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New Yorkers 1st Choice
River North's best

Bars with outdoor seating

Outdoor seating that offers a breath of fresh air without making you feel like you are sitting on the sidewalk.

Based on 727 Opinions
+724
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Updated May 2026
01
City Nikki's image 1
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Bar offers a spacious outdoor patio with city views and garage doors that open to bring in fresh air. Atmosphere is lively and energetic, especially during sports games shown on multiple big screens. Crowd enjoys casual comfort with good food and cocktails in a polished yet relaxed setting.

Friendly and inviting staff create a welcoming atmosphere with 12/10 service. The bar offers a great sports vibe with food that goes beyond snacks, including a standout burger.

Open garage doors lead to a spacious patio with a beautiful city view. The area suits large groups and offers a great spot to watch the game or relax on warm nights.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and great."

"I found the handcrafted cocktails here to be interesting and excellent."

"The bartenders here are so friendly and make you feel welcome."

Good to know

1

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

2

Sunday funday features special promotions and a lively atmosphere.

3

The back patio is available for seating, perfect for warm evenings.

02
The 101 Bar, Grill & Rooftop image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant with a rooftop bar offering spectacular city views and multiple seating options including fire pits and private couches. Live music creates a lively atmosphere that balances well with conversation. Cocktails and food receive strong praise, contributing to an overall vibrant and welcoming vibe.

Rooftop bar offers great views and a lively atmosphere. Happy hour runs daily from 5-7pm with great cocktails and attentive service.

Outdoor seating features fireplaces and a built-in firepit that create a warm, cozy atmosphere. TVs on the patio add to the relaxed vibe while lounging with friends and dogs.

People are saying

"The rooftop views of the city are beautiful."

"The bar staff, especially Trevor, were the sweetest and best."

"The outdoor seating offers breathtaking city views."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available 7 days a week from 5-7pm.

2

Reservations are typically required, but walk-ins may be accommodated if available.

3

The happy hour offers a great selection of drinks and appetizers at unbeatable prices.

03
Nic + Junior's image 1
Restaurant

Bright, stylish space offers front-row kitchen views and classy indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere shifts from relaxed up front to more refined in the back dining room, creating a welcoming vibe for drinks or meals. Cocktails stand out with creative, well-crafted options like Negroni and martinis.

Creative drinks and dishes draw from Brazilian cuisine. The bar offers an intimate vibe like an upscale steakhouse with a white table cloth feel.

Beautiful patio space offers a classy outdoor dining experience. Both outside and inside areas feel very classy and inviting.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the tuna crudo."

"The bar menu's creative Brazilian-inspired dishes were a delightful surprise."

"The outdoor seating is beautiful, especially near the river."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long waits.

3

The restaurant features a unique fusion of Brazilian and Italian cuisines.

04
Chicago Chop House image 1

Restored brownstone with early 1900s decor and photos of local celebrities creates a traditional steakhouse atmosphere. Live piano music plays softly, adding to the luxurious and old-fashioned vibe. Comfortable seating and personalized touches enhance a refined dining experience.

Bartenders like Derrick and Julio craft amazing cocktails and help pick drinks that match your meal. The bar area works well for celebrations and offers drinks like a stellar Old Fashioned.

Tables on the patio come with personally printed menus to keep. Staff treat diners like royalty with attentive service. Outdoor seating offers a great atmosphere alongside quality food.

People are saying

"I found the steak to be tender and flavorful."

"The bartenders here make amazing cocktails."

"I loved sitting outside under the fairy lights."

Good to know

1

During the 40th anniversary, all food ordered was 40% off.

2

Valentineโ€™s Day celebrations offer special menu items.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially during holidays.

05
Sophia Steak Chicago image 1

Upscale steakhouse offers intimate indoor seating and a welcoming outdoor patio with plants and shade. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting with stylish decor including Deco lamps and a flowered canopy. Cocktails and wine pairings complement perfectly cooked steaks in a comfortable setting.

Staff at the bar are attentive and kind, making the experience welcoming. Seats at the bar are available without a reservation, even during busy times like restaurant week.

A flowered canopy shades a cute outdoor patio that feels welcoming and stylish. The space suits drinks well and offers a pleasant spot to relax outside.

People are saying

"The steak here is melt-in-your-mouth tender and perfectly seasoned."

"The bartenders here are attentive and kind."

"The outdoor patio is lovely and pleasant."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM, including weekends.

2

Reservations are recommended for special occasions like birthdays.

3

Half off bottles of wine are available on Monday nights.

06
Brehon Pub image 1
Restaurant

Irish pub with old-fashioned decor and a quiet secretive back area contrasts with a crowded front room. Atmosphere feels authentic and welcoming, suited for watching sports with multiple screens and playing games like pool and darts. Offers a huge patio and a relaxed, neighborhood vibe.

Offers a really authentic Irish pub experience with a great neighborhood pub atmosphere. Serves solid drinks and has multiple games on screens, plus a patio for summer nights.

A huge patio offers plenty of space for outdoor seating. The bartender allows guests to sit outside, making it easy to enjoy summer nights on the patio with access to pool tables and darts nearby.

People are saying

"The food and beer at this pub were awesome."

"This bar has friendly staff and great drinks."

"The outdoor seating here is a great neighborhood spot."

Good to know

1

The pub charges an extra 3% on the bill for credit card payments.

2

Expect a $1 table fee for games, payable in quarters or bills.

3

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

07
Fado Irish Pub image 1

Two-floor pub with old wooden ambiance and outdoor patio offers lively and relaxed areas. Live music and multiple TVs create an energetic vibe, especially during soccer games. Friendly crowd gathers around a rustic bar and dedicated fan corners, blending authentic Irish feel with sports enthusiasm.

Irish bar offers a wonderful atmosphere with super friendly staff. It features English football on TV and hosts Wednesday trivia nights.

Outdoor seating includes a nice patio area spread across two floors. Service at the patio is better than at the bar seating, though seating is open and servers may take time to arrive.

People are saying

"The pub staff here are super friendly and helpful."

"The bar area is nice for hanging out and the sliders were a favorite."

"The outdoor seating area here is really nice."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

Trivia nights occur every Wednesday at 7pm with no entry fee.

3

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted appetizers.

08
Redhead Piano Bar image 1

Piano bar offers live piano music with a phenomenal, engaging pianist in a small, crowded space that encourages standing and dancing. An outdoor cigar lounge provides additional seating with couches and ashtrays. The atmosphere is lively and packed, creating an intense but vibrant vibe.

A phenomenal piano musician leads the vibe, engaging the crowd with humor and skill. The bar offers a neighborhood feel with a great atmosphere for relaxing and enjoying drinks alongside live piano entertainment.

A hidden outdoor deck serves as a cigar-friendly lounge accessed through a secret pathway. This space offers exclusive vibes alongside live music and drinks.

People are saying

"This piano bar is the perfect spot to end your night."

"This bar has an incredible late-night vibe and live piano music."

"The outdoor seating offers a hidden, cigar-friendly space with great live music."

Good to know

1

Expect large crowds on weekends, especially after 10 PM.

2

Reservations are recommended for special events or large groups.

3

Happy hour offers discounted drinks from 4 PM to 7 PM on weekdays.

09
O'Leary's Public House image 1

Irish pub with cozy decor and multiple TVs creates a relaxing and fun vibe. Outdoor seating and a loft area offer varied spaces for socializing. Strong support for Green Bay Packers adds a unique sports atmosphere.

Strong Irish pub vibe with lively sports viewing on multiple screens. Service stays consistently awesome and the outdoor area offers a safe, welcoming spot with fair beer prices.

Outdoor seating includes a patio with multiple tables and options to reserve sections. Staff attention varies, with some being attentive while others show unprofessional behavior regarding seating arrangements.

People are saying

"The bartenders at this pub are friendly and fun."

"The bartenders here are friendly and attentive."

"The service at our outdoor seating was immediately attentive and efficient."

Good to know

1

The bar opens at 10 am on Sundays, contrary to online listings.

2

Minors are not allowed in the bar, even if accompanied by adults.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere during Packers games with plenty of standing room.

10
Ema image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers warm, modern interior with two bar areas and outdoor seating including a patio and rooftop. Atmosphere stays lively but not noisy, creating an inviting and relaxed vibe. Extensive gluten-free menu and accommodating options stand out for dietary needs.

Seating at the back bar offers an attentive bartender who is knowledgeable. The bar often has availability even when the main dining is fully booked, making it a flavorful spot to enjoy drinks.

Great patio offers a lovely atmosphere to enjoy the weather. Outdoor seating feels more inviting than indoor with a well appointed dining area and a relaxed patio vibe.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, truly incredible."

"The food here is fantastic, especially the hummus and pita."

"The pita bread here is perfectly seasoned and fluffy."

Good to know

1

Ema offers an extensive gluten-free menu with many options.

2

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant tends to fill up quickly.

3

Happy hour features generous portions but a limited list of spreads.

11
The Boss Bar image 1

Bar combines sports bar and dive bar elements with a single pool table and a semi double story design. Atmosphere stays laid back with lively traffic and a cool DJ playing music patrons pick. Outdoor patio offers a local vibe distinct from upscale spots.

A laid back dive bar with a local vibe, mixing sports bar energy and a pub feel. Staff are friendly and attentive, bartenders are quick, and the bar stays open late with cheaper drinks than nearby spots.

A small patio out front offers a spot to enjoy cocktails or beers. Outdoor seating comes with some rules, like needing a belt to enter from the patio.

People are saying

"The bar has a really great atmosphere and a cool vibe."

"The staff here are super nice, even when they're slammed."

"I enjoyed the nice outdoor seating and atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Bring your ID to enter The Boss Bar.

2

The bar is open late, making it a good option for late-night travelers.

3

The entrance is not ADA compliant.

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River North, Chicago

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