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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Lake View East

Lunch spots with outdoor space

You want to eat your lunch outside, where the pace of the day feels a little more manageable.

Based on 788 Opinions
+785
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Updated April 2026
01
Cafe Paris - French Café image 1
Cafe Paris - French Café image 2
Cafe Paris - French Café image 3
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Small coffee shop offers a cozy interior with big glass windows and a quiet back patio adorned with flowers and street lamps. Atmosphere stays relaxed and calming, often accompanied by soft French music. Seating by windows invites people watching while enjoying fresh pastries and quality coffee.

A relaxing and quiet atmosphere makes it a solid choice for lunch. It serves consistently good meals that turn it into a reliable lunch spot for regular visits.

A quiet back patio offers a cute and tucked-away outdoor space with a breeze that cools the warm air. The patio is large enough for dining and feels delightful and peaceful.

People are saying

"I found the quiche to be seriously creamy and rich."

"I found the patio to be cute and quiet."

"I loved my fresh and delicious sandwich at this lunch spot."

Good to know

1

The café only accepts credit cards; no cash payments allowed.

2

The food menu is available all day until closing time.

3

Expect prices to be higher than average, with croissant sandwiches around $18.

02
Cafe Korzo image 1

Open-air cafe with sidewalk dining and a small colorful patio creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Music adds to the relaxed vibe, drawing a crowd that enjoys people watching and casual socializing. The layout encourages enjoying the day and breeze without feeling crowded.

Feels like a lunch spot with meals sized for sharing. Offers a good setting for a weekend lunch date with a friend.

Small patio with a colourful design adds spark to the area. Outdoor seating is dog-friendly and perfect for enjoying nice weather.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was amazing and delicious."

"The outdoor seating is really nice, especially on a sunny day."

"You have to try the cevapi; it comes in two sizes."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great drink deals.

2

Laptop use is not allowed during weekends at Cafe Korzo.

3

Expect large crowds after 5 PM on Fridays; arrive by 4 PM to avoid waiting.

03
Tac Quick image 1
Thai restaurant

Loud music fills a colorful, cozy space with an open-air patio and movie posters adding unique charm. The vibe stays chill and lively, blending warmth with a fun atmosphere. Spacious and clean, it offers a relaxed setting distinct from typical Thai spots.

Lunch offers inexpensive specials around $9. Dishes include spicy basil fried rice, garlic noodles, and spring rolls. The spot stays quiet during late weekend lunches.

Small patio offers a cozy outdoor spot. People sometimes stand outside, yelling and screaming at each other.

People are saying

"The Pad Thai here is amazing and has the best taste."

"The lunch specials here are a really good deal."

"The outdoor space, a small patio, was perfect for the weather."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and it's usually easy to get a table.

2

The $9 lunch special offers good value for money.

3

Street parking is available nearby for easy access.

04
3rd Coast Fish Bar (a DMK restaurant) image 1

Small, intimate seafood spot with quaint fish shop decor and patio seating. Atmosphere feels laid-back and fun, with a cool, quiet vibe enhanced by nearby train sounds. Offers fresh oysters and seafood in a casual setting.

Late lunches stand out here, with meals prepared by Dalaney offering a satisfying experience. Saturdays bring a relaxed vibe for enjoying a great lunch.

Outdoor seating includes a corded terrace and a lovely patio with a few tables. Staff actively manage the space, creating a pleasant spot for dinner and happy hour.

People are saying

"The seafood here is fresh and amazingly flavorful."

"The Lunch Spot food is incredible, especially the oysters."

"I loved enjoying happy hour on the patio."

Good to know

1

Reservations can only be made via OpenTable.

2

Happy hour runs Monday to Friday from 4 to 7 pm with great deals.

3

Draft beers cost $8 during happy hour and include two oysters.

05
Esencia Urban Kitchen image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Small, cozy breakfast spot with tight seating and a slow-paced, neighborhood vibe. Outdoor patio offers extra space and fresh air. Atmosphere feels charming and relaxed, often filling up by lunchtime.

Tacos stand out as a lunch favorite here. The Huevos con Chorizo Torta offers a classic Latin lunch option. This spot serves solid choices for weekday lunch with a focus on breakfast and lunch dishes.

Outdoor seating includes a patio area that is available during warmer months. Some groups get seated outside in the sun even when requesting indoor seating. The patio has a cute vibe.

People are saying

"The coffee here has a hint of cinnamon, which is welcoming."

"The patio seating is really cute and there's always room."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so expect a wait for a table on weekends.

2

The restaurant has limited seating, which can lead to longer wait times.

3

Parking on the street can be difficult; consider public transport.

06
Oak and Honey image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers a cozy, upscale boho vibe with tasteful decor including a standout zebra print. Space feels deceptively large but tables sit close together, creating a lively, vibrant atmosphere. Bar seating suits solo diners, and a dog-friendly patio adds to the welcoming energy.

Lunch features spectacular takeout options that impress every time. Meals come with a lovely, satisfying quality.

A large patio offers a dog-friendly outdoor space with several tables. The ambiance outside feels pretty nice and inviting.

People are saying

"Our server Sharon was incredible and made our brunch experience better."

"The lunch spot's burgers are juicy with amazing flavor."

"The patio has a pretty nice ambiance."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-price appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Wine Wednesday features special deals on select wines.

3

Reservations can be made through Open Table.

07
Byron's Hot Dogs image 1
Hot dog restaurant

Small indoor space with covered outdoor picnic tables creates a cozy, old-school vibe. Lively atmosphere builds around a basketball game on TV, with servers engaged and birds occasionally joining outside. Crowd forms tight lines inside, while outdoor seating offers a relaxed spot under umbrellas and heat.

Quick bites work well here, especially before events or late at night. Outdoor seating attracts small birds trying to snag food, and weekday lunches tend to be busier.

A big free parking lot sits next to outside picnic tables for dining. Outdoor seating includes heat for cooler times.

People are saying

"I thought the hot dogs here were delicious and juicy."

"It's a nice outdoor dining area with covered seating."

"This lunch spot serves the best hot dogs I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a big lot behind Byron's Hot Dogs.

2

Byron's Hot Dogs closes at 8 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

There are no restrooms available on site at Byron's Hot Dogs.

08
Cesar's Killer Margaritas - Broadway image 1

Mexican restaurant offers lively atmosphere with plenty of indoor seating and a shaded outdoor patio. The space features a unique interior layout with multiple sections and views overlooking Broadway. Music tends to be loud, creating a noisy environment that energizes the crowd.

Excellent service stands out during lunch, with staff like Sarah providing attentive care. After meals, it's common to receive a round of shots, adding a lively touch to the lunch experience.

Great covered outdoor seating offers shade and comfort. Multiple dining areas include a shaded patio and a rooftop deck with spaced seating even on busy nights.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is great, especially the chicken birria."

"I loved the covered outdoor seating and the margaritas."

"Our lunch spot server Sarah was so personable and friendly."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features one flavor of margarita at half price.

2

Miss Foozie bingo event occurs the first Thursday of every month.

3

A 3% surcharge applies for credit card payments.

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Lake View East, Chicago

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