Whether you're looking for a family-friendly brunch spot, a dog-friendly beer garden, or a scenic lakeside restaurant with skyline views, Chicago offers no shortage of incredible outdoor dining options. From northside neighborhood favorites in Andersonville, Lakeview, Rogers Park, and beyond, to beachside destinations along Lake Michigan, these patios provide the perfect setting to soak up the warm weather.
Andersonville
Pizza Lobo
Patio space, a fantastic menu, and a welcoming attitude towards dogs make Pizza Lobo a perfect spot to enjoy an outdoor meal with kids, friends, or furry companions. A rare place that offers pizza by the slice. There is plenty of space for both kids and dogs to run around and enjoy the summer weather. There are bocce ball courts and other lawn games to entertain as well.
Ranalli’s Pizza Bar
Ranalli’s patio has a fantastic neighborhood feel making it an amazing spot for eating out with a large group. The fun, casual, lively energy of the restaurant paired with its delicious selection of pizzas and frozen drinks makes this patio an easy summer favorite. The food and outdoor seating make it perfect for groups with kids and dogs.
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Avondale
2nd Star Tavern at the Fire Pitch
2nd Star Tavern combines outdoor dining with views of soccer matches on the surrounding fields. It's family-friendly, spacious, and especially fun if you're looking for something a little different. Sit at a picnic table, on the outdoor sofas, or around the fire pit. Dogs are absolutely welcome and kids can definitely enjoy the space that the outdoor seating area offers. When there isn't a game on the field, let the kids blow off some steam. (There is also a foosball table inside.) Be on the look-out for their family-friendly watch parties and seasonal fests.
Chief O’Neill’s Pub and Restaurant
Lush landscaping, fountains, and live Irish music on the weekends makes Chief O’Neill’s patio feel like a hidden European courtyard. The gorgeous garden patio is considered one of Chicago’s best. Families are more than welcome and so are dogs.
Soul and Smoke
Soul and Smoke's outdoor space offers a relaxed setting to enjoy some of Chicago's best barbecue. The riverside patio is casual, picturesque, and welcoming, making it a great stop for a low-key meal with friends, family, and dogs.
Evanston
Firehouse Grill
Located in a beautifully restored historic firehouse, with an expansive patio, the Firehouse Grill has been a neighborhood favorite in Evanston for decades.
Lakeview
Pilot Project Brewing
Pilot Project’s patio offers a laid-back brewery atmosphere with plenty of seating and the opportunity to sample drinks from up-and-coming breweries around the city. This patio is quite family-friendly during the daytime hours and also welcomes dogs.
Smoke Daddy BBQ
Live music, barbeque, and the energy of the Chicago Cubs baseball season all come together to make Smoke Daddy a quintessential restaurant to the Wrigleyville area. The patio offers postcard views of the historic Wrigley Field and overlooks the lively Clark Street and its many restaurants and bars. Kids and dogs are all welcome, though it can get loud and hectic during Cubs games.
Tuco and Blondie
Boasting a colorful and delicious Tex-Mex cuisine and stunning patio out back, Tuco and Blondie is a delicious way to spend a night out to eat. It is a perfect choice for families looking to eat out together and is also open to dogs.
Another great option is 2026 Dine Out on Broadway. One weekend remaining this summer.
Lincoln Park
The Patio at Cafe Brauer
Overlooking the South Pond and offering a magnificent postcard view of the Chicago skyline, Cafe Brauer’s scenic outdoor patio is one of the most beautiful restaurants to enjoy in summer. Even better, your lunch can be followed by a trip to the Lincoln Park Zoo! While dogs are not welcome, it is a fantastic spot for a family meal.
Lincoln Square
Gene's Sausage Shop
Relax amidst flowers, grapes, tomatoes, and herbs while you sip a cool beverage and dine in Gene’s European-style rooftop beer and wine garden.
The Warbler
A creative menu and elevated outdoor seating put The Warbler in the best-of-the-best Chicago restaurants for summer dining experiences. The Warbler is not open to dogs (only service pets) but is a fantastic place for a nicer family meal. Join them from 4:30-6:00pm Monday-Friday for a family-style supper club! For only $35 a person, your table can choose a selection of five dishes from the regular dinner offering including one salad, any two appetizers, vegetable dishes or house made pastas and your favorite flatbread. Finish with any one of the decadent desserts. Kids nine and under are complimentary with the Supper Club menu!
Logan Square
Park and Field
Park & Field’s picnic tables, firepits, lawn games, and large outdoor space gives the restaurant the perfect summer camp feel and a delicious eating experience. The very large patio offers plenty of space for both kids and dogs to run around. Be on the lookout for their many seasonal family events.
Northcenter
Burning Bush Brewery
With 12 rotating taps, a dog- and family-friendly taproom, and a sun-filled patio along the river—there’s a place for everyone here.
Rogers Park
R Public House
Enjoy elevated pub fare on a spacious patio in the heart of Jarvis Square, where a pedestrian-only street creates a relaxed, community feel. With plenty of outdoor seating, frequent neighborhood events, and space for little ones to move around safely away from traffic, it's an excellent choice for a family meal.
Moody Bar
Moody's is famous for its enormous tree-covered beer garden, which feels like you've left the city entirely. The shady outdoor space is perfect for burgers and drinks on a warm Chicago afternoon. The huge patio is perfect for both kids and dogs to enjoy.
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Lakeside
The Dock at Montrose
Let the kids linger in the beach sand a little longer, while you enjoy live music, great drinks, comfort food, and a gorgeous view. You'll feel like you are on vacation at this lakeside escape.
The Lakefront Restaurant at Theater on the Lake
Accessible by the iconic Lakefront Trail and Lake Shore Drive, The Lakefront Restaurant offers more scenic skyline and Lake Michigan views to be enjoyed with friends, family, and great food. The Lakefront Restaurant is open to kids of any age and has space for dogs. It's expansive lawn gives plenty of space for kids to stretch their legs or play corn hole.
The Waterfront Cafe
Situated right on the Lake Michigan shore, The Waterfront Cafe offers a tasty menu to be enjoyed with live music and beautiful views. The restaurant is located in Berger Park, giving kids a playground space to play on while they wait for food. The location makes it one of the best restaurants in Chicago to bring your kids and pets.
