Even though your flip-flops have likely been gathering dust in your closet, we think it’s about time to break ’em in. Warm weather or not, spring has already sprung, so we’re sending you on a do-it-yourself pub crawl to scout out the signs of spring and ring in the first day of the patio season (Friday). Remember: This is Chicago, so bring a jacket.
Wacky weather
If you haven’t already, it’s time to face the facts: In April, we’re just as likely to face a blizzard as a 70-degree day. That’s why it’s important to seek out a spot that will keep you feeling warm and sunny, even if the weather’s not cooperating. Our favorite place is the Northside Bar & Grill (1635 N. Damen Ave. 773-384-3555), where wooden trusses hold up a high glass greenhouse-like roof. An array of lush plants and tiny twinkle lights add to the atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to hang for those days when April showers are hopefully giving way to May flowers. Or, if you’re up by Rogers Park on cooler days, head to the glass-paneled patio at Heartland Cafe (7000 N. Glenwood Ave. 773-465-8005).
Brews in bloom
Maybe it’s the baseball season or the abundance of approaching street fests, but when we think spring, we think beer. What better place to hit than Hopleaf, a bar with 34 draft beers and a bottle selection of more than 150, 100 of which are Belgian brews. Yikes! How will we be able to sample them all in such a short season? We suggest you start with the fruity, light-bodied Tripel Karmeliet ($7 pint) or the citrusy Saison Dupont ($6.50). Both Belgian picks are served in ornate glasses. Or, choose seasonal microbrew suds such as New Holland Brewing Company’s Red Tulip Ale or Three Floyd’s Brian Boru (both $4.50 a pint). 5148 N. Clark St. 773-334-9851.
Back-yard garden parties
You’d hardly think people across Chicago need an excuse to party, but when the weather warms up, it’s one of many reasons to corral your crew for a celebration. If none of your friends have the perfect pad to host a patio bash, head to the Happy Village Bar & Courtyard for a springtime soiree with a homespun feel. Walk through the bar–which looks like your mom’s kitchen–and head into the back yard. It’s been a rough winter, so it’s not in bloom yet, but grapevines will cover the wooden trellis entryway, goldfish will swim around a pond edged with stone, and picnic tables will fill up with neighborhood pals. Rosebushes, garden statues and other flowers will populate the space, too, but if you want to check it out now, go ahead. 1059 N. Wolcott Ave. 773-486-1512.
Spring fever
As the temps start rising, so do our hormone levels. Members of the animal kingdom aren’t the only ones feelin’ frisky. Just stroll down Clark Street on a warm night and take a look at all the coeds in capri pants and stilettos traipsing from bar to bar. Those looking for love should stop by Mickey’s, where the outdoor patio (open now) is a prime place to pose for those hotties in heat. Plus, this place will really be packed when a new menu, outdoor mojito bar, wood-and-canvas canopy and new furniture filter in over the month of April. 2450 N. Clark St. 773-435-0007.
New beginnings
Fuzzy baby chicks and darling little ducks aren’t the only things that spring to life this time of year. New bars are born too. Or, in the case of Cleary’s on Clark (scheduled to open in the former The Outpost space on Friday, fingers crossed), reborn. Expect a pressed-tin ceiling, exposed brick walls and a granite-top mahogany bar. If you don’t have a stadium seat at nearby Wrigley Field, watch the game here on plasma TVs as you chow down on American fare including salads, sandwiches and hearty entrees featuring free-range meats and locally farmed produce. Plus, owner and Dublin native John Cleary promises a great pint of Guinness. We’ll drink to that. 3438 N. Clark St. 773-244-1166.
Our fave outdoor hangs:
Phyllis’ Musical Inn
1800 W. Division St., 773-486-9862
This Wicker Park dive’s great for live music, but when it gets too cramped and hot inside, we love to spill outdoors and shoot a few hoops at the back-yard basketball net.
–Rebecca Palmore, events producer
Sidetrack
3349 N. Halsted St., 773-477-9189
We didn’t get enough of Sidetrack’s just-revamped multilevel rooftop deck before frigid temps set in last year, so we’re going to be first in line when the weather’s warm, ’cause it’s open now.
–Chris LaMorte, dining producer
Twisted Spoke
501 N. Ogden Ave., 312-666-1500
When our friend’s rooftop deck scene gets stale, we head over to this West Loop biker bar-restaurant. The patio on the roof’s open now, so if you can brave it on a cool night, they’ll let you up there.
–Matt McGuire, music producer
Cork & Kerry
10614 S. Western Ave., 773-445-2675
When we’re in the Beverly ‘hood, we have to stop by this beautiful beer garden for a pint of cold brew in a patio with plenty of wooden tables, overhanging trees and the odd sign of wildlife.
–Karen Budell, nightlife producer
