The 34 best outdoor bars in Chicago

The Orbit Room's popular backyard garden patio lives on through Ludlow Liquors, which has transformed the space into a spacious cocktail, beer and burger hangout. You'll find plenty of picnic tables where you can take a seat, sip a stiff drink, nurse a Hamm's and catch up with friends.

People come to the Big Star patio to eat tacos al pastor while munching on chips and salsa, but they stay because someone at the table orders a second pitcher of margaritas or another round of beers. The moment temperatures in Chicago begin creeping up, the outdoor seating at the Wicker Park location seems to fill up instantly—and the newer location in Wrigleyville also draws a crowd (pro tip: try out the Big Star Mariscos in West Town). Be prepared to wait for your turn, but know that chips, guac and margs are in your future.

There aren't many riverside patios outside of the Loop, the Riverwalk and River North, but Metropolitan Brewing's Avondale spot is the exception. You'll see kayakers and boats glide by as you enjoy German-style lagers under the sun. Seating is first come, first served and there's nearly always a line when it's a bright and sunny weekend.

Set among a pile of shipping containers next to West Loop event space City Hall, Recess bills itself as one of the city's largest patios, complete with a multi-level set-up and multiple bars. Once you have a table, there's a ton of creative bar food to choose between, like chicken and waffle fries and gyro taquitos. And of course, you'll find plenty of cocktails (with or without CBD), local brews and rosé to sample during a long afternoon or a late night.

Yes, the Moonlighter is techincally a sports bar, but it's not usually the obnoxious kind. You can escape (most of) the TVs by having a drink under an umbrella on the 2,000-square-foot patio, which happens to be dog-friendly. Devour smash burgers, wings and hardshell tacos (vegan versions of these dishes are also available) and sip a frozen cocktail or a sour beer while you gaze out at Kedzie Avenue.

Though its kitchen and bar are housed in a former auto repair garage, Park & Field's main draw is its gigantic 6,000-square-feet patio, which features a bocce court, hammocks, fire pits and a camper that has been retrofitted to serve as an outdoor bar. Even if you visit during the coldest months, you can stay warm by cozying up next to a fire. Summer, though, is when Park & Field turns into a lively adult playground packed with fun and games.

If Ron Swanson opened a restaurant, it would probably be the Kaiser Tiger. The specialties are bacon, smoked sausage, brats, and pulled pork in sandwich form or a la carte. The rest menu is similarly meat-forward, with chicken and schnitzel to spare, plus a variety of craft beers. But the real beauty of this spot is the patio out back, which boasts plenty of long tables and a bocce court.

Sleeping Village's 2,000-square-foot outdoor space remains a great spot to have a drink and listen to a DJ set from a local musician. The patio is open seven days a week but you'll need to get there early, because it fills up quickly.

Pretend you're dining alfresco somewhere in Europe when you escape to Hopleaf's courtyard patio, where a long list of Belgian brews are flowing and piles of the famous ale-steamed mussels are delivered to hungry diners. Just be warned that seating is first come, first served and this is one of Andersonville's most popular haunts.

You’re spoiled for choices when it comes to eating and drinking outside along Pilsen’s main drag, but the secluded, cozy patio at Pilsen Yards, complete with twinkly lights and fire pit, is a favorite. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy summery cocktails like a mezcal marg or draft paloma alongside enticing bites like a piña colada ceviche or charred carrots served with al pastor-inspired fixin’s. If you like some beats with your cocktails and eats, Pilsen Yards has DJs spinning vinyl on the weekends. 

Parson's Chicken & Fish has grown into a network of good places to grab a Negroni Slushy outdoors, with additional locations in  Lincoln Park and Andersonville. But the original Logan Square outpost still seems like the best place to knock back some drinks under the sun, thanks to its slightly more spacious layout. That being said, if the patio at one Parson's is full, you might as well go see if you can snag a seat on another.

Draped in greenery, and with a great view of the painted Doolin's sign on the side of the building next door, the Dawson's patio is a great place to gather just outside of the West Loop. Seasonal cocktails are balanced with wine and barrel-aged spirits—and there's beer on tap if that's what you prefer. Plus, the Grand Blue Line stop is just a few steps away if you need to take a tipsy train ride home.

Breezy vibes permeate throughout this Humboldt Park bar, thanks in large part to its comfy and spacious patio. Order a drink at the outdoor bar and head for the seats under the pergola. If the weather turns unpleasant, you can retreat to the all-seasons corner that’s equipped with a fireplace. On the beverage front, enjoy a collection of strong and boozy cocktails (Hi) or easy slippers (Lo), as well as several spritz offerings.

Want to relax on a patio with a brick fireplace and a cattle skull while eating your body weight in oysters and game meats? Thankfully, Noble Square’s Frontier is here to make that dream a reality. The bravest epicureans can even try their Malört Greyhound, made with St. Germaine elderflower and the infamous local spirit, alongside antelope Bolognese or venison cheesesteak. 

Northalsted's megabar is famous for its showtunes night, booze-laced slushies and, of course, its gigantic rooftop deck, which packs them in on sunny weekends and summer nights. Plenty of greenery and a multilevel layout provide an intimate feel despite the massive capacity.

Polish and Korean fusion purveyor Kimski has expansive outdoor seating options, with tables along the side of the building as well as a backyard patio. Connected to Maria's Packaged Goods, this Bridgeport spot always has the latest brews from Marz on tap—plus plenty of other interesting local beers.

The reasons to come to this six-decade-old Edgewater institution are many—towering trees shade most of the enormous two-level garden and straightforward half-pound burgers are a notch above average and taste like something your dad grilled when you were a kid. And while the beer list may not be impressive, there's a long list of cocktails (including a Long Island Iced Tea).

If it’s space you want, you’ll definitely find it on the massive back patio at this laid-back Logan Square spot dotted with sleek picnic tables and canopies overhead for shade. Easy Does It is a spot for wine lovers first, although they offer solid beer, cider, cocktail and zero-proof selections too, making it a spot where anyone can take it, well, easy. 

Taking over an old Polish tavern in Avondale, Central Park Bar is a cozy place to grab a drink, especially when it's warm outside. An empty lot adjacent to the bar has been transformed into a 3,500 square-foot patio, complete with a covered bar (equipped with heaters for when it's chilly), picnic tables, porch swings, some outdoor games and a fire pit. It's a picturesque spot to sip a menu of classic cocktails or to order a beer.

An offshoot of the popular West Town dining destination of the same name, Beatnik On the River draws inspiration from the ’50s and ’60s, offering dishes and drinks in a picturesque riverside setting. The best tables in the house are on the 80-seat patio, which offers views of the water and is outfitted with colorful tile, Indonesian daybeds and fringe-lined umbrellas. Order a glass of bubbly and stay awhile.

Brothers Chris and Calvin Marty bought the old Marble Bar and reopened it as Best Intentions. The dive bar charm remains, although the bar is a little sleeker and the drinks are much better. Settle into a table on the spacious big back patio with a cabana bar. The retro charm lures in many Logan Square locals, so be prepared to elbow your way through the crowd. Once you've secured a spot, indulge in a cocktail and order a Baker's Dozen round of 12 burgers for the table. 

Located right next to sister spots Scofflaw and The Moonlighter, this Logan Square bar is ideal for when you want to sit back and relax over a bottle of wine. The menu specializes in natural wines but you’ll also find a curated selection of reds, whites and even brews if that’s more your style. Snag a seat on an adirondack chair and feel free to use your outside voice while chit-chatting and nibbling on meats and cheeses.

Sportsman's backyard has a fire pit, large tables and a canopy of twinkly lights. An in-house herb garden provides the bartenders with fresh ingredients. When it's time to come inside, animal heads on the walls and cozy booths with built-in chess boards make being indoors just as charming.

The Whistler is best known for its almost nightly events and constantly changing drink menu. But when you need a break from what's going on inside, head to the back patio for a bit of a respite from the party. It's a great spot to spend the evening enjoying the summer sun.

Flanked by vivid murals and trees that pick up all the colors of the seasons (including winter when they’re enrobed in colorful lights), this River West bar’s spacious patio is as colorful and inviting as its varied cocktail menu. Here you’ll find innovative creations by the bar staff alongside their takes on cocktails found in vintage publications for a historical treat. If you’re not drinking alcohol, their spirit-free takes on the classic highball is a great option as well. 

Take your pick: You can grab a seat on the smaller, 40-seat, dog-friendly sidewalk patio on Wells Street or make your way to the hidden beer garden out back, which has room for 100. No matter where you sit, we recommend ordering a round of cocktails and one of Bar Cargo's signature Roman-style pizzas (we're particularly fond of the "Hot, Hot, Hot" with Pachino tomatoes, chile and garlic).

Don't let this wine-focused, upscale Bronzeville restaurant give you the wrong idea—it's still a great spot to sip on a beer and order a few cocktails. While you can expect a robust selection of pours by the class, there's a list of local brews and cocktails sourced from Chicago-based, Black-owned and women-owned brands. Weekly live music and a revolving art collection featuring local artists round out the experience.

Take a seat outdoors at this laid-back Bucktown bike messenger magnet, where famished cyclists chow down on vegetarian sandwiches and tacos. The shaded tables on the patio are always a great spot to grab brunch during the summer—and you can always order a Bloody Hammer that’s topped with a crunchy, juicy fried pickle.

This environmentally friendly bar—complete with rooftop herb garden and solar panels—is the place to be if you're looking for live music, art or just a unique place to drink. Like the rest of the city, Simone's begins to defrost around the springtime and bring out its outdoor patio. Seasonal cocktails, frozen drinks and THC-infused concoctions will have you coming back just to give something new a try. In addition to the extensive drink menu and bar bites available in the main room, they have two additional spaces for DJs, art exhibits and salon-style discussions. 

This huge beer garden turns into a laid-back college reunion on weekend nights, where you'll be a bit strapped to find a table. But once you've secured your spot, head to the different bars for regular tappings of interesting beers. It's more low-key during the week, perfect for dropping in on your way home for a sunny post-work drink and a platter of pulled pork, ribs or brisket.

For plant parents and botanical fanatics alike, Moonflower is the place to sip on some of the most refreshing cocktails surrounded by lush greenery (some of which are available for purchase. Rotating drinks are on theme too with inspirations of blackberry, mint and elderflower. While much of the action goes on inside, the sidewalk patio is still a great spot to spit on the floral elixirs, take in the lush greenery and breathe in the fresh air. 

Locals love this charming little patio tucked off the back of this North Center bar. Just order a craft beer from the ever-changing list and some grub from the rotating pop-up food vendors and keep quiet so the neighbors don't hear.

A dive bar with a killer patio? Visitors to Inner Town Pub were once restricted to its well-worn indoor bar, but now there's some seating in its backyard, too. It doesn't have the same ambiance as the scuffed tile floors and weathered bar inside, but just give it a few years and the Inner Town Pub patio will look as well-loved as the rest of this Ukrainian Village institution.

Small but mighty, this long-standing traditional German spot in North Center has one of Chicago’s best-kept secret beer gardens. Gather your friends on a sunny day for a nice, tall hefeweizen under the shade of an umbrella on their cozy back patio. Just don’t tell too many people, or else it’s not such a hidden gem anymore.