Guys, it’s summer, which means it is the time to eat al fresco. But don’t just settle for any old outdoor dining experience. We have rounded up the 10 best (and most unique) places you can eat outside in Illinois.
- Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery
Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery/Facebook So this one’s not a restaurant, at least not most of the time. They raise goats and sell goat milk products. But a few times a year, they host a phenomenal farm to table dining experience. 4410 N Lincoln Ave, Champaign, IL 61822.
- Port of Blarney
Port of Blarney/Facebook Located in awesome Chain O’Lakes, Port of Blarney is accessible by shuttle boat. From there, you enjoy your time on their dog-friendly, tiki-themed bar and restaurant. 27843 W Grass Lake Rd, Antioch, IL 60002.
- Fresco
Fresco/Facebook This place has a great scenic backdrop as it is located right at the Anderson Japanese Gardens. This is a great restaurant on its own, though, with a great breakfast and fresh, organic ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, IL 61107.
- Kief’s Reef
Kief’s Reef/Facebook Why eat pizza any old place when you can eat it on a deck overlooking the water? They also have a great fish fry. 3505 S Wright Rd, McHenry, IL 60050.
- The Waterfront Cafe
The Waterfront Cafe/Facebook This is a lovely little cafe located right off of Lake Michigan. You can bring your dog, and they even have live music. 6219 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60660.
- Evandy’s Boatel
Evandy’s Boatel/Facebook This restaurant has fantastic views of the Illinois River. It’s just good old homemade comfort food in a family-friendly setting. 100 Bob Michael St, Naples, IL 62665.
- The Loading Dock Bar and Grill
The Loading Dock Bar and Grill/Facebook If you are looking for waterfront dining, this is the only place in the area that offers it. Food is casual (burgers, apps), but this view is incredible. 401 Front St, Grafton, IL 62037.
- Italian Village Carbondale
Italian Village Carbondale/Facebook On the outside, this is just your classic Italian pizza parlor. But they have a pretty awesome outdoor eating area. The patio has separate dining areas and is otherwise just very pretty. 405 S Washington St, Carbondale, IL 62901.
- Rustle Hill Winery
Rustle Hill Winery/Facebook The Shawnee area is full of all sorts of wineries, but we like this one because they serve food, too. They have everything from soups to sandwiches to burgers (with wine pairings, of course). 8595 US-51, Cobden, IL 62920.111
- North Pond
North Pond/Facebook This one is fairly pricey, but check out this awesome view you get. The restaurant is located within Lincoln Park. The food is fresh, organic, with locally-sourced ingredients. 2610 North Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614.
What other Illinois restaurants have a great outdoor dining experience?
Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery/Facebook
So this one’s not a restaurant, at least not most of the time. They raise goats and sell goat milk products. But a few times a year, they host a phenomenal farm to table dining experience. 4410 N Lincoln Ave, Champaign, IL 61822.
Port of Blarney/Facebook
Located in awesome Chain O’Lakes, Port of Blarney is accessible by shuttle boat. From there, you enjoy your time on their dog-friendly, tiki-themed bar and restaurant. 27843 W Grass Lake Rd, Antioch, IL 60002.
Fresco/Facebook
This place has a great scenic backdrop as it is located right at the Anderson Japanese Gardens. This is a great restaurant on its own, though, with a great breakfast and fresh, organic ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, IL 61107.
Kief’s Reef/Facebook
Why eat pizza any old place when you can eat it on a deck overlooking the water? They also have a great fish fry. 3505 S Wright Rd, McHenry, IL 60050.
The Waterfront Cafe/Facebook
This is a lovely little cafe located right off of Lake Michigan. You can bring your dog, and they even have live music. 6219 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60660.
Evandy’s Boatel/Facebook
This restaurant has fantastic views of the Illinois River. It’s just good old homemade comfort food in a family-friendly setting. 100 Bob Michael St, Naples, IL 62665.
The Loading Dock Bar and Grill/Facebook
If you are looking for waterfront dining, this is the only place in the area that offers it. Food is casual (burgers, apps), but this view is incredible. 401 Front St, Grafton, IL 62037.
Italian Village Carbondale/Facebook
On the outside, this is just your classic Italian pizza parlor. But they have a pretty awesome outdoor eating area. The patio has separate dining areas and is otherwise just very pretty. 405 S Washington St, Carbondale, IL 62901.
Rustle Hill Winery/Facebook
The Shawnee area is full of all sorts of wineries, but we like this one because they serve food, too. They have everything from soups to sandwiches to burgers (with wine pairings, of course). 8595 US-51, Cobden, IL 62920.111
North Pond/Facebook
This one is fairly pricey, but check out this awesome view you get. The restaurant is located within Lincoln Park. The food is fresh, organic, with locally-sourced ingredients. 2610 North Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614.
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