Hundreds of the city’s restaurants and bars offer outdoor dining while they can. Here we’ve selected some of the notable spots among them; for more alfresco drinking and dining, see our bar guide.
Birchwood Kitchen | Wicker Park | $ There’s not a cheap shortcut to be found at this ambitious sandwich shop: here the words local and sustainable have real meaning. The brunch menu has items such as croque madame and Belgian waffles, and burger nights are offered out back from Tuesday through Friday. BYO. 2211 W. North, 773-276-2100, birchwoodkitchen.com. Brunch; Sun, Tue-Sat; lunch, dinner: Tue-Fri.
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Bourgeois Pig | Lincoln Park | $ Located in an old brownstone, this charming Lincoln Park establishment is true to 60s-coffeehouse form, with creaky hardwood floors, newspapers and books lining the shelves, and a menu of homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, and baked goods posted on blackboards. The extensive lineup ranges from a Great Gatsby Club (pesto, bacon, and smoked turkey) to a veggie panini with artichoke hearts and fresh spinach to a scrumptious daily quiche with a flaky, buttery crust. Expect a full complement of laptop-toting lingerers and a packed patio out front. 738 W. Fullerton, 773-883-5282, bpigcafe.com. Breakfast, lunch, dinner: daily.
Davanti enoteca | University Village | $$ Scott Harris’s rustic Taylor Street small-plates wine bar is always bustling—especially when it comes to the rooftop seating, which is first come, first served. 1359 W. Taylor, 312-226-5550, davantichicago.com. Dinner: daily. Open late: Fri & Sat till midnight, Mon-Thu till 11.
Nightwood | Pilsen | $$$ It’s a testament to the Lula talent trust of Jason Hammel, Amalea Tshilds, and chef Jason Vincent that Nightwood is a lot more than just Lula south. Designer Kevin Heisner’s sleek design sets the tone, from the clean cubism of the outdoor patio to the modern squiggles of the chairs. The simple yet sophisticated seasonal food mirrors the elegant surroundings, with a wood-fired grill anchoring the ever-changing seasonal menu and cocktail list. 2119 S. Halsted, 312-526-3385, nightwoodrestaurant.com. Dinner: Mon-Sat. Sun brunch. Open late: Fri &Sat till 11.
The Portage | Portage Park | $$ Here’s gentrification at its best: an old-man bar rehabbed into a friendly, unassuming little gastropub with one of the nicer alfresco settings around, a spacious back patio. The delicious duck-fat fries were much crunchier than the ones made famous by a certain north-side hot dog joint. A salad of roasted organic beets with goat cheese and marcona almonds was summer on a plate, the garden above, summer on a roof. 3938 N. Central, 773-853-0779, theportagechicago.com. Dinner: Sun, Tue-Sat.
A calendar of 110 things to do this summer
Where to buy fresh, local produceA cornucopia of farmers’ markets
Even more festivals •Music fests • Fairs, etc.
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