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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to River North

Cocktails with outdoor space

You need a cocktail in your hand and open air around you. Anything less feels like a compromise.

Based on 751 Opinions
+748
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Updated April 2026
01
Nic + Junior's image 1
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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.

Cocktails here are tart, bitter, and refreshing with options like the Negroni and Mixed Blessings standing out. The bar offers a solid happy hour menu and mixes drinks that balance flavor without being overly sweet.

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 homemade pasta here is amazing and cooked to perfection."

"It's a beautiful outdoor space, perfect for enjoying a cocktail."

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.

02
City Nikki's image 1

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.

Handcrafted cocktails stand out with amazing bartenders like Lee and a well-executed cocktail program by Chris. The menu offers a solid variety of specialty cocktails that pair well with the food.

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

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and great."

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

"The patio is spacious and perfect for relaxing with friends."

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.

03
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.

Cocktails here offer a mix of light, floral flavors and balanced, flavorful classics. The lounge staff are welcoming and the weekend brunch features bottomless cocktails alongside specialty drinks.

Flowered canopy and cute outdoor seating create a pleasant vibe. The welcoming outdoor patio pairs well with beautiful indoor seating for year-round use.

People are saying

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

"The cocktails here are amazing and the staff makes you feel so welcome."

"The outdoor patio is really nice 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.

04
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.

Cocktails here feature a unique choice and are often described as outstanding and gorgeous. Both alcoholic and mocktail options taste really good, and service complements the drinks well.

Outdoor seating offers a warm, cozy atmosphere with fireplaces on the patio. This setup enhances the dining experience by creating a comfortable and inviting space.

People are saying

"The rooftop views of the city are beautiful."

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

"The outdoor space offers beautiful city and skyline 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.

05
Shanghai Terrace image 1
Chinese restaurant

Open terrace offers shaded patio seating with spectacular views and a festive yet formal atmosphere. Indoor spaces feel elegant but somewhat worn, while outdoor areas provide a secluded and lively energy ideal for special occasions.

A great selection of cocktails pairs well with traditional Chinese dishes. The smoky cocktail stands out among the well-crafted drinks.

Outdoor seating offers a shaded patio and a secluded terrace that feels private in the city. The terrace has a great energy and suits enjoying meals outside.

People are saying

"The Peking duck here is the best Chinese food I've found."

"The outdoor terrace has a great energy and perfect atmosphere."

"I loved the cocktails here; they were really good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are a must at this place.

2

Expect higher prices compared to typical Chinese restaurants.

3

The terrace offers a nice view, especially for outdoor dining.

06
The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago image 1

Upscale hotel with a sophisticated design aesthetic and elegant yet comfortable atmosphere. Rooftop terrace and bar offer stunning views and a lively spot for cocktails and small bites. Central location attracts a bustling crowd, creating a vibrant energy throughout the day.

Rooftop offers a great outdoor space for cocktails with fire heaters for colder weather. Lobby bartenders craft excellent cocktails, and the rooftop bar serves high quality drinks alongside small bites.

Rooftop offers a great outdoor space with fire heaters for colder nights. The outdoor terrace features a beautiful bar and serves good food and drinks, making it a relaxing spot to unwind.

People are saying

"The hotel staff were so kind and helpful."

"The bathroom was spacious and had a separate tub and shower."

"The outdoor terrace is a beautiful, relaxing spot with fire pits."

Good to know

1

Expect a Daily Destination Fee upon arrival, which may not be disclosed during booking.

2

Room service is unavailable after 10:30 PM, despite advertised hours until 11 PM.

3

The hotel is attached to the Shops at North Bridge for convenient shopping.

07
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 craft amazing cocktails while servers such as Julio offer unique, contest-winning drinks. Staff show strong knowledge of cocktail preparation and pairings with food and wine.

Tables on the patio come with personally printed menus to keep. Staff treat guests with attentive, experienced care outdoors. Seating at 4:30 enhances the outdoor dining experience.

People are saying

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

"You can sit outside and enjoy the cooler weather."

"The cocktails here are amazing."

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.

08
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.

Specialty cocktails stand out with fresh juice instead of syrup. The 'Do Not Disturb' is a notable mixed drink. Spicy pineapple cocktail adds a unique twist.

Great patio offers outdoor seating that many prefer over indoors. The space feels well appointed and creates a nice vibe for dining outside.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, truly incredible."

"The outdoor seating here is really comfortable and cute."

"I thought the cocktails were delicious and great."

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.

09
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.

Seasonal cocktails bring fun and festive flavors. The menu includes creative specialty cocktails priced around $12-14, paired with a wide beer selection and solid service.

Outdoor space includes a patio seating area with open seating. The pub spreads across two floors and features outdoor seating options. Service tends to be better on the patio than at the bar seating.

People are saying

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

"I enjoyed their creative and seasonal cocktails."

"The outdoor patio seating area was great."

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.

10
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.

Great cocktails come with piano music by request. Bartenders serve drinks ideal for after-dinner or late-night enjoyment.

A hidden outdoor cigar lounge sits behind a secret pathway, creating an exclusive vibe. The outside deck offers the only seating and blends well with live music and drinks inside.

People are saying

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

"You can enjoy great cocktails and live piano music here."

"It's a cozy outdoor cigar lounge with a calm atmosphere."

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.

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River North, Chicago

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