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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in River North

Cozy outdoor seating

Outdoor seating that offers a sense of privacy instead of just a sidewalk bench.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
The 101 Bar, Grill & Rooftop image 1
The 101 Bar, Grill & Rooftop image 2
The 101 Bar, Grill & Rooftop image 3
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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.

Outdoor seating offers a warm, cozy atmosphere with fireplaces that enhance the dining experience. The space feels kid friendly and intimate.

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 outdoor seating offers breathtaking city views."

"It's a warm, cozy atmosphere with fireplaces."

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.

02
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.

Energy mixes with a cozy vibe and welcoming ambiance. Music features saxophones, classical acoustic guitar, and a scatting singer, creating a lively, cozy bar 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 outdoor seating is beautiful, especially near the river."

"It's a cozy vibe with jazz fusion music at a comfortable volume."

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.

03
Bongiorno's Cucina Italiana & Pizzeria image 1

Cozy, family-owned Italian restaurant with small, crowded space and loud atmosphere. Outdoor patio offers a pleasant seating option. Known for authentic Italian pizza and pasta with a lively, energetic vibe.

A cozy, family-owned vibe fills the space with a simple, inviting atmosphere. It feels like a family-friendly gem serving original Italian food.

Outdoor patio welcomes dogs and treats them like loyal customers. Seating is close enough for a quick walk from nearby spots.

People are saying

"The pizza here is amazing; the staff makes you feel so welcome."

"The food here is amazing, especially the pasta sauce."

"It's a cozy spot with warm hospitality and comfortable seating."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located behind the Trump Tower in downtown Chicago.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Reservations are recommended during busy dinner hours.

04
Peet's Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Small coffee shop offers indoor and outdoor seating with fast internet and plenty of space to work. Atmosphere stays cozy and quiet despite steady flow of people, making it suitable for breaks or remote work. Location near the river adds a pleasant outdoor vibe with shaded patio seating.

Spaces next to the river and bars with views offer a very cozy atmosphere. Peet's Coffee feels quick and tasty while maintaining a cozy vibe.

The patio offers pretty outdoor seating with a nice vibe. Finding a chair can be tricky, but sitting outside is often wonderful.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was really good."

"The outdoor seating here is very pretty and nice."

"It's a really nice and cozy atmosphere for a coffee."

Good to know

1

The takeout process is easy and quick.

2

Expect a long queue for the single restroom in the cafe.

3

The cafe is busy, especially on Saturday afternoons.

05
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.

Warm environment and traditional memorabilia create a cozy atmosphere. The setting suits fine dining with inviting comfort.

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 steaks here are so juicy and cooked perfectly."

"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.

06
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.

Space feels cozy and relaxing with an upbeat vibe.

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 outdoor patio is lovely and pleasant."

"The server was so intuitive, sensing when the kids needed ice cream."

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.

07
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.

Warm and cozy atmosphere creates a relaxing vibe. The environment feels elevated yet inviting, perfect for a calm dining experience.

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."

"It's a warm and cozy environment, perfect for a date night."

"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.

08
Happy Monday Coffee - River North image 1

Coffee shop occupies a spacious lobby with an adjacent garden-themed room and a closed-off garage patio. Atmosphere ranges from quiet and cozy to occasionally loud due to music or phone use, with a generally chill vibe suited for studying or working. Decor includes elegant touches but some worn furniture, and dogs are welcome.

A cozy vibe fills the space with a beautiful and inviting atmosphere. It works well for studying or relaxing quietly.

A closed-off garage patio opens into an alley, creating a unique outdoor space. The back patio offers an extra quiet area with couches, though some are stained and dirty.

People are saying

"The ube latte tasted like real ube and was surprisingly flavorful."

"This spot is quiet and spacious, making it great for work."

"It's a beautiful and cozy place, perfect for studying."

Good to know

1

Dogs are allowed at the coffee shop.

2

The coffee shop is located in the lobby of an apartment building.

3

There are plenty of seats inside the coffee shop.

09
Caffe Umbria image 1
Coffee shop

Small coffee shop with cozy indoor and outdoor seating offers a truly Italian atmosphere and friendly service. Space includes free wifi and outlets, supporting work or casual meetings. Music and water station add to a relaxed, inviting vibe.

Small size and friendly service create a cozy vibe. Both indoor and outdoor seating add to the comfortable atmosphere with a touch of Italian style.

Tables outside offer a spot to sit and enjoy the day. The seating feels cozy with options both inside and out, making it easy to relax and read.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be really great and tasty."

"It's a cozy spot with friendly service and great coffee."

"It's a small cafe with some nice outdoor seating."

Good to know

1

The shop is small, and seating is very limited.

2

Expect a line during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

They have a Friday special that offers a free drink with bean purchase.

10
Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop image 1

Two-story chocolate shop offers stunning river views and a luxurious yet welcoming atmosphere. The space fills with lively energy and can get noisy and busy, especially with families around. Seating is limited and first-come, first-served, with an outdoor patio providing a more relaxed vibe.

Cozy indoor seating offers views of the Chicago River and Michigan Avenue with a warm, inviting atmosphere. A lovely outdoor patio complements the space, and hot chocolate adds to the warmth on winter nights.

A lovely outdoor patio offers a spot to enjoy sunny days and watch people. Seating mostly stays inside, but a few tables sit outside by the river walk for dessert or drinks.

People are saying

"Jameson's service made the chocolate experience feel personal and joyful."

"It's so warm and cozy, like drinking melted chocolate."

"I loved sitting on the patio by the river walk."

Good to know

1

There's a special offer on 7/25 for a mini hot fudge sundae at $7.25.

2

Seating is first come, first serve and can be sparse during peak hours.

3

Finding a seat can be nearly impossible during busy times.

11
Su Casa Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Colorful decor and a mural telling cultural stories create an authentic Mexican atmosphere with a cozy yet open layout. Outdoor seating is abundant, and a bar with televisions adds a lively touch. Complimentary group photos and occasional live Mariachi music contribute to a festive vibe.

Inside feels cozy with an authentic decor that reflects an older Mexican style. The space stays open and welcoming while keeping a snug vibe.

Lots of outdoor seating spreads across a spacious patio. The indoor area has a strong odor, so many choose to sit outside.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is so delicious and authentic."

"The atmosphere here is so cozy and authentically decorated."

"The salsa here is so good, I could order a second one."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6pm, valid only at the counter.

2

Couples special available on Valentine's Day.

3

A parking garage is on the same block, with SpotHero reservations.

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River North, Chicago

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