Diners' Choice: Great for outdoor dining restaurants in Chicago / Illinois

OpenTable

Updated April 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are great for outdoor dining in Chicago / Illinois? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Tutto Fresco

4.8

4.8 (320)

$30 and under

Italian

Lakeview / East Lakeview

About the restaurant

Rustic Italian Restaurant with a combination of traditional classics and state-of-the-art fare. All of the dishes are prepared with an emphasis on using on the freshest, prime ingredients, keeping the integrity of traditional dishes while incorporating a new style, with the focus on taste.

Top review

JimVIP

Dined 6 days ago

First time for brunch and not one leftover at the table. All 5 of us cleaned our plates, just as delicious as dinners are there

The Geodesic Domes at Hackney's on Harms

4.8

4.8 (301)

$30 and under

American

Skokie

About the restaurant

We are thrilled to announce the geodesic domes at Hackneys on Harms are open and ready for your perfect holiday gathering. There is a $10 fee to dine in the domes outside. No reservations for indoor seating.

Hackney's is a classic American restaurant that serves authentic American food like burgers and fries, and has been a popular spot in Chicago since the Prohibition Era. Of all the amazing dishes here, one of the most popular is the Hackney Burger. This is a half-pound grilled burger served on two slices of rye bread, and is one of the reasons Hackney's has become so famous. Another delicious dish that stands out from the crowd includes Hackney's Original French Fried Onions. The french fried onions have placed in the top three onions rings in the country consistently, despite not even being rings! If you want to experience authentic classic American cuisine at a restaurant that's been serving America for 76 years, Hackney's is the place to go.

Top review

Bonnie

Dined on Apr 1, 2025

Excellent service. Even though we were seated outside, in a geodesic dome, the staff came outside frequently to check on our table.

Jen's Guesthouse

4.7

4.7 (2557)

$31 to $50

American

Willow Springs

About the restaurant

Jen's is a very unique location, offering seasonal menus, private events, & a beautiful double layer outdoor patio with a breathtaking view. We offer everything from steaks & seafood to pastas & brunches. Book your next private event with us or join us for a relaxing evening out!

Top review

Angela

Dined 7 days ago

Food was delicious, wait staff was attentive, atmosphere was beautiful and welcoming!

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4.7

4.7 (78)

$31 to $50

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Wrigleyville

About the restaurant

The Rizzo family has a long history in Chicago dating back to 1946 at a time when Wrigleyville was unrecognizable from what we all know and love today. The neighborhood has grown a lot since 1946 and the Rizzos has grown right alongside it starting at the very top, with Vincent Angelo Rizzo. Our family has worked from the ground up to open Rizzo's Bar & Inn. The restaurant pays homage to the history of Wrigleyville through the eyes of the family. We invite you to follow our journey through featured photographic memoirs, classic ballpark fare, and Rizzo family recipes, as well as an old-fashioned standard of service that will stand apart as a neighborhood institution.

Top review

Maggie

Dined on Dec 15, 2024

The service was awesome and the food was great! Awesome spot to be at for a buffalo bills game:)

501 Local

4.7

4.7 (283)

$31 to $50

Bistro

Winnetka

About the restaurant

501 Local is a locally owned and operated upscale casual American Bistro located in downtown Winnetka. The menu offers a combination of classic and contemporary dishes with a focus on seasonal ingredients and flavors. Our service is attentive and friendly. We are a perfect choice for catching up with an old friend over lunch, grabbing a drink with coworkers on our award-winning patio, or celebrating your occasion with family or a special someone. Make your visit to Winnetka unforgettable. Dine with us at 501 Local and add an extra layer of joy to your Home Alone pilgrimage just a half mile away!

Top review

JaneVIP

Dined 2 days ago

We all had the same order, the wonderful beet salad! Our waitress was welcoming and attentive. We lingered for a long time after we finished, as the three of us had not seen each other for quite awhile. No one rushed us out of there!

Goblin & The Grocer

4.7

4.7 (337)

$30 and under

American

Michigan City, IN

About the restaurant

The Goblin & The Grocer is a restaurant, market & take away built to be an inviting year-around lake retreat & respite. As hosts we are passionate about serving thoughtfully prepared, locally sourced food & drink with a unique combination of service that is knowledgeable, friendly & laid back.
We are proud of our Award Winning Bloody Mary's, Brunch with Bottomless Mimosas & Farm to Table Menu!
Dog Friendly Patio & Best Wine List this side of Texas!

Top review

John

Dined 6 days ago

excellent brunch for easter. no wait, great service. had and awesome time. love the goblin and the grocer!

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Experience

Mother's Day

Kennedy Rooftop

4.3

4.3 (270)

$30 and under

American

Bucktown / Wicker Park

About the restaurant

Welcome to the Kennedy Rooftop! Whether you are joining us for a date, celebration, Happy Hour, or simply looking to dine with unobstructed views of the Chicago skyline, we are happy you can join us. Both reservations and walk-ins are accepted!

Top review

Annalicia

Dined 6 days ago

The staff couldn't be anymore helpful to making our night so special ! They went above and beyond as I proposed at the restraunt. I will happily eat there again. The noise level is super quiet I couldn't hear anybodies conversation and the music had so much varsity to you. Food was fabulous and so favorable!

VU Rooftop Lounge

4.3

4.3 (274)

$30 and under

American

China Town

About the restaurant

VU Rooftop is a 13,000 square foot concept located 22 stories high next door to McCormick Place. Here, you can enjoy an ingredient-driven beverage program, a top-notch culinary experience and unparalleled views of the Lake and Downtown within a modern designed space. VU is a year-round rooftop with outdoor terraces and enclosed spaces. Outdoor seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Due to weather or limited availability, seating may be indoors.

Top review

SarahVIP

Dined on Apr 11, 2025

Food was much better than I expected. Drinks were solid. A little expensive for the drinks, but it is downtown Chicago. I’d definitely go back.

Harry Caray's Tavern - Navy Pier

4.1

4.1 (967)

$30 and under

American

Gold Coast / Streeterville

About the restaurant

Located near Navy Pier’s main entrance, Harry Caray’s Tavern combines a waterfront setting, family-friendly American and Italian comfort food, and an extensive collection of sports and pop culture memorabilia for a truly unique dining experience. The mahogany-paneled walls and display cabinets showcase a rotating collection of treasures, including artifacts, photos, and vintage newspapers celebrating Chicago sports legends and cultural icons.

Guests can enjoy the patio's stunning views of Lake Michigan and Navy Pier’s vibrant atmosphere. In winter, the outdoor dining igloos, lakefront curling, and the cozy Lakefront Lodge offer seasonal charm.

With HDTVs throughout the restaurant and bar, Harry’s is the perfect spot to catch major sporting events. The restaurant is also proud to have a variety of celebrity partners, including Patrick Kane, Ryne Sandberg, and Richard Dent, and many other of Chicago’s biggest athletes, Hollywood stars and radio personalities.

Top review

Tim

Dined 7 days ago

Atmosphere and service were fine….food was very pedestrian.

The Top Rooftop Bar & Lounge

3.9

3.9 (180)

$30 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

Rockford

About the restaurant

Experience panoramic views of historic downtown Rockford, Illinois, and the Rock River from 12 stories aloft. Featuring an inviting and modern atmosphere with an indoor lounge and seasonal two-tiered outdoor deck, The Top Rooftop Bar & Lounge is the only one of its kind in Rockford. Serving hand-crafted signature cocktails, an extensive wine list, craft beers, and an expansive menu of shareable dishes inspired by cuisine around the world – The Top is the perfect spot for dinner or drinks.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Mar 9, 2025

The food was fine stake a bit over the cook. It was very loud in there but over all a fun time

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