The 12 best restaurants to dine outdoors in Chicago

With towering trees and many plants, Aba’s green dining room is just a preview of the restaurant’s beloved third-floor outdoor space. For shade, there’s a pergola and oversize umbrellas. A mix of tables, chairs, and low-slung couches add up to a rooftop lounge-like vibe as the night progresses. Celebrate scoring one of Chicago’s most sought-after outdoor seats with a glass of Old World wine and spreads (smoky garlic hummus or charred eggplant), kebabs, and hot mezze.

Piccolo Sogno means “little dream” in Italian, and its lush outdoor space more than lives up to that description. A large ivy-covered tree anchors the Italian restaurant’s backyard, decorated with twinkly lights and lush foliage. The seasonal menu from celebrated chef Tony Priolo focuses on rustic dishes like housemade sausage, black spaghetti with seafood, and prosciutto di Parma pizza. Consider a glass or two from the all-Italian wine list to extend your alfresco meal.

The Dawson’s River West patio—a very popular outdoor spot—makes a killer first impression. Glass, brick, wood, and ivy accents create a magical spot in the heart of the city. Attention to detail is everywhere, from the lights in the trees to colorful flowers and a beautiful tiled floor. On the menu, expect imaginative American food like sticky duck wings and rabbit pappardelle, which pair well with warm-weather cocktails including a guava and grapefruit rosé sangria.

Leaning more modern than traditional, this sceney River North steakhouse has attracted those who can’t get enough of dry-aged steaks and sophisticated wines—its fans include President Obama and Charles Barkley. Floor-to-ceiling windows give those dining inside a great view of the nearby Chicago River, but the restaurant’s spacious outdoor patio offers an uninterrupted look at passing boats and the iconic skyscrapers across the water. Arrive before sunset to take advantage of the stellar view.

The last thing you want while soaking in Chicago’s short but sweet summer is to waste time fighting for a patio table. To avoid that, opt for one of the West Loop’s larger outdoor dining spaces at Recess. This expansive patio has plenty of seats, from high-tops on the turf to spots inside repurposed shipping containers. Enjoy snacks, burgers, and hearty sandwiches plus refreshing cocktails, such as the Monkey Bars with whiskey and blackberry sage shrub.

MICHELIN-starred Boka impresses diners with playful but refined dishes from chef Lee Wolen, like black truffle roasted chicken and porcini ricotta gnudi. For the colder months, there’s a skylight patio and a preserved moss wall to bring the outside in. Once the weather warms up, the restaurant offers two charming outdoor spaces: a tree-lined back patio for peak coziness or three tables along the plant-filled entryway for top-tier people watching—ideal for a pre-Steppenwolf dinner.

Pilsen Yards is known for live music, vinyl DJ sets, and a secret speakeasy-style bar (The Alderman). But you’re here for the massive patio, partially covered with exposed wood beams and overhead heaters. It features its own bar—don’t skip the on-draft sangria—plus a fire pit, responsible for excellent Latin-inspired street food like slow-roasted pork shoulder tacos served on handmade tortillas.

Chef Brian Jupiter gets plenty of attention for his mastery of unusual meats like elk, venison, and wild boar. But Frontier also stands out for a knockout all-weather beer garden complete with a retractable roof and stone fireplace. For the ultimate outdoorsy meal, pre-order the “whole animal experience” for you and your group with options that include goat and a free-range American pig, plus plenty of tasty sides.

With a couple of very distinct dining spaces, BLVD is almost two restaurants in one. Inside, it’s glam central with metallic finishes and shimmering chandeliers. On its full-season patio, there’s an all-out garden party vibe thanks to greenery, white linen curtains, delicate light fixtures, and an 11-foot-tall wooden pergola. No matter where you sit, you’ll have access to a sophisticated but unfussy menu from Top Chef winner Joe Flamm featuring dishes like mushroom risotto and steak frites.

There are Chicago River views, and then there’s the view at Gibsons Italia. Take in the soaring skyscrapers and downtown’s iconic bridges when you dine at this multi-level gem. It’s hard to find a bad seat in the house with all the floor-to-ceiling windows, but the top floor has a retractable glass roof and channels a sophisticated living room, complete with leather couches. It’s a handsome backdrop for world-class steaks and Italian-accented hits like mafaldine with Neapolitan beef.

Stroll the Riverwalk and it’s hard not to stop and stare at the dramatic building that houses RPM Seafood. During the warmer months, you’ll spot the restaurant’s 2,000-square-foot terrace decked out with oversized umbrellas and wood-topped tables just inches from the water. Overflowing seafood towers, delicately grilled fish, and housemade pastas are just a few of the can’t-miss dishes at this elegant outdoor star.

Taking inspiration from Asia’s night markets, this lively neighborhood spot offers exciting fusion food and creative cocktails in a setting that’s just as refreshing. Mott Street’s sprawling patio is adorned with twinkling lights and lots of plants and flowers hanging overhead—and even your pets are welcome here. Signature dishes include the miso-butter mushrooms, everything wings, and stuffed cabbage. Get here before 7 pm to score the restaurant’s legendary burger.