Al Fresco: The Haute 5 Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Chicago

Outdoor dining is something Chicagoans appreciate more than most, as we only get to enjoy it about two months out of the year. Humidity aside, let your hair blow in the wind at these Haute Al Fresco spots.

Park Grill

On Michigan Avenue at the entrance to Millennium Park is the Park Grill, a contemporary American restaurant with one-of-a-kind views of an extraordinary atmosphere at city’s largest al fresco dining with live entertainment.

11 N. Michigan Ave.,312. 521.7275. www.parkgrillchicago.com/

Flatwater

If it’s ambiance you’re looking for, you don’t get more romantic than dining directly on the river with the breezy boats passing you by. The word “flatwater” literally means the wake-free sections of the Chicago River, where drivers are asked to cool their boats’ engines in order to preserve the calm.

321 N. Clark. 312.664.0283. http://www.flatwater.us/

Boka

This chic spot near the Steppenwolf offers contemporary food and ambiance that showcases Chef Giuseppe Tentori’s food as the star of the show, but the patio views are pretty sweet and make for a great date spot.

1729 N. Halsted. 312.337.6070. www.bokachicago.com/

Zed 451

It’s hard to do rooftops so they’re not the cheesy beer garden scene. Zed sets the standard with their swanky sky lounge. But if you do want cheese, the Queso Fresca and aged Parmesan fondue is off the chain.

739 N. Clark St. 312.266.6691. www.zed451.com/

Mon Ami Gabi

Mon Ami Gabi is a Classic French Bistro overlooking scenic Lincoln Park. The talent and energy behind Ambria, Mon Ami Gabi and Café Ba-Ba-Reeba! comes from Gabino Sotelino, executive chef and owner of all six restaurants with Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Inc.

2300 N. Lincoln Park West. 773.472.9077. www.monamigabi.com/chicago