Chicago Al Fresco

[ronnie_suburban]

I had a very pleasant experience at the new, outdoor-seating area at Kiki's Bistro last week. The seating was quite comfy and the Duck Terrine and Lamb Sausage were both delicious.

Kiki's Bistro

900 N. Franklin

Chicago, IL 60610

312 335-5454

Also, I wanted to mention that The Reader's 2006 Guide to Al Fresco dining appears in their June 2nd edition.

=R=

[jenn37]

for al fresco, del Toro www.deltorocafe.com has a nice sidewalk patio; boka in lincoln park has a pretty patio out back and limited seating in front; North Pond has al fresco, but not oudoor seating - but you can't beat the location. Las Palmas in Bucktown has a pation in back. Mia Francesca on Clark is a good option as well.

[Jean Blanchard]

For the suburbanites, Adelle's in Wheaton has a lovely garden area and good food...not all that easy to find out our way. Glad to know about Kiki's since I was looking for a place this coming Sunday!

[yellow truffle]

Glad to know about Kiki's since I was looking for a place this coming Sunday!

Kiki's is closed on Sunday.

[Elrushbo]

Any good al fresco dining near the Cass Hotel?

[smorris291]

Any good al fresco dining near the Cass Hotel?

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There's quite a bit in this area. Quartino is right around the corner at State & Ontario, as is Osteria Via Stato (I prefer Quartino). And if you're lucky/early, you might get into Frontera Grill on Clark between Hubbard and Illinois.

[jesteinf]

I'm thrilled to hear that Quartino has an outdoor section. Does anyone have an idea of how many they are seating outside?

[smorris291]

This is just a guess, but I think the outdoor area seats around 40 people. It's a decent size due to the fairly wide sidewalk area there...

[ulterior epicure]

I know it's not the most picturesque, but given the cramped and often LOUD interior, I have had very lovely dining experiences sitting outside at blackbird - not to say that I haven't inside, it's just that the other factors are, well, aggravating sometimes.

Edited June 7, 2006 by ulterior epicure (log)

[saltylj]

I was curious if anyone could suggest good Chicago summer places. Preferably those with outside eating and downtown, wicker park, or nearby. Not really looking for something expensive, but just something for really nice weather, good food (although the food, I know sacrilege, doesn't have to be fantastic) and a place to hang out. This is actually more for my brother, he's in late twenties, so that may give you an idea of what he is looking for. I really wasn't sure, so was hoping to see if you guys could help me out.

Thanks for reading,

saltz

[moosnsqrl]

Summer usually finds us at Mambo Grill or Frontera in River North. Small-ish patios but great refreshing mojitos/margaritas in a festive atmosphere.

[Alex]

Metromix's outdoor dining guide. Edited June 20, 2006 by Alex (log)

[LAZ]

I'm not enamored of sidewalk cafes on busy streets where you get bus fumes with your dinner and bums sidling up to beg for spare change. I have a very narrow comfort range when it comes to temperature, 68-72 degrees, and I dislike high humidity, so I mostly think there are about six weeks of weather -- three in the spring and three in the fall -- when it's pleasant to dine outdoors in Chicago.

Here a few of my favorite private garden spaces for those all-too-brief days for al fresco dining. Alas, another favorite, Lutz's, is apparently closed for remodeling (though the bakery is still open).

Timo

312/226-4300

464 N. Halsted St., Chicago

Newly Italian-slanted version of Thyme with the same lovely enclosed garden. Now the wood-grilled rotisserie Amish chicken comes with porcini sauce.

Carmichael's Chicago Steak House

312/433-0025

www.carmichaelsteakhouse.com

1052 W. Monroe St., Chicago

Casual steakhouse has a great outdoor courtyard and a menu of Choice-grade Certified Angus steaks. Also potent martinis and excellent shrimp de Jonghe.

Cerise

312/645-1500

www.levyrestaurants.com

Le Méridien Chicago

520 N. Michigan Ave. (entrance on Rush), Chicago

Undersung French spot with a walled veranda hidden away on the fifth floor of a Mag Mile hotel.

Don Roth's Blackhawk

847/537-5800

www.donroths.com

61 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling

Spinning salad, steaks, prime rib, Boston scrod and creamed spinach on a rear patio where a metal fire pit, taken from the original Blackhawk in Chicago, hangs suspended from wood beams.

[ronnie_suburban]

I'm not enamored of sidewalk cafes on busy streets where you get bus fumes with your dinner and bums sidling up to beg for spare change. I have a very narrow comfort range when it comes to temperature, 68-72 degrees, and I dislike high humidity, so I mostly think there are about six weeks of weather -- three in the spring and three in the fall -- when it's pleasant to dine outdoors in Chicago. . .

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LAZ, you crack me up. Finally, someone who feels about the same as I do regarding outdoor dining!

Thanks for the additional tips, too.

=R=

[Alex]

Cerise

312/645-1500

www.levyrestaurants.com

Le Méridien Chicago

520 N. Michigan Ave. (entrance on Rush), Chicago

Undersung French spot with a walled veranda hidden away on the fifth floor of a Mag Mile hotel.

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Le Méridien was sold to the Hilton organization. Cerise is now "The Restaurant at Conrad," although a name change supposedly is in the works.

[LAZ]

Le Méridien was sold to the Hilton organization. Cerise is now "The Restaurant at Conrad," although a name change supposedly is in the works.

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They've been pretty quiet about that! Well, I expect it's still nice on the veranda, whatever it's called.