Logan Square: Snag a table for two on Lula’s patio, order a slice of the melt-in-your-mouth carrot cake, people-watch Logan Square’s boulevards. Still hungry? Go all-in with the chicken and biscuits. Read more.
Humboldt Park: We had no idea we loved fried chicken (or negroni slushes for that matter), but Parson’s knows us better than we know ourselves. Must have something to do with that perfect patio. Read more.
Bucktown: Cuba is now open to U.S. travelers, but for years Chicagoans have been savoring all the ropa vieja and sun they can at this Armitage Avenue eatery. Read more.
Lincoln Park: Crap day at work? You’ll forget it quickly when you grab your crew and head here for pizza, beer and—most importantly—sun. Read more.
Ukrainian Village: A brisk weekend morning spent sipping espresso and working away at a torta mimosa is basically what dreams are made of—well, that and whatever’s in this torta mimosa. Read more.
West Loop: Forget Paris. This tucked-away courtyard has all kinds of romantic, Old World vibes. Champagne and mussels don’t hurt either. Read more.
The Loop: Location, location, location: The Gage’s patio sits steps from Lake Michigan and Millennium Park and smack-dab in the middle of some of Michigan Avenue’s most gorgeous old buildings. Read more.
Gold Coast: Sometimes you need a little old-school flavor. Enter Gibsons, our go-to for prime cuts of steak and seafood and views of the passers-by in Mariano Park. Read more.
Lakeview: It’s no secret that this Italian restaurant (named for the Roman goddess of wheat) makes to-die-for pastas. What you may not know is that they’ll even let you order cacio e pepe off menu. Read more.
Wicker Park: What did we do with our Saturday afternoons before Big Star existed? We can’t remember—might have something to do with all those pitchers of margaritas…oops. Read more.
Pilsen: Shared plates of lollipop lamb chops with pesto and escargot in strawberry garlic butter make it the perfect dinner spot. Served on the patio? It’s next level. Read more.
Andersonville: Even on the hottest of days, the garden at Hopleaf is packed with people cooling off with a Hefeweizen and light salad—made with greens grown around you, no less. Read more.
River West: Is it the sprawling patio, the elevated mixology or the wood-fired steak and seafood that make us love this place so much? We don’t know and, frankly, we just want another old-fashioned. Read more.
Ravenswood: Do yourself a favor and grab a table and a couple Neapolitan pizzas at this North Side gem. You can thank us later. Read more.
