Livin’ La Vida Local: It’s Time to Dine Outside

Best Local Al Fresco Dining in Chicago and the Suburbs

A woman with short hair sits at a wooden table in a dimly lit restaurant, facing a group of people. Food, drinks, and plates are on the table, with warm string lights blurred in the background.

Beautiful weather has finally hit Chicago and the suburbs! Nobody’s complaining — sunny afternoons and warm evenings call for al fresco dining. Try these Best Local spots near our corporate apartments to wine and dine among the elements.

Three women sit at a café table outdoors, smiling and chatting. Coffee cups, glasses of water, and smartphones are on the table. They appear relaxed and engaged in conversation on a sunny day.

The Best Local River North restaurant Piccolo Sogno (464 N. Halsted St.) was voted the best al fresco restaurant by the Chicago Reader’s 2012 poll. Grab upscale, seasonal Italian fare with wine from a list of more than 400, a 9-minute walk from Kingsbury Plaza in River North!

Four colorful cocktails in various glasses are lined up on a bar; each drink is garnished differently, including olives, a paper umbrella, fruit, and a lime, set against a blurred background with purple lighting.

Grab a cocktail on the rooftop of Best Local River North spot Paris Club (59 W. Hubbard St.). Oh, the fresh seafood and modern French cuisine pair well with their buzzworthy drinks. This upscale hotspot is a 3-minute walk from 400 N. LaSalle in River North!

A cold, frothy pint of beer sits on a wooden table, covered in condensation, with a blurred background of people talking and dining in a warmly lit restaurant or bar.

Hear live music every Friday on the patio beer garden at Best Local Elmhurst spot Primos Locos (122 S York St, Elmhurst). Voted the best nightlife spot in Elmhurst by Yelp, Flight 112 is known for its craft beers and wine selection. The chocolate paired red wine is a must-try, an 8-minute drive from Elm Creek Apartments in Elmhurst!

Several tables at an outdoor restaurant are set with blue and white striped tablecloths, upturned wine glasses, and cutlery, with sunlight filtering through leafy plants in the background.

Best Local Naperville restaurant Meson Sabika (1025 Aurora Ave.) is a stunning revamped mansion with a breath-taking patio. Order tapas and sangria for the perfect evening meal outdoors, a 10-minute drive from Lincoln at the Parks in Naperville!