Hot town, summer in the city! When the air is warm there’s nothing better than a patio and a cool drink. Here’s a list of our top 10 al fresco dining spots in Chicagoland. Your favorites not make the cut? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or the Chicago’s Best app. And don’t forget to tune in to WGN-TV this Sunday at 10PM for an all-new Chicago’s Best Al Fresco episode!
1. Port Edward Restaurant: Dock your boat and make for land at this seafood paradise on the Fox River! Since 1964 Port Edward has been serving it up fresh in one of the most unique dining atmospheres around. Grab some king crab legs and hit the patio of this Algonquin staple. Location: 20 W. Algonquin Rd. in Algonquin
2. Maya Del Sol: This Oak Park patio is buzzing with Latin flavor! Lose track of time with Maya Del Sol’s ceviche appetizer and unique take on Cochinita Pibil. And if the sun is a bit too hot (or just because!) sample one of Maya Del Sol’s famous salt-rimmed margaritas! Location: 144 S. Oak Park Ave. in Oak Park
3. Adriatic Café: Tranquility comes to mind as you relax next to the fountain and koi pond of Andersonville’s Adriatic café. Dine on Mediterranean classics like stuffed chicken and kabobs and enjoy the patio, rain or shine! Location: 5553 N. Clark St. in Andersonville
4. Volo: You won’t find any cabana boys at Volo Restaurant and Wine Bar, but you might just snag some shade under one of their beautiful cabanas. Head out back to their intimate patio for some seasonal menu options (and a glass of wine, of course) perfect to share with that special someone. Location: 2008 W. Roscoe St. in Roscoe Village
5. Fiorentino’s Cucina Italiana: The aroma of freshly grown herbs and spices permeates the covered patio at Fiorentino’s of Lakeview. Take a trip to the old country and mange on some homemade pasta alfredo… al fresco! Location: 2901 N. Ashland Ave. in Lakeview
6. Flossmoor Station Brewery: Kick back and enjoy a cold one in a glass… and on a plate at this southwest suburban gastro-pub. Flossmoor Station has a bustling patio and a sizzling menu with B.P. fave: beer battered fish and chips! And don’t forget to hit the caboose out back for some homemade gelato. Location: 1035 Sterling Ave. in Flossmoor
7. Docks Bar and Grill: Fish-fry Fridays are the big attraction on this huge (6,600 square feet!) Bangs Lake porch. Docks’ menu has a little something for everyone and if you eat too much you can always come back for their morning Zumba classes! Location: 313 E. Liberty St. in Wauconda
8. Moody’s Pub: This Edgewater institution has one of the oldest beer gardens in the city. Moody’s shady canopy and ivy-covered brick walls are a perfect setting for an epic bleu burger and an over-flowing pitcher of sangria. Location: 5910 N. Broadway in Edgewater
9. Piccolo Sogno: Some call it Chicago’s most beautiful back yard. Piccolo Sogno brings the best parts of Italy and our fair city together right on Halsted. Go for the food, stay for the romance, twinkling lights, and an outdoor dining experience in beautiful Tuscany… er River West! Location: 464 N. Halsted St. in River West
10. Zella: A tree-lined oasis in the heart of Lincoln Park, Zella boasts the perfect patio to get social with the college crowd or kick back with your stroller posse. Thursdays are half-off burgers on the patio so you best come hungry! Location: 1983 N. Clybourn Ave. in Lincoln Park
*List based on highest viewed YouTube videos in al fresco category
