Chicago Outdoor Dining Guide – Rooftops, Patios And Sidewalk Cafes

III Forks

Rooftops with a City View

ZED451
ZED451′s stunning rooftop lounge, set in the heart of River North, boasts incredible city skyline views.  The outdoor space features three cabanas, multiple couches, a fireplace, a serene grassy area and beautiful walnut bar.  The a la carte, lounge “Cravings” menu and seasonally-inspired liquid market cocktail menu are offered from 4:30 p.m. to midnight Monday-Friday, and from 10 a.m. to midnight on Saturday and Sunday.

III Forks
III Forks’ impressive rooftop lounge offers semi-private, cabana-style seating complete with built-in heaters, large knotty pine and granite bar, flat panel televisions, stone fireplaces and serene, city and park views.  Chef Clark Grant’s small plates menu is available exclusively on the rooftop, along with creative cocktails and hand-selected wines. The rooftop is open from 4 p.m. to midnight.

Palatial Patios

Park Grill / The Plaza at Park Grill 
This enormous alfresco dining location, set in Millennium Park, offers two areas and two menus to choose from.  Park Grill’s sophisticated lunch and dinner fare may be enjoyed in the enclosed outdoor area adjacent to the dining room.  The Plaza at Park Grill is the City’s largest alfresco dining venue, the ultimate room with a view. The Plaza at Park Grill offers more casual fare, with seating in the middle of the park, just beneath the “bean.” Having cocktails? Head to the lounge-like tents on the North side of the plaza where drinks, appetizers and live music may be enjoyed. Park Cafe offers easy, grab-n-go selections as well as picnic baskets for pavilion performances.

Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club
This Lakeview mainstay has recently redesigned their large alfresco area, located on Waveland Avenue. The stylish, South Beach-inspired, patio lounge features low-top tables and couch seating, colorful LED lighting, oversized umbrellas, sleek furniture and heaters, all set amongst gorgeous florals.  Dinner and cocktails are offered nightly from 5:30 p.m. to midnight and brunch is served on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Red Canary
The Red Canary offers “Real. American. Comfort.” fare in Chicago’s River West neighborhood. The lush, 2,000 square foot, enclosed garden patio is complete with ivy-clad walls, imported olive trees, lounge furniture and table seating.  Relax and dine alfresco while sipping custom-made cocktails, local craft beer or a chilled glass of summer white from the approachable American wine list. Weekend brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dinner and drinks are available on the patio every night from 5 p.m. to midnight.

Hidden Gem (Enclosed Backyard Patio)

Due Lire Vino & Cucina
Due Lire in Lincoln Square,  has a secret garden patio in the located  rear of the building, reminiscent of a backyard in an Italian home. Sip a beatiful glass of wine while enjoying a platter of Chef Kevin Abshire’s formaggi e salumi, followed by tagliatelle (fava beans, rocket rucola, heirloom tomatoes) and torta semolina (semolina custard, rhubarb, saba).There are 36 seats available in the backyard. Dinner and drinks are offered Tuesday through Sunday evenings (Tuesday-Thursday 5-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 5-11 p.m. and Sunday 5-9 p.m.). 

Zed451

Sidewalk Cafes

Nacional 27 
Nacional 27′s lush “mojito garden” is the perfect setting for a sipping a freshly muddled mojito on a hot summer night. The sidewalk patio, located on Huron Street, can seat up to 24 guests. The weeknight “5-7 at N27″ promotion is a great time to enjoy half-price tapas and ceviche while sipping creative cocktails after work. Nacional 27 is open Monday-Saturday starting at 5 p.m.

ZOCALO Restaurant and Tequila Bar
With alfresco seating on Ontario Street, Zocalo offers an updated version of authentic Mexican cuisine. They offer over 130 tequilas made with 100-percent blue agave, and have one of the city’s largest mezcal menus. Zocalo offers monthly tequila distillery tasting events and daily dining deals. Lunch, dinner and drinks may be enjoyed outdoors. Zocalo opens Monday-Friday at 11:30 a.m. and on Saturday-Sunday at 5 p.m.

Timothy O’Toole’s Pub
Shopped out? Enjoy cocktails, appetizers or a meal at a classic Irish Chicago pub, located in Streeterville just steps from Michigan Avenue. The sidewalk cafe on Ontario street is open for brunch, lunch and dinner service. O’Toole’s opens at 11 a.m. Monday-Friday, and at 9 a.m. Saturday-Sunday.

Cactus Bar and Grill
At Cactus, you’ll feel like you’re on vacation (while actually in the heart of the Financial District). Their motto: “Don’t Drink and Trade.” Lunch, dinner and drinks are offered outdoors on the Wells Street, enclosed patio. Enjoy hand-shaken margaritas, great burgers, interesting brews and a host of specialty events. Cactus opens Monday-Saturday at 11 a.m.

Cantina Laredo
Cantina Laredo, featuring modern Mexican cuisine in River North, offers lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Both lounge areas (first and second floors) feature accordion fold, floor-to-ceiling glass walls that open to the outdoors. The element of fire is utilized in four locations throughout Cantina Laredo, including the street-side, outdoor stone fire pit area with white mesh metal, over-sized seating for eight. Cantina Laredo opens everyday at 11 a.m.

La Madia
Although the outdoor patio is closed due to nearby construction, La Madia’s European, floor-to-ceiling doors will be open. This season, guests will still feel the breeze and sit amongst the sights and sounds of the city. “Almost Alfresco” dining (lunch, dinner and late night) is offered Monday through Thursday from 11:15 a.m. to 11:15 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11:15 a.m. to 12 a.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Pleasant Porches

Quince
Quince, located at The Homestead in Evanston, offers contemporary American cuisine, craft cocktails and diverse wines on the charming veranda. Located on the front porch of the building, dining guests will enjoy the sleek silver furniture, white tablecloth linens and comfy taupe pillows. The veranda seats approximately 20. Executive Chef Andy Motto’s menu is available Tuesday through Sunday evenings (Tuesday-Thursday 5:30-9:30 p.m.; 
Saturday 5-10 p.m. and Sunday 5-9 p.m.).

CONTACT INFORMATION

ZED451
739 North Clark Street
Chicago, Illinois 60611
312.266.6691
www.ZED451.com

III Forks
Upper Randolph and Field
333 East Benton Place
Chicago, Illinois 60601
312.938.4303
www.3Forks.com 

Park Grill / The Plaza at Park Grill
11 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60602
312.521.7275
www.ParkGrillChicago.com

La Madia
59 West Grand Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60654
312.329.0400
www.DineLaMadia.com

Kit Kat
3700 North Halsted Street
Chicago, Illinois 60657
773.525.1111
www.KitKatChicago.com

The Red Canary
695 North Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60642
312.846.1475
www.TheRedCanaryChicago.com

Due Lire Vino & Cucina
4520 North Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60625
773.275.7878
www.Due-Lire.com

Nacional 27
325 West Huron
Chicago, Illinois 60610
312.664.2727
www.Nacional27.net

 

ZOCALO Restaurant and Tequila Bar
358 West Ontario
Chicago, Illinois 60610
312.302.9977
www.ZocaloChicago.com

Timothy O’Toole’s Pub Chicago
622 North Fairbanks Court
Chicago, Illinois 60611
312.642.0700
www.TimothyOTooles.com

Timothy O’Toole’s Pub Gurnee
5572 Grand Avenue
Gurnee, Illinois 60031
847.249.0800
www.TimothyOTooles.com

Cactus Bar & Grill
404 South Wells
Chicago, Illinois 60607
312.922.3830
www.DontDrinkAndTrade.com

Cantina Laredo
508 North State Street
Chicago, Illinois 60654
312.955.0014
www.CantinaLaredo.com

Zocalo
358 West Ontario
Chicago, Illinois 60610
312.302.9977
www.ZocaloChicago.com

Quince
1625 Hinman Avenue
Evanston, Illinois 60201
847.570.8400
www.QuinceRestaurant.net

Patio Party at Cactus Bar & Grill 5.23

Low-Cal Cocktails Kick-Off the Summer Season 

 

Cactus Bar and Grill
404 S. Wells
Chicago, IL 60607
312-922-3830
CactusChicago.com
Thursday, May 23
11 a.m.-midnight

Cactus Bar and Grill will kick-off patio season with a “sun-sational,” beach-themed celebration. On Thursday, May 23, the Loop-located bar and grill will promote fun in the sun with an all day/all night alfresco party from 11 a.m. to midnight.  Cactus will introduce three new, low-calorie cocktails created with Smirnoff Sorbet Light, available May 23 through June 30. The light summer libations (Tropical Coco Crush; Jane Daly; Raspberry Lemonade) are $8 and each under 100 calories.  Additional Thursday specials include $5 Midwestern beer and $5 house margaritas and sangria.

Cactus’ staff will be appropriately dressed in beachy attire and a raffle will be held for summer fun items, including beach chairs, coolers and more. Drawings will begin at 5:30 p.m. and run throughout the evening. Cactus’ large sidewalk patio, located on Wells Street, seats 80 people and is dog friendly.  For table reservations, please call Cactus.

Cactus’ Low-Cal Summer Cocktails

$8 each; under 100 calories 

Tropical Coco Crush
Smirnoff Sorbet Light Mango-Passion reduced calorie vodka, Zico coconut water, splash of pineapple juice

Jane Daly
Smirnoff Sorbet Light Lemon reduced calorie vodka, Minute Maid light lemonade, unsweetened iced tea

Raspberry Lemonade
Smirnoff Sorbet Light Raspberry-Pomegranate reduced calorie vodka, Minute Maid light lemonade
 

Milagro Tequila Dinner at Cantina Laredo 5.23

Four Courses with Tequila and Cocktail Pairings 

Cantina Laredo
508 N. State Street
Chicago, IL 60654
312.955.0014
www.CantinaLaredo.com

Thursday, May 23
Cocktail reception, 7 p.m.
Dinner, 7:30 p.m.

$49.99 per person

Cantina Laredo in River North will hold a four-course dinner featuring Milagro tequila on Thursday, May 23.  The event will begin with a tequila cocktail reception at 7 p.m., followed by a four course dinner at 7:30 p.m. Participating guests will learn the history of Milagro tequila, sip a variety of neat pours and tequila cocktails, while enjoying modern Mexican dishes by Chef de Cuisine Kennon Reed. A representative from Milagro tequila will lead this fun and educational tasting event.

The dinner is $49.99 per person (tax and gratuity excluded). Reservations may be made by calling Cantina Laredo at 312.955.0014.

Milagro Tequila Dinner Menu
$49.99 per person

Introduction

Guadalajara Soup

Cocktail pairing: Classic Margarita
Milagro reposado tequila, Grand Marnier, lime juice, orange juice, simple syrup, served up

Appetizer

Crab Corn Quesadillas

Cocktail pairing: Passion on the Rocks
Milagro blanco tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, pineapple juice, hibiscus syrup, splash of soda

Entree Choice

Choice of:
Grilled halibut on banana leaf with roasted red bell pepper almond sauce, cilantro lime rice and sauteed green beans
or
Grilled black peppercorn filet, potato confit and sauteed green beans

Cocktail pairing: Bloody Basil
Milagro reposado tequila, blood orange juice, agave nectar, lime juice, muddled basil leaves, topped with ginger beer

Dessert 

Coconut Ice Cream

Cocktail pairing: Sunset-tini
Milagro blanco tequila, orange juice, Razzmatazz, served up 

17th Annual Mayfest Kicks Off Chicago Summer Street Festival Season 5.17-5.19

Chicago’s Star Events starts season with bang May 17-19

WHAT: Start your summer off right with the season’s first street festival. The 17^th annual Mayfest will bring traditional festival food, ice cold Budweiser and refreshing Rex-Goliath Wines, and some of Chicago’s favorite headlining musical talent to Lakeview during the three-day event.

A number of popular bands will take to the stage throughout Mayfest, including local favorites 16 Candles, This Must be the Band, Mr. Blotto, Too White Crew, and Hairbangers Ball, among others.

Also highlighting the Mayfest celebrations will be Chicago Kids Day on Saturday, May 18^th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. A celebration of children’s health and wellness, Chicago Kids Day will encourage families to be healthy together through a variety of activities including health and posture screenings, arts and crafts sessions, kid’s zumba, boot camps, and more.

Chicago’s Pet Pageant and Expo will also take center stage on Sunday, May 19^th from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Presented by Higgins Animal Clinic, this unique event allows Chicagoans the chance to enjoy the summer sun with their furry friends.

Mayfest is produced by Star Events.  Admission to the event is $10, with proceeds benefiting local community organizations such as the YMCA and Neighborhood Parent Network. More information on Star Events can be found at www.starevents.com, or on Star Events’ Facebook or Twitter.

WHEN:        

• Friday, May 17, 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Saturday, May 18, 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Sunday, May 19, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

 

WHERE:       3100 North Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60657

Barre Bee Fit Rooftop Summer Series Kick-Off 4.18

What:  Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar Chicago is teaming up again with beloved local fitness studio Barre Bee Fit (BBF) for the third year in a row. The “Bee Fit Brunch” on May 18 is the official launch of the BBF Summer Series on the Palomar Chicago rooftop sundeck.

Brunch guests start off with an energizing and calorie-busting Barre Bee class al fresco, followed by a healthy, seasonal brunch prepared by famed “Bravo TV Top Chef” alum Chef Heather Terhune of Sable Kitchen & Bar. Enjoy fruit skewers with strawberry yogurt dip; scrambled egg whites with spinach & tomato; Slim Style Oatmeal with heart-healthy rolled oats, fresh berries, toasted pecans & brown sugar and more.  Over brunch nutritionist Jenny Westerkamp will share her insider “myth-buster” tips and tricks on eating right and the Norstrom’s Zella Activewear brand will offer a trunk show of the latest workout gear.

Starting May 22, twice weekly BBF classes will be held on the Palomar’s rooftop sundeck: Barre Bee, Wednesdays at 6:30am and Interval Barre, Fridays at 6:30am (through Labor Day). Classes for Palomar Chicago hotel guests are complimentary. Barre Bee Fit is a total body workout that blends intensive cardiovascular conditioning, strength training and restoration utilizing the ballet barre.

 

Cost is $35.00.

 

Where:  Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar Chicago

505 North State Street

 

When:  Saturday, May 18, 2013

Two sessions available: 8:45am-10:45am or 10:00am-12:00pm

 

RSVP:                  RSVP to Sarah Erker: Sarah.Erker@hotelpalomar.com or 312-985-0736.

                                BBF members can reserve at

https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ASP/home.asp?studioid=10501 under “Events.”

 

 

# # #

 

ABOUT HOTEL PALOMAR CHICAGO: 
Located in Chicago’s vibrant River North neighborhood, Palomar is Kimpton’s newest addition to its Windy City collection, built in 2010.  Designed by Orlando Diaz-Azcuy, the hotel celebrates “Art in Motion,” and features pieces that pay homage to Chicago’s 1893 Columbian Exposition and Fair.  The evolved boutique concept features 261 guest rooms and suites, all with floor-to-ceiling windows, a rooftop indoor pool, 5,800 square feet of stunning meeting and event space, and an adjacent dining experience, Sable Kitchen & Bar.  In addition to an eco-friendly green roof, the hotel operates with more than 80 sustainable practices as part of Kimpton’s brand-wide EarthCare program. Palomar is convenient to many of Chicago’s most popular attractions, including The Magnificent Mile, McCormick Place, Navy Pier and Merchandise Mart, as well as family favorites such as the Chicago Children’s Museum and the Willis Tower Skydeck.  The hotel is located at 505 North State Street, Chicago, IL, 60654. For information please call (312) 755-9703 or (877) 731-0505 toll free or visit www.hotelpalomar-chicago.com / www.facebook.com/palomar.chicago / www.twitter.com/kimptonchi.

 

ABOUT KIMPTON HOTELS & RESTAURANTS

San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, a collection of boutique hotels and chef-driven restaurants in the US, is an acknowledged industry pioneer and was the first to bring the boutique hotel concept to America. In 1981 Bill Kimpton founded the company that today is well-known for making travelers feel welcomed and comfortable while away from home through authentic and unscripted customer care, stylish ambience and embodying a certain playfulness in its approach to programs and amenities. Adjacent to the hotels are locally-loved, top-rated, Kimpton restaurants. Kimpton leads the hospitality industry in ecological practices through its innovative EarthCare program that spans all hotels and restaurants. Market Metrix, a recognized authority and leader in feedback solutions, consistently ranks Kimpton above other hotel companies in luxury and upper upscale segments for customer satisfaction. Privately held Kimpton has been recognized by Fortune Magazine as a Best Company to Work four times. The company operates 58 hotels and 67 restaurants, bars and lounges in 24 cities. For more information visit www.KimptonHotels.com or call 1-800-KIMPTON.

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