Where to Watch the White Sox
photo: courtesy of Bridget Cicenia; pictured: Jack Schaller of Schaller’s Pump
If you’ve never visited Sox country, you need to know one thing: It ain’t like Wrigleyville. The bars land more than a pop-fly distance from the Cell; you can actually park your car outside the stadium; and the shine of the World Series trophy has just started to fade (to be replaced by another one this year?). Whatever happens, it won’t keep Sox fans from their favorite pre- and post-game watering holes. Win or lose, we’ll get you good ‘n’ sauced while cheering on the “good guys.”
Do you bleed Cubby blue? Check out these bars instead.
Schaller’s Pump
This legendary Bridgeport bar, with many Chicago mayors practically making it a second City Hall, steeps with political history. Like a century-old campaign promise (Schaller’s has been open since 1881), they’ll serve you cheap beer and chow with cheer. The building screams serious Sox territory: A huge mural decorates one side, proclaiming “Welcome White Sox Fans” to the rallying crowds of diehards that pack the place during every game. Inside, nary a mention of the local National League team is uttered, so order a plate of corned beef hash and bask in the revelry of your fellow fan.
Cork & Kerry
We couldn’t spew a discussion of Sox bars without mentioning an Irish pub. This Irish-to-the-core Beverly bar hides pure black-and-white baseball beneath its green veneer. And even though you’ll have to trek a fair distance from the park, its promise of a warm, wood-paneled interior, beautiful beer garden and TVs broadcasting the Sox makes it worth the haul. For your trouble, you’ll score $7.50 buckets of five domestic beers on Tuesday and Sunday, draft beers like Guinness, Harp, Bass and Smithwicks and access to one of the area’s largest selections of Irish whiskey. If you need another reason to go, we strongly suggest you reconsider your affiliation. Shinnick’s
Another old-school Bridgeport boozer, Shinnick’s takes fanaticism so far it posts a White Sox tribute on its website. If you want to view clips of the stadium opener or a three-minute film covering the tavern’s World Series insanity, shinnicks.com covers it. Alas, if you want a drink, you’ll have to stop by in person. Family-run for three generations, the pub’s solid offerings include barbecue eats and baggo (AKA beanbags, cornhole or whatever you want to call it). Bottles cost $2.50, and don’t expect fancy-pants specials or quality brews. With liquor setting you back no more than $4, what else could you need? Perhaps, some change for the jukebox. We’re willing to bet it stocks Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin.”
Seven Ten Lounge
This Lincoln Park bowling outpost hints at being a tried-and-true Sox bar in its description of upcoming events: “During all the White Sox Games and St. Louis Cardinal games, we show all games at all times on the MLB package!” Notice the gaping hole of coverage where the Cubs should be. Rolling strikes while the struggling Sox try to find the strike zone couldn’t be more fun, plus $3 Coors Light and $1 hot dogs and chili dogs during the games will keep you sated. In the off-chance you see a Cubs game playing, track down the interloper who requested it; despite its North Side locale, Seven Ten makes it clear that Cubby blue sits firmly in the minority here.
Shoeless Joe’s
Legendary Black Sox Joe Jackson can’t get into the Hall of Fame after all these years, but at least you can hoist a drink at his namesake bar. It’s not a Sox bar, per se, but the owner bleeds black and white, so that’s good enough for us. Sure, it sponsors trips to Wrigley and the Cell, and wines by the glass top the drink list rather than brewskies, but we must recognize that not all baseball fans are so segregationist in their sports leanings. Some fans can appreciate fine vintages and teams from both sides of town.
Ricobene’s
You can work up an appetite watching all this Sox action. Head to a secluded spot right next to the highway (you actually park under the Dan Ryan) for the famous breaded steak sandwich, a meal in itself. If it takes you awhile to finish (and to clean up the red sauce on your fingers), don’t worry; the game will be on any of several TVs scattered around the dining room.
Catcher’s Inn
Everywhere you look in this small neighborhood bar you’ll find reminders of its proximity to U.S. Cellular Field (it’s about four blocks away); from the mini pennants and posted schedules to the black and white checkered ceilings, you’re sure to feel at home here if you root for the Sox. Daily beer specials abound, and there’s the occasional open mic night in case you get the urge to belt out some Journey after a win.
Cobblestones Bar and Grill
Serving a typically older crowd of Sox fans since 1990, Cobblestones brings some New Orleans charm to the South Side via its muffaletta sandwiches, served in a classic bar outfitted in plenty of dark wood. If you’re tired of battling traffic, make the bar a part of your game-day experience; come in for a meal or drink before the game and you can park in the adjoining lot (just a short walk to the ballpark) for free.
Kroll’s South Loop
The Chicago version of this Green Bay institution (the original is located directly across the street from Lambeau Field) smartly steers away from football. And even though both baseball teams are represented with memorabilia, it’s clear from the crowd that the Sox are the main draw. During game time, you’ll be able to watch Mark Buehrle and others on the more than 20 flat screens lining the place. Any other time, you might see them in the flesh, enjoying Kroll’s burgers and beers. On Opening Day, the bar offers $12 buckets of MGD, MGD 64 and Miller Lite; if you’re going to the game, bring your ticket stub in for 10 percent off your tab.
More Opening Day deals: Mitchell’s Tap
This small neighborhood bar hosts its annual barbecue at 11 a.m.; grab brats, burgers and more in the backyard before watching the game inside.
Buffalo Wings & Rings (Bridgeport)
WBBM-670 The Score will be broadcasting live from this wingery between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.; if you’ve got tickets to the game, you can grab a $4 shuttle to the park at 11:30 a.m.
Morgan’s Bar and Grill on Maxwell Street
Be one of the first 50 patrons at this confusingly named bar and you’ll get a free shuttle ride over to the stadium – or you can just stay and enjoy $12 buckets of Miller Lite and $5 Bacardi cocktails.
Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals!
Chicago Cinco de Mayo Events
Cinco de Mayo fiestas.
OK, so technically it’s not Mexico’s Independence Day (that’s in September), but Cinco de Mayo is no less reason to celebrate. Fiesta the day away at one of these hot spots, offering Mexican-themed deals throughout the day (all events on Wednesday, May 5, unless otherwise noted).
Bull & Bear
Local cover band Jank presides over this Janko de Mayo party featuring $5 shots of Herradura, $6 Jankaritas (aka margaritas with Herradura), $6 yard glasses (signature vodka cocktails with Finlandia) and $7 sangria.
Carnivale
6:30-8:30 p.m.; $25
In honor of the holiday, sommelier Elizabeth Mendez will lead a hands-on class instructing guests in concocting both a classic and a seasonal margarita. In addition to creating and sampling drinks, you’ll enjoy appetizers from chef Mark Mendez. If you just want to drink, the restaurant is offering five special margaritas, including a Cavarita ($12.50) and a pomegranate variety ($9.50).
La Casa De Isaac
The Highland Park foodie destination will offer a three-course menu for $32.
Chilam Balam Cocina Mexicana
The Lakeview Mexican restaurant will offer a three-course menu for $32.
Cinco de Mayo Festival (Douglas Park)
April 30-May 3
There will be live music, food, carnival rides and games at this three-day festival in Douglas Park. Make sure to stick around for the parade, stepping off from Cermak and Damen at noon on Sunday.
Cinco de Mayo Festival (Little Village)
May 7-9
Celebrate for three days at this inaugural fest, featuring live music, food, crafts, family activities and more in Little Village, the home of Chicago’s largest Mexican population.
Cinco de Mayo Pub Crawl
8-11 p.m.; $15
Take a tour of six Lincoln Park/Lakeview bars, with domestic drafts, margaritas and a Mexican buffet at each stop. You’ll be drinking at Duffy’s Tavern, Durkin’s, Maeve, McGee’s, Redmond’s and Wrightwood Tap. There will be a trolley to take you from bar to bar.
Congress Theater
7 p.m.; $15 (two for $25 in advance)
The Cinco de Mondo event goes all out with Lucha Libre wrestling, burlesque performances from Lola Van Ella, Bella Sue Devianti and Gravity Plays Favorites, live music from the Del Moroccos and The Suspirios and more. Comedian Dash Bravado hosts.
Cuna
Indulge in a quesadilla burger (with cheese quesadillas instead of the bread, $7), $1 bottles of Miller Lite and Coors Light and $4 Patron shots at this Lakeview bar.
Dawali
Enjoy $5 specials like shawerma and chicken shawerma wraps all day at this Northwest Side Middle Eastern spot.
Dick’s Last Resort
It’s a Hot Huevos fiesta at this riverside bar, where you can enjoy a free taco bar from 4-6 p.m., $3 margaritas and $4 Coronas. There will also be a spicy food eating contest at 7 p.m., and music from Noche Caliente beginning at 8 p.m.
Division Ale House
The Ale House celebrates with $5 lime margaritas and $3 Corona bottles.
D.O.C. Wine Bar (Lombard)
The West Suburban wine bar offers a $12 chicken enchilada plate with rice and black beans and margaritas martinis for $5 each.
Get the “Perfect Margarita” at Dos Diablos.
Dos Diablos
The new River North Mexican spot opens its doors for lunch on Wednesday, offering its full menu featuring fajitas, margaritas and more. Try The Big Mel, a four-pound chimichanga; finish it in under 20 minutes and you’ll get your name posted on the wall.
Dunlays on Clark
Drink specials at this Lincoln Park neighborhood restaurant include $4 Pacifico and $3 Cuervo tequila shots, while there will be a few Mexican dishes added to the menu, like guacamole, a skirt steak torta, posole hominy, pork shoulder sopes and more.
Durty Nellie’s
Get $3 margaritas and featured food specials like a trio of tacos at this Palatine hangout.
English
English celebrates with all-day specials like $5 Don Julio shots, $7 Don Julio margaritas and $4 Corona and Dos Equis bottles.
Faith & Whiskey
The Lincoln Park bar’s Cinco de Mayo party includes tons of drinks specials, including $1 Cabo Wabo tequila shots and skinny margaritas, $2 Dos Equis and domestic drafts, $3 well cocktails, $3 Accidental Threesome shots, $3 Jim Beam Red Stage shots, $6 40s and $5 Death’s Hot Rod cocktails (Death’s Door white whiskey, Cointreau and lime juice). Tom Petty/Johnny Cash cover band Petty Cash will perform live at 9 p.m., and the bar will award a 15-person private party to the person with the best “Most Interesting Man in the World” costume (from the Dos Equis commercials) at midnight.
The Fifty/50
Mariachi Michoacano ? an eight-piece live mariachi band ? will play live starting at 8 p.m. Drink specials include $6 Pama margaritas, $6 Cazadores tequila maragaritas, $4 Cazadores Blanco, Reposado and Anejo tequila shots. The Wicker Park bar will also award a free private party to the person with the “best mariachi mustache.”
Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar
The Lakeview restaurant will offer a Mexican pizza featuring ground beef, cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, onion, tomato, cilantro and refried beans ($9). Wash it down with $3 bottles of Corona.
HUB 51
11:30 a.m.-midnight
Fittingly, this River North hotspot offers five specials for Cinco de Mayo. There will be $10 tacos, $6 guacamole, $5 margaritas, $4 Coronas and $4 Grande Tecate available all day and night.
Hunt Club
Munch on free chips and salsa, $3 cheese quesadillas with pico de gallo, salsa & sour cream, and a Cinco De Mayo burger (8-ounce ground beef and chorizo patty topped with Chihuahua cheese, jalapenos, pico de gallo, and salsa) for $5 from 6-8 p.m. All-day drink specials include $4 Cuervo shots, $5 Corona and Corona Light bottles and $6 Patron margaritas.
John Barleycorn
Both the Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville locations offer up specials. In Lincoln Park, get $4 lime margaritas, $3 Sol and Dos Equis bottles, $4 Sauza shots and $4 Jose Cuervo shots, along with free sombreros. In Wrigleyville, get $6 house margaritas, $5 Sauza shots, $3 domestic drafts, $3 wells drinks, 25 cent wings and $1 select sliders.
Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
Kit Kat Diva Jade will perform as Jennifer Lopez, Shakira and other Latina musical superstars as you enjoy half-price margaritas at this Boystown club.
LaSalle Power Co.
Q101 (101.1 FM) broadcasts live from 3-7 p.m. and specials include include $5 Cabo Wabo shots and $7 Cabo Wabo margaritas.
Lottie’s Pub
Grab $3 Dos Equis and Negra Modelo and $4 Corona and Corona Light at this beloved Bucktown bar, and pair them with half-price guacamole and some smoked chicken quesadillas.
Luxbar
Buy a pitcher of margaritas ($35) and you’ll receive a complimentary large chips and guacamole platter on Cinco de Mayo.
Mac’s American Pub
All-day Cinco de Mayo pecials include $5 16-ounce Cuervo margaritas, $3 Corona bottles and chicken quesadillas with roasted tomatillo salsa ($6). After 5 p.m., enjoy tacos de pescado: corn tortillas, crispy cod, pico de gallo, avocado and sweet jalapeno mayo ($6). Mahoney’s Pub & Grill
6-9 p.m.; $30
The inaugural Cinco De Rhino event, which benefits the American Association of Zoo Keepers, includes food, drinks, a silent auction and games like “Poacher Pinata” (you can just play on the Wii, too). The purpose? To save critically endangered rhinos and other wild animals.
Martini Park
The River North bar becomes “Martinez Park” for a night, offering $8 Silver Patron cocktails and $4 Coronas. There will also be complimentary quesadillas and nachos from 6-8 p.m. Donate $10 to High Jump at the Latin School and you’ll get a free drink.
May St. Cafe
The upscale BYO spot will offer a three-course menu for $32.
Mercadito
Head to this River North Mexican spot to try the Vato Loco, the self-described “hottest cocktail on earth” which contains tequila and…some hot stuff (it’s a secret recipe). You’ll have to sign a waiver first. The restaurant will also offer a special $40 dinner menu, $5 tequila shots and live mariachi music from 9-10:30 p.m.
Moe’s Cantina
Cinco specials include $1 steak or chicken tacos, $3 house margaritas, $3 Coors Light bottles and $4 Jameson Irish Whiskey, Absolut Vodka and Malibu Rum cocktails. Moe’s staffers will also hand out free sombreros to revelers.
Nacional 27
6-9 p.m.; buy tickets here
Nacional 27 is offering a $27 party package that includes margaritas, sangria, passed tapas/snacks and dancing to the beats of a live percussionist.
O’Donovan’s
April 30-May 5
The North Center bar/restaurant will have a number of drink specials available all week, including $4 Milagro shots and $5 Milagro margaritas, $5 micheladas, $3 horchata ($6 with tequila), $1 off Corona bottles and more. Special food items include zopes, carne asada and caramel flan.
Palmer House Hilton
May 7; $375
The annual Cinco de Mayo Gala, a benefit for the National Museum of Mexican Art, features music from Angel Melendez and the 911 Mambo Orchestra, a silent auction and more. Pinstripes
Both the South Barrington and Northbrook locations of this bocce/bowling/bistro establishment will offer Mexican-themed food and drink specials like $5 margaritas and $5 fajita flatbread.
The Pony
This Lakeview bar’s regular Honky Tonk Wednesday event (featuring free hillbilly bingo and country tunes spun all night) gets an added kick with $1 tacos, $3 Cabo Wabos and $3 Dos Equis. There will also be a taco-eating contest at 9 p.m. (sign up by calling Kevin at (773) 531-2881).
Rock Bottom Brewery
Enjoy Mexican-inspired dishes like quesadilla rolls and smoked chicken enchiladas as well as $5 house margaritas and $4 beer-of-the-day at this River North brewpub.
Rockit Bar & Grill
May 3-7
Both the River North and Wrigleyville locations will serve up Mexican-style cuisine throughout the week, including roasted red pepper and cumin-braised chicken tamales with chive creme fraiche ($8), mushroom fajitas with skirt steak, wild mushrooms, sweet peppers and spanish onions ($18) and cinnamon and sugar churros with cayenne chocolate ($6). Weeklong drink specials include $3 Dos Equis, $6 margaritas and $6 sangria.
Sabor Saveur
Monday, May 3 – Sunday, May 9; $32
The French-Mexican restaurant in Wicker Park offers a three-course prix-fixe menu including choices like pumpkin flower and cream cheese taquitos, chocolate-braised salmon filet and pineapple rice pudding. BYOB.
She-nannigans
The Division Street bar is the headquarters for the sixth annual “Cinco Division” party, featuring a performance from Led Zeppelin cover band Kashmir (9 p.m.), $4 bottles of Corona and lots of roaming mariachis all over the area (including at other area bars.
The Southern
Chef Cary Taylor offers some Mexican-themed specials including Southern Nachos with fried corn chips, smoked pork, black-eyed pea and green tomato pico de gallo, pepper jack cheese sauce and roasted peppers ($8). The restaurant will also offer $6 cocktails like Luis’ Dirty Peach (tequila, peach schnapps, mint-infused syrup) and a jalapeno lime margarita.
Stretch Run
The River North OTB will offer $5 bottles of Corona and Corona Light and $5 Heineken bottles.
Sushi Taiyo
Mexican sushi? Sounds fishy, but it’s a reality at this spot on Cinco de Mayo. Choices include the Mexico City Roll (spicy tuna with unagi and avocado, $12), the Sombrero (steamed lobster, spicy mayo, cucumber, jalapeno, tobiko and wasabi tobiko, $10) and the La Bamba (salmon, shiso, jalapeno, melted provolone cheese and shallots, $12).
Timothy O’Toole’s
Festivities will feature a “best moustache” contest, awarding the wearer of the most impressive facial hair a $50 bar tab. There will also be a hot pepper-eating contest and a pinata stuffed with adult prizes. Enjoy $10 33-ounce margaritas, $15 buckets of Corona and Corona Light and a $20 tequila shot buffet. Guests wearing a poncho or sombrero get a free order of chips and salsa.
Tin Lizzie
The post-work bash begins with $5 taco pizza and $3 shots of tequila, and continues, as it should, with the bashing of a pinata. Grab for prizes like tickets for food and drinks, t-shirts and even coupons for parties at the Lincoln Park bar.
Zocalo
The River North Mexican restaurant hosts a party featuring $5 pineapple-lime margaritas and tequila sunrises, giveaways and music spun by a DJ in the evening.
Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals!
Where to Watch the ‘Lost’ Finale
After six seasons of mystery and intrigue (and a whole lot of time travel), ABC’s “Lost” ends its run on Sunday, May 23. While we can’t tell you if all your questions will be answered, we do know that it won’t be too hard to find a place to watch the action with fellow fans. Here are some local “Lost” parties to attend if you’re too excited to stay on your couch.
Looking for your own island adventure? Try one of these tropical bars.
Cityscape Bar
You’ll enjoy $7 themed cocktails and free peanuts (is this a series tie-in we don’t get) at this bar on the 15th floor of the Holiday Inn. You won’t miss your DVR much, either, as you’ll be able to check out a nice view of the city during commercials.
Stretch Run
Want to bet on the final outcome of the show? This OTB bar is a good place to do it. Even if you’re not a gambler, you can enjoy $17.50 buckets of Corona and $4 Jack Daniels and gin cocktails.
Vic Theatre
If you’re really serious about “Lost,” you need to watch it on a big screen. The Vic offers just that, with a free brew-and-view showing on Sunday.
Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals!
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).
Cedar Hotel
When Melvin B’s closed in 2007, Gold Coasters wondered where they would be able to see and be seen in an outdoor setting. The answer: right back in the same spot. This replacement, opened in late summer 2009, acts like flypaper for tourists, bon vivants and shoppers alike, with a full menu and cocktails served in 24-ounce souvenir cups.
Zella
If you’re looking for a little eye candy to go with your beer, this bi-level patio filled with young professionals is the place to be. It gets better: Every Thursday beginning at 4 p.m., patrons at the Lincoln Park bar can enjoy $2 hot dogs, $4 burgers and $5 chicken sandwiches from the outdoor grill and $2.50 Miller Lite and Coors Light bottles, $3.50 call drinks and $4 house wine.
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.
The Temple Bar
Named after a popular pub in Dublin’s nightlife quarter, this Lakeview bar just may prove itself to be as infamous as the original, thanks in part to a bustling 90-seat outdoor patio (nearly a city block long!) on the corner of Wellington and Ashland. You may not feel as if you’re back on the Emerald Isle…but get back to us after a few whiskey flights.
Old Oak Tap
The gorgeous 80-seat haven at this West Town bar/restaurant features wooden bench seating wrapping around the entire perimeter, hanging lanterns and tons of flowers. That’s nice, but what really sets the place apart is the beer list (12 taps and 20-plus bottle options) and the menu, full of above-average pub fare like the intriguing Fat Boy Pie: pulled pork shoulder, sharp Vermont cheddar, tomatoes, spring onions and black olives, green goddess dressing, french fries and mashed potatoes ($10). Not recommended on a really hot day, obviously.
Jack’s Bar and Grill/404 Wine Bar
This Lakeview establishment houses two different, connected concepts: Jack’s, a neighborhood sports bar, and 404, a slightly more refined spot with gourmet fare. They come together, both literally and figuratively, on the spacious back patio, where you can order off either menu and enjoy a serene atmosphere with low lights and, yes, TVs for the big games. It’s perfect for a low-key date on a summer evening.
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.
The Garden Cafe at the Art Institute of Chicago
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. For an even more elegant experience, try Terzo Piano, the Modern Wing restaurant which offers indoor and outdoor seating adjacent to the Bluhm Family Terrace. Spiaggia’s Tony Mantuano designed the menu.
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.
photo: courtesy of Bridget Cicenia
Oak Street Beachstro
This seasonal restaurant is as close to the beach as you’ll get with a steak in one hand and a glass of wine in the other. Take in Chicago’s beautiful skyline as bikers, rollerbladers, sunbathers and strollers enjoy the sights and sounds just steps away from your table. Enjoy steak, pastas, seafood, sandwiches and a decent selection of wine and beer as the sun goes down and the skyline lights up.
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.
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The name Mandarin Oriental has become a byword for high end hotel glamour and that’s certainly the case with their Tokyo outpost. Looking out over the historic Nihonbashi district, the stylish and spacious 37th floor bar has staggering views out over the city and plays host to live jazz most nights, of a suitably chilled out variety…