Pure pleasure Outdoor dining swings into season
With
the pandemic easing, diners throughout the Chicago area are looking forward to spending the warmer months outdoors.
What better place to do it than at a beautifully appointed patio, rooftop terrace, or at a sidewalk table at your favorite restaurant?
Let’s face it, no one enjoyed the pandemic that forced restaurants to shut down indoor dining for months at a time. Nonetheless, it had some positive side effects including putting an emphasis on outdoor dining.
Some communities took measures to help restaurants thrive by creating areas where restaurants could install tents or place tables on sidewalks. The Village of Hinsdale, for instance, blocked off First Street in its downtown district to let restaurants set up tables for outdoor dining.
The street closure was so popular that it may continue for an unspecified time, says Eve Field, president of the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce.
“It’s been going really well,” she says. “They (restaurant owners) have really appreciated having the tents and the outdoor streetscape.”
In Hinsdale and beyond, diners are looking forward to enjoying a meal outdoors in the fresh air and sun.
There are many restaurants throughout the Chicago area with lovely places to dine outdoors. Here are a few of the many we found:
Azul 18 Restaurant and Bar
1236 W. 18th St.
Chicago
312-285-2964 azul18chicago.com
This eatery in the Pilsen area features new American cuisine with a Latin twist. From a sweet breakfast of Challah French toast to savory lunch and dinner items, like a pork belly shrimp sandwich or the fish of the day, Azul pleases a variety of palates. Sample all three meals outdoors in a space decorated with flowers and twinkling lights.
Daisies
2523 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago
773-661-1671 daisieschicago.com
Daisies offers an outdoor dining area that accommodates up to 22 people at five tables. “We have plants and greens that grow on a wall,” says server Ryan Gorey. It’s hidden away and quiet.”The restaurant is known for its pasta and veggies and has been part of the Logan Square scene since 2017.
Cadence Kitchen & Co.
5101 Mochel Drive
Downers Grove 630-442-7631 cadencekitchen.co
This restaurant’s website touts an approachable menu that’s curated from the fields of the Midwest. It features an outdoor patio that’s recently been expanded to hold 30 tables. Bar manager Robert Boatman warns that seating in the patio, which is decorated with an abundance of flowers and potted plants, is first-come, first-serve because it is so popular.
Five & Dime
1026 Davis St.
Evanston
847-869-4343 fiveanddimeevanston.com
Diners can enjoy a burger, a salmon, barbecue ribs and more at this restaurant that features a rooftop deck that boasts the look of an urban terrace while maintaining the relaxed comforts of a casual neighborhood gathering place. It even offers games of bags to play under the sun or starlight.
Livia Italian Eatery
207 S. Third St.
Geneva
630-402-6444 liviaitalianeatery.com
Located in the heart of historic Geneva in the middle of the downtown action, Livia has a good-sized step-down patio with umbrella tables offering shade in the summer and a view of shoppers strolling by. The menu is a broad palette of Northern Italian cuisine from pastas, fresh greens and grains to flatbreads and New Zealand Lamb Chops. Sip a specialty crafted cocktail at this spot on charming Third Street.
Fuller House
35 E. First St.
Hinsdale
630-568-5466 fullerhousebar.com
This restaurant is open for lunch and dinner featuring small plates, hand helds and large plates and provides a covered dining area on the sidewalk as well as a beer garden on the side of the restaurant. “It’s a pretty decent section with TVs and sofas,” says David Presz, supervisor. “There are 20-plus tables that seat four each for a total of 80.”The beer garden is open daily, weather permitting.
fourteensixteen
14 W. Calendar Ave.
La Grange 1416lagrange.com 708-469-7896
The rooftop terrace at fourteensixteen brings a bit of urban atmosphere to the suburbs. Seating 36, the space is covered by a pergola with three open sides and flowers adorning it. Enjoy an eclectic menu with items such as a morel tart, walleye and a prime hanger steak. Jim McGuigan, beverage director, says there’s nothing like enjoying a meal is this space that’s above the noise on the street. “It’s all about the open air and the freshness,” he says. “It’s intimate and comfortable.”
Empire Burgers and Brew
48 W. Chicago Ave.
Naperville
630-355-9000 empireburgerbar.com Half-pound angus burgers cooked to order on a pretzel bun, crispy fish tacos, or a pork belly BLT are just a few of the meals to be enjoyed at this restaurant that was created from two historic buildings that were combined and decorated with reclaimed metal work. Its retractable rooftop deck allows diners to enjoy views of downtown Naperville no matter what the weather might do.
The Happ Inn
305 Happ Road
Northfield
847-784-9200 thehappinn.com
A heated covered patio is just the right place to dine in case the summer weather turns cool. Dig into some casual fare such as a bison burger, baked goat cheese, a mushroom flatbread or tilapia tacos. Everything tastes better when consumed in comfort despite what Mother Nature may throw your way.
Isabella Italian Café
17211 S. Oak Park Ave.
Tinley Park
708-444-8555 isabellacafe.com
As its name confirms, this restaurant serves authentic Italian fare, such as rigatoni with braised sausage, and boasts a lovely, intimate patio with eight tables for anyone who wants to enjoy their pasta outdoors. “It’s really nice and outdoorsy with a lot of flowers,” says server Naser Eloweis about the area that also has a tree growing in it.