Let’s Go Alfresco
photo: courtesy of Clifton Henri, pictured: Volo
‘Tis the season to fire up the grills, pack the picnic baskets and dodge eating inside whenever possible. Whether you’re looking for a noisy beer garden or a secluded and serene patio, we’ve found some of the city’s best alfresco options.
Sheffield’s
The beer garden here, spacious and generously shaded by a towering cottonwood, is a Lakeview legend. Dig through the bar’s stash of board games (Scrabble, anyone?), and then grab a seat at one of the many picnic tables or high-tops. You could spend countless days here trying to land on triple-word squares and browsing through the 34-page almanac of microbrews. It might take you awhile to find the perfect ale to pair with your pulled-pork sammie or grilled cheese.
Montrose Saloon
How many other Chicago beer gardens can offer games and plenty of space for kicking back? Montrose’s patio, which is twice the size of the no-frills inside, feels more like a drunk uncle’s side yard in the sticks than anything urban. You’ll find a tent and grill for parties, tables built on tree stumps and a horseshoe pit where veteran regulars school rookies in the art of pitching. Games are free every day on a first-come, first-served basis; if the pit is crowded, hit the Sox vs. Cubs-theme bean bag toss instead.
Happy Village
The main room of the Happy Village isn’t much to look at: a bar, a juke and some runaway patio furniture. But, behold the beer garden! Glowing with kitschy, garden party ambiance, with room for up to 100 patrons, it’s bordered by a row of dense hedge. The space, which has a pond, wooden arches draped with greenery, plenty of flimsy plastic chairs and dowdy cement angel statues, stays open until the neighbors start to complain.
Cody’s Public House
Sure, you’ve heard of BYOB, but what about BYOM? That’s Bring Your Own Meat, which you can do at this West Lakeview tap, where patrons get free reign of the beer garden’s grills. Tall trees loom overhead, vines wrap around the fence and white metallic patio chairs give the patio a sense of grace. Leashed pups bark at bad bocce ball tosses as they fall outside the regulation-size court. If you’re lucky, one of the friendly regulars from the bar will step outside for some fresh air and chat you up.
Justin’s
In the summer, you won’t find a better spot to imbibe outside than the beer garden at this Southport spot. Almost as large as the main room inside, it offers plenty of shade and a comfortable feel. Though large and small tables, benches and bar stools scatter throughout, on most summer nights, and especially after Cubs games, it’s standing room only. A separate alfresco bar serves the garden, which means you won’t be holding an empty glass while your waitress treks inside to fill your order.
Village Tap
A self-proclaimed neighborhood bar, the Tap is proud of its off-the-beaten-path status (”i.e., where you can still park” its Web site proclaims). Still, it registers on the radars of many fresh air-mongers: It’s no secret that the beer garden here is one of the city’s best, if for no other reason than it’s open year-round. When you’re climbing up the walls of your shrinking apartment in the dead of winter, head out and grab a seat at a picnic table in the covered, heated environs. There’s even a flat-screen to keep you company.
Moody’s Pub
This Edgewater favorite’s two-tiered garden has ample seating for couples and crowds, privacy from the road, waterfalls, wall ivy and plenty of silver maple trees, making this a hands-down winner for summertime socializing. It doesn’t hurt that the bar food is above average and the beer is reasonably priced.
Resi’s Bierstube
Almost everyone knows this Lincoln Square spot as a great place to get almost any German brew you could want, but its awesome beer garden is a slightly better guarded secret. Two enormous trees shade the fenced-in backyard, whose flowers and foliage make this quiet corner a scenic place to share a sausage plate or sample one of Resi’s 150 imported bottled beers (Resi’s was supposedly the first to offer weiss beer in Chicago, and offers more than 20 weiss beers today).
Nick’s Beer Garden
Come on, this place has beer garden in the title, how could we not include it? Don’t worry, it doesn’t make the list on name alone - the large outdoor seating area is covered, which makes it a good bet in almost any weather. And with Nick’s generally amiable crowd and good beer selection, it makes for a nice retreat from the overly hip spots surrounding it in Wicker Park.
Fizz Bar & Grill
If you’re gonna serve a full menu of tiki drinks, you’d better have someplace people can enjoy them outdoors. And this Lakeview bar comes through with a huge, half-covered space perfect for lounging with your cocktail (or beer, or pizza) for hours. It’s not totally secluded, so you can also catch a glimpse of busy Lincoln Avenue while you imbibe.
Cleo’s
This West Town spot is one place that actually pays attention to the “garden” part of “beer garden.” Flowers and plants bloom in the expansive space, and when the walls aren’t covered by leaves, art takes its place. It all makes for a nice, relaxing place to cap off your night in the area - and a welcome respite from the tight confines of the Matchbox down the street.
Jane’s
This enchanting house-turned-restaurant sits tucked away on a tree-lined side street. For a truly romantic dining experience, lovebirds can reserve one of the seven tables on the deck. The menu here pleases gourmet palates: New Orleans-style black grouper with sake-ginger sauce and, for vegetarians with refined tastes, goat cheese, vegetable and tofu burrito served with pico de gallo and avocado mousse.
Orso’s
When the weather is warm, this authentic Italian restaurant’s Wells Street sidewalk patio offers prime people watching, or you can visit the secluded garden out back, which sets the perfect scene for enjoying a glass of wine or a hearty dish of lasagna Bolognese. The grapevine overhang will keep you cool, lest you polish off a few too many bottles of vino.
Marigold
Sit among the marigolds on this elegant Indian restaurant’s patio in Uptown. Located in front of the business, the small outdoor area, which seats about 20 people, is surrounded by mahogany planters filled with?you guessed it?marigolds. Enjoy a cocktail or a glass of wine while you sit back, take in the contrasting urban atmosphere of Broadway Avenue, and dig into a plate of tandoori-style chicken. Jimmy’s Grill
Jimmy’s huge outdoor patio located at a busy intersection in downtown Naperville makes for the best people watching west of the city. Go during the day, and you’ll see families taking their dogs for a stroll. Go at night, and this intersection turns into a lively nightlife scene full of college kids and young suburbanites hopping from one bar to the next. Plan to arrive early or you may have to wait in line for a seat.
Hackney’s on Harms
Though its sister locations (including one in the South Loop) have respectable patios, this Hackney’s boasts one of the best outdoor dining environs in the Chicagoland area. Towering silver poplars line the stately restaurant’s backyard. Order a pint of Stiegl, a legendary burger served on rye and a thick-as-a-brick fried-onion loaf. If you feel energized after eating, the North Branch Trail runs right across the street; take it seven miles north to the Chicago Botanic Garden for the perfect end to a warm, sunny day.
A Mano
As close as it is to the Loop, this slightly subterranean spot attracts its fair share of office workers. But A Mano’s terrazzo will in no way remind you of your building’s cafeteria, thanks to a bounty of lush greenery and bright orange and green cafe tables. The food’s better, too: Chef John Caputo offers up an array of regional Italian cuisine, from wood-fired pizzas to handmade pastas, to go along with an extensive Italian wine list.
Art Institute’s Garden Restaurant
From late spring to early fall, this shady courtyard, with tables set up around Carl Mille’s gurgling “Fountain of the Tritons,” offers alfresco dining for art lovers. With salads, sandwiches and entrees costing $10-$15, The Garden isn’t a cheap lunch date, but the seasonal menu of contemporary American cuisine sets it apart from more popular Loop lunchtime spots. If visual art just isn’t your thing, though, you?ll still come to appreciate live music on Thursday and Friday nights.
Cafe Selmarie
There’s no shortage of delightful Euro imports in Lincoln Square. Every block in the neighborhood lands you steps from a stein of Spaten or a freshly baked baguette. But on any given summer night at Cafe Selmarie, you can relax on its sprawling patio on the ped mall and watch locals learn to tango. It just doesn’t get any more Euro than that. Part bakery, part restaurant, Selmarie dishes up homemade pastries and rich bistro-inspired fare. Grab a chocolate hazelnut butter cream torte and a glass of red to feel like a Parisian in no time.
Crust
Seasoned entrepreneur/chef Michael Altenberg is the sustainability-conscious mind behind Chicago’s first certified organic restaurant. Crust’s back patio offers seating for 120 in a closed-off space safe from street noise. Take a seat at a wrought-iron table and dig in to Altenberg’s individual-size flatbreads ($10-$14), which look like thin-crust pizzas but have a more refined attitude. Wash ‘em down with a lemon- and lemongrass-infused Rain organic vodka on the rocks.
El Nuevo Mexicano
Do you look back on Spring Break in Cancun and wish you could go back? If so, grab your sunglasses and hurry on down to this authentic Mexican restaurant with high-quality, hearty dishes and a killer patio. Nestled into a row of residential backyards, the garden seating affords a certain amount of privacy for couples playing footsy and drunken men loudly reminiscing about their college days. Since nothing goes better with sunshine than tequila, be sure to order a pomegranate margarita?or two. Just stay away from any body shots.
Volo
This wine bar’s backyard turns a gussied up, 100-year-old patina barn into a cocktail space, replete with cabana beds, an organic garden and wine tasting events. Enveloped by trees, sprinkled with fountains and huddled into a row of homey buildings on Roscoe, it couldn’t be a more perfect oenophile oasis than if a river of pinot ran through it. Go on Monday, when bottles of wine are half-price, though any day will do for munching on a cheese plate and a sweet pea pizza.
Palmer Place
From American microbrews to Australian ales, just about any beer under the sun can be had at Palmer Place in downtown LaGrange. This spot even carries a beer from Nambia! As if a copious amount of chilled brews wasn’t enough to draw in the summer crowd, a double-decker outdoor patio really seals the deal. Bonus points for the sunshine-perfect menu of barbecue, brats and gourmet burgers.
Coco Pazzo Cafe
Want to live like an Italian? That’s what this Streeterville Tuscan restaurant has in mind with its Afternoon Alfresco menu, served daily on its popular patio from 2:30-5 p.m. Chef Eric Hammond offers small plates like mini panino with fillings like prosciutto and arugula, and bruschetta topped with asparagus, parmesan, mushrooms and truffle oil. Wines by the glass are served as well. If you’re more of a late eater, the patio stays open all evening.
Piccolo Sogno
There are a ton of Italian restaurants in Chicago, so you’ve gotta find a way to set yourself apart. This River West restaurant, which replaced Timo in 2008, has a built-in advantage: a beautiful, secluded back patio. No matter what you’re eating, you’re sure to have a relaxing, romantic meal in the lush atmosphere, which is filled with garden plants of several varieties. The patio is the attraction at this spot - so much so, in fact, that even some of the indoor seating looks like it was meant for outdoor use.
Lucia’s Ristorante
A far cry from this Wicker Park spot’s busy deli up front (it’s a great place to grab a sandwich, by the way), the restaurant’s secluded back patio is all about relaxation and comfort. Even more comfortable than the atmosphere is the price; Lucia’s is BYOB, so all you’ll be paying for is your pasta.
More of a high flier? Check out our guide to Chicago rooftop bars.
Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals!
Dart Bars
At some bars, darts is more than just a game; it’s a way of life. The players at these spots don’t need to leave an ID at the bar for collateral, because they’ve brought their own equipment. All they need are opponents - are you up to the challenge?
Sidekicks offers more than your average dart room.
Sidekicks
Sidekicks is popular for two reasons: karaoke and darts. The amateur singing begins the moment you walk through the door, but the dartboards, thankfully, reside in their own private sanctuary. The dart room features six boards to choose from and makes for an ideal practice space. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, order up some standard pub grub like a foot of onion rings (served with three different dipping sauces), breaded mushrooms or mozzarella cheese sticks. On tap you’ll find favorites like Honker’s Ale, Guinness and Stella Artois, while bottles make room for your typical domestic lineup.
Mulligan’s Public House
In the Windy City Cup of “Best Dart Bars,” this one would surely take first place. Not only does the place have lockers for its league players, but it’s got all the accoutrements: a glass case with replacement flights and shafts for sale, a throwback whetstone for sharpening darts (instead of those minuscule cylindrical sharpening contraptions). In fact, Mulligan’s is so serious about darts, that you’ll notice the focus remains on the sport, rather than the actual bar area. Consider it Chicago’s mecca for darts. Leagues play here on Monday and Tuesday evenings, and even the patrons put serious stock into the game. Play it safe and practice at one of the other joints and then put your best foot, er, dart, forward at Mulligan’s.
Six Penny Bit
If there’s one thing we love with a game of darts, it’s Irish folk songs, thick accents and pints of Guinness. And that’s exactly what you get at this North Side neighborhood pub. Rather than the expected lot of frat boys found in most Irish bars, this one is home to a select group of regulars, most of them natives of the old country. You may feel a bit out of context at first, but after a round or two, you’ll fit right in. The lads here mean business when it comes to darts and billiards (both located in a separate party room), so you’d better have some serious skills.
Blarney Stone
Aside from its large bar crowd (standard for Wrigleyville), the Blarney Stone has all of our favorite things including cheap booze, a kitchen that stays open late, friendly staff and plenty of dartboards. The cramped playing area is less than ideal, but that doesn?t seem to bother professional leagues like the Windy City Darters, who play here regularly. And when you need a break from the board, you can throw one down at the billiards or foosball table.
Claddagh Ring
If there’s one thing we’ve learned from our excursion, it’s that Irish pubs are a surefire bet when it comes to a serious game of darts, and Claddagh Ring is no exception. It’s no coincidence, either, that the majority of these places are plotted on the North Side, as that’s where the largest population of Chicago’s league players resides. Claddagh Ring keeps the guys comin’ back with its spacious playing area, cheap bar food and its regular lineup of imported brews on tap.
Just in it for fun? Play for free at these dart-friendly bars:
Burke’s Web Pub
Will’s Northwoods Inn
Brisku’s Bistro
Parrots
Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals!
Super Bowl Parties
Okay, so the Bears didn’t quite make it to the Super Bowl again this year. But there’s no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy this grand American tradition of competition, expensive commercials, greasy foods and beer. So instead of staying home and staring at your Kyle Orton jersey for hours, catch the big game at one of these places where good food and cheap drinks will put a smile on the faces of even the most broken-hearted fans. Brasserie Jo
4 p.m.-close
Catch the big game on Brasserie JO’s large-screen TV while enjoying Chef Joho’s special Super Bowl menu. For $14.95, the three-course meal includes a classic French-style hot dog, served with pommes frites and Dijon mustard; a classic onion soup or Boston-style New England clam chowder; and chocolate mousse. Reservations are recommended but not required.
Kohan
For those looking to munch on something other than hot dogs, burgers and nachos, Kohan is giving guests a chance to enjoy the game–Japanese style. Kohan is offering signature Super Bowl-themed maki rolls and sushi. Try their Touchdown Roll ($14) of spicy tuna over spicy scallop roll with ponzu sauce or their Tailgate Role ($12) with avocado, crab and cucumber drizzled with sweet soy sauce. But as for beers, Kohan keeps it traditional with $3 Coronas and $2 Miller Lites.
Cityscape Bar
What better way to watch Bruce Springsteen’s half-time show than while munching on a complimentary half-time appetizer buffet that includes wings, poppers and hot dogs? $4 domestic bottled beers and house wines are available all day. For those not enjoying the show or the game, there’s always something stare at. Located just off the 15th floor lobby of the Holiday Inn in River North, Cityscape Bar offers one of the best skyline views of the city.
Stretch Run
This downtown, two-level restaurant and sports bar, with its 237 television monitors, probably doesn’t have one bad seat in the house to watch the game. Typically a place where guests can wager on live horseraces happening across the country, Stretch Run is also giving guests watching the big game a chance to win some prizes. The first 50 arrivals can enter the Squares Contest where prizes will be awarded every quarter. A “mystery envelope” raffle will also take place during half time. As for the drink specials, they’re offering $5 20-ounce Miller Lite drafts and $15 Miller Lite buckets.
La Madia
Just because you’re watching a sporting event, it doesn’t mean you have to settle for cheap pizza. La Madia’s pies are a little more upscale than your typical chain pizza joint. Guests can choose any pizza off the menu and two beers for only $20. But don’t settle for a cheap, light domestic either. La Madia will gladly help select the perfect brew to go with your pie. One popular pairing: the Moretti Beer, a full-bodied pilsner, and the spicy Italian pepperoni on the Signature Triple Pepperoni pizza.
Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap
You’ve got options at this Streeterville favorite. You can watch the game in The Den, a private room full of couches, lounge chairs and flat screens while enjoying a $35 all-you-can eat buffet that includes Buffalo wings, BBQ beef brisket and pulled pork, as well as beer specials. Or you can grab one of their take-out platters that includes their signature XXX hot wings and other tailgate favorites (as low as $7.99), and you can even grab a six-pack with your to-go order.
Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen
Can’t host a Super Bowl party at your place? Private party rooms are now available to rent at this recently revamped bar and restaurant in Crystal Lake. Duke’s will offer an extensive selection of ales, lagers and food made from fresh and organic ingredients. Game day specials that include $4 pitchers, 25-cent wings, and trays of veggie platters, flatbread pizzas and other tailgate-worthy fare.
Arrowhead Restaurant and Bar
With $2 mystery beer and $5 Captain Morgan Parrot Bay drinks, Arrowhead is a prime spot to drink all your Bears sorrow away. If you’d rather eat, complimentary bites will be provided during the game.
Durty Nellie’s
Five is the magic number during this north suburban Irish bar’s Suburban Superbowl Soiree. Guests can enjoy a meal from its $5 buffet, drink $5 bloody marys, gulp down $5 bombs and drink buckets of 5 beers for $10 each.
Sheffield’s
One of Lakeview’s most popular bars, Sheffield’s is serving up a family-style Super Bowl party. Drink specials include $3 to $4 selected drafts on Sheffield’s microbrews and specialty drafts. Homemade chili, wings, slab of ribs, sliders and barbecue are just some of the items included on the menu. Moving your already-planned Super Bowl party from your place to Sheffield’s is another good idea. For $99, a party of eight will get to enjoy the family-style menu; with multiple flat-screens around, there won’t be a bad seat in the house.
Smoke Daddy
Backyard barbecue and football is a classic combination, but it’s tough doing both during Chicago’s winter months. Let Smoke Daddy take care of that for you. The Wicker Park eatery offers a special Super bowl deal: two pulled meats, two sides and your choice of bread for $8.25-$10.50 a person. Wash it all down with $15 Miller Lite buckets. Once the Lombardi Trophy has been handed to the winning team, you can stay for some live blues and jazz music starting at 9 p.m.
O’Donovan’s
O’Donovan’s Super Bowl Bash offers cheap food, drinks and unobstructed views; what more can you ask for? The bar’s Effen Fat Marys ($6.50) are bloody Marys with a beer back, served with a skewer full of salami, pepperoncini, olives, pickles, cherry peppers, lemon and lime. If that wasn’t convincing enough, there will also be jumbo screwdrivers ($5), White Trash Mimosas ($6.50) and $15 domestic buckets. As for food, Chef Victor DeLeon is cooking up some of our favorite football munchies such as brats, sloppy Joes, chili and wings ($5.95-$9.95). And with 20 54-inch plasma television screens around, there won’t be a bad seat in the house.
Dunlays on the Square
Cardinals fans, you’ll want to stay far away from this Logan Square mainstay come Sunday. The owners are from Pittsburgh, so this party is all Steelers, all the time. You’ll be able to watch the game on five flat-screen TVs while enjoying $2 Iron City beers, $9 “Roethlisbergers,” $7 Larry “Foote” Long Hot Dogs, $10 Primanti Brothers-style sandwiches and more. Reservations are recommended.
Quartino
4:30 p.m.
Cheeky Chicago is throwing the “Cheeky Bowl” at Quartino, with deals including $1 meatball sliders, $4 wine and St. Germaine cocktail specials and $2 beers. It’s billed as an alternative to the game, but the game will be shown as well. There will also be a first come, first served VIP reception from 3-4:30 p.m. Email to reserve your spot.
Heaven on Seven (Naperville)
This year’s Super Bowl isn’t in New Orleans, but you can still pretend it is with a taste of Jimmy Bannock’s down-home food all day (plus N’Awlins native Steven Rohbock on piano from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.). All-day specials include bananas foster french toast, poached eggs and crabcakes, $4 New Orleans Bloody Marys and $3 Abita. Watch the game on the two plasma TVs in the bar, where there will be half-price apps as well.
Halsted’s Bar & Grill
In addition to specials like $4 22-ounce Miller Lite drafts, $12 Miller Lite pitchers and $5.95 burgers, Halsted’s will be giving away a ton of prizes throughout the game, including a portable gas grill for your summer BBQs (not THAT far away).
Morton’s of Chicago
Before you think that this upscale steakhouse isn’t quite the right atmosphere for a football game, consider that several locations will offer Bar Bites menu items for just $5 each. We’re talking petite filet mignon sandwiches, oysters on a half shell, blue cheese french fries…this stuff is good. You can also watch the game in the bar (at the State Street location) or in the private boardrooms (Northbrook, Naperville and Wacker Place).
Lion Head Pub
Not only can you watch the game on tons of flat screens at this Lincoln Park favorite, you can also win your own TV in a raffle. That’s one of many giveaways happening throughout the game. While they’re not giving drinks away, they’re pretty cheap: Miller Lite and MGD drafts are just $2.50. 25-cent wings, too.
Still undecided? Check out these other deals available on Super Bowl Sunday.
The Spot
A $15 all-you-can-eat buffet includes hot dogs, tamales, Itlaian Beef and Italian Sausage; for $10 more you can drink unlimited draft beers during the game.
Celtic Crown
$4 32-ounce Miller Lite Mega Mugs; $2.75 Smirnoff bloody marys; 25-cent wings, $3.99 one-pound black-angus cheeseburger with fries
Finn McCool’s
$3.50 Miller Lite drafts; $4 Bloody Marys; $4 screwdrivers; 25-cent wings, $3.99 one-pound black angus cheeseburger with fries
Full Shilling
$2 Miller Lite drafts; $2.75 Smirnoff bloody marys; $3.50 all bombs; 25-cent wings, $3.99 one-pound black angus cheeseburger with fries
Moretti’s (Edison Park)
$6 Miller Lite and MGD pitchers
Merkle’s Bar and Grill
$10 buckets, $4 22-ounce Miller drafts, $5 bloody marys, $5 bombs, 25-cent wings
Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals!
Grab your planner: A new batch of recurring music and comedy nights has come to town. 
