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Local picks in Highland Park

Food with outdoor seating

Eating a meal outside feels like a necessary reset when the weather is right.

Based on 715 Opinions
+712
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Updated April 2026
01
Cafe Dacha image 1
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European restaurant

European restaurant offers cozy atmosphere with stylish indoor and charming outdoor seating, including a gazebo and terrace decorated like a garden. The space feels spotlessly clean and comfortable, enhanced by homemade vodka infusions and a quiet, relaxing vibe.

Food here blends rich Ukrainian tradition with modern culinary excellence. The cuisine stays authentic, recalling Eastern European flavors with consistently great taste and service.

A beautiful outdoor terrace offers a charming spot for warmer weather. The seating area feels cozy with carpets and garden-like decor, creating a relaxed patio vibe on a street corner.

People are saying

"The Ukrainian food here is so authentic and delicious."

"The food here is authentic, delicious, and beautifully prepared."

"I loved the great atmosphere on the patio."

Good to know

1

The menu is small, offering a limited selection of authentic Eastern European dishes.

2

Prices typically exceed $50 per person, so budget accordingly.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

02
Norton's Restaurant image 1
American restaurant

Cozy, classic American restaurant with a hometown diner vibe and warm, inviting atmosphere. Tables sit close together, creating a crowded, lively environment often filled with loud music and energetic chatter. Complimentary popcorn on tables adds a casual touch to the experience.

Food comes made from scratch with bold flavors and excellent presentation. The kitchen stays flexible, preparing dishes even after closing time, paired with attentive service.

Small but nice outdoor seating fills up quickly, especially in summer. The back patio offers a relaxed spot to eat, drink, and chat with friends.

People are saying

"The food here is great, with generous portions and satisfying flavors."

"The staff here is so pleasant, especially when enjoying the Outdoor Seating."

"I tried the best burgers I've ever had."

Good to know

1

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

2

The restaurant offers outdoor seating, which is popular in the summer.

3

Norton's has later hours than most places in the area.

03
Steep Ravine Brewing Company image 1

Small brewery with cozy atmosphere featuring low tin ceilings and holiday lights. Outdoor seating in front and back creates a relaxed vibe with live music and sports on many TVs. The space feels intimate and lively, offering a unique setting that blends a storefront brewery with a comfortable bar experience.

Tacos stand out as a highlight on a terrific food menu. Friendly staff prepare delicious dishes that keep the place busy and inviting.

Outdoor seating includes both front and back areas with a nice ambiance. The back patio offers a family friendly vibe with board games, making it a pleasant spot to enjoy nice weather with a dog.

People are saying

"I loved the great beer selection and delicious quesabirria."

"The outdoor seating here is super cute and pleasant."

"The food here is really good, with a great menu selection."

Good to know

1

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

2

The brewery is a 10-minute drive from Ravinia and 6 minutes from the botanical gardens.

3

The menu includes a variety of options, including vegetarian dishes.

04
La Casa De Isaac & Moishe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers colorful atmosphere with welcoming vibe and outdoor patio seating. Energy stays calm even when busy, creating a relaxed dining pace. Family-owned feel adds to the unique and inviting experience.

Food features authentic Mexican dishes made with quality ingredients and prepared without lard. Plates come fresh, delicious, and fairly priced with consistently great service.

Outdoor seating offers a great patio space that stands out. It provides a pleasant spot to enjoy food outside.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh and delicious."

"Mama's enchiladas with Malay sauce were out of this world."

"The outdoor seating here is great."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes on Fridays for Shabbat, so plan accordingly.

2

Expect a 25% automatic gratuity on bills for parties in the back room.

3

They do not accept coupons on weekends, so bring cash if needed.

05
Sushi Badaya Highland Park image 1

Open kitchen showcases sushi preparation, creating an engaging dining experience. Warm, inviting atmosphere combines cozy decor with a clean, spacious suburban strip mall setting. Fresh, high-quality sushi and specialty rolls define the menu, complemented by outdoor seating with cooling fans.

Food here stays fresh and is prepared to perfection. The sushi offers an amazing taste that can change your view on cuisine.

Outdoor seating includes a patio area with a small fly fan to improve comfort. Both indoor and outdoor dining options are available.

People are saying

"The fish here is so fresh and flavorful."

"The food here is Michelin star quality, especially the tuna."

"The outdoor seating here is awesome, and the sushi is super fresh."

Good to know

1

They offer both indoor and outdoor dining options.

2

The restaurant is impeccably clean and sanitary.

3

The prices are surprisingly reasonable for the quality offered.

06
Ravinia Festival image 1
Event venue

Outdoor venue blends natural landscape with reserved seating and lawn spots. Atmosphere stays relaxing and family friendly with quiet during classical music and lively social gatherings on the lawn. Excellent sound quality and video screens enhance the live music experience across the grounds.

Food here is delicious but comes at a high price. Bringing your own food and drinks is allowed, adding flexibility to the dining experience.

Outdoor seating offers a comfortable grass area with views of the stage enhanced by video screens hanging from the pavilion roof. The venue features a covered, seated bandshell for shelter while enjoying live music and food.

People are saying

"I loved bringing a picnic to enjoy the beautiful grounds and music."

"You can bring your own food and drinks for a picnic."

"You can bring your own food and drinks for a picnic on the lawn."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Lawn tickets only allow you to hear the concert, not see the stage.

3

Bring your own chairs, food, and drinks for the lawn area.

07
Bella Via Restaurant image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers a beautiful outdoor garden patio with live music that creates a lively and warm atmosphere. Indoor space can be noisy with open windows, while outdoor seating feels more secluded and spacious. The setting blends laid-back vibes with a welcoming energy.

Food comes out fresh, flavorful, and well presented. Quality stays high with thoughtful preparation and consistent heat.

Outdoor seating moved to the side offers a more secluded, quieter, and spacious garden patio. The setting feels beautiful and comfortable for dining outside.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared."

"The Italian food, especially the pesto cavatelli, is piping hot and delicious."

"I enjoyed the beautiful outdoor seating area."

Good to know

1

Bella Via Restaurant relocated to the Highwood area in 2024.

2

The restaurant is popular for Mitzvahs, weddings, and birthdays.

3

Outdoor seating has been improved by moving it to the side.

08
BWB Shakes image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Outdoor seating invites relaxed gatherings with friends in a casual, chill atmosphere. Self-ordering on iPads supports a carry-out setup with a focus on smash burgers and innovative sides like sweet potato fries with queso. Menu availability varies, but the vibe remains inviting and unique.

Food features consistently delicious and high-quality dishes with friendly service that enhances the experience.

Outdoor seating offers a spot to eat or enjoy ice cream with friends on warm evenings. Tables outside provide a casual place to sit and relax.

People are saying

"I thought their smash burgers were outstanding and delicious."

"It's a nice outdoor space to sit and eat."

"The food here is amazing, especially the smash burgers."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking on the street and in the lot.

2

BWB Shakes is a carry-out place with self-order on the iPad.

3

A significant portion of the menu is marked as 'out of stock.'

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Highland Park, Illinois

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