Summer means patio season, sunny happy hours, and the best season in Chicago! Today I’m sharing the best places to eat and drink in Chicago this summer that you won’t want to miss!I’ve been meaning to write this post for weeks (maybe months?!), but I finally pulled together a few of the best places to eat and drink in Chicago this summer. This is my 6th summer in Chicago (which I still can’t believe!), and while there have been a ton of new restaurants and bars open in the past few years, a few of my favorite original spots are still my go-tos. From rooftops to cute coffee shops, here are the spots I’m planning to go to again and again in the city this summer.

The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Chicago This Summer

Places to Eat:

 It’s hard to narrow down my favorite restaurants to just a few favorites, but here are some of the places I love to go to again and again, especially on a beautiful summer day in Chicago! I did’t want to go into too much detail because I have so many favorites, but click on the website if you need more info on their menus, location, etc!

For a pretty lunch spot:

• The Allis at Soho house: There are so many tasty places to eat at SoHo house, but I love The Allis and Chicken Shop most of all. The ambiance is beautiful, and while Soho house is usually members only – you can go to any of the restaurants on the first floor without being a member. If you’re feeling fancy, try The Allis’ tea service – or stop at Chicken House for a yummy half chicken and sides.
• Coda de Volpe: One of my favorite places in Southport to eat – they have inspired, delicious Italian food (and some of the best Neapolitan pizza in the city!) They have a delicious lunch/brunch that’s more affordable, and a nice fancy dinner menu too – so really, you can’t go wrong! The interior is also gorgeous so it’s the perfect place for a date night in the city.
• Budlong Chicken: A neighborhood favorite, I usually find myself at the Budlong for their famous hot chicken once a month. The sides are also to die for – so make sure to try their mac and cheese and slaw (which I always need to cut down the spice!)
• The Willow Room: Another Lincoln Park favorite, this is the perfect spot for lunch, dinner, brunch and DRINKS! The cocktails are so good, and the ambiance is the icing on the cake.
• Green Street Smokes Meats: When you need a good place for BBQ (which we all need in our lives!), my go-to is Green Street for the ribs, brisket and all the fixings. It’s the cutest spot and the twinkle lights make it feel like summer no matter the season.
• Honey Butter Chicken: The yummiest fried chicken and sides – the restaurant has such a great atmosphere and it’s owned by badass women. Can’t go wrong with that!

For a Perfect Patio:

• Monnie Burke Chicago: A new, beautiful restaurant in Pilsen (one of my favorite neighborhoods to visit for the art and museums), this place has delicious food, drinks and a gorgeous patio for summertime. If you’re in Pilsen, don’t miss it!
• Parson’s Chicken and Fish: THE place for a beautiful back patio – they’re known for their iconic white and red striped umbrellas. The frozen negronis are a must, and I love their fried chicken sandwich…mmmmm…..
• Parlor Pizza: There’s a few places in the city, but I love the original West Loop location – it’s the perfect patio for a rowdy weekend, and the pizza is delicious.
• The Dawson: Another cute spot in the West-ish Loop, the Dawson has a beautiful interior and a perfect patio in the summertime too. They even have Camp Dawson in the summer on Sunday afternoons for cocktail making classes, smores and live entertainment to make your Sunday scaries less intimidating 🙂
• Big Star Chicago: One of the most poppin’ patios in Chicago, but justifiably so for the amazing tacos and seriously strong margaritas (that are way delicious!)
• Irazu: One of my best kept secrets in Bucktown, I love this BYOB Costa Rican restaurant and their pretty patio in the summer. The chicken El Tico and empanadas are incredible, and the shrimp and avocado cocktail is a delicious starter too!

For a nice dinner:

• Bellemore Chicago: One of the most beautiful spots in Chicago for a fancy dinner, even the bar (above!) looks like it’s right out of a movie. The cocktails are delicious and the food is even better  – it’s the perfect place for a celebratory dinner or a fancy date night out.
• Mott Street: Probably my favorite restaurant in Chicago (I know, there’s so many good ones, but this one might take the cake), they make the most unbelievable dishes and I usually eat me weight in sticky rice every time I go. I love the stuffed cabbage, the everything wings (they’re amazing!), mussels, imperial rolls and pretty much everything else on the menu. It’s worth making reservations far in advance, especially for a special occasion.
• Lula Cafe: Another favorite spot (really, I promise I’m not just saying it!) Lula is a beautiful place for an inspired menu that rotates daily. They focus on seasonal produce, farm-to-table dishes and their wine/cocktail menu is incredible too!
• Gemini Bistro: A cute, neighborhood restaurant with the best risotto I’ve ever had – it’s one of my go-to spots for when guests come to town.
• HaiSous: A modern, inspired Vietnamese restaurant in Pilsen, Hai Souis is one of the best new restaurants in the city. The papaya salad, chicken wings, whole fish and curry are unbelievable – definitely worth the trip!
• The Bristol: I discovered The Bristol from my favorite restaurant back home in Madison when they did a pop-up dinner together. Since then, it’s become the place we have birthday dinners, Valentine’s Day, and other milestones that deserve a celebration.
• Bento Box: Two words: Singapore Noodles. This Bucktown BYOB restaurant is delicious and a great place for dinners with friends or date night.

For a yummy Chicago brunch:

• Lost Larson: A brand new bakery in Andersonville opened by the previous pastry chef at Grace (and a lovely, sweet friend of mine too!). The pastries and breads are some of the best in the city – if not the best, and many of the recipes and specialties are inspired by the neighborhoods Swedish heritage. Plus, the interior is absolutely gorgeous – worth spending the morning in for breakfast, or an afternoon for a beautiful place to work.
• Cindy’s Rooftop: A great place for bringing friends to (the view is gorgeous!), and the shared plates for brunch are delicious. Make sure to make reservations if you’re planning to eat to get a coveted spot by the windows.
• Bang Bang Pie and Biscuits: A Chicago staple, Bang Bang is know for delicious pies (the Key Lime is one of my favorites), biscuits, and brunch staples like their tasty grits. They also have a pretty patio in the summer to enjoy the beautiful weather and hang with neighborhood pups.
• Floriole: My go-to neighborhood coffee and brunch spot, I’m so lucky to have this beautiful space right around the corner from my apartment. They have a beautiful upstairs if you’re looking for a place to work and drink some seriously strong coffee and delicious pastries.
• The Robey: When I stay at Tom’s and we’re looking for a nice brunch spot on a Sunday morning, we usually head to the Robey for their famous avocado toast or omelets and then explore the cute neighborhood for coffee and shopping.
• Donut Vault: Hands down my favorite Chicago donut in the city, their cake donuts are sold every morning at their tiny store by the merchandise mart until they run out. And believe me, they’re so good that they usually run out!

Phew! That was a long list of the best places to eat and drink in Chicago this summer , but honestly – they’re all great if you’re looking for a tasty brunch, lunch, dinner or drinks!

Looking for more Chicago recommendations? Check out my favorite coffee shops in the city, and my Chicago summer bucket list!