10 Must Visit Patios & Rooftops in Chicago

Patio hopping with a crew? Reserve your very own cabana for 10-25 people at District Brew Yards, a production brewery collective and beer hall featuring Around the Bend Beer Co., Casa Humilde Cervecería, Bold Dog Beer Co., and Burnt City Brewing. There’s 40 taps, pour-your-own beers, and delicious barbecue. The expansive patio is dog friendly.

Enjoy iconic skyline views from The Peninsula Chicago’s luxurious rooftop lounge. Here you’ll find globally-inspired bites, eclectic playlist, and curated cocktails. The bar team utilizes rare spirits and small-batch bitters to craft drinks like an elderflower Sunday Spritz or the Strawberry Basil Sidecar.

Transport yourself to the Italian Riviera without leaving Chicago. This sun-drenched restaurant offers hand-stretched pizzas, coastal wines, and riverfront views. Watch the boats go by while enjoying plates of calamari, cacio e pepe, and Pugliese pies.

Kick back in Lou’s Backyard, where “the sun is (almost) always shining, the people are smiling, and the frosé is abundant.” This enclosed, dog-friendly patio has picnic tables & umbrellas, a bocce ball court, and delicious snacks. Is there a better spot to enjoy charburgers and loaded waffle fries?

This open-air rooftop concept gets its inspiration from the casual seaside eateries along the Iberian coast. Located in the heart of River North, bar avec serves up shareable plates and sweeping views. Gather around for clam toast, fried mushrooms, chicken liver, curated wines, and cocktails.

Perched on the rooftop of Pendry Chicago, Château Carbide pays homage to the Côte d’Azur with a distinct Chicago spin. The urban garden space is meant to evoke the airy, effortless allure of the French countryside. Pair drinks from the spritz bar with inventive sushi. DJs spin French House music on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons.

The cozy Sangria Garden at Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba! makes for the perfect summer escape. With lush greenery and a covered roof, this al fresco dining option works in rain or shine. Enjoy pitchers of seasonal sangria, tapas, and pintxos—seven days a week.

One of Chicago’s pioneering breweries, Half Acre has a bit of a cult following, namely due to their famous Daisy Cutter, first brewed in 2009. Grab a table in the beautiful beer garden, where you can sample cold pale ales and premium lagers. Kids and dogs are welcome when accompanied by an adult.

Chicago magazine named this al fresco cabana patio the #1 Hidden City Patio. Canopied year round, the space combines chic design with urban, vintage charm. Volo is an ideal neighborhood gathering spot for charcuterie, artisan cheese, flatbreads, and boutique wines. Happy hour starts at 4 p.m.

Experience a taste of Roma in this charming Ukrainian Village courtyard. The string lights and candles offer a romantic vibe. You can’t go wrong with a bottle of wine, bruschetta, rustic Roman-style square pizza, and handmade pasta. Save room for the gelato of the day.