Take Advantage of Chicago Patio Season While You Still Can
One of the highlights of summer in Chicago is getting off work at five when it's still bright outside and meeting your friends for happy hour on a gorgeous patio. It’s as if someone is saying, “Congratulations, your reward for spending the day indoors under fluorescent lighting is $6 spritzes and dollar oysters!” It almost makes up for it.
To make sure you can take advantage of patio season before the temperature drops, gather some friends and visit these spots that are most definitely worth your while. Because we all know trekking to a happy hour when it's below freezing and the ground is covered in slush is not as appealing as the latter.
Volo Wine Bar
Located in the charming Roscoe Village, this spot was voted the #1 Hidden City Patio by Chicago Magazine. It’s one of those places that’s popular for a reason. The garden cabana patio is genuinely hidden and makes it easy to forget you're still in the city. Enjoy $6 select wines, $7 spritzes, and $1 oysters. That combination alone should be enough to keep you out a little longer instead of heading home.
Beatnik on the River
If you’re a fan of Mediterranean food, $10 classic cocktails, $9 wines, and shareable plates like za'atar fries and mezze boards, this is your next stop. Lucky for you, there are two locations, so pick whichever is closer for an easy commute: the Loop location has a flower-lined terrace, while West Town offers a sunny botanical garden patio instead. Either way, the shareable plates make it the perfect spot for a group ready to indulge after a long week.
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba
This Lincoln Park tapas bar has been around since 1985, and its daily happy hour still delivers. Decide between $23 sangria pitchers, $4 Estrella Damm, $1.50 pintxos, and tapas from $3-5. If you want actual outdoor seating (not just proximity to it), head to the sister location, Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba, in River North instead.
Paradise Park
For something more casual, Paradise Park in Wicker Park is another great choice. This is an unapologetically kitschy trailer-park themed restaurant that’s perfect for large groups. Happy hour brings $5 select beers, $7 glass of the day, $9 spritzes, $10 Grey Goose espresso martinis, plus sliders and charcuterie if you're planning to make a night of it.
If you’re a Chicago native, you already know it’s going to be a long winter, so make it a point to stop by one (or all) of these spots. The fresh air and sunshine will only last so long before the heaters come out and the sun starts setting at five.
