10 Outdoor Dining Spots in Chicago Where You Can Dine and Make A Difference
Hello, Summer! What better way to enjoy this sunny season than by dining al fresco at some of Chicago’s best restaurants? Chicagoans love making the most of the warm weather, and outdoor dining is the perfect way to savor delicious food and soak up the sun.
For those looking to add an extra feel-good layer to their outdoor dining experience, we rounded up ten Culinary Care restaurant partners with amazing patios. From donating meals to our Treatment Day Meal Program to delighting guests at our Gourmand Gala, these restaurants know that great hospitality and a good meal have the power to change someone’s life.
Savor The Summer At These Outdoor Dining Spots That Give Back
We scoured publications like the Lettuce Entertain You blog, Chicago Food Magazine, Eater, Choose Chicago, and Time Out to highlight some of the best patios. As you enjoy the patio season, consider dining at these delicious restaurants that actively support Culinary Care and contribute to nourishing cancer recoveries!
Let’s dive in!
The information listed below is subject to change.
Aba
302 N. Green St., 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: (773) 645-1400
Aba is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to Chicago's Fulton Market District. Their rooftop patio offers stunning views of the city and a lush, garden-like atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing meal under the sun or stars! Enjoy a menu full of vibrant flavors, from mezze to wood-grilled meats, all paired with an extensive selection of wines and cocktails. Aba's patio is an oasis in the city, providing a delightful dining experience that truly feels like a getaway.
Photo: abarestaurants.com
Beatrix
519 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60654 (River North)
Phone: (312) 284-1377
834 W. Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607 (Fulton Market)
Phone: (312) 733-0370
671 N. St Clair St., Chicago, IL 60611 (Streeterville)
Phone: (312) 642-0001
Beatrix is like your home away from home with its cozy vibe and delicious menu. These three locations boast bright and airy patios, making them perfect spots for brunch with friends or a casual dinner. They have something for everyone, including gluten-free and vegetarian options. It’s a great place to relax, chat, and enjoy the sunshine!
Photo: lettuce.com
BLVD Steakhouse
817 W. Lake St., Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: (312) 526-3116
BLVD Steakhouse offers a chic and modern twist on the classic American steakhouse experience. Their unique 100-seat, all-season patio in Fulton Market features a secret garden feel with linen curtains, string lighting, and an 11-foot-tall pergola that can be covered by motorized screens on rainy days. This stylish patio is perfect for a luxurious dining experience, with room for large groups at two 10-seat tables. The full BLVD menu, including mouth-watering steaks, fresh seafood, and crafted cocktails, is available indoors or outside. The elevated ambiance and exceptional service make it a prime spot for both special occasions and casual indulgence, all while soaking in the vibrant West Loop atmosphere.
Photo: chicago.eater.com
The Dearborn
145 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (312) 384-1242
The Dearborn’s outdoor patio is perfect for enjoying modern American cuisine and cocktails right in the heart of the Loop. Whether it’s brunch, lunch, or dinner, their Midwest-focused cooking offers a delightful experience. It’s a fantastic spot for soaking in the bustling city vibes. The stylish architectural digs provide a chic escape from the hustle and bustle of nearby theaters, museums, and shops. Whether you’re taking a break from exploring or meeting up with friends, The Dearborn’s patio provides the perfect retreat.
Frontier
1072 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60642
Phone: (773) 772-4322
Frontier is your go-to spot for a wild dining adventure! Known for its wild game, Southern American cuisine, oysters, and tap brews, Frontier’s spacious all-weather beer garden features a retractable roof and a gorgeous fireplace, making it perfect for summer nights or weekend brunch. It's a fun, laid-back spot that feels like a stylish lodge getaway right in the city.
Photo: thefrontierchicago.com
Kasama
1001 N. Winchester Ave., Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: (773) 697-3790
Kasama is a unique gem in Chicago's Ukrainian Village, offering a delightful fusion of Filipino and contemporary cuisine. Their charming back patio oasis is the perfect spot to savor innovative dishes, from delectable pastries to flavorful rice bowls and traditional Filipino dishes with a modern twist, alongside coffee and wine. The cozy outdoor seating area provides a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, making it the ideal place to unwind and enjoy a truly special dining experience.
Photo: @kasamachicago
Lilac Tiger
1742 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: (312) 722-6911
Experience a delightful fusion of South Asian street food and bold, innovative flavors at Lilac Tiger. Their charming patio is the perfect spot to enjoy vibrant dishes and fun, creative drinks with friends. Whether you're craving spicy street food or a refreshing cocktail, this spot has it all. Plus, check out The Coach House in the back for an upscale tasting menu and a cocktail-focused section that adds an extra layer of excitement to your dining experience.
Mi Tocaya Antojería
2800 W. Logan Blvd., Chicago, IL 60647
Phone: (872) 315-3947
Mi Tocaya Antojería is a vibrant Mexican restaurant located in Logan Square, offering a creative and authentic menu inspired by the diverse flavors of Mexico. Their colorful patio is a lively and inviting space to enjoy dishes like tacos, ceviche, and antojitos, paired with refreshing cocktails and aguas frescas. It's the perfect spot for a festive meal with friends or family, bringing the rich culinary traditions of Mexico to the heart of Chicago.
Photo: mitocaya.com
Sepia
123 N. Jefferson St., Chicago, IL 60661
Phone: (312) 441-1920
Sepia’s outdoor dining space is sophisticated and perfect for a refined yet relaxed meal. Their inventive American cuisine, made with seasonal ingredients, ensures every bite is a fresh delight. The chic setting, with its brick, tile, and wood interior, evokes classic Chicago while celebrating tradition with a modern twist. With seasonally-driven menus and a Michelin-starred dining experience, Sepia is an ideal spot for a special night out with friends or a loved one.
Summer House Santa Monica
1954 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: (773) 634-4100
Dubbed “The place where summer never ends!” Summer House Santa Monica brings California vibes to Chicago with its bright and airy patio-like seating. This Lincoln Park hotspot offers a breezy, beach house-inspired space with a California-inspired menu that brings the sunshine all year round. It’s the perfect place for brunch, lunch, or dinner, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Feel like you’re on a beachside holiday without leaving the city! Plus, their Market has a glorious assortment of baked goods, made fresh daily. Delicious cookies, krispies, and pastries await!
Photo: summerhouserestaurants.com
Why Restaurant-Prepared Meals Matter When Fighting Cancer
Every day, nearly 350 cancer patients lose their lives to malnutrition. Chemotherapy and cancer treatments can make it tough for patients to maintain an appetite. Culinary Care bridges this crucial gap by partnering with top Chicago restaurants to deliver free, high-quality meals to families during cancer treatment. These restaurants understand the power of a nourishing meal and actively contribute by providing discounted and donated meals, participating in Culinary Care events, and supporting our mission to transform a dire reality into one filled with nourishment and hope.
“Culinary Care is really making a difference in the community. Their mission speaks to a very inconvenient truth of how deeply malnutrition affects those battling cancer.” ~ The Dearborn
In fact, 58% of our patients report an increase in appetite after consuming meals provided by our restaurant partners. Patients like Cherryse say: "Chemo usually takes my appetite. Today I didn't have an appetite until my sister removed the lid and I smelled my meal! To everyone's surprise, I ate 95% of my meal. It was delicious! THANK YOU!" ~ Cherryse
With the support of our incredible restaurant partners and members of The Line, our generous monthly donors, we're restoring appetites, delivering joy, and giving our families the strength they need to survive.
Dining out this summer not only offers a chance to enjoy Chicago’s unmatched culinary scene but also supports the important work of Culinary Care. By choosing these restaurants, you’re contributing to a community effort that provides nourishing meals to those who need them most.
So, grab a friend, make a reservation, and enjoy a meal that makes a difference!
Will you send a meal a month from one of these fantastic restaurants to a patient undergoing cancer treatment? By joining The Line, our monthly giving community, you’ll ensure nourishment, community support, and hope are always on the table for families fighting cancer. This summer, we're looking for 52 new members to make this season, and every season, filled with joyful moments our families can savor. Will you be one of them?
