Witt’s
2913 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-528-7032
Eclectic dishes, nightly specials and witty contests cater to the easygoing urban crowd at this Lakeview bar and grill. The year-round beer garden is a gem, complete with a fully stocked bar, tables, flat-screen TVs and, in the summer, beanbag tourneys.
What you’re saying about Witt’s: “This is a great neighborhood bar in quiet Lakeview. The staff is great, and [I] always have a good time there. The food always impresses me, and the daily specials can’t be beat.” — Dave
Citizen Bar
364 W. Erie St. 312-640-1156
Sun seekers have flocked to this River North space, which boasts a 2,000-square-foot patio and a 2,000-square-foot roof deck, since its opening. Specialty cocktails, beer, wine and an Italian-inflected bar menu keep the crowds happy.
What you’re saying about Citizen: “Had a really good time here this weekend. Seems like everyone wants to be on the patio, and they all show up at once. … it would be nice if they had a service bar because the inside bar gets busy. This place stays busy no matter how many people don’t like it. … I saw [bartenders] cranking out mojitos and a delicious drink called a dreamsicle.” — Harold
“We sat on the rooftop, watched the sun set [and] felt like we were removed from all the city hustle and bustle. The food was awesome! It’s a really great, relaxing spot tucked away in River North!” — Steph
People Lounge
1560 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-227-9339
This Wicker Park spot has a world music focus, rustic decor and highly affordable tapas. We just hope you like meeting new people: In addition to traditional tables, the inside has communal seating underneath wrought-iron chandeliers. A sidewalk cafe provides prime people-watching opportunities.
What you’re saying about People: “People Lounge is a well-kept secret! Loved the sangria and tapas — skirt steak was awesome. It’s the perfect laid-back spot to sit outside on a summer night and people-watch. We will be back!” — JL
Kirkwood Bar & Grill
2934 N. Sheffield Ave. 773-770-0700
This neighborhood hang’s alfresco option is spacious and inviting, with well-considered design: One side’s fairly casual with high-top tables, wrought-iron chairs and wicker couches; the other is swanky, with super-low, cushy couches and additional table seating, plus a trellised fence to provide some privacy from the street.
What you’re saying about Kirkwood: “We had the nicest waitress ever. … The outside seating area is really nice. I had a Cobb salad and it was not good. … I would [definitely] go back for drinks though.” — Bob
Oak Street Beachstro
1000 N. Lake Shore Drive. 312-915-4100
This seasonal bar and restaurant sits right on the crescent curve of Oak Street Beach; tables have a dazzling view of the lake and city skyline, plus live palm trees are trucked in each season. Menu items include seafood appetizers, lighter fare and a few dinner entrees.
What you’re saying about Beachstro: “The view and palm trees are spectacular, but the food is not great, and … the service is terrible! Slow, rude and inattentive.” — RP for Life
Castaways
1603 N. Lake Shore Drive. 773-281-1200
Located on the upstairs level of the North Avenue Beach boathouse, this Phil Stefani-run bar and grill is something you’d expect to find in South Beach, Fla. The rooftop caters to sunbathers, beach volleyball teams and tourists, offering live music and a scantily clad crowd swaying to the tunes.
What you’re saying about Castaways: “… the perfect bar to go to in the summer. Great view, right on the beach. The food and the service are marginal, at best, but that is not why you go. … Great place to grab some drinks on the beach.” — Matt
Plymouth Restaurant & Bar
327 S. Plymouth Ct. 312-362-1212
This casual American spot features an 85-seat rooftop cafe with unbeatable views. The “L” rumbles by (at conversation-friendly decibels) just south over Van Buren Street, and you can check out Loop landmarks such as the Harold Washington Library and the Old Colony Building.
What you’re saying about Plymouth: “The food here is nothing to write home about — adequate, not good — but the rooftop is so fantastic that it makes up for an average salad. On a nice day, this rooftop is the place to be. Great service, great views … and ice cold Blue Moon on tap. Highly recommend it!” — Summer
“Hands down the best rooftop in the city! And all the bartenders rock.” — Amish
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Reviews compiled from reader postings on metromix.com
metromix@tribune.com
