After a fitful spring, hundreds of the city’s restaurants are offering outdoor dining while they can. Here we’ve selected some notable spots among them; for more patio lazing, search our restaurant database or bar guide.
Tucked into a former antique store just off Armitage, Antico is an intimate neighborhood restaurant serving classic Italian dishes including scene-stealing house-made gnocchi. Out back there’s garden seating—literally; chef-owner Brad Schlieder grows his own herbs, kale, and other vegetables for the kitchen. 1946 N. Leavitt, 773-489-4895, anticochicago.com. Dinner: Sun, Tue-Sat.
Birchwood Kitchen | Wicker Park $
Stretched alongside the river at Clark Street, Bridge House Tavern has one of the finest outdoor patios in the city, offering a view so spectacular it’s nearly enough to distract from the lackluster food. Nearly. 321 N. Clark, 312-644-0283, bridgehousetavern.com. Lunch, dinner: daily. Sat & Sun brunch. Open late: every night till 2.
D.S. Tequila Company | Lakeview $$
This laid-back wine bar is an extension of Letizia’s Natural Bakery, and shares its back garden seating as well as a menu with bruschetta, pizzas, salads, and a number of meat, cheese, bread, and olive combinations—the salumi plates alone are enough for a light meal. 2146 W. Division, 773-772-7700, enotecaroma.com. Dinner: daily. Open late: Fri & Sat till 11.
