Finally. The summer sun is shining and temps are staying above 75 degrees for more than four hours at a time. And you’re stuck in a cubicle on the windowless 17th floor of a downtown office building staring at a computer.
Sounds like it’s time for a lunch break. You may not have time to make it to the beach, but you can use those precious minutes away from your desk to bask in the midday sun. Check out the noontime scene at these six spots rolling out alfresco seating for the first time this summer.
Chicago River Dog Cafe
Chicago Riverwalk, between
Clark and LaSalle Streets
Your spot in the sun: This tucked-away cafe, the latest addition to the Chicago Riverwalk’s lineup of seasonal concessions, operates out of a green trailer situated on the south bank of the river. It’s a no-frills operation (paper and plastic plates and glassware are the norm at all Riverwalk venues), but the dozen or so tables with umbrellas provide prime seating for more than 50 just feet from the water. Lunchers beware: It’s only open on sunny days.
Don’t miss: Panini ($7), including a popular salami and blue cheese version, and Balkan crepes ($2) for dessert. Chicago-style dogs ($5) also make the menu, of course.
Chutney Joe’s
511 S. State St. 312-341-9755
Your spot in the sun: When the sun’s shining, the 12 seats on the covered sidewalk cafe at this South Loop Indian quick-serve are usually occupied. Be patient: Turnover’s fast, so a table likely will be yours within 15 minutes.
Don’t miss: Lamb rogan josh ($4.99), especially if you don’t mind a little extra heat on an already hot afternoon. Veg and vegan options abound too — we like the vegan-approved gobi potatoes ($3.99).
Sunda
110 W. Illinois St. 312-644-0500
Your spot in the sun: Billy Dec and Co.’s River North Asian spot recently launched both a lunch menu and a new sidewalk patio filled with wooden tables and flower boxes. Though the 30-seat cafe is popular during lunch, there’s usually a vacant table or two for immediate seating.
Don’t miss: Banh mi sandwiches ($12-$14), Vietnamese classics made with chicken, steak or ahi tuna and served on French bread with spice butter and pickled veggies. Famished? Go for a lunch combo ($18), which includes miso soup or a salad, three pieces of a sushi roll and an entree such as shrimp and sea bass curry or char siu barbecue pork.
Market
1113 W. Randolph St. 312-929-4787
Your spot in the sun: The 15-seat sidewalk cafe at this sporty West Loop lounge and restaurant packs quickly during lunch, so call ahead if you have your sights set on a Randolph Street seat. Of course, the alternative — a table in the 100-seat beer garden — isn’t too shabby either.
Don’t miss: Shareable pizzas, including chicken vesuvio ($12) with spinach, potatoes, peas and alfredo sauce. If that has “3 p.m. food coma” written all over it, stay on the lighter side with a Body Builder turkey sandwich ($10) with egg whites, tomato, cheese and spinach.
Hub 51
51 W. Hubbard St. 312-828-0051
Your spot in the sun: Outsmart the dinner crowds at this River North hot spot and grab one of 40 seats on the narrow Hubbard Street patio during the more modest lunch rush. If you get chilly under the umbrellas, the staff is happy to provide you with a Snuggie.
Don’t miss: Taco platters ($14-$17), a clear standout on a lunch menu that includes everything from salads and burgers to sushi and nachos. Choose from chicken, pulled pork, fish or steak, served with toppings such as roasted tomato salsa and cabbage slaw.
Province
161 N. Jefferson St. 312-669-9900
Your spot in the sun: By the time muggy August afternoons set in, this West Loop restaurant is going to have one of the best lunch hideaways around. The 30-plus seat patio is fully enclosed by a 6-foot wall, adorned with planters and covered with a cooling shade. The only catch: It’s not quite finished — you’ll have to wait about another two weeks.
Don’t miss: Poached farm egg and squash salad ($8), a light and local option, or cornmeal-crusted farmed trout sandwich ($12) with serrano tartar sauce and fingerling salad.
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metromix@tribune.com
