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Local picks in Illinois

Outdoor spots for onion soup

There is no reason you should have to choose between a bowl of onion soup and the chance to sit outside.

Based on 751 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Tre Kronor image 1
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Swedish restaurant

Scandinavian-style restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with a charming garden patio for outdoor seating. The space feels warm and inviting, blending casual design with a classic European vibe. It attracts those seeking a relaxed meal with authentic Nordic touches.

An expansive, fenced-in garden with intimate seating areas behind trees and statuary creates a quiet outdoor space. The back patio offers varied seating options designed to block street noise and pedestrian interaction.

Multiple versions of onion soup stand out, including Dutch, Danish, and French styles. The soups pair well with dishes like Swedish Meatballs and traditional cinnamon rolls.

People are saying

"The patio is lovely and delightful."

"The patio is lovely and delightful in warm weather."

"I enjoyed the French onion soup here."

Good to know

1

The Valentine's Day menu offers a 3-course fine dining experience for $59.

2

The julebord is available during the holiday season.

3

Sankta Lucia celebrations occur in December.

02
Wolfs Head Restaurant & Bar image 1

Large werewolf statue marks an old-fashioned bar with open-air patio and garage door seating. Atmosphere feels friendly and relaxing, shifting from quiet to crowded at dinner. TVs show sports and news, attracting a lively crowd.

Patio with open-air seating includes a garage door that opens to the outside. The space is dog friendly and has a bar area plus additional seating in the Rowell Room.

Unique New Orleans Baked French Onion Soup stands out on the menu. The classic French onion soup remains fantastic and pairs well with a side salad.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and always comes out perfect."

"The French onion soup here is fantastic and a must-try."

"The patio is dog friendly and opens to the outside."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

Half-price burger deal available on Mondays.

3

Parking can be tricky with a mix of diagonal and straight spots.

03
Jameson's Pub Joliet image 1

Sports bar with many TVs and a large outdoor patio creates a lively, sometimes loud atmosphere. Cozy patio seating and a dog-friendly space offer a relaxed vibe outside, while inside feels energetic and busy during games. Flat metal ceilings contribute to high noise levels, making conversation difficult when crowded.

Big outdoor patio offers plenty of seating with a dog-friendly vibe. Cozy atmosphere enhanced by planted flowers makes sitting outside enjoyable.

Rich Baked French Onion Soup stands out with deep flavor and a satisfying finish. It pairs well with various dishes and draws repeat orders for its consistent quality.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great."

"The outdoor patio seating is super cozy and amazing."

"I thought the French Onion Soup was very good."

Good to know

1

Bingo night happens every Tuesday with drink specials.

2

Game day specials are available during major sports events.

3

A 3% surcharge applies to credit card payments.

04
Dukes Northwoods image 1

Rustic cabin design with large garage doors opening to river views creates an authentic Northwoods Wisconsin vibe. Loud, lively main area contrasts with quieter back room featuring non-high-top seating and game sounds. Multiple TVs show sports, and outdoor patio seating adds to the casual, fun atmosphere.

Large garage doors open to an outdoor patio with views of the Fox River. The space offers dog-friendly seating and a good view for enjoying nice weather.

Rich French onion soup features a savory broth topped with melted cheese. It pairs well with hearty dishes like fried walleye and smash burgers.

People are saying

"I thought the smash burgers here were the best."

"The outdoor space has a nice environment and patio seating."

"I thought the French onion soup was delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6pm, featuring discounts on drinks and food.

2

The loaded bloody mary is available only on weekends from 10am to 1pm.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere on game days, especially during Packer games.

05
Gaston's Bistro image 1
Restaurant

Outdoor patio offers cozy seating with pillows and couches, creating a relaxed atmosphere that feels like a French bistro. Indoor space is small and clean, decorated to be comfortable and visually pleasing. Music adds to the inviting vibe without overwhelming the quiet, welcoming environment.

Outdoor seating offers a quiet spot away from busy roads. The space feels open and inviting in good weather.

Rich and flavorful French onion soup offers a comforting experience. The soup often comes baked, adding a warm, hearty touch.

People are saying

"The breakfast here is so fresh and made to order."

"The outdoor seating is really nice, especially on nice days."

"The French onion soup was rich and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking is ample, including designated handicap spots.

2

The restaurant allows guests to bring their own liquor.

3

The outdoor patio is open as of May 31st.

06
Nia Restaurant & Wine Bar image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Outdoor patio offers a warm, intimate atmosphere with live music and comfortable seating. Interior design feels classy and elegant, creating a friendly, welcoming vibe ideal for relaxed evenings or social gatherings.

A cute patio space offers a comfortable and warm ambiance for outdoor dining. The setup captures a cozy vibe that suits happy hour and multi-course meals well.

French onion soup stands out with its rich flavor and well-balanced sweetness. It pairs well with the crispy crostini served alongside.

People are saying

"It's a cozy and intimate spot, perfect for a date."

"The patio is super cute and a perfect spot."

"The French onion soup was incredibly delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for the chef's tasting menu, priced at $75 per person.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

3

An automatic 20% gratuity is added for parties of four or more.

07
Palmer Place image 1
American restaurant

American restaurant with an old-world atmosphere and cozy outdoor patio offers a relaxing vibe away from traffic. Quiet dining area contrasts with a lively bar side for different moods. Known for comfort food like outstanding burgers and seasoned beef nachos.

Outdoor seating includes a nice courtyard and a relaxing patio. The space feels very good for enjoying meals outside on pleasant days.

French Onion soup stands out with a delicious and consistent flavor that impresses every time.

People are saying

"I couldn't stop going back for their juicy pink burgers."

"I loved dining on the patio; it was so nice."

"I tried the French Onion Soup and it was good."

Good to know

1

Street parking near the establishment is often full; consider alternative options.

2

A municipal parking garage is available across the street for convenient access.

3

Live music occurs every Saturday night, making it a lively spot for visitors.

08
Bandol Brasserie & Raw Bar image 1

Space combines art deco style with southern France beachy decor, creating an upscale, classy atmosphere. Music features French pop and chill house, setting a low-key but lively vibe. Cocktails and French-inspired dishes attract those seeking a luxurious dining experience with a trendy touch.

Outdoor seating includes a patio and an outdoor terrace where oysters and brunch are served. Bottomless mimosas are available for $30 during patio brunch.

Deep, slow-cooked onion richness defines the French onion soup here, topped with a golden, bubbling layer of gruyรจre cheese. It pairs well with other dishes like escargot and steak and frites, making it a solid choice for a hearty meal.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the steak frites."

"The French onion soup is delicious with gooey gruyรจre cheese."

"I enjoyed brunch on the patio with bottomless mimosas."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs from 4 to 6 PM with great deals on drinks and appetizers.

3

The rooftop menu starts at 3 PM, perfect for afternoon gatherings.

09
The Brown Bag Bistro image 1

Sandwich shop offers a cozy atmosphere with a spacious outdoor patio featuring live music. The vibe blends a small town feel with high-quality food and a lively, warm setting. Patio seating draws crowds looking for a breezy, inviting place to enjoy fresh, flavorful sandwiches.

The outdoor patio offers a pet friendly and private party space with a beautiful atmosphere and no crowd.

French Onion Soup varies here, with some servings featuring excellent croutons and others tasting like stale bread and rubbery cheese. Quality ranges from standard to notably good or excellent.

People are saying

"I thought the sandwiches here were 10/10."

"I loved the beautiful patio seating, especially when the weather was nice."

"I thought the French onion soup was the best I had."

Good to know

1

Expect limited indoor seating, which can lead to long wait times.

2

Lunch prices for sandwiches start at $13 or more.

3

The restaurant charges a 3% fee on all credit card transactions.

10
The George image 1
American restaurant

Old town charm blends with French flair in a cozy, warm atmosphere featuring dark walls, leather furniture, and a roaring fireplace. The space offers both indoor and outdoor seating with a lovely firepit outside. Decor includes chic, updated finishes that create a comfortable yet stylish vibe.

Outdoor seating includes a patio with updated bathrooms and a firepit that adds to the vibe. The space feels relaxed and stylish, making it easy to enjoy a drink outside.

Cheese stands out in the French onion soup, which has a slightly sweeter flavor likely from the onion variety. Some find it tasty, while others feel it is underwhelming.

People are saying

"The food here is incredible, especially the spicy vodka rigatoni."

"The outdoor seating has a great vibe."

"The waitstaff for the Onion Soup was great and friendly."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so expect a wait during busy hours.

2

The restaurant has a kids menu with pasta, sliders, tenders, and grilled cheese options.

3

Gluten-free options are not available, which may be a concern for some diners.

11
Squire Ale House image 1

Medieval decor contrasts with bright lighting and comfortable cushioned seating. Live music and outdoor fire pits create a lively atmosphere, especially on the patio where the vibe feels like a party. The space suits large groups with ample seating and a well-stocked bar.

Outdoor area features live music and outside fireplaces that create a lively atmosphere. The patio offers s'mores supplies and attentive service, making it a fun spot for gatherings.

Baked French onion soup features a rich, savory broth topped with melted cheese that complements the caramelized onions well. It suits cold days with its warm, comforting flavor.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be very good."

"You can sit outside and listen to live music."

"The baked French onion soup was good and ideal for a cold day."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger parties.

2

Expect a 40-minute wait on Friday evenings during peak hours.

3

A 3% surcharge applies for credit card payments.

12
The Blossom Cafe image 1
American restaurant

American restaurant offers outdoor seating and a banquet room with classic jazz music creating a lively atmosphere. Interior features dim lighting and a mix of booth and table seating, with a casual yet updated decor. Loud music often fills the space, making conversation challenging during busy times.

A patio offers a fresh outdoor option. Plenty of nice seating makes it easy to enjoy the open air.

French onion soup comes as an upgrade for an extra $3.99 with meals. It features sliced cheese on top that is not fully melted or browned, and the soup portion is small with soggy bread, but overall it is considered very good.

People are saying

"The food here is really good and high quality."

"The patio is just lovely and great for enjoying the nice atmosphere."

"I loved their French Onion Soup; it was very good."

Good to know

1

Poker events are hosted regularly; check the schedule for details.

2

The venue is cash only on certain days due to system issues.

3

The restaurant is family-friendly and suitable for all ages.

13
Jameson's Original Charhouse image 1

Steakhouse combines old school Chicago vibe with live music that fills the space with vibrant energy. The interior feels cozy and elegant with closely set tables and outdoor enclosed patio for dining. Atmosphere ranges from inviting to lively, especially on music nights.

Outdoor seating includes a nice enclosed patio and a great outside dining area. Hosts often seat guests outside, making it easy to enjoy the fresh air with your dog.

Onion soup features a baked version with melted cheese on top and a regular version with a large crouton and grated parmesan. Both versions come at the same price, and the soup is loaded with rich flavor and parmesan cheese instead of mozzarella.

People are saying

"The filet mignon and ribeye make these dinner spots outstanding."

"It's a cozy and friendly space with an amazing ambiance."

"I loved the outdoor seating and the enclosed patio."

Good to know

1

Free entertainment is available in the bar after 7:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

2

Live music often occurs on Friday nights in the bar where food is served.

3

Parking can be limited by 5:00 pm when the place fills up quickly.

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