Chicago Restaurants Now Open for Outdoor Dining
Chicago has entered Phase 3 of the city’s recovery plan to begin stepping outside the shadow of COVID-19. While dining indoors is still not an option, outdoor dining is in full swing in many spots throughout the city. Let’s take a look at some of the great restaurants that have reopened for outdoor dining in our favorite Chicago neighborhoods. After all, the weather is finally pleasant, and we are all in dire need of getting out and enjoying each other’s company. Just remember to still practice social distancing, as we don’t want to give the pandemic a leg up as we re-enter our world.
Lincoln Park:
Cafe Ba-Ba- Reeba: For a brilliant taste of traditional food from Spain, check out this hot spot located at 2024 N. Halsted. The tapas, pintxos, and delicious sangria are all top-notch. In addition, the patio menu includes seafood, beef, and chicken and pork dishes. Be sure to make a reservation, as capacity is limited to 50%.
Avli: If your taste buds are in the mood for inspired Greek offerings, look no further than this Chicago favorite Lincoln Park located at 1335 W. Wrightwood. The chicken shish kabob and ouzo salmon are particular standouts on the menu. Again, be sure to make a reservation, as seating for outdoor dining will fill up quickly.
River North:
Maple & Ash: It’s probably been a minute since you put on your best attire and hit the town. River North’s Maple & Ash, located at 8 West Maple Street, is the perfect way to emerge from our spring hibernation with style, class, and an excellent menu that raises the stakes when it comes to the best steakhouses in town. Their Downstairs Burger and Ricotta Agnolotti are among the many wise choices to make on a menu that can do no wrong. Enjoy a cocktail, a delicious meal, and appreciate reintroducing yourself to fine dining after months of takeout.
Quartino: Quartino is another River North favorite, located at 626 N. State Street. The house-made pasta, Neapolitan thin-crust pizza, and bevy of traditional Italian dishes will have your taste buds singing the praises of this fantastic restaurant. Like all the other spots on this list, be sure to call ahead to reserve a table for an unforgettable outdoor dining experience.
Lakeview:
Crosby’s Kitchen: Located at 3455 N. Southport Avenue, Crosby’s Kitchen is a definite go-to when you crave some comfort food. And after the last few months stuck in our Chicago homes, who doesn’t want some comfort food as we strive to move forward amidst the COVID-19 pandemic? Enjoy the warmer weather and delightful entrees such as their beloved rotisserie chicken, pork chop, and fillet of beef, while dining at their open-air seating. Call ahead for reservations.
Dryhop Brewers: It’s probably been quite a while since you were able to share drinks with friends outside of a Zoom session. Visit Dryhop Brewers, located at 3115 N. Broadway, to enjoy some tasty libations no matter what kind of beer you crave. A wide selection of brilliant IPAs will satisfy even the most particular taste buds. They offer plenty of excellent bar food ranging from burgers to salads to wings. This Lakeview spot doesn’t take reservations, so be sure to call ahead.
That does it for today’s list of restaurants that have reopened in many of our favorite Chicago neighborhoods. Tomorrow we will look at more places to enjoy great food in open-air dining outside. Of course, always practice social distancing and bring your mask and your appetite.
ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO
