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Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in River West

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76 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Piccolo Sogno restaurant
1. Piccolo Sogno
4.7
Exceptional(7109)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River West
Booked 81 times today
Our name, which means “little dream” in Italian, was chosen by partners Tony Priolo and Ciro Longobardo because it had always been their dream to open a restaurant of their own. “The restaurant fits our personal goal to get to the heart of Italian wine and food,” says executive chef Priolo. “You go to Italy for simple food prepared by hand with local ingredients. We wanted to bring that experience to Chicago.”Piccolo Sogno features a menu of seasonally fresh rustic Italian cuisine. The impressive all-Italian wine list boasts over 400 selections to pair with your meal.When the weather allows, enjoy al fresco dining in the hidden garden patio-regularly recognized as one of the best in the city.Starting December 1, Monday-Thursday we'll open at 5 pm rather than 4 pm. You are welcome to bring a cake to celebrate. If you do, we will charge a $3 fee per person cake-cutting fee. Beginning January 1, all credit card transactions will be charged a 3% fee.
A photo of The Dawson restaurant
2. The Dawson
4.5
Awesome(2794)
Price: Expensive
• American • River West
Booked 25 times today
The Fulton River District is home to The Dawson, an expansive indoor/outdoor, multi-level space providing a multitude of dining experiences. The Dawson includes one of Chicago’s best patios conveniently found in the middle of the city.
A photo of Recess restaurant
3. Recess
4.2
Awesome(1475)
Price: Expensive
• American • West Loop
Booked 17 times today
Located in Chicago’s West Loop, Recess (838 W. Kinzie St.) offers a vibrant, playful, escape to the daily grind. Home of Chicago’s largest patio, Recess encourages guests to adult…like a kid, while serving up delicious American food and drink. The Recess menu taps into the cravings of everyday life, offering casually elevated dishes with playful Chicago swagger, while our beverage program takes a bright, ingredient-driven approach with cocktails both classic and original. In addition to the energetic adult playground vibes and menu offerings, Recess also offers a nostalgic array of indoor and outdoor activities including giant Jenga and Connect 4, all of your favorite board games.Recess is a 21+ establishment.
A photo of Pizzeria Portofino restaurant
4. Pizzeria Portofino
4.8
Exceptional(2043)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 256 times today
Pizzeria Portofino is a sun-drenched casual restaurant located directly on the Chicago riverfront offering hand-stretched pizzas, coastal wines, an expansive patio and breezy decor that will instantly transport you to the Italian Riviera.
A photo of Cindy's Rooftop restaurant
5. Cindy's Rooftop
4.4
Awesome(130)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown / Loop
Booked 115 times today
Perched atop the 13th floor of the Chicago Athletic Association hotel under a glass atrium, Cindy's welcomes guests with sweeping views of Millennium Park, the ever-changing blues of Lake Michigan, and beyond. Providing a remarkable backdrop for Top Chef contestant Executive Chef Kaleena Bliss and her inspired menu featuring local wild and seasonal produce and fresh seafood. With vibrant service, an all-season terrace, and an extensive beverage menu that intertwines naturally with the dishes, every detail of your experience is thoughtfully crafted to make a lasting memory. For private events: please reach out to cindysevents@caa.bokagrp.com.
A photo of Cabra - Chicago restaurant
6. Cabra - Chicago
4.7
Exceptional(3232)
Price: Expensive
• Peruvian • West Loop
Perched atop the Hoxton Hotel in the heart of Chicago’s Fulton Market, Cabra Chicago is a lively rooftop escape, inspired by the bold and vibrant flavors of Peruvian cuisine. Led by James Beard Award and Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard (Girl & the Goat) alongside longtime partners Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm of Boka Restaurant Group, Cabra serves up crave-worthy dishes in a colorful and energetic setting. The restaurant’s airy, plant-filled ambiance, paired with its open kitchen and sweeping city views, creates a dynamic dining experience. Guests can savor a variety of shareable plates, from ceviches to savory meats, all bursting with the rich, fresh flavors of Peru.
A photo of River Roast restaurant
7. River Roast
4.4
Awesome(3442)
Price: Expensive
• American • River North (Chicago)
Booked 141 times today
Situated on the iconic Chicago River with stunning views of downtown, River Roast is a lively social house and gathering place. The menu features contemporary American tavern fare with dramatic presentations of whole roasted chicken, whole roasted fish and slow roasted beef; all carved table-side. The food is handcrafted, yet rustic, with many plates designed for sharing. The bar offers a large selection of local beer, craft cocktails, beer, and wine. With one of the best patios in Chicago, River Roast is a great place to enjoy dining outside on a hot summer afternoon or a crisp fall evening. River Roast Private Events offers six spaces, all with spectacular views, for parties from 10 to 1,000. Saturday and Sunday features our Brunch menu from 11:00AM-3PM. We are open Mon-Fri for lunch and daily for dinner.
A photo of The Publican restaurant
8. The Publican
4.6
Exceptional(5959)
Price: Expensive
• American • West Loop
Booked 76 times today
An homage to oysters, pork and beer, The Publican's eclectic menu is inspired by simple farmhouse fare in a space evocative of a European beer hall. Chef-Partner Paul Kahan has developed a network of purveyors to supply the restaurant with hand-selected and sustainably-raised fish, seafood and pork.Patio seating is first come, first served. Walk-ins are always welcome!
A photo of Chicago Cut Steakhouse restaurant
9. Chicago Cut Steakhouse
4.7
Exceptional(10177)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 82 times today
Chicago Cut Steakhouse is one of Chicago’s most iconic dining experiences in a city that boasts dozens of options for steak-centric dining. Our downtown Chicago steakhouse offers guests a selection of signature, USDA-certified prime beef that is hand-cut and dry-aged on site. Our curated menu also features fish, shellfish, chops and a selection of unique side dishes and appetizers. In addition to delicious martinis and specialty cocktails, Chicago Cut offers a wine list with more than 600 bottles that has been highlighted Wine Spectator, the world’s leading authority on wine. Our dining area features a lively bar scene, vibrant red velvet banquettes and spacious dining tables, private dining options and beautiful, sweeping views of the Chicago River. In the warm months, we also open our sprawling outdoor dining patio, which makes Chicago Cut an excellent spot for an outdoor brunch, lunch or dinner reservation along the river.
A photo of Tavern on Rush restaurant
10. Tavern on Rush
4.6
Exceptional(3736)
Price: Expensive
• Steak • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 78 times today
Tavern On Rush is the premier dining destination for steaks & seafood in Chicago. The upscale, contemporary steakhouse features multi-level seating, private dining, a bustling bar, and Chicago's favorite outdoor patio.

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