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Chicago’s Hottest Outdoor Spots for Patio Season

As the weather starts to warm up, it’s time to start thinking about patio season in Chicago!

From open-air patios to decks overlooking the Chicago River, Four Corners concepts across Chicago are excited to host the hottest patio experiences all spring and summer long. Four Corners has some of the best patios across Chicago, with beautiful views of the city skyline and riverfront to enjoy fun in the sun.

Whether coming solo or with a large group, Four Corners is looking forward to sharing various outdoor spaces with guests all summer long. Across Four Corners restaurants there is also a range of menu items that will impress taste buds and satisfy every foodie’s craving.

Porter Kitchen & Deck

The ideal spot with an expansive patio overlooking the river and a rooftop-esque deck that offers breathtaking views of the city.

Porter offers a unique destination conveniently located along the Chicago River between Lake and Randolph, has reopened for lunch and dinner, with riverside patio dining.

Patio Season is BACK, and We Know Chicago’s Hottest Outdoor Spots

Porter’s menu features a vibrant selection of signature dishes and two standout outdoor areas. Highlights include:

  • Filet Sliders (arugula, bacon jam, truffle aioli, brioche bun, truffle fries)
  • Brussels Sprouts Salad (shaved brussels, bason, pickled fresno and red onion, grapefruit supreme, blue cheese, shaved almonds, bacon vinaigrette)
  • Fish Tacos (blackened mahi, grilled pineapple pico de gallo, Napa cabbage, jalapeno-lime crema, flour tortilla)

80 Proof

Whether it’s brunch, happy hour, or dinner, dine at 80 Proof al fresco style on their sidewalk patio surrounded by greenery. Their patio is dog-friendly too!

Their beautiful outdoor space is perfect for your small or large party to enjoy a beverage or bite outside with friends.

Patio Season is BACK, and We Know Chicago’s Hottest Outdoor Spots

80 Proof features an approachable menu of bar bites, including vegan options and 4C classics. These include:

  • Vegan Chicken Nuggets (plant based nuggets, bbq, buffalo, vegan ranch, honey mustard)
  • Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich (buttermilk brined chicken breast, dill pickle, slaw, spicy aioli, brioche bun, fries)
  • Double Chocolate Brownie (Vegan gluten free brownie, vanilla bean ice cream, bourbon chocolate sauce).

Ranalli’s Lincoln Park 

Longstanding favorite neighborhood bar, Ranalli’s offers guests delicious pizzas, iconic apps, and great drinks in a comfortable and communal setting.

The space is lively, featuring a large, dog-friendly outdoor sidewalk café, a great spot for family and friends to gather.  

Patio Season is BACK, and We Know Chicago’s Hottest Outdoor Spots

Menu highlights include:

  • Crispy cheese curds (marinara or ranch sauce)
  • Chicken Parmesan (breaded or grilled chicken breast, mozzarella, marinara, toasted garlic bread)
  • Spicy Pizza (soppressata, habanero chicken, jalapeno, garlic, spicy hungarian peppers, mozzarella)

Brickhouse

Located next to the historic Wrigley Field at Gallagher Way, Budweiser Brickhouse Tavern offers an elevated dining experience with two outdoor terraces and stunning views of the field and the Chicago skyline.

Patio Season is BACK, and We Know Chicago’s Hottest Outdoor Spots

Brickhouse is the perfect spot to watch a game and cheer your team outside in the sunshine.

Menu highlights include:

  • Homerun Nachos (tangy bbq chicken, pico de gallo, cheddar sauce, sour cream, jalapenos)
  • Sausage Pizza (mozzarella cheese, red sauce, sausage)
  • Chicago Polish Dog (all beef sausage, mighty vine tomato, pickle, classic mustard, sweet relish, sport peppers, poppy seed brioche bun)

Benchmark 

With Chicago’s first convertible beer garden, Benchmark features a fully retractable roof for guests to enjoy sitting outside while indulging in appetizers, wraps, pizza, and more.

Patio Season is BACK, and We Know Chicago’s Hottest Outdoor Spots

Menu highlights include:

  • Hot Honey Sopressata Pizza (Marinara, mozzarella, hot honey, roasted tomatoes, ricotta cheese)
  • 4C Smashburger (two angus beef patties, American cheese, lettuce, pickle, red onion, dijonnaise, brioche bun)
  • Thai Chili Green Beans (crispy battered green beans, sweet chili-sesame glaze, cilantro, scallions, fresno peppers, toasted sesame, peanuts)

Gaslight 

Gaslight is a lively neighborhood bar in Lincoln Park that features three full bars, a delicious menu, and a spacious patio that is open seven days a week for brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Patio Season is BACK, and We Know Chicago’s Hottest Outdoor Spots

Their outdoor space is perfect for your patio outing all spring and summer long.

Menu highlights include:

  • Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Skillet (crispy chicken tossed in buffalo, queso, and cheddar sauce)
  • Smoked Turkey Sandwich (smoked turkey, bacon, fresh mozzarella, pesto mayo, avocado, arugula, tomato, onion, focaccia roll)
  • The Margie Pizza (olive oil provolone-mozzarella blend, fresh mozzarella, roasted tomato, torn basil)

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