellent; an apres dejeuner menu of appetizers and petite salads is offered from 2:30-4 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays.
Maggiano’s Little Italy, 516 N. Clark St., 312-644-7700. Dine under a large awning, surrounded by flowers and shrubs, at the original Maggiano’s or its spinoffs at Old Orchard Shopping Center in Skokie, Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook, and Schaumburg.
Mambo Grill, 412 N. Clark St., 312-467-9797. This restaurant’s pan-Hispanic food — not to mention specialty cocktails such as mojitos and daiquiris — are the perfect complements to a hot summer night on the 22-seat street-side cafe.
Mas, 1670 W. Division St., 773-276-8700. The glass doors of this nuevo Latino restaurant swing open in summer, inviting the warm air indoors. An outdoor area, seating 40 at umbrella-topped tables, expands the perpetually packed restaurant by more than 50 percent.
McCormick & Schmick’s, 41 E. Chestnut St., 312-397-9500. This seafood restaurant offers great Gold Coast people watching from its 65-seat sidewalk cafe overlooking Connors Park and the Rush Street scene.
Millennium, 832 W. Randolph St., 312-455-1400. There’s room for about 100 beef lovers at the cafe of this Market District steakhouse.
Mirai, 2020 W. Division St., 773-862-8500. This hot spot for out-of-the-ordinary, artistically rendered sushi has a 30-seat sidewalk cafe with black-steel furniture. Certain delicate sashimi preparations may not be available outdoors, especially on very warm nights.
Mrs. Park’s Tavern, 198 E. Delaware Pl., 312-280-8882. About a dozen tables line the street along this restaurant, a casual counterpart to Park Avenue Cafe upstairs.
Nacional 27, 325 W. Huron St., 312-664-2727. Perfect for a steamy summer night, this nuevo Latino has seating for 28 in its gated outdoor area. Reservations accepted.
Nick & Tony’s, 1 E. Wacker Drive, 312-467-9449. Wacker Drive construction notwithstanding, this homey Italian is open, and so is its 180-seat marble plaza, which has a view of the riverfront skyline.
Papagus Greek Taverna, 620 N. State St., 312-642-8450. Few things in life are more enjoyable than snacking on mezedes (small, appetizer-sized dishes) and inexpensive Greek wine in Papagus’ outdoor cafe on a sunny day. The Papagus in Oakbrook Center offers outdoor dining as well.
Piazza Bella Trattoria, 2116 W. Roscoe St., 773-477-7330. This cute and affordable Roscoe Village spot has a 20-seat outdoor cafe.
Red Light, 820 W. Randolph St., 312-733-8880. Sip mango martinis and watch the people parade from the 30-seat patio outside this Market District pan-Asian; the restaurant’s doors can be swung open in good weather, providing summer breezes to indoor patrons as well.
Rosebud on Rush, 720 N. Rush St., 312-266-6444. There’s good people-watching from the streetside tables at this popular Gold Coast hangout.
Salpicon, 1252 N. Wells St., 312-988-7811. One of the best Mexican restaurants in the city offers outdoor seating at an awning-covered patio.
Szechwan East, 340 E. Ohio St., 312-255-9200. This Streeterville Chinese restaurant serves its full menu at its 22-seat sidewalk cafe, including special combos (seafood eggroll with hot and sour soup) for lunchers in a hurry.
Scoozi!, 410 W. Huron St., 312-943-5900. Dine under the big tomato (the restaurant’s visible-for-blocks sign) at this always-crowded casual Italian place. The outdoor cafe seats 40.
Tavern on Rush, 1031 N. Rush St., 312-664-9600. You can’t beat the people-watching at this steakhouse’s 60-seat cafe, sitting at the corner of Rush Street and Bellevue Place.
Tizi Melloul, 531 N. Wells St., 312-670-4338. One of the coolest-looking cafes around, a 25-seater with fringed umbrellas resembling Oriental rugs and lots of other pretty touches.
Via Veneto, 3449 W. Peterson Ave., 773-267-0888. The wide sidewalk on Peterson makes outdoor dining at Via Veneto a natural. Large umbrellas shade each table.
Vivo, 838 W. Randolph St., 312-733-3379. There’s room for 20 at Vivo’s tables along Randolph Street. The sleek, chic Italian restaurant, popular with the see-and-be-seen crowd, opens its outdoor cafe.
Volare, 201 E. Grand Ave., 312-410-9900. This classic Italian restaurant is just a block east of Michigan Avenue. The awning-topped cafe is defined by brass rails and tall planters, and there are gas heaters to ward off the late-evening chill.
Gardens
Athena, 212 S. Halsted St., 312-655-0000. This reliable Greektown spot has a large outdoor patio decorated with plants and a burbling fountain, and boasts a terrific view of the Loop skyline. Free self-parking across the street.
Bistro Banlieue, 44 Yorktown Convenience Center, Lombard, 630-629-6560. The best bistro in the suburbs boasts a pretty, 44-seat outdoor patio, equipped with sturdy furniture. Space heaters ward off any late-night chill.
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!, 2024 N. Halsted St., 773-935-5000. A retractable awning lets customers nibble terrific tapas dishes even if there’s a light rain. The colorful, spacious garden is shielded from Halsted Street traffic by a large fence.
Cafe Brauer, 2021 N. Stockton St., 312-742-2480. Located inside Lincoln Park Zoo, Cafe Brauer’s beer garden serves a light menu (flatbreads, kabobs, chicken wings) and beer from local microbreweries. Open for lunch and dinner daily.
Carmichael’s Chicago Steak House, 1052 W. Monroe St., 312-433-0025. This West Side steakhouse has a beautiful courtyard for outdoor dining, which typically holds 85 seats but can accommodate up to 200 for some events. The courtyard is often booked for private parties, so call ahead.
Chez Joel, 1119 W. Taylor St., 312-226-6479. This bistro in the Little Italy neighborhood boasts a spacious outdoor garden with room for 70. A tall privacy fence keeps Taylor Street traffic noise to a minimum.
Chicago Firehouse, 1401 S. Michigan Ave., 312-786-1401. This vintage city firehouse turned restaurant seats up to 75 in a 1,600-square-foot courtyard with flower beds and a water fountain. Lunch Monday-Friday, dinner daily.
Echo, 1858 W. North Ave., 773-395-3474. A 30-seat enclosed deck is open year-round, but when the weather’s nice, the deck’s windows swing open for open-air dining.
The Fireplace Inn, 1448 N. Wells St., 312-664-5264. This Old Town institution has been one of the area’s top rib spots for more than 25 years. A retractable roof on its outdoor patio defies the elements.
Green Dolphin Street, 2200 N. Ashland Ave., 773-235-6434. Dock your boat, if you have one, or drive over to this excellent contemporary restaurant and its scenic landscaped garden alongside the Chicago River. The outdoor patio has an enclosure to guard against weather changes. Regular menu until 9 p.m.; bar menu after.
Heaven on Seven on Clark, 3478 N. Clark St., 773-477-7818. The Wrigleyville outpost of Jimmy Bannos’ Heaven on Seven concept has a 40-seat outdoor patio, resembling a New Orleans courtyard, that connects to the dining room through large French doors.
Louisiana Kitchen, 2666 N. Halsted St., 773-529-1666. Adjacent garden adds 90 seats to the capacity of this handsome Cajun-Creole outpost.
Meritage, 2118 N. Damen Ave., 773-235-6434. The adjacent garden offers seating for more than 100, much of which can be enclosed in the event of uncooperative weather.
Mon Ami Gabi, 2300 N. Lincoln Park West, 773-348-8886. An iron fence forms the boundary of this bistro’s pretty, tree-shaded outdoor patio, a perfect place to munch steak frites and other bistro classics.
Northside Cafe, 1635 N. Damen Ave., 773-384-3555. The restaurant has a tall atrium with glass panels that swing aside to let the summer in and close in case of rain. Very casual menu of sandwiches, appetizers and some pastas.
O’Briens, 1528 N. Wells St., 312-787-3131. A very handsome space, O’Briens’ outdoor patio is brick-lined, with teakwood furniture and forest-green canvas umbrellas, and a pretty gazebo bar is in the center. Straightforward American menu includes reliable steaks.
The Palm, 323 E. Wacker Drive, 312-616-1000. The outdoor terrace at this first-rate steakhouse overlooks the Illinois Center golf course, Navy Pier and Lake Michigan, in that order. There’s seating for 36 at tables topped with green umbrellas, with flower-filled planters adding to the scenery — a nice spot to enjoy such summertime menu additions as lobster, crabmeat and tuna trio, or blackened shrimp with pasta.
Pegasus, 130 S. Halsted St., 312-226-4666. The rooftop cafe of this Greektown mainstay has one of the prettiest city views around. Only appetizers and cocktails are served on the roof, but that may be enough for most people.
Rhapsody, 65 E. Adams St., 312-751-9911. A bit of outdoor seclusion in the bustling Loop, the Wine Garden is a 65-seat landscaped dining area surrounded by a wrought-iron fence. More than 150 wines are offered, about 20 by the glass, along with full lunch and dinner menus and the bar’s Lounge Menu.
Tanzy, 215 North Ave., 312-202-0302. This contemporary restaurant in Old Town has a moderately priced menu and a very pretty outdoor courtyard, separated from the street by an iron gate and tall wall.
Thyme, 464 N. Halsted St., 312-226-4300. Thyme’s beautiful, 100-seat garden is full of plants and light-illuminated trees. A large fence shields diners from Halsted Street traffic noise.
Twisted Spoke, 501 N. Ogden Ave., 312-666-1500. You’ll find one of the city’s best burgers at this biker-themed hangout, so why not enjoy it on the rooftop cafe? The open-air space holds almost 90 on busy nights and serves late.
Tuscany on Clark, 3700 N. Clark St., 773-829-1990. There’s room for 80 at this Wrigleyville sidewalk cafe, which is open for dinner daily and for lunch on all Cubs day games.
Waterfront dining
The extensive Wacker Drive remodeling project has put a crimp in the city’s Riverwalk Cafe program, now in its fourth year, but the show will go on. Instead of four restaurants camped out on the river’s edge, there will be just one: Cyrano’s Bistrot & Wine Bar, which will be located just east of Michigan Avenue on the south bank of the river. The cafe, which will have a tent for inclement weather, will offer classic French food, along with crepes and other easily portable items (handy if you’re cruising on the Mercury Boats, which relocated its dock next to Cyrano’s). Owner Didier Durand plans French-themed entertainment, an elaborate Bastille Day party on July 14, and may offer brunch later in the summer. The riverside cafe should be open in two weeks; call the restaurant, 312-467-0546, to be sure.
American Smokehouse, 66 W. Main St., Lake Zurich, 847-726-2272. The 60-seat outdoor patio of this robust barbecue specialist has rustic landscaping, a waterfall and views of Lake Zurich.
Biloxi Grill, 313 E. Liberty St., Wauconda, 847-526-2420. Not all the lake-view restaurants are on Lake Michigan; this terrific Southern-Creole restaurant sits on the shores of Bangs Lake, and the large, multilevel outdoor deck provides a pretty, serene view.
Dick’s Last Resort, North Pier, 435 E. Illinois St., 312-836-7870. Dick’s Dock, the outdoor patio that’s actually floating in Ogden Slip (along the Pier’s south side), is a great place for a burger or ribs and a brew.
Erik & Me, 1 W. Illinois St., St. Charles, 630-377-9222. A charming, two-level wooden patio overlooks the Fox River rushing by. Large menu features American and Danish specialties.
Jackson Harbor Grill, 6401 S. Lake Shore Drive, 773-288-4442. Views of the lake and the city skyline are the draw at this South Side hangout’s harborside tables. The menu offers creative interpretations of Cajun/Creole and Caribbean dishes.
Joe’s Be-Bop Cafe & Jazz Emporium, Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave., 312-595-5299. There’s room for 120 outdoors at this Navy Pier barbecue house, where live music is featured nightly.
North Pond Cafe, 2610 N. Cannon Drive, 773-477-5845. Already worth visiting for its Lincoln Park location and Bruce Sherman’s organically inclined American menu, North Pond also has a covered patio, with room for 30 lucky patrons, overlooking North Pond.
Oak Street Beachstro, Oak Street Beach, 312-915-4100. Now in its third year, this beachfront cafe has grown ever so slightly, increasing its capacity to 140 diners. The big news is that this looks like the year the Beachstro will get its first beer and wine license. But it may take a few more weeks.
Riva, Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave., 312-644-RIVA. Riva Cafe is the casual part of this Italian seafood spot, offering outdoor seating for 100 and a menu of appetizers, salads and sandwiches.
Rivers, 30 S. Wacker Drive, 312-559-1515. A large outdoor patio offers a panoramic view of the Chicago River at this contemporary American restaurant in the Chicago Mercantile Exchange building.
Rosebud of Naperville, 48 W. Chicago Ave., Naperville, 630-548-9800. The suburban outpost of the Rosebud Restaurant Group sits alongside the west branch of the DuPage River; an outdoor deck overlooks the water and park beyond.
Smith & Wollensky, 318 N. State St., 312-670-9900. This first-rate steakhouse has a 60-seat patio overlooking the Chicago River.
Sorriso, 321 N. Clark St., 312-644-0283. Bypass this Italian restaurant’s romantic interiors in favor of its riverfront patio and its spectacular views.
Suburban options
Alumni Club, 871 E. Algonquin Rd., Schaumburg, 847-397-3100. One of the largest outdoor spaces around encompasses 10,000 square feet of wooden decks and garden tables, all overlooking a large pond. You’ll find one of the best burgers in the Chicago area, along with other pub-food choices.
America’s Brewpub, 205 N. Broadway Ave., Aurora, 630-264-2739. The menu includes pizzas, burgers and heftier entrees, and there are at least five home-brewed beers daily. The outdoor area has a large gazebo, serving cocktails and appetizers, and features live entertainment on weekends. There’s also a patio adjacent to the dining room for full-menu dining at lunch and dinner.
Bacino’s Trattoria, 1504 N. Naper Blvd., Naperville, 630-505-0600; 15256 S. LaGrange Rd., Orland Park, 708-403-3535. Bacino’s is known for its pizza, but its Bacino’s Trattoria locations (another should open in La Grange soon) also feature fairly sophisticated Italian food. The Naperville location has a 100-seat rooftop cafe; the Orland Park spot has a landscaped patio with flowers and room for 80 at umbrella-topped tables.
Cafe Borgia, 17923 Torrence Ave., Lansing, 708-474-5515. The fenced-in patio at this casual Italian seats about 50 people and stays open until 11 p.m. weekends.
Coyote’s Mexican Grill, 100 E. Roosevelt Rd., Villa Park, 630-834-7755. Enjoy Mexican, Tex-Mex and Santa Fe dishes at this large (160-seat) outdoor patio, a tree-filled space with cabanas, antique lights, a fountain and (wind permitting) a nightly bonfire.
Crawdaddy Bayou, 412 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, 847-520-4800. An enclosed and screened porch offers airy and bug-free alfresco dining in this theatrical Cajun-Creole restaurant.
Die Bier Stube, 42 Kansas St., Frankfort, 815-469-6660. Even if it’s too warm for the hearty German-American fare, head to the tented outdoor garden to hoist a few on a hot summer day.
Emilio’s Tapas, 4100 W. Roosevelt Rd., Hillside, 708-547-7177. Outstanding Spanish tapas draw the crowds to this charming spot; the outdoor patio, covered partly by awnings, is a popular summer destination.
Flatlander’s, 200 Village Green, Lincolnshire, 847-821-1234. This larger-than-life brewpub has a spacious patio set with wrought-iron furniture; customers can order from the dining room menu or the lighter Tap Room menu.
Karizma, 4741 Main St., Skokie, 847-674-6163. This contemporary American newcomer on the North Shore has a 60-seat outdoor patio in front, sheltered from traffic sights and sounds by a short wall.
La Bella Winnetka, 505 Chestnut St., Winnetka, 847-441-6002. One of the most beautiful alfresco options anywhere is this 165-seat, free-standing outdoor tent, illuminated by thousands of Italian lights. The tent can be enclosed in the event of rain, and there are heaters in case it gets chilly.
120 Ocean Place, 120 Hale St., Wheaton, 630-690-2100. This impressive new seafood restaurant in the western suburbs has an adjacent courtyard with seating for 80 at umbrella-topped tables. Reservations not accepted for the outdoor patio.
Parkers’ Ocean Grill, 1000 31st St., Downers Grove, 630-960-5701. This impressive west-suburban seafooder has a spacious patio with cushioned, wrought-iron chairs.
Shaw’s Seafood Grill, 660 Lake Cook Rd., Deerfield, 847-948-1020. The suburban sibling to Shaw’s Crab House has a 24-seat patio that overlooks a pond with a fountain.
South Gate Cafe, 655 Forest Ave., Lake Forest, 847-234-8800. This charming American restaurant has a 90-seat, tree-shaded patio overlooking the Market Square area of downtown Lake Forest.
Tuscany Wheeling, 550 S. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, 847-465-9988. There’s room for 100 in the courtyard of this Italian, part of the Phil Stefani Restaurant group. Open for lunch and dinner.
Va Pensiero, 1566 Oak Ave., Evanston, 847-475-7779. Fans can enjoy this restaurant’s superb Italian cooking outdoors, too, at a 40-seat, red-brick patio on the sunny side of the building.
