Get us in your inbox

Search
Recess patio
Photograph: Courtesy Recess

The 30 best outdoor bars in Chicago

Get in gear for alfresco season with our guide to the best outdoor bars and patios in Chicago.

Written by
Zach Long
Contributors
Lindsay Eanet
&
Jeffy Mai
Advertising

Sure, going to one of the best bars in Chicago is always fun, but there's something exhilarating about having a drink outdoors. And after making it through another winter in the city, we're all ready for a round or two under the sun. It doesn't matter if you're looking for a spot with excellent wine programs or a beer garden where you can have a few local brews—the best outdoor bars in Chicago will delight oenophiles and boozy slushy fans alike. We've tracked down waterfront patios, hidden gardens and dive bar backyards where you can mix a little bit of alcohol with a lot of fresh air. Make a reservation (if needed), pack some sunscreen and prepare to spend an afternoon at one of the best outdoor bars in Chicago.

RECOMMENDED: The best rooftop bars in Chicago

Best outdoor bars in Chicago

  • Bars
  • Avondale

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.

  • Bars
  • Mezcalerias
  • Wicker Park
  • price 1 of 4

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. Be prepared to wait for your turn, but know that chips, guac and margs are in your future.

Advertising
  • Bars
  • Breweries
  • Avondale

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.

  • Restaurants
  • American
  • River West/West Town

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.

Advertising
  • Restaurants
  • Logan Square

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.

  • Bars
  • Sports Bars
  • Logan Square
  • price 2 of 4

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.

Advertising
  • Restaurants
  • Gastropubs
  • West Loop
  • price 2 of 4

If Ron Swanson opened a restaurant, it would probably be the Kaiser Tiger. The specialty here is the Bacon Bomb, a 5-pound, bacon-covered meatloaf made with beef, pork and more bacon. The rest of the menu is similarly meat-forward, with sausages 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.

  • Bars
  • Avondale

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.

Advertising
  • Bars
  • Beer bars
  • Uptown
  • price 2 of 4

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. 

Advertising
  • Restaurants
  • Soul and southern American
  • Logan Square
  • price 1 of 4

Parson's Chicken & Fish has grown into a network of good places to grab a Negroni Slushy outdoors, with locations in West Town, 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.

  • Restaurants
  • American
  • River West/West Town
  • price 2 of 4

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.

Advertising
  • Bars
  • Cocktail bars
  • Humboldt Park
  • price 2 of 4

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 camel Bolognese or venison cheesesteak. 

Advertising
  • Bars
  • Cocktail bars
  • Boystown
  • price 2 of 4

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.

  • Restaurants
  • Fusion
  • Bridgeport
  • price 1 of 4

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.

Advertising
  • Bars
  • Pubs
  • Edgewater
  • price 1 of 4

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. 

Advertising
  • Bars
  • Dive bars
  • Avondale

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.

  • Restaurants
  • Loop

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.

Advertising
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Bars
  • Wine bars
  • Logan Square
  • Recommended

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.

  • Bars
  • Dive bars
  • Ukrainian Village
  • price 2 of 4

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.

Advertising
  • Bars
  • Cocktail bars
  • Logan Square
  • price 2 of 4

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 gimlet and mule are great options as well. 

Advertising
  • Restaurants
  • Pizza
  • River North

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 frozen 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).

  • Bars
  • Beer bars
  • Wicker Park
  • price 1 of 4

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.

Advertising
  • Bars
  • Dive bars
  • Lake View
  • price 2 of 4

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.

  • Bars
  • Café bars
  • Lake View
  • price 2 of 4

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.

Advertising
  • Bars
  • Pubs
  • East Village
  • price 1 of 4

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.

30. Resi's Bierstube

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. 

Recommended
    You may also like
    You may also like
    Advertising