If you think that dining alfresco is only for ladies who lunch, you haven’t been to these low-key patios. Look for most to open by early to mid-May, or as weather permits.
pingpong
3322 N. Broadway, 773-281-7575
Though capacity at this Boystown BYOB hangout doubles during warm weather with eight additional sidewalk deuces, pingpong is still itsy-bitsy. Expect a wait on weekends, but the outdoor cafe’s still great for after-work meet-ups. Despite a high-tech sheen, service here is friendly, and the pan-Asian cuisine is inexpensive and fun. Try the General’s Chicken ($9.95), a sweet and spicy ginger-spiked fave. Run across the street to pingpong-owned Valhalla Wineshop (3317 N. Broadway, 773-296-6800) before you stop by.
Cal’s
400 S. Wells St. 312-922-6392.
Technically, this gritty favorite of both brokers and bike messengers doesn’t serve food. But thanks to an arrangement with next door’s Pepper’s Sandwich Shop, you can place an order for a $3.20 burger from the bartender, who’ll bring it to you on the small Van Buren Avenue patio. Get there early: Outside tables can be scarce.
Street Side Cafe
3201 W. Armitage Ave. 773-252-9700
When they say “street side,” they mean it. The Kedzie Avenue traffic whizzes by the adjacent patio of this Logan Square hipster hangout at a disconcerting rate, but patrons hardly seem to notice as they sip something from the bar’s extensive beer stock. (Current favorites include the Bells Oberon and Spaten Maibock, $4 each). A menu of decent bar fare includes the grilled tuna steak sandwich, featuring grilled ahi on a pita ($6.95). The plastic lawn furniture certainly isn’t as comfy as the couches in the bar’s main dining room, but look for new sleek metal furniture, more lighting and more greenery this year.
Moody’s
5910 N. Broadway, 773-275-2696
This Edgewater classic has a fenced-in outdoor patio that’s more like a neighbor’s backyard barbecue than a bar. For regulars, the patio’s opening creates a welcome escape from the nearly pitch-black interior they know during winter. The crowd reflects the neighborhood, a racially diverse mix of young and old, gay and straight. But everyone likes the Moody Blu Burger ($6.50) and the summer sippers menu. Try a Heat Wave, made with peach schnapps ($3.75).
Pontiac Cafe and Bar
1531 N. Damen Ave. 773-252-7767
Want to watch the hipster rock and rollers make the Wicker Park scene while you just hang with Bud? Pontiac is famed for its huge front patio area where denizens of Damen Avenue can keep an eye on both the fashion and frontin’. The blackened crab cake po’ boy ($9.95) is as about as fancy as this place gets. It offers a pretty standard list of burgers and beer, though we like the Juicy Booty ($6), a fruity vodka cooler.
