Holy Crap! Summer is (almost) Over? Here Are Chicago’s 15 Best Hidden Patios
And even more places to while away the time + a list of chillable red wines
Outdoor dining in Chicago can be likened to sport in the warm months. Hell, come March if there’s a 55 degree day, people want to sit outside. But during summer, if there’s a sidewalk patio, you’ll find it packed. Personally, I love sitting in a backyard, somewhere tucked away from the street noise, the cars, the passers by. Give me trees with shade or nice umbrellas, a cocktail or bottle of rosé, and hearty conversation with heartier food and I am one happy guy.
Last week, Drew and I finally made it to Lonesome Rose’s new(ish) Andersonville location. It was a gorgeous Sunday. We were heading to Hollywood Beach for a couple of hours and wanted to keep the outdoor vibe going so we got a reservation for mezcal margs, guac and chips, and tacos. The vibe out back was somewhere between lively and chill, but everyone was happy to have a spot there.
A few days later, I made my way through the Old Town Triangle, driving up Orchard (I mean, have you driven up Orchard lately? I almost got into an accident ogling those massive homes) toward Armitage and passed by what looked like a super cute back patio. Turns out it was Cedar Palace, a Mediterranean spot I’ve driven by countless times, but have never been. So I added it to my personal list.
This got me thinking about all the other places around the city I’ve loved over the years and others I haven’t visited in way too long. So I wanted to pull together a list of spots to recommend for a range of meals. But the one criteria is the place has to have a patio off the street and be somewhat of a hidden gem. While I would love to include spots like Parson’s and Big Star, they’re too viewable from the street. No less wonderful, but too open.
To that end, we’re halfway through summer (we technically have less than 40 days left). Sure you’ll be able to eat outside well into fall, but don’t waste your time — get outside while you can. I know I’ve missed plenty of spots all over the city — and actually didn’t list all the ones I know. So please weigh in. Leave a comment below with your favorite hidden patios.
15 of Chicago’s best hidden patios
Anteprima
What: Seasonal market-driven Italian with ever-changing specials and perennial dishes such as tagliatelle bolognese, sliced New York strip with arugula and parm, and griddled polenta with slow-cooked greens. Get a martini or negroni and settle into their all-Italian wine list. Pro tip: Love cacio e pepe? If you ask, they likely will make it for you.
Where: 5316 N. Clark, Andersonville.
Fiya
What: While it may not exactly be dining along the Mediterranean, Fiya’s lush backyard has the ability to transport you. The multi-level patio with a wooden deck up off the cobblestone patio has multiple colored umbrellas set among towering trees and flower boxes. The kitchen works around a wood-fired oven to produce Levantine cuisine so expect fluffy pita, falafel, hummus, oven-roasted eggplant, Georgian khachapuri, chicken schnitzel, and Moroccan fish. Add in Middle Eastern-inspired cocktails and gazoz, Israeli street sodas with fresh fruit and herbs (both boozy and spirit free), and brunch and dinner just got more festive.
Where: 5419 N. Clark, Andersonville
Lonesome Rose
What: All-day bright and airy Tex-Mex spot with kick ass tacos (even breakfast tacos), empanadas, salads, chilaquiles, burritos, vegan options, and kick-ass cocktails with a sizable tequila and mezcal list.
Where: 5310 N. Clark, Andersonville
Bistro Campagne
What: This O.G. French spot has one of the most romantic and cozy patios around. Step through the wooden doors off the bustle of Lincoln Square into a quaint garden paradise of ivy-laden exposed brick walls, bountiful flowers, and rustic charm. Eat all the French classics: moules frites, nicoise salad, steak tartare, ratatouille, roast chicken, and more.
Where: 4518 N. Lincoln, Lincoln Square
Apero
What: After I went here for the first time a few weeks ago with
Where: 4160 N. Lincoln, North Center
Boka
What: Looking to dine at a Michelin-starred patio beneath a giant lush towering tree? Head to stalwart Boka, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year (which blows my mind). Chef Lee Wolen’s seasonal American fare continues to prove its worth. Come for the acclaimed roast chicken, stay for the one-bite beausoleil oyster, grilled Hokkaido scallops, and short rib with summer squash. Or opt for the seven-course tasting menu and put your trust in Wolen’s hands. Make sure you request the back patio when making a reservation.
Where: 1729 N. Halsted, Lincoln Park
Taxim
What: OK, so this is a hidden rooftop and not a backyard patio, but damn if it’s not worth checking out. Open nearly 15 years, Taxim showed Chicago there’s more to Greek food than gyros and saganaki. Chef/owner David Schneider introduced regional cuisine like taramasalata (a favorite of mine); wood-fired roasted eggplant; lamb- and rice-stuffed fermented cabbage; grape-leaf wrapped shrimp; whole-roasted Aegean sea bass; and wood-grilled lamb chops. Eating it on this gem of a terrace — while exploring a vast all-Greek wine list — makes you feel like you’re anywhere but a city.
Where: 1558 N. Milwaukee, Wicker Park
Honey Butter Fried Chicken
What: Sit on the 100-seat, ivy-covered patio to enjoy acclaimed cage-free, humanely raised chicken. Add in melty honey butter, pimento mac and cheese, schmaltz mashed potatoes, and even some vegetarian-friendly dishes and you’ve got a tasty, casual meal. Oh and they have happy hour daily from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. with half-priced cocktails, beer, and wine and $8.95 sandwiches and $5.95 wings.
Where: 3361 N. Elston, Avondale
Best Intentions
What: One of Logan Square’s most beloved bars is finally back open following nearly three years due to the pandemic. This self-proclaimed fancy cocktail bar has a kick ass tree- and awning covered patio with an outside walk-up bar. Way more than neighborhood shot-and-beer dive bar, Best Intentions has deep whiskey, gin, tequila, and mezcal options — not to mention amari and liqueur. Hungry? Get housemade breaded popcorn shrimp, calf liver mousse, American cheeseburger, or roasted honey-harissa chicken thighs. Fancy indeed.
Where: 3281 W. Armitage, Logan Square
Giant
What: This ironically named spot from Food & Wine best new chef Jason Vincent and Josh Perlman is a perennial favorite of mine and, well, lots of other folks. Getting a table in the intimate space gets easier as the weather warms so request a spot on the lovely back patio. Adorned with trees, large umbrellas, and string lights, the patio makes for a perfect spot to enjoy their shared plates like creamy crab salad with crisp waffle fries; various seasonal vegetables in an array or spicy or aromatic sauces; and wonderful housemade pastas (watch for the layered lasagna to reappear) and larger composed plates. Don’t skip Perlman’s excellent wine list featuring small producers practicing lower-intervention winemaking.
Where: 3209 W. Armitage, Logan Square
Superkhana International
What: Even though they call this “Indian-ish,” don’t be fooled that the food doesn’t bring the heat — evidenced by me eating what I thought was a mushroom, but instead was the hottest damn pepper that made me hiccup, sweat, and almost cry. OK I didn’t cry, but it was fucking hot. It didn’t matter because when you’re sitting on that cozy and colorful internal courtyard patio, everything just tastes better. That goes for dishes like butter chicken calzone and palak paneer pizza to street corn chaat and pork belly vindaloo.
Where: 3059 W. Diversey, Logan Square
Elina’s
What: An intimate chef-driven Italian red sauce spot has the rare off-street patio in this pocket of West Town. High wooden fencing keeps you sheltered as you gorge on the surprise complimentary pizza, garlic bread, and pickled eggplant. Save room for the chopped salad (one of the best I’ve ever had), fritto misto, and eggplant parm. Their wine list also features some lesser-known delicious Italian wines like catarratto, schiava, and kerner.
Where: 1202 W. Grand, West Town
A Tavola
What: Open for nearly 30 years, this West Town spot remains a classic hidden gem — and it’s quaint, romantic, and super rustic in decor and cuisine. Its spacious cobblestone-laden back patio is accented by high wood walls, hanging lights, white tablecloths, and bud vases on each table. Don’t miss the gnocchi with sage and brown butter, spaghetti pomodoro and, if you can handle it, the 48-ounce bistecca Fiorentina.
Where: 2148 W. Chicago, Ukrainian Village
Piccolo Sogno
What: If it weren’t for the construction trucks, buses, and cars rumbling by in the near distance, the city would go virtually unnoticed from this Italian hideaway. One of the best patios in Chicago, Piccolo Sogno continues to be a respite from the increasing craziness over those high fences. Chef/owner Tony Priolo’s exceptional pizzas, pastas, prosciutto, caprese, bistecca … hell, all of it, keeps the patio filled night after night.
Where: 464 N. Halsted, River West
The Duck Inn
What: Tucked away on a corner of Bridgeport in a residential neighborhood just below the south branch of the Chicago River is award-winning chef Kevin Hickey’s kick ass home to rotisserie duck. And duck hot dogs. And duck-fat drenched potatoes. And so much more like citrus-cured red snapper crudo, wild bass with confit fennel, and scallop and pork belly with carrots three ways. Book the patio behind the Prohibition-era tavern and sit below the string lights, among the blooming flowers and working garden.
Where: 2701 S. Eleanor, Bridgeport
20 more excellent hidden patios to check out
Looking for more? Here are more spots around the city to hit before it gets cold AF and we’re all cozying up inside:
The Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark, Andersonville
M. Henry, 5707. N. Clark, Andersonville
Gather, 4539 N. Lincoln, Lincoln Square
Cobblestone, 4337 N. Lincoln, North Center
Mia Francesca, 3311 N. Clark, Lakeview
Summer House Santa Monica, 1954 N. Halsted, Lincoln Park
La Storia & Blue Door Kitchen & Garden, 1154 N. Dearborn and 52 W. Elm, Gold Coast
Osteria Langhe, 2824 W. Armitage, Logan Square
Scofflaw, 3201 W. Armitage, Logan Square
Outside Voices, 3204 W. Armitage, Logan Square
Easy Does It, 2354 N. Milwaukee, Logan Square
Rica Arepa, 4253 W. Armitage, Hermosa
Enoteca Roma, 2146 W. Division, Wicker Park
Homestead on the Roof, 1924 W. Chicago, West Town
Sportsman’s Club, 948 N. Western, Humboldt Park
The Hi-Lo, 1110 N. California, Humboldt Park
The Dawson, 730 W. Grand, River West
Chateau Carbide, 230 N. Michigan, The Loop
Chicago Firehouse, 1401 S. Michigan, South Loop
Truth Italian, 56 E. Pershing, Bronzeville
SG List – Things I’m high fiving this week
From Mexico City to the Midwest: Lorea Coming to Smyth
In 2018, Drew and I went to Mexico City for our friend Amirah’s 40th birthday (where we all got to see Depeche Mode from the soundboard!) While that absolutely was the experience, another highlight was dinner at Oswaldo Oliva’s tasting menu restaurant, Lorea. It was one of the most wonderful and fun meals I’ve ever had and now Lorea is coming to Chicago. Oliva has teamed up with John Shields and Karen Urie Shields to host a multi-course meal at two Michelin-starred Smyth. It’s not an inexpensive ticket, but you’ll likely have an epic experience. Book on Tock.
21 chillable red wines from VinePair: It’s peak summer. It’s hot. It’s humid. But you really want a glass of red wine. Not a problem. Wines like gamay, frappato, schiava, and others are lovely chilled and perfect for warm summer nights. Or days. VinePair has 21 for you to pick from.
Pizza City Fest
Speaking of amazing outdoor dining, the second annual Pizza City Fest, Steve Dolinsky’s showcase of excellent pie, is happening Aug. 26 and 27. Set at the Salt Shed, arguably Chicago’s best new outdoor music venue, the weekend will feature about 10 different pizza styles from an array of pizzerias such as Bonci, Bungalow by Middlebrow, Forno Rosso, Nancy’s, and Coda di Volpe. It’ll also have salads, desserts, drinks, music, and more. Get tickets.
Madonna: The Confessions Tour
In honor of Madonna’s 65th birthday and the fact that she announced her rescheduled 40th anniversary tour, I wanted to listen to some live Madonna. I’ve seen her five times, starting with Blond Ambition in 1990 and Confessions was hands down the best. It’s also one of my top albums by her. As someone in the YouTube comments said, “This is not a concert. This is a work of art.” It’s Madonna at her best.