It’s time to raise a glass because Chicago’s bars and breweries are reopening for outdoor seating. That means you can soak up the summer sun at your favorite rooftop bar, beer garden, or patio — with a cold drink in hand, of course.
Keep in mind there are a few restrictions. Chicago bars and breweries may open their outdoor patios, rooftops, rooms with retractable roofs, and indoor spaces where 50 percent or more of a wall can be removed. Customers will be limited to two-hour stays and must wear masks when they aren’t seated.
Check out some of the open bars and breweries in Chicago offering outdoor seating.
Bars with patios, rooftops, and beer gardens
The Violet Hour: The acclaimed cocktail bar in Wicker Park is moving outdoors. Their new New Orleans-style patio will be serving up some of the best mixology in town.
Chicago’s First Lady Floating Rooftop: There’s a new place to drink on the Chicago Riverwalk. Step aboard this floating rooftop bar atop the anchored Chicago’s First Lady to enjoy cocktails and waterfront views. The bar is open from Friday to Sunday, admission is first come first served.
Cerise: This rooftop bar atop the Virgin Hotel offers creative cocktails and panoramic views of the city.
Sidetrack: This massive Northalsted (also known as Boystown) bar is open for business, including their popular events like Musical Mondays and Drag Race viewing parties.
Offshore Rooftop & Bar: The largest rooftop bar in the country is a perfect place to social distance. Enjoy cocktails with sweeping views of Lake Michigan.
Whiskey Business: The Wicker Park bar is debuting a completely new floor plan inside and on their spacious rooftop, complete with social distancing life guards.
Island Party Hut: This riverfront bar offers major tiki vibes, from the drinks to the decor to the party games. Make a reservation today.
Reggie’s: This laidback rooftop in the South Loop is open for business. No reservations — all tables are first come, first served.
The Village Tap: In Roscoe Village, this neighborhood tavern is ready to welcome back regulars and newcomers alike. Tables may be subject to a timeline when busy.
Three Dots and a Dash: Get your tiki fix at Three Dots and a Dash, which is now serving their iconic drinks outside. Table reservations are limited to 90 minutes.
Big Chicks: The legendary Big Chicks has opened up their front and back patio, serving the full bar menu after 5 p.m.
Upstairs at The Gwen: Enjoy craft cocktails and scenic views at this refined rooftop bar.
Breweries with outdoor seating
Eris Brewery and Cider House: Sip house made cider on the patio at Eris Brewery and Cider House in Irving Park. Book your 90-minute time slot online.
Horse Thief Hollow: In Beverly, Horse Thief Hollow is serving their award-winning beers and Southern-inspired fare made from scratch on their spacious patio.
District Brew Yards: Taste beers from several local breweries on the sprawling District Brew Yards patio in West Town, surrounded by colorful murals. You can even order Lillie’s Q from their in-house kitchen.
Open Outcry: This funky spot in the Beverly neighborhood has opened up their rooftop beer garden, where you can enjoy fresh pints and Neapolitan pizza. Call for reservations.
Cruz Blanca: In the West Loop, the Cruz Blanca patio will be open all day. Tables are available on a first come, first serve basis. They’ll continue serving tacos and house made beer for pickup and delivery.
Alulu Brewery and Pub: This focus is on craft beer at Alulu Brewery and Pub in Pilsen. Their small-batch brews are all made in-house and pair perfectly with the chef-driven menu.
Metropolitan Brewing: Enjoy your beer with a view at Metropolitan Brewing. Their large riverfront patio is the perfect place to enjoy their German-style lagers.
DryHop Brewers: DryHop Brewers has expanded their outdoor seating into the street as part of the Dine Out on Broadway program. They’re serving their hop-centric ales and a special menu of DryHop and Roebuck dishes.
Maplewood Brewery & Distillery: In Logan Square, Maplewood is serving finely crafted beer and spirit on their patio. Reservations now open.
Pilot Project Brewing: This brand new brewery incubator in Logan Square has opened their patio for first come, first served seating. Try experimental brews and interesting collaborations.
Corridor Brewery & Provisions: In Lakeview, Corridor Brewery & Provisions is open for patio seating along the bustling Southport Corridor. Enjoy beers brewed in-house. Tables are first come first served.
Greenstar Brewing: The first certified organic brewery in Illinois, Greenstar Brewing shares a space with Uncommon Ground restaurant in Lakeview (with a sidewalk cafe) and Edgewater (with a large beer garden).
5 Rabbit Cerveceria: This unique brewery offers limited outdoor seating on weekends. Pair their Latin-inspired brews with tacos from the visiting food truck. All seating is first come, first served.
Twisted Hippo: An ultra-funky brewery in Albany Park, Twisted Hippo is offering limited outdoor seating. All tables are first come, first served and there’s a one-hour limit.
Burning Bush Brewery: Enjoy some beers and sunshine on the patio of this microbrewery in the North Center neighborhood.
Midwest Coast Brewery: New to the West Town brewing corridor, Midwest Coast has opened up a parking lot beer garden. Kids and dogs are welcome.
Haymarket Brewery: This West Loop brewery has opened their Randolph Street patio with an extensive menu of food and brews.
All Rise Brewing: This west side brewery, part of the Cobra Lounge, is debuting their revamped food menu on their newly opened patio.
