On a somewhat related note, "dogs in outdoor cafes" has passed out of committee and will be in front of the full city counsel this month.

The new verion of the bill is interesting, in that it makes the business owner the one to make the decision and also imposes certain restrictions, such as that the owner must check the rabies vaccine tag and must have hand sanitizer on the tables.

Alderman Brendan Reilly (42) and Eugene Schulter (48 I believe) pushed this through. It should sail through the counsel.

It will take effect January 1.

griffin's wife wrote:Las Palmas 1835 W North -- ok food, especially with coupon -- we liked the tequila and pineapple-glazed skirt steak over rum-soaked plantains

I wanted to note somewhere that this Las Palmas location is now serving lunch, with entrees topping out at $11 (tampiquena and a molcajete dish), and some sandwiches.

I had the Azteca sandwich, which was skirt steak, grilled panela cheese, roasted tomatoes, and mixed greens in a vinaigrette of some description, served on a jalapeno-studded bolillo. $8, and every bit as good (probably a bit better, actually) than the very similar "Sonora" at Bombon Cafe.

They've got a very nice heated patio, but I don't know if it's open for lunch.

The dinner menu and its prices give me no reason to try them for dinner, but this was a great $8 sandwich, and I'll be having it again.

Spotted last week at the Chinatown Mall: outdoor dining. The place was very crowded and looked promising from the street, but then I realized it was Joy Yee's. Its Evanston location is wildly popular with the Northwestern crowd, but I just don't get it. Maybe it's all about the bubble teas?

Mhays wrote:Gateway used to have an outdoor space - anybody know if Amphora or African Harambee has one?

Amphora still uses the outdoor space on the north side of the building.

Amphora
7547 N. Clark
773-262-5767

Just in time for winding down the season and with this thread in mind, I took a short walk, 4 blks either way from my home just off Division. There's quite a bit of out door action on Division these day starting from just west of Ashland it becomes fertile ground. The options are as follows:

Mas - 1670 W Division

Pizza Metra - 1707 W Division

Alliance Bakery - 1736 W Division

Mac's - 1801 W Division

Bob San - 1805 W Division

Moonshine - 1824 W Division

Milk and Honey - 1920 W Division

Via Carducci La Sorela - 1928 W Division

Jerry's Sandwiches - 1938 W Division

Vintage - 1942 W Division

Adobe Grill - 2005 W Division

Aki Sushi - 2015 W Division

Picante - 2016 W Division

Crust - 2056 W Division

Letizia's - 2144 W Division

Since in spring, Where are some of the best outdoor places to eat?

JRGrace wrote:Since in spring, Where are some of the best outdoor places to eat?

I love the enotecca roma patio.

The list is endless (not really) but I'm sure Time Out Chicago and Metromix will be rolling out their "outdoor dining" lists soon.

I like Resi's for beer and sausage, Crust has a nice outdoor patio in back, and A Tavola is small but really nice.

JRGrace wrote:Since in spring, Where are some of the best outdoor places to eat?

existing thread on this topic

Resi's Bierstube and Fonda Del Mar.

one of my favorites for an after dinner drink is the Veranda @ Pegasus in Greektown. nice view of the city skyline.

www.pegasuschicago.com

I love the little outdoor space at Maiz (and the food, for that matter)

1041 N California Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 276-3149

I believe Sam's/South Loop will be opening a rooftop deck once warmer weather arrives.I don't yet know whether it will be confined to private parties or generally open to the public, but I'm keeping my eyes on it for possible summer wine/cheese tastings.

Yes, Sam's SL will have a roof deck according to the staff, which will be open to the public. Not sure what they're doing yet, maybe a grill or something of that sort, or cheese & crackers like their wine bar on the main floor...we'll see.

Also, great patio at Bon Soiree, and since their indoor space is so tiny I prefer to only dine there when it's nice outside. Brunch, dinner...it's all good. And A Tavola does have a very nice patio, which Brad told me they are overhauling: a bit bigger and with a working garden which customers can walk through/around. Sounds great, and I can't wait to have that sage-brown butter gnocchi outside again!

The W Division strip is so crowded with sidewalk seating that you literally have to weave your way down the street from Ashland to Western. Not that I'm complaining since I live 4 blocks away.

Bon Soiree
2728 W Armitage Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 486-7511

A Tavola
2148 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 276-7567

I also agree that the Art Institute Garden restaurant is great, with the reflecting pool and overhanging trees. And let's not forget the outdooriest of them all, Oak Street Beachstro!

There's a nice patio at:

Volo Restaurant Wine Bar
2008 W. Roscoe
Chicago
(773) 348-4600.

Yes, Volo has a great patio, with tables under the open sky and these funky little cabana tables, C-shaped booth tables under a cover. Great in the evening when they put out tiki torches...at least that is my memory from last summer.

I hesitate to divulge this little secret of a gorgeous outdoor space downtown - for fear that this summer it'll be less easy than last for me to get prime seating anytime I want, even on the most beautiful days of the year. But, I like you LTHers, so...

The Terrace at the Conrad Hotelis, imo, a stunning space with amazing views, extremely comfortable seating (think chaise lounges, cushy outdoor couches, tables with large comfy chairs, etc.), and a nice, casual vibe. Yes, the place is expensive - as one would expect from an upscale downtown - but for a drink or two and maybe an appetizer, it's well worth it.


Conrad Hotel
521 North Rush Street
312-645-1500

I just spoke with Brad, the manager of a Tavola. Their patio will be open in about a week, and doubled in size from last year!

a Tavola
2148 W Chicago

Sat at Chaise Lounge Patio last night. It was beautiful with the open garage doors.

1840 W. North

It was beautiful with the open garage doors.

Potential taglines by the handful today.

Volo does have a wonderful patio.

I also heard that Laschet's is building a back patio..... not sure if it's complete.

Laschet's Inn
2119 W. Irving Park Rd.
Chicago, IL 60618 773-478-7915

How bout some in the burbs?!?!?!

Arlington Heights

Harry's
1 N Vail Ave
Arlington Hts, IL 60005
(847) 577-2525

Peggy Kinnane's Irish Restaurant & Pub
8 N Vail Ave
Arlington Hts, IL 60005
(847) 577-7733


Palatine
Durty Nellies
180 N Smith St
Palatine, IL 60067
(847) 358-9150

Emmits
110 North Brockway Street
Palatine, IL 60067

davecamaro1994 wrote:How bout some in the burbs?!?!?!

I had a delightful dinner last year al fresco on the patio at Va Pensiero, Evanston's best (and classiest) Italian restaurant.

I had lunch yesterday at Lula Cafe, and we were lucky enough to snag an outdoor table while the sun was shining. Friday...sunshine...patio dining...turkey sammich...a few bottles of Gran Sarao cava...very nice!


Lula's turkey breast sammich, with avocado, chile aioli, bacon and sharp cheddar

the cole slaw had some chile flake spiciness, all of which was great with the cava as well.

Lula Cafe
2537 N Kedzie (on Logan Square)
773-489-9554
www.lulacafe.com

Can anybody recommend a Mexican place with a nice patio for this nice weather?
Thanks!

curry71 wrote:Can anybody recommend a Mexican place with a nice patio for this nice weather?
Thanks!

Fonda del Mar

Yeah I found the posts on that place. I think we'll try there.
Gracias!

I'd have to agree. Fonda del Mar has a very pleasant outdoor eating area. I've also enjoyed the food and service every time I've been there.

There's a place on Roscoe called Que Rico! which has a wonderful patio on the second floor, which makes it unique IMHO. They've also got a location on Southport.
Can anyone vouch for the food?

And while you're at it, does anyone have any recommendations for good stalls @ the Northcenter Ribfest this weekend?

We went to Fonda del Mar last night. And of course it rained. So we didn't get to enjoy the patio but the food was good.
I ordered the MOJARRA AL MOJO DE AJO--Garlic marinated-pan fried whole Tilapia in a sweet, toasty and chunky
garlic sauce with avocado, black beans, tomato, green onion and cilantro.
It was pretty good but the bones were too numerous to really savor the fish.
My wife ordered the Chile Relleno, which was really good. (I should note that I've been on a quest for good Chile Relleno ever since I had an incredible version in Santa Fe. I can never really find it in Chicago with the right combo of crispy/cheesy/saucy).
I also ordered the house margarita. It was pretty watered down so I sent it back and ordered a glass of Herradura Añejo. It came in a champaign glass and had all the flavor I've come to expect. Yum!
I did go in back and look at the patio through the drizzle. I liked the bright colors and the courtyard feel. We'll be back to try again for alfresco.

Thanks for the suggestion!