Mentioned by OpenTable Blog
15 Can’t-Miss Spots for Summer Outdoor Dining in Chicago
"Nothing sounds better right now than sitting in a quaint French bistro together, preferably in France. But there’s a lot about the above statement that’s not happening anytime soon. At least you can still create the illusion by ordering food and wine from Le Bouchon - a charming French spot in Wicker Park."
"Take it as a good sign that there’s usually a line at this small neighborhood bistro. It’s because guests know the wait is worth it. Beef bourguignon dumplings, Alsace onion tart, cheesy onion soup, and a whole roasted duck for two are just a few of the highlights."
"If you're going to create a space reminiscent of a particular time, place and spirit, 1920's Paris would be it. Margeaux Brasserie is Chef Michael Mina's "moveable feast" to double metaphor Hemingway's ode to the city of the 20's. The restaurant's traditional brasserie fare is enlivened by Midwestern ingredients and bonhomie."
"Celebrity chef Michael Mina made his Chicago debut over the summer inside the Waldorf Astoria. His sultry brasserie combines 1920s glam with traditional fare for lavish dining experience. Nibble on duck wings à l'orange and escargots à la bordelaise or indulge in a pristine shellfish tower."
"If you want a view that blows all others out of the water, head to Cite, where you can dine on upscale French cuisines while taking in the whole of the city’s skyline from its wrap-around windows. This is one of the best restaurants to visit in Downtown Chicago since you can see the buildings and architecture from every angle up here, including Lake Michigan docks, Navy Pier, and even out into the suburbs if you look hard enough."
"By law, no building in Chicago can be built on the lake side of Lake Shore Drive. However, one developer found a loophole and built Lake Point Tower, one of the tallest residential buildings in the world. Up at the top, on the 70th floor, Cite’ serves up excellent French-inspired American haute cuisine."
"Dine among the Stars at Cité | Join us in our Sky Lounge |HAPPY HOUR 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM MONDAY - SUNDAY!"
"Translated as "My Friend Gabi," this Lincoln Park bistro and steakhouse is a delightful find for expertly prepared French cuisine. Expect traditional dishes such as steak frites, Roasted chicken grand-mere onion soup au gratin and escargots with garlic-herb butter, plus plenty of fresh seafood and seasonal Plats Du Jour. The French know their way around a dessert menu and Mon Ami Gabi does not disappoint with classic profiteroles with housemade fudge, creme brulee and chocolate mousse."
"There's no question that there is just something inherently romantic about France. That is why Mon Ami Gabi shines as one of the best romantic restaurants in Chicago, offering depe..."
"Restaurants Contemporary American Lincoln Square. Chicago has a few far-flung places where chefs have carved out personal enclaves for high-level fine dining. But perhaps none were born with the maturity and finesse of this 34-seat, off-the-beaten-path BYOB from husband and wife Chris and Nina Nugent."
"Goosefoot puts the pairings for its French-inspired tasting menus in your hands with its BYOB option, but you can visit Goosefoot Food & Wine nextdoor for excellent wine opions. The dining room is open and accepting reservations."
"The Loop isn’t quite rife with French cuisine so this casual steakhouse, attached to the Hyatt Centric and run by WellDone Hospitality Group, has been a welcome addition to the area since opening two years ago. Whether guests stop in during lunch for a beef dip sandwich or treat themselves to a nice hunk of dry-aged beef at dinner, there are plenty of delicious choices that’ll evoke visions of Paris."
"Kick off the last day of your Chicago itinerary with brunch at Cochan Volant, a French bistro in the Loop that is basically a brunch-lovers paradise."
"Among the 26 different gardens here are the three-island Malott Japanese Garden, the 5-acre Evening Island, and the Grunsfeld Children's…"
"The newest restaurant from 4 Star Restaurant Group and Finch Beer Co., The Perch hits Wicker Park with a new outdoor patio and sculpture garden. While the inside will be closed for the meantime, that’s no problem since we’d rather enjoy the great outdoors while sipping on those Finch beers. Delivery and carryout details are unclear at this time, but we imagine we’ll hear more soon!"
"Just discovered it about two months ago and have already been three times!. Every server I've had has…”more. Offers takeout and delivery"
"Fans of Iliana Regan’s cooking will know they’re in the right place upon entering this cozy corner spot, which is brimming with some of the chef’s signature animal-inspired quirks including chopsticks that rest on a porcelain rabbit and red fox pitchers to hold broth and guard the kitchen pass. Kick things off with one of the team’s house made sodas (make it the Galangal ginger beer) before delving into texture-driven starters like green garlic chawanmushi and steamed scallop gyoza with charred turnips. A donabe hot pot is packed with mackerel and serves as the perfect accompaniment to an umami-rich bowl of ramp ramen noodles."
"Kitsune Restaurant and Pub is unpretentious by design, focusing in on Japanese flavors with touches of Midwestern. Pulling local ingredients, the restaurant aspires to not be a “fusion” of some sort but to just, well… be. Located within a quaint and modern haunt, Kitsune features Sake cocktails, Omakase dining, and a rotating menu of delicious eats that change along with the season."
"Nestled in the South Loop is hidden tropical gem Asian Outpost Hawaiian Hideout. This delicious cuisine ranges from East Asia to Southeast Asia and Polynesia. Try some classic favorites like the Asian Feast or a Hawaiian-inspired Poké Bowls while enjoying a hula show."