Recess patio
Photograph: Courtesy Recess

The best spots for outdoor dining and drinking in Chicago this summer

Make the most of al fresco season with the city’s top rooftops, patios and waterfront destinations.
Jeffy Mai
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Summer in Chicago is a magical season, filled with street festivals, concerts and, of course, al fresco dining. We’re always trying to spend as much time as possible outside soaking up the sun, and luckily, Chicago’s best restaurants and bars offer plenty of ways to do just that, from breezy patios and rooftop escapes to waterfront dining spots made for lingering. Kick off the day with brunch outside, then settle into a beer garden for a few rounds of drinks. As the sun sets, make your way to a rooftop terrace for sweeping views and dining as elevated as the skyline. The warm weather will be gone before you know it, so take advantage while you can with our guide to outdoor dining in Chicago.

The best rooftops and patios in Chicago