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Top picks in Chicago

Cheap outdoor seating

A meal outside shouldn't require a high bill.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
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Updated May 2026
01
Max's Place image 1
Max's Place image 2
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Neighborhood dive bar with affordable drinks, dog-friendly patio, and LGBTQ+ welcoming vibe. Music plays from a jukebox and sound system, creating a lively but relaxed atmosphere. Regulars chat easily, making it a friendly local hangout.

Drinks come at a cheap price here. The spot keeps a dive bar feel with affordable options.

A back patio offers a smoke-free, adorable outdoor spot with TVs and TouchTunes. The non-descript outside entrance makes finding the patio feel like a discovery.

People are saying

"You can get a great selection of cold beers here."

"It's a classic dive bar with a very queer-friendly vibe."

"The outdoor seating has a great dive bar vibe."

Good to know

1

Max's Place is LGBTQ+ friendly and owned.

2

The bar has the cheapest drink prices around town.

3

Credit cards are accepted, making payment easy.

02
Frank and Mary's Tavern image 1

Classic dive bar with a fishing theme and historic charm updated through thoughtful renovations. Atmosphere stays relaxed and cozy, attracting an older crowd who share stories in a lively yet low-key setting. Features include outdoor seating, multiple TVs, and a jukebox system, with music leaning toward pop country and hip-hop rather than punk or metal.

Cheap drinks and cheap beers make this spot a go-to for locals. The bar keeps things simple with good service and a sunlit patio in warmer months.

Outdoor seating includes a patio with good sunlight during spring and summer. Staff sometimes move customers outside abruptly, even into the rain, and continue service there.

People are saying

"It's a great old neighborhood bar with a cool dive feel."

"I loved drinking cheap beers with my friends here."

"I missed their weekday lunch special, but the outdoor seating is nice."

Good to know

1

Lunch is served from 11 AM to 2 PM on weekdays.

2

They host a Monday Night Foodball pop-up event.

3

Expect a rotating selection of local cooks at food pop-ups.

03
Best Intentions image 1

Bar combines retro neighborhood vibe with a large hidden patio and video games. Atmosphere feels like a local pub with country and rock music, attracting a crowd mostly over 45 years old. Cocktails are creative and the setting mixes funky, nostalgic elements with consistent comfort.

Drinks come at incredibly cheap prices, especially domestic draft beer. The menu offers a great variety, from cheap beer to high-end whiskey and proper cocktails.

A fantastic patio offers a cool vibe and great atmosphere. The outdoor seating is packed and perfect for enjoying creative cocktails.

People are saying

"I thought this was the best bar in the city."

"I found the smash burger to be delicious and great."

"The beer and mixed drinks here are cheap."

Good to know

1

The bar can get quite crowded, especially on weekends.

2

Seating is first come, first serve, so arrive early.

3

Parking in the area may be a little difficult.

04
Red Light Chicken image 1
Chicken restaurant

Outdoor dining features standing tables under heat lamps, creating a warm, quaint atmosphere with an old school neighborhood vibe. The space feels lively and cozy despite limited seating, attracting those who enjoy quick, quality chicken sandwiches in a casual setting.

Food and drinks come at cheap prices here. The chicken sandwich and beer both cost little and serve fast.

A clean standing table and heat lamps make the outdoor area comfortable even in cold weather. The space suits both quick bites and relaxed meals outside.

People are saying

"I thought the chicken sandwich was crunchy and juicy."

"The chicken here is so crispy and juicy."

"The food and beer here are cheap."

Good to know

1

Free chicken sandwich and nugget events are held regularly.

2

There is no indoor seating available; enjoy your meal outside.

3

Prices are generally under $10, making it an affordable option.

05
Redhot Ranch image 1
Hot dog stand

Outdoor seating sits directly under elevated train tracks, creating a loud atmosphere punctuated by passing trains. The space features picnic tables and offers earplugs to manage noise. The vibe is casual and authentic, with a cash-only policy and a focus on classic hot dogs and burgers.

Prices stay super cheap with a double burger and fries around $6.40 and a hotdog and fries about $4.90. The spot offers good quality burgers and Chicago dogs that are both fast and reliable.

People are saying

"This cheeseburger is cheap, delicious, and always hits the spot."

"The outdoor seating is right under the L train, so it's noisy."

"It's a cheap spot for a good, no-nonsense burger."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash payments; an ATM is nearby.

2

Redhot Ranch has no seating and is takeout only.

3

A double cheeseburger meal for two costs about $21.

06
Social Junkie image 1
Bar & grill

Bar and grill with indoor and outdoor seating, including a large patio with pool table and bean bag toss. Atmosphere is lively and fun, with loud music and a crowd that enjoys games and sports events. Offers affordable food and drinks with a focus on burgers, wings, and bar snacks.

Prices stay low with cheap drinks and well-priced items. A cheap beer is easy to find, making it a budget-friendly spot.

A big outdoor patio features bean bag toss and cornhole toss games. Cheap drinks are available, and a pool table and board games add to the outdoor fun.

People are saying

"The bar's Parma burger and fries were delightful."

"The outdoor seating has games like cornhole and a pool table."

"The service here is always friendly and engaging."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Wednesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Open mic events take place every Thursday starting at 7pm.

3

Social Junkie has a large parking lot available for guests.

07
EL RINCON DE FABIO LLC image 1
Venezuelan restaurant

Small space filled with beautiful Venezuelan decor and a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. Latin music plays softly, creating an awesome vibe that feels welcoming and pleasant. Outdoor patio offers a nice option for seating in good weather.

Food comes in huge portions and costs very little. Specials offer solid, cheap bites but some dishes use cheap ingredients and have small portions.

A cute patio area offers a calm and pleasant spot to sit outside. The outdoor seating has a nice vibe with attractive decor.

People are saying

"I found the pabellรณn arepa to be delicious."

"The food here is delicious and a new experience."

"The food here is cheap, tasty, and has huge portions."

Good to know

1

Free drinks are offered after 5pm every day.

2

Enjoy free margaritas daily after 2:00 PM.

3

Free wine is available on Fridays.

08
Jim's Original image 1
Hot dog stand

Outdoor counter service with no-frills setup and standing eating areas creates a classic Chicago food stand vibe. The atmosphere feels old-school and authentic, with the smell of grilled onions adding to the experience. Security presence and heat lamps under the awning contribute to a practical, laid-back environment.

Prices stay cheap, around $5 for a hot dog with fries. Food quality matches the low cost, and service is super fast.

People are saying

"I thought the Polish sausage here was delicious."

"There's no indoor seating, just a standing shelf outside."

"I thought the food was cheap and a good quality."

Good to know

1

Jim's Original is no longer open 24 hours.

2

There is no indoor dining at Jim's Original.

3

Parking is very easy during lunch hours.

09
Wrigley Hostel - Chicago image 1

Old building with homey atmosphere and friendly energy creates a welcoming vibe. Multiple communal spaces include a colorful kitchen, outdoor deck with firepit, and entertainment rooms. Quiet at night but can be warm and noisy during the day due to building and street sounds.

Rates stay very low with cheap memory foam beds and thin mattresses. Location adds value, making it a friendly and casual spot for budget stays.

An outdoor deck with a firepit offers a cozy spot to hang out. The back patio connects to a kitchen area with a fridge and water for convenience.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating is a great place to connect with friendly people."

"It was really quiet at night during my stay."

"I found this place to be cheap with an unbeatable location."

Good to know

1

Breakfast is available from 7 to 10:30 AM.

2

The hostel staff organizes bar crawls, karaoke, and comedy club outings in spring and summer.

3

Parking is included with your stay, but must be booked two days in advance.

10
Thai Bowl image 1
Thai restaurant

Takeout-only Thai restaurant with warm, friendly atmosphere and outdoor seating. Offers authentic, affordable Thai dishes with reasonable prices and student-friendly hours. No dine-in option available.

Prices stay cheap across the menu. The Pad Thai stands out as a budget-friendly option.

Some nice outdoor seating is available. An outdoor sitting area lets you enjoy takeout comfortably outside.

People are saying

"I searched everywhere for Thai food this good."

"I thought the prices here were cheap and the food was good."

"You can sit outside and enjoy your takeout."

Good to know

1

Thai Bowl is takeout only; no dine-in option available.

2

Prices at Thai Bowl may be higher than those listed online.

3

Portion sizes may be smaller than expected for the price.

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