Plan to enjoy sunshine and fresh air from the best outdoor dining spots in Oak Park and the near west suburbs this summer.
There’s nothing better than outdoor dining in the summertime. Whether you prefer a well-shaded rooftop, a sunny beer garden, or a breezy patio, Oak Park and Chicago’s near west suburbs offer plenty of options for an excellent dining experience—and the best views in town.
Here’s our ultimate guide to rooftops and patios in Oak Park and beyond.
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Avenue Ale House has been a local favorite for more than 20 years and promises the ultimate alfresco dining experience on its large rooftop. Enjoy its robust beer list—more than two dozen beers and ales are available on tap—or a fantastic cocktail selection from its full bar. This restaurant offers the best of both worlds: outstanding food and an incredible ambiance. The menu accommodates vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets, ensuring something to make everyone’s dining experience enjoyable. And don‘t miss some great specials, such as happy-hour pricing on wine, beer, and cocktails on Tuesday-Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Fridays from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
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Drawing from his childhood favorites in Serbia, owner Branko Palikuca created a Mediterranean-inspired menu with American flair. Moroccan spiced and braised short ribs, steak frites with mint chimichurri, and delicate Lake Superior white fish sautéed with mushrooms, spinach, and lemon beurre blanc are just a few of the flavorful entrées. Enjoy brunch on the charming patio with crab cake Benedict, chilaquiles, or house-made biscuits and gravy.
The expansive Cucina Paradiso menu features numerous delicious options ranging from appetizers to desserts and an extensive list of wines, beers, and cocktails. The beloved downtown Oak Park restaurant offers rotating chef specials, such as beef tenderloin and pappardelle cacio e pepe, and housemade gourmet pizzas on its patio during warm weather. Weekly specials include mile-high lasagna on Sundays.
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Experience Italy in the heart of Oak Park on the large patio, shaded by large umbrellas and greenery, at this traditional, upscale ristorante. The menu embodies all the delicious Neapolitan flavors — from homemade pasta and traditional pizzas to fresh seafood dishes and incredible meat choices — plus a full bar and extensive wine list with daily wine specials.
Kettlestrings Tavern was created to bring together neighbors, friends, and families. There is always a game on, along with great music and chef-driven pub food. From chicken wings and burgers to fresh salads, the menu features laid-back food with an upscale twist. There’s also an expertly created craft cocktail menu and an impressive roster of IPAs, pilsners, porters, lagers, ales, and ciders from local craft brewers and popular American breweries. Enjoy all of this on a dog-friendly patio? It makes for a great night.
Relax on the lovely, spacious (yet somehow intimate) patio at Maya del Sol and enjoy some of the best, most authentic Latin American cuisine in the western suburbs. This chic spot serves up bold flavor combinations from Mexico, Central America, and South America, using recipes passed down for generations. We always start with the sopes de tinga (corn masa cups filled with chicken tinga, pico de gallo, and queso fresco), and when it comes to main dishes, there’s no wrong choice. Everything pairs perfectly with one of Maya del Sol’s handcrafted margaritas or a fresh-mint mojito.
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The view from the rooftop patio atop the stunning landmark building is as remarkable as the chef-inspired menu created with locally sourced, seasonally fresh ingredients. Begin with one of the fantastic appetizers: We especially like the pretzels made with clarified butter and Maldon sea salt and served with wholegrain honey mustard and the pub’s new beer cheese sauce. Favorite entrées include the fried chicken sandwich with bacon, ghost pepper aioli, white cheddar, and house pickles and the sweet-and-spicy braised BBQ pork sandwich with slaw and pickles on a brioche bun. Pair your meal with a flight of house-made beer, a selection from the wine list, or a craft cocktail.
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For the ultimate neighborhood pub experience, head to Poor Phil’s. This sports bar and restaurant has been a mainstay on Marion Street since 1985 and their outdoor patio makes it even better. The menu spotlights barroom burgers, Louisiana po'boy sandwiches, Phil’s famous lobster salad on a buttery toasted roll, and other seafood favorites served inside or out by a cheerful, attentive staff. It’s also a year-round beer fest with more than 100 beers available daily.
This rustic Italian restaurant in the Oak Park Arts District uses locally produced and organic ingredients whenever possible to create wood-fired pizza, fresh salads, house-made pasta, and a variety of artisan gelati. Take a seat in the dining room, around the kitchen’s concrete counter, or on the streetside patio. We love the Goat pizza, with roasted red pepper, fennel sausage, goat cheese, and basil pesto, and the Funguy with cremini mushrooms and smoked mozzarella.
Founded by childhood friends Anthony Gambino and Chef Joe Farina, Victory Restaurant Group offers its guests “Chicago Style Italian”. Their menu features dishes like handmade pasta, meatballs, Brick Chicken, and the city’s largest hand pounded Chicken Parmesan and Milanese. Victory Italian captures the essence of the upscale taverns that served Italian American cuisine in Chicago during the 1920-1940’s, while elevating the traditional family recipes from those times with fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. When the weather is nice, their patio is the perfect place to pretend like you're in Italy!
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This beloved Berwyn BBQ joint is attached to FitzGeralds, the famed Chicagoland nightclub. Babygold’s Cajun- and Creole-influenced menu includes brisket and ribs, authentic po’boys, and char-grilled oysters, along with indulgent sides such as pimento mac and cheese, meaty beans, and bacon-braised greens. In addition to full-service dining in the popular music venue, a large patio, and a private dining space, Babygold offers takeout, delivery, and catering.
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Check out Irish Times if you enjoy a classic Irish pub. Its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful backyard Chicago-style beer garden make it the perfect place for a hearty meal and a frothy pint with friends or family. The menu includes plenty of gluten-free food options and a full bar with Irish whiskeys and Guinness on tap.
You know you’re in for a fantastic dining experience when you spot a smiley face on your coffee mug! Enjoy traditional breakfast favorites, from omelets to pancakes to biscuits and gravy, with to-die-for homemade pastries. For lunch choose from a lengthy list of fresh salads, melts, wraps, and chef's specials. The friendly service and cheerful, playful decor at this diner are enough to draw you in, and the generous portions of comfort food will keep you coming back. Plus their patio is a local favorite!
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FatDuck has been serving locals great food and drinks since 2010. The family-friendly establishment has built a reputation as a welcoming corner pub with delicious and innovative food, including the namesake duck-fat fries with your choice of dipping sauce served alongside traditional pub fare and a rotating craft beer selection. Savor your selections in the large dining room or the expansive patio.
Fiore Pizzeria screams summer in every way. In addition to a crisp white wine or a bright and flavorful cocktail, you'll find wood-fired pizzas, delicious salads, and of course desserts. Share a couple of "apps" on the patio, like their bruschetta or prosciutto and burrata plate, and you've got the perfect night.
Mexican Cantina Republic in Forest Park gives summer patio vibes in the best way. Bold and colorful, this Mexican restaurant services up classic dishes — from tacos to tortas — and some of the best margaritas in the area. Enjoy your meal in their dining room or their beautiful outdoor patio, while people watching on Madison Street.
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Chef-owner Tim Shanahan opened his first restaurant in 1977 in New Orleans. When he brought his Louisiana Creole specialties to Forest Park, locals soon regarded this pub as a welcoming place for a cold beer and tasty, authentic Southern seafood dishes. Voodoo crab and grits, French toast, and po’boys are popular picks for brunch on the patio. Don’t skip the zesty homemade key lime pie!
Located minutes from O’Hare Airport and Rosemont hotels, Underpass Lounge is dedicated to making guests feel welcome, no matter where they hail from. In addition to being a restaurant and lounge for locals, it hosts fundraisers, theme parties, live bands, and a resident DJ on Friday and Saturday nights. Underpass is renowned for its tasty jumbo wings and offers excellent drink specials.
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Chef and owner Emilio Gervilla presents a diverse and flavorful selection of dishes, including hot and cold tapas, designed to enhance the extensive wine list, specialty drink menu, and freshly made sangria. The atmosphere of both the dining room and the patio is both casual and sophisticated, with friendly and knowledgeable staff eager to assist. Emilio’s frequently hosts special dinners, paella Sunday family suppers, wine tastings, and flamenco dance shows.
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In the heart of downtown La Grange, steps from the Metra station, the culinary team at Barrel House Social serves up scratch-made American comfort food dishes, craft beers, cocktails, and whiskeys. This bistro provides a sophisticated and flawless experience. Join them for lunch, brunch, or dinner, game night, happy hour, pub trivia, and kid-friendly events inside or out on the lovely, intimate terrace.
Fourteensixteen offers urban flavors and decor matched with a beautiful rooftop dining space perfect for date night or an evening out with friends. Chef Bret Bohning lets the seasons dictate the menu, drawing inspiration from local markets and choosing farm-fresh and sustainable ingredients daily to create an unforgettable culinary experience.
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Unique and outrageous, Mak’s House boasts the most visually stimulating bar and arguably the best burgers and wings in the area. Have a drink and enjoy the vibes in The Hideout, the secret beer garden decorated by Chicago’s best graffiti artists.
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The first brewery in La Grange, Milk Money Brewing uses simple local ingredients of the highest quality to deliver approachable food and beer executed with undeniable quality and a unique presentation. Milk Money loves music, supporting local talent with live music weekly. It also loves kids, with free classic arcade games inside. Looking to enjoy a beer outside? Their patio is perfect!
On summer nights, locals pack the patio and beer garden to enjoy award-winning burgers, a wide range of appetizers, and 100 beer, seltzer, and cider options. Palmer Place welcomes local musicians on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the summer.
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An incredibly chic restaurant with a gorgeous view of downtown La Grange, The Elm is a neighborhood gem that feels like you’re sitting in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant dining scene. Start the evening with a delicious cocktail or craft beer. The dinner menu rotates with the seasons, focusing on American cuisine created with the freshest ingredients. Planning to host a big group? There’s plenty of room for everyone, from the expansive rooftop to three private event spaces.
A bright, inviting café with outdoor seating in the heart of La Grange Park, Happier Now is owned by a local mother-daughter team. Drawing from her father's Eastern European background, Chef Andrea offers delicious breakfast options, a few rotating sandwich choices for lunch, freshly made salads, a daily soup special, and snacks and small plates that are delightful on their own or as appetizers before dinner. There are also plenty of to-go items perfect for a picnic or a meal at home when you can’t muster the energy to cook.
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Hop District has an impressive selection of craft beers, including their own brews and featured guest brewers. Along with its beer selection, what sets it apart is the spacious and inviting patio, perfect for enjoying a sunny afternoon or a warm evening. Plus, in partnership with its neighbors at Mattone, Hop District offers a small menu of Italian-influenced bites.
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Sit inside at Posto 31, amid the minimalist-meets-rustic decor or on the lovely patio, and enjoy thoughtfully created fare that appeals to the eye as much as to the palate. The pasta is handcrafted daily; while most entrées, such as the chicken limone and rotating risotto special, have an Italian flair, some, including the 21-day flat iron steak served with compound butter and broccolini, are decidedly American heartland.
Beautiful La Barra offers a large dining room, a gorgeous patio, and an upscale, comfortable atmosphere where you can enjoy a relaxed, memorable meal surrounded by the beautiful views of historic downtown Riverside. The menu focuses on fresh ingredients, featuring modern takes on Italian classics and three styles of pizza—deep dish, Chicago thin, and artisan. Live music is offered on Thursdays beginning at 7:00 p.m. throughout the summer.
Behind its unique circular storefront, Estancia cooks fresh, flavorful Mexican specialties. Enjoy a selection of authentic appetizers perfect for sharing, a refreshing fresh-fruit margarita or signature cocktail, and a tasty entry at a streetside table or in the vibrant dining room where artwork pays tribute to the golden age of Mexican cinema. You can expect a lively show with Mexican folk dancing on Friday evenings.
Within a two-level space with vintage decor that is a destination unto itself, The Chew Chew offers seasonal menus that reflect local produce at its freshest. The gracious staff exudes teamwork and professionalism, creating an exceptional dining experience. Streetside tables provide great food, service, and people-watching in the heart of Riverside.
For a quick lunch or lively dinner with friends or family, choose from various bar favorites; loaded burgers, toasted subs, pizza, jumbo wings (with sauces from regular BBQ to ay caramba hot). Chasers offers a great beer selection on tap and in bottles and an extensive classic and custom cocktail menu. There are screens everywhere, so you’ll always find the game, fight, or match you want to see. Feeling lucky? Play to win big on Vegas-style slot machines! Or spend the night relaxing on their spacious patio.
With a full kitchen and menu items ranging from salads and wraps to burgers and ribs, more than 30 weekly rotating beers on tap, over 60 beers in bottles and cans, a complete wine list and cocktail menu, and more than 50 big screens, Shoeless Joe’s is your best bet for all the big games. Grab a drink a relax outside on their patio while you're waiting for the game to start!
An impressive 7,500-square-foot taproom, one of the largest in Chicagoland, plus a full-service kitchen combine to create a memorable experience in Schiller Park. The taproom serves beers, spirits, ciders, seltzers, sodas, and non-alcoholic beers made on-site. Taste your way through various styles and flavors and a menu that includes burgers, loaded mac and cheese, and hickory-smoked “low and slow” brisket. The drinks are cold, food is delicious, and patio is waiting for you.
This hidden gem does a brisk takeout business but also offers a few tables inside and out to enjoy burritos, tamales, flautas, tacos, sopes, and other Mexican favorites. Because tacos just taste better on a patio for some reason. Attentive service and authentic recipes create a delightful dining experience. It's a go-to for locals!
Enjoy the wonderful dining atmosphere, martini bar, and extensive menu showcasing Thailand's vibrant tastes, the rich culinary heritage of Vietnam, and the elegance and sophistication of French cuisine. This popular restaurant’s stunning dishes, crafted with fresh and natural ingredients, are as tempting to the eyes as they are tantalizing to the taste buds. And what's better than enjoying it all on their patio on a warm summer evening?