Diners' Choice: Great for outdoor dining restaurants in Chicago / Illinois

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are great for outdoor dining in Chicago / Illinois? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Avli Taverna - Lincoln Park

4.8

4.8 (87)

$31 to $50

Greek

Lincoln Park

About the restaurant

Avli Taverna, located on a quiet tree-lined street in Lincoln Park, offers contemporary and classic Greek small plates, mains, and desserts as well as approachable Greek wines and inventive cocktails.

Enjoy our inviting dining room, lively bar, and seasonal outdoor patio that’s dog-friendly for dinner, lunch, and brunch! We look forward to having you in to experience our core philosophies of Philoxenia (hospitality), Meraki (passion) and Kefi (joy).

For parties of 8 or fewer, book online with OpenTable.
For parties of 9 or greater, please call the restaurant directly at (773) 857-5577.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 1 day ago

Came for a birthday celebration and it was wonderful! The service was so great and everyone working was kind and generous. Will be coming back for brunch!

The Geodesic Domes at Hackney's on Harms

4.7

4.7 (292)

$30 and under

American

Skokie

About the restaurant

We are thrilled to announce the geodesic domes at Hackneys on Harms are open and ready for your perfect holiday gathering. There is a $10 fee to dine in the domes outside. No reservations for indoor seating.

Hackney's is a classic American restaurant that serves authentic American food like burgers and fries, and has been a popular spot in Chicago since the Prohibition Era. Of all the amazing dishes here, one of the most popular is the Hackney Burger. This is a half-pound grilled burger served on two slices of rye bread, and is one of the reasons Hackney's has become so famous. Another delicious dish that stands out from the crowd includes Hackney's Original French Fried Onions. The french fried onions have placed in the top three onions rings in the country consistently, despite not even being rings! If you want to experience authentic classic American cuisine at a restaurant that's been serving America for 76 years, Hackney's is the place to go.

Top review

Jennifer

Dined on Jan 1, 2025

The igloos create a magical ambiance, making it perfect for a special night out. The food was excellent—loved the Ruben egg rolls, which were incredibly tasty, and the Harrison Chicken sandwich was spot-on. Highly recommend for a unique dining experience!

Pinched on the River

4.7

4.7 (415)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

The most unique and eclectic Mediterranean inspired food with a pinch of this and a pinch of that.

Top review

Julie

Dined on Dec 30, 2024

Excellent food! Always are go to place when we come to Chicago.

Barrel Cheese & Wine

4.7

4.7 (31)

$30 and under

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Lakeview / East Lakeview

About the restaurant

Barrel cheese & wine is your new perfect favorite spot for a date night. Fireplace, wine racks, special cocktails and absolutely delicious food!

Top review

Anthony

Dined on Dec 15, 2024

Great environment, great food, drinks. Great service.

Matisse Tavern & Grill

4.6

4.6 (169)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Lakeview / East Lakeview

About the restaurant

Matisse Tavern and Grill is a neighborhood tavern with an eclectic Gastropub menu including made-from-scratch items and the best quality meats (Late-night kitchen).
Check out the cozy lounge with TVs, fireplace, Full-service bar including our martinis, craft and specialty cocktails (we use homemade ginger beer and just fresh juices) you won't find anywhere else. Relax with friends all summer long on the outdoor patio with a copper mug of our famous Moscow Mule or a Cold Craft Beer. Our hand-picked wine list changes seasonally so you'll always find a new grape discovery to sample.

Late-nighters welcome for cocktails till close!!!

Top review

SusanVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent service and a lovely fireplace. I went Saturday night, which was very busy. Normally I go early evening during the week when it is quieter. The food is superior, not bar food at all. Just delicious. The wait staff is always pleasant and quick. This is a wonderful local spot.

The Lawn

4.5

4.5 (265)

$31 to $50

American

Glenview

About the restaurant

Whether you’re grabbing a casual lunch with family on the patio, cocktails and snacks with friends in the redesigned cozy bar and lounge area or a having a special date night dinner in our hip modern dining room, The Lawn is the perfect North Shore gathering place for us all. Seven days a week, our neighborhood bar + grill takes pride in providing lunch and dinner in a relaxed atmosphere with views of Wilmette Golf Club. Our menu has been curated to showcase local small businesses like Zier's Prime Meats, Burhops Seafood and Harrison's Poultry. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Top review

John

Dined 5 days ago

The Lawn never disappoints, all the food and drink are on point! Staff is knowledgeable and friendly. It’s a win every single time I’ve eaten there, whether it be brunch, lunch or dinner!!

Earls Kitchen + Bar - Lincoln Park

4.4

4.4 (1382)

$31 to $50

American

Lincoln Park

About the restaurant

Welcome to Earls at NEWCITY, located in Chicago’s vibrant Clybourn Corridor. Our beautifully designed space blends a relaxed dining atmosphere with a lively lounge and bar scene, offering the perfect setting for any occasion.

Step outside to our 3-season patio, complete with fire pits and oversized umbrellas—ideal for enjoying a drink before a movie or dining al fresco when the weather is warm. Our menu, inspired by global flavours and crafted with premium ingredients, is complemented by expertly crafted cocktails and confident, charming service.

At Earls, we’re all about creating unforgettable moments, whether you're here for a casual meal or to unwind with friends. Your seat is waiting—we can't wait to welcome you!

Top review

Jesus

Dined 2 days ago

Had the Asada Tacos and Nashville chicken. Amazingly good. Great taste; seasoning and accurate level of spicy. Love it. Will be coming again.

Discover more

Experience

Chef's Selected 3 Course Set Menu

P.F. Chang's - Schaumburg

4.0

4 (344)

$30 and under

Chinese

Schaumburg

About the restaurant

We are an Asian & Chinese restaurant offering dine-in, takeout, to-go, delivery, and catering. Make a reservation online to dine in. Order Asian and Chinese food delivery, takeout, and catering online or through the P.F. Chang's mobile app. Let us cater the perfect feast for you - corporate office catering menus are also available. P.F. Chang's offers a variety of signature Asian, Thai, Korean, Japanese, Mongolian, and Chinese food dishes including Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Chicken Pad Thai, Signature Lo Mein, Fried Rice, Mongolian Beef, Chang's Spicy Chicken, and Pork and Shrimp Dumplings. Order online for sushi delivery and takeout. Many gluten-free and vegetarian menu items are available. Try our seasonal cocktails and seasonal menu items.

Top review

Ford

Dined on Jan 2, 2025

We always enjoy eating at PF Chang’s. I just wish they had a bigger selection of beer.

Rooftop at Riu Plaza Chicago

4.0

4 (9)

$31 to $50

Latin American

Streeterville

About the restaurant

Do you want to touch the sky in Chicago with RIU? Meet our new rooftop!
Located on the 27th floor of the dazzling new skyscraper, the moment you arrive you will be blown away by the spectacular panoramic views of the city. Being surrounded by the impressive Chicago skyline is a very special experience that will be hard to forget. Next challenge? Find your favourite spot to take some impressive photos: an absolute must to immortalise a moments you have to share with your nearest and dearest.
At RIU Hotels & Resorts we aim to provide you with the fullest experience possible, so we can’t miss out a place where you can enjoy a quiet snack or a good meal. The Rooftop bar offers a wide range of options for both lunch and dinner, with a varied menu of international cuisine. If you’re more of a liquid refreshment lover, there’s no need to worry. You will be able to choose from a wide selection of cocktails, spirits and wines to make your stay unforgettable.

Top review

Sim

Dined on Nov 12, 2024

It was a great and fun experience. The view from the rooftop was amazing.. Totally worth it.

Utopian Tailgate

3.9

3.9 (183)

$31 to $50

American

Lincoln Park

About the restaurant

A place for friends, wanderers, and adventurers. May you have a drink in your hand and a song in your heart. A playground for grownups 21+

With a curated menu of elevated tailgate fare and an extensive bar program, Utopian Tailgate delivers high times, chill vibes, and an unforgettable experience where the party never ends... and neither do the views.

Perched high atop Piper's Alley, above world-famous comedy enclave The Second City, Utopian Tailgate is Chicago's best never-ending rooftop party. Super-sized Jenga, drinking games, disco dance party, and a whole lot more mix with elevated eats and whimsical whistle-wetters all year ‘round.

Reservations are encouraged, but we always accept walk-ins until we reach capacity. Reservations will be held for 15 minutes. We offer indoor and outdoor table reservations, as well as party booths (with minimum required spend). We're a 21+ venue.

Top review

JosephVIP

Dined on Dec 14, 2024

Chris is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!! Made our time amazing. Definitely coming back to see him.

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