Athena
212 S. Halsted St.
312-655-0000
This Greektowner’s large patio, with its fountain and skyline views, is so popular in summer that customers will wait in the bar for an outdoor table even when indoor tables are available.
Becco D’Oro
160 E. Huron St.
312-787-1300
Accomplished Italian restaurant a block east of Michigan Avenue has a lovely, awning-topped sidewalk cafe along St. Clair Street.
Bistro Banlieue
44 Yorktown Convenience Center,
Lombard 630-629-6560
This restaurant takes outdoor dining seriously, as evidenced by the high-quality furniture and space heaters (for cool evenings) that distinguish this 44-seat patio.
Cru Caf and Wine Bar
888 N. Wabash Ave.
312-337-4001
This is a wine-lover’s dream: A pretty and quiet sidewalk cafe with more than 40 wines by the glass (and a lot more by the bottle).
Tavern on Rush
1031 N. Rush St.
312-664-9600
The sidewalk cafe at this Gold Coast steakhouse offers the best people-watching in town.
