Asian Outpost (Photograph: Courtesy Asian Outpost)
Photograph: Courtesy Asian Outpost

Asian Outpost

53 new patios, rooftop bars and outdoor spaces

Time to pack away the winter coat and pick up a cocktail. Here are the patios and rooftop bars where you'll be eating, drinking and hanging out all spring and summer.

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We did it, Chicago! After the terrible winter of multiple polar vortexes, we made it through to the other side, which means we can spend the next five months pretty much living outside. Restaurants and bars also clearly felt our pain, since we're getting more than 50 new patios, beer gardens, rooftop bars and other outdoor spaces this year.

Of course, these are just new spots, so once you've hit them all, revisit the best rooftop bars, the best outdoor dining, the best outdoor bars and the 20 new patios and 5 new rooftop bars from last year. 

RECOMMENDED: Best things to do in the summer in Chicago

  • Italian
  • Hyde Park
  • price 3 of 4
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended
A10
A10

Matthias Merges’s Hyde Park restaurant is adding a 50-seat patio that will wrap around the corner on the sidewalk.

Opening End of April, weather permitting.

  • Contemporary American
  • Near South Side
  • price 4 of 4
  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended
Acadia
Acadia

Dig into Ryan McCaskey’s bar menu street side on Acadia’s new patio. The outdoor space seats 12–16.

Opening June

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  • Pan-Asian
  • Near South Side
  • price 2 of 4
Asian Outpost
Asian Outpost

Asian Outpost’s 36-seat patio includes banquette seating with colorful pillows. The restaurant is now open for lunch Thursday–Sunday, plus it's adding a menu of patio drinks (think sake slushies), so we already know where we’ll be having long lunches on summer Fridays.

Opening Now, weather permitting

  • Wicker Park
  • price 2 of 4

The Wicker Park restaurant has a small, 12-seat patio that opens onto Milwaukee Avenue, perfect for both people watching and digging into plates of the terrific pasta.

Opening May 1

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  • Bakeries
  • Ukrainian Village
  • price 1 of 4
A Baker's Tale
A Baker's Tale
The new Alice in Wonderland–inspired bakery in Wicker Park is adding a 24-seat patio, which will be dog-friendly. Order a dog treat baked at the shop for your pup alongside your tart. 

Opening Mid-May, weather permitting
  • American
  • River North
  • price 2 of 4
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended
Beatrix
Beatrix

Beatrix slides open the front doors along Clark Street for an al fresco feel. The 36-seat wine bar is situated in the open-air space, and six sidewalk tables will be surrounded by planters and hanging ferns.

Opening May

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  • Contemporary American
  • River North
  • price 2 of 4
Bottlefork
Bottlefork

The new Billy Dec/Kevin Hickey spot will have an 18-seat bar that will serve cocktails plus a limited snack menu. The design will match the interior décor, and includes flowers and an herb garden.

Opening Early May

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  • Contemporary American
  • Andersonville
  • price 2 of 4
  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended
The Brixton
The Brixton

The new Andersonville neighborhood spot is adding 35 al fresco seats. The bar menu, which is available upstairs, will also be served outside. 

Opening April 28

  • Hamburgers
  • North Center
Buzz Burgers, Barrels and Beer
Buzz Burgers, Barrels and Beer

The new burger joint has a 40-seat patio, which includes an outdoor bar, tables and chairs, and lounge seating.

Opening Memorial Day weekend

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