Sit here: We know it sounds dorky, but seriously, the board games are half the reason to visit this place. Get a spot in the front room to play. Read more.
TheWit Hotel’s swank rooftop lounge sports a specialty cocktail menu, a well-curated wine list and Mediterranean small plates. Read more.
Catch a movie or two at the Chicago International Film FestivalMore than 100 films will be shown, but the only one known now is Ed Norton and Robert De Niro’s prison thriller Stone. Oct 7–21 Read more.
Just a drunken stumble from the Grand Red Line station, this sporty brewpub offers six house-brewed beers to sip on. Read more.
This covered terrace in Lincoln Square features shareable dishes like charcuterie and pickled vegetables, accompanied by summery wine coolers served by the glass and pitcher. http://tmout.us/lKTEo Read more.
Will the combination of Stephanie Izard, rooftop deck and spinning, illuminated goat cause the universe to explode? http://tmout.us/lKTEo Read more.
If you're looking for a beer garden near the United Center, check out the 10,000 square feet of outdoor space here. http://tmout.us/lKTEo Read more.
The lovely 40-seat outdoor garden/Loop refuge that used to be Rhapsody is now home to this Italian-inspired restaurant. http://tmout.us/lKTEo Read more.
The Boarding House's menu has changed significantly since the restaurant opened earlier this year. Try it out on one of sidewalk patio's 50–60 seats. http://tmout.us/lKTEo Read more.
Barbecue, bourbon and a huge, covered outdoor-seating area: What could possibly go wrong at the new Wrigleyville location of Sweet Baby Ray's? http://tmout.us/lKTEo Read more.
The guys behind Chicago Cut Steakhouse opened The Local Chicago in the Gold Coast, serving classic comfort food like ribs and pot pie. The corner patio has 60 seats. http://tmout.us/lKTEo Read more.
The garden here seats 20 on tiered wooden decks landscaped with Japanese red maples and a traditional Japanese Zen garden tended to by chef Gene Kato. http://tmout.us/lKTEo Read more.
This summer, Tortoise Club takes advantage of its prime location with 20 additional seats on the State Street sidewalk. http://tmout.us/lKTEo Read more.
Bill Kim's BellyQ debuts two outdoor seating areas this summer, but only one of them has a fire pit. http://tmout.us/lKTEo Read more.
The Glunz Tavern in Old Town added 24 sidewalk seats, from which to sample the restaurant's Euro food and drinks. http://tmout.us/lKTEo Read more.
The Monarch converted its backyard from a beer garden into a precious little Wicker Park hideaway, complete with an herb garden. http://tmout.us/lKTEo Read more.
Reno's 40 sidewalk seats provide a prime perch for people-watching—and pizza-eating. http://tmout.us/lKTEo Read more.
It's a log cabin inside and a patio area outside at Lincoln Park's new pizzeria. http://tmout.us/lKTEo Read more.
The patio is an extension of both the restaurant (50 seats) and the lounge (15 seats). In recognition of that fact, the restaurant's serving boozy snow cones in flavors like gin with ginger and lime. Read more.
At Found in Evanston, the new 25-seat patio is outfitted with eclectic furniture and serves dishes like "knife-and-fork" sandwiches all day. http://tmout.us/lKTEo Read more.
The 5,000-square-foot "Wine Garden" hosts live music to go along with small plates like green-tomato gazpacho and grilled Merguez sausage. http://tmout.us/lKTEo Read more.
If it's a patio serving tacos and margaritas—and not a crazy wait—you're after, consider Takito, where chef David Dworshak puts out thoughtful Mexican dishes. http://tmout.us/lKTEo Read more.
Deep-fried black-eyed peas are the perfect drinking snack, steak (dressed in nothing more than brown butter), salads and even doughnuts make sense with the food-friendly cocktails from the bar. Read more.
It’s cute, it’s bustling, service is helpful, and the food borders between good & great. In warm weather, seek out the secluded back patio, where vegetables & herbs enhance the rustic, seasonal fare. Read more.
There isn’t a bad thing on the menu, but if we had to limit ourselves, we’d go with onion soup, mussels steamed in Belgian ale, roasted chicken and pan-seared hanger steak flanked by amazing frites. Read more.
The crowds are steady at this cute Italian spot, but are they coming for the expansive patio, the kind service or the food? It could be all 3, but most likely it's the first 2. http://tmout.us/maA24 Read more.
Joël’s brick-laid courtyard is a respite, a quiet spot where the pâtés are creamy, the Champagne is cold, and you’ll never have to worry about spilling a cosmo on a maxidress. http://tmout.us/maA24 Read more.
If you’re looking for an alfresco steakhouse experience, it’s tough to beat a seat on Chicago Cut's expansive patio. http://tmout.us/maA24 Read more.
Scott Harris’s Taylor Street spot combines elements of the Purple Pig with the Italian sensibilities of his Mia Francesca’s chain. Harris's best move: turning the roof into a cozy, 45-seat patio. Read more.
This Mexican mainstay has an amazing back patio; potent and fruity margaritas; sweet-as-pie servers; and decent dishes for a nice price. http://tmout.us/maA24 Read more.
There are two alfresco options: Head to the quiet, spacious rear patio to dine on rustic Italian fare amid plants & a fountain, or take in the lively street scene out front. http://tmout.us/maA24 Read more.
In summer, pick enjoy brats from “Gene's Bier Garden” on the third-floor roof, where long picnic tables and four taps add to the German beer-garden setting. http://tmout.us/maA24 Read more.
