We put up with a lot this winter, and now it's finally patio season. If you've already hit the best rooftop bars, the best outdoor dining spots, and other al fresco spaces, try these new spots, all slated to open this spring and summer.
New hotels Virgin and Loews will each open new rooftop patios this summer. At Loews, expect space for bocce ball, while the Virgin will have two bars, as well as a "secret" bar one floor down, hidden behind a door painted with a lock.
Analogue is expanding to add another dining/lounge area, as well as a 30-seat patio. Expect some new summer beverages, like frozen drinks.
Element Collective (Kinmont, Nellcote) is opening Expat, a seasonal 24-seat sidewalk cafe on Green Street in the West Loop.
mfk. will have an eight-seat patio that's slated to open in mid-May—we can't think of anything better than snacking on boquerones while sipping rose.
Barley & Brass will open a 40-seat patio on Division this summer.
Labriola will have a 65-seat patio along the Grand Avenue pedestrian walkway, with an estimated opening of May 1.
Brand-new brewery BreakRoom Brewery will have a large patio.
Cantina de La Granja is a new Mexican restaurant slated to open in Andersonville in June. Once open, expect a sizable sidewalk patio in front.
Wicker Park will get a new patio when Taus Authentic opens its outdoor space.
When Fish Bar and DMK Burger Bar open on Navy Pier this summer, the two restaurants will share a large outdoor patio with a walk-up take-out window and frozen cocktails.
Prime & Provisions, a steakhouse from the DineAmic Group (Siena Tavern, Bull & Bear, Public House) opens May 2 with a 50-person patio.
Bin 36 relocated to the West Loop recently, and the new space at 161 North Jefferson Street. will have a 50-seat patio this season.
The newest location of fast casual GRK Greek Kitchen, at 400 South Wells Street, will add a second-floor outdoor bar in mid-April. Craft beers, wine and cocktails will be available, along with bar bites.
Best Intentions, the upcoming revamp of Marble Bar, will add a hidden backyard patio to Armitage Avenue.
Maple & Ash will be opening in the Gold Coast this summer, and will include a 50-seat sidewalk patio.
North Center bar Tavern on Little Fort is adding a 48-seat patio this season.
Newcomer the Brass Monkey will have a 25-seat patio this summer.
Fahlstrom's Fresh Fish Market, the new seafood spot in Lakeview, will have a 32-seat patio.
Bridgeport's Duck Inn, which opened late last year, has a new patio this summer.
Newcomer Seven Lions will open a large alfresco space that seats 70–80 along Michigan Avenue with flower boxes, umbrellas and a special patio menu.
Kanela Breakfast Club's Wicker Park location, which opened in October, has a new patio this year.
Bar Takito's 50-seat patio will open as soon as the weather is nice.
La Sirena Clandestina is opening a new patio (its second outdoor space) in May on the Morgan Street side of the restaurant.
Yusho Hyde Park has a nine-table, 18-seat patio with flowering planters.
Loop barbecue spot Blackwood BBQ will be opening outdoor seating starting in mid-May.
Osteria Langhe is turning its new back patio space into a chef's-table experience with a series of tasting menus. When the patio isn't in use for private dinners, it'll be open to all diners.
Parlor Pizza Bar's huge rooftop deck is made out of an old freight shipping container and seats 150. The roof is expect to open Memorial Day weekend.
Play WhirlyBall, then relax with a great craft beer on the second floor patio, which offers a view of the Chicago skyline.
The Betty, the new cocktail bar in the West Loop, has a 40-seat patio with a wrought-iron fence, ivy and purple flowers.
At Formento’s, dine on updated versions of classic Italian dishes on the 46-seat patio. Next door at Nonna’s, grab a sandwich and have lunch at the two picnic tables.
Shake Shack's new outdoor seating should help alleviate some of the chaos inside the burger restaurant.
Bucktown Pub has revamped its back patio, which includes a bags set.
At JIMMY, the cocktail bar at the James Hotel, there's a new patio bar located on Rush Street between Ohio and Ontario.
Oak + Char will add a new 56-seat patio, and the opening date is tentatively April 19.
On Hubbard Street, both Paris Club Bistro & Bar and Ramen-san will add alfresco seating, but there are no further details yet.