The Real Chicago

Top Menu

  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

Main Menu

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
Sign in / Join

Login

Welcome! Login in to your account
Lost your password?

Lost Password

Back to login
  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

logo

Header Banner

The Real Chicago

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
  • Chicago’s hidden gems: Kiss Kiss Cabaret, Unabridged Bookstore, Lulu Belle’s Pancake House and TNT at The Annoyance

  • New on the scene: Recapping recent restaurant and bar openings in Chicago

  • The Big City Blog: A Chicago summer bucket list

  • Outdoor drinking: A guide to some of our favorite beer gardens and rooftops in Chicago

  • A day at the museum: Exploring the iconic Field Museum in Chicago

Around TownGeneral FeaturesOther Recent Articles
Home›Around Town›Outdoor drinking: A guide to some of our favorite beer gardens and rooftops in Chicago

Outdoor drinking: A guide to some of our favorite beer gardens and rooftops in Chicago

By TheRealChicagoOnline
July 11, 2013
1468
0
Share:

Your ads will be inserted here by

Easy Ads.

Please go to the plugin admin page to set up your ad code.

Beer gardens and rooftops are understandably cherished in Chicago. Here are a few that have caught our eye already this summer

If you’ve lived in Chicago for at least one summer, chances are you’ve already formulated a list of your favorite beer gardens and rooftop establishments. When summer is as brief as it is here, it’s foolish not to take advantage at every opportunity. With that in mind — and coming to the realization we don’t have the space for all of our favorites (Sheffield’s, Justin’s, Rock Bottom Brewery, Bridgehouse Tavern, etc.) — we decided to ask some of our writers for a spot or two they target as soon as the weather turns.

Chief O’Neill’sChief O'Neill's Garden_1260
3471 N. Elston
www.ChiefONeillsPub.com

I have two requirements before I’ll recommend a beer garden to someone I like. First, it has to make you relaxed, like a friendly neighbor’s or relative’s backyard. Second, it has to be the kind of place in which you can lose yourself for a day. You go for a beer in the sun, you end up staying for five hours, weekend errands be damned. Irish favorite Chief O’Neill’s fits the mold better than most with its beautiful, massive, grassy oasis. It effortlessly resonates class and comfort equally, which isn’t as easy as it sounds.Epic rooftop

— Trent Modglin

Epic
112 W. Hubbard
www.EpicRestaurant.com

My girlfriend and I strapped on our least sensible shoes and our on-the-town dresses to mingle with some folks at a season-opening party on EPIC’s rooftop. Their location on Hubbard near LaSalle made for some incredible views of the bustling River North area, especially as the sun set and the evening lights appeared. The stellar DJ and strong drinks served at the full bar had us dancing the night away in spite of the rain.

— Corey O’Day

Fountainhead
1970 W. Montrose
www.FountainheadChicago.comxx FountainheadChicago_DraftMag-20

Fountainhead’s rooftop bar offers a much sought-after escape from the repetitive barroom interiors and plastic lawn chair beer gardens that dot Chicago. The wood finishing on the bar and furniture gives a feeling of rustic class as you overlook the Ravenswood neighborhood and sip on a delicious craft beer or obscure Japanese whiskey. The bar area is protected by an overhanging rooftop for days when the sun is too bright, and the tables around the perimeter have space heaters and even a roaring fireplace for chillier evenings. Rooftop menu is limited.

— Richard Ray

Grandview Tavern
1202 W. GrandGrandview_0476
www.GrandviewTavernChicago.com

Your ads will be inserted here by

Easy Ads.

Please go to the plugin admin page to set up your ad code.

Weekend brunches are the busiest time for this neighborhood bar with a twist. The bar has large flat-screen TVs throughout the main dining room and beer garden. The adorable beer garden is like stepping into a secret garden. Ivy-covered wood fencing shelters the space from the rest of the world. The menu balances traditional American cuisine with some Italian favorites. Try the grilled calamari with sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, kalamata olives and feta cheese with their house-made vinaigrette.

— Nicole Weddington

Happy Village 2Happy Village
1059 N. Wolcott
www.HappyVillageBar.com

Few things pump every Chicagoan full of endorphins like the first real day of summer. On even the coolest days, offices are vacated by 4:30, and beer gardens are at capacity with static lines. From dozens of options to choose from, Happy Village in Ukranian Village has one of the city’s premier beer gardens. It’s like your favorite neighbor’s backyard, packed with friendly people and flowing PBR. Best of all, it’s cheap, BYOF and never fails to provide a relaxing experience, usually accompanied by a visit from the “tamale guy.”

— Leah Karabenick

Little Goat
820 W. Randolph
www.LittleGoatChicago.com

Little Goat groupThe Randolph corridor keeps us on our toes with new additions every few months. One of the latest sensations has quickly proven to be on par with its mother goat and is taking strides to set itself apart from any other restaurant on the block. Little Goat premiered its rooftop bar this summer. The space is relatively intimate, and the couches that line the rooftop’s edge provide a comfy feel. Try to get a southeast view as you claim your seat and sip on a cocktail. Little Goat’s rooftop is nice enough for a Sunday day drink with your parents, yet still a viable, sought-after option for a weekend evening.

— Margot Thomas

Market
1113 W. Randolph
www.MarketBarChicago.com

Arguably the best view of the city from any rooftop bar is brought to you by Market, a well-established Randolph Street sports bar. It’s spacious and full of friendly service, and they bring up the big screen for the Market's rooftop deckgame. The wood-paneled rooftop and layout are beautiful, but may go unnoticed because of the unobstructed view of Chicago’s skyline. Once you discover this spot, it’s hard not to brag to your friends and bring them for the next happy hour.

— Margot Thomas

Orbit Room
2959 N. California
www.OrbitRoomChicago.com

The Orbit Room, located in the heart of Avondale, is one of Chicago’s best-kept summer secrets. It has a retro, relaxed feel and is perfect for larger groups. The patio is huge, the staff is friendly and the music is great. They open at noon on weekends, and I suggest getting there around then to reserve your seat for the afternoon.

— Darcy Horath

Your ads will be inserted here by

Easy Ads.

Please go to the plugin admin page to set up your ad code.

TagsBridgehouse TavernChicago beer gardensChicago rooftop barsChief O'Neill'sCorey O'DayDarcy HorathEpic ChicagoFountainheadGrandview TavernHappy Village ChicagoJustin'sLeah KarabenickLittle GoatMargot ThomasMarket ChicagoNicole WellingtonOrbit RoomRichard RayRock Bottom BrewerySheffield'sTrent Modglin
Previous Article

Inside Scoop for Summer 2013: Grant Park ...

Next Article

The Big City Blog: A Chicago summer ...

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

TheRealChicagoOnline

Related articles More from author

  • Shop Around the Corner

    Shop Around the Corner: Twosided and The Boring Store

    February 1, 2013
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Inside ScoopOld

    Inside Scoop: Standard Market and Concord Music Hall open, restaurant deals and must-see shows

    October 19, 2013
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • The Big City Blog

    The Big City Blog: Family traditions like the Shedd Aquarium can be the start of something special

    July 28, 2015
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • First Look - ReviewsOld

    First Look Review: Broadway in Chicago’s “Evita” at the Oriental Theatre

    September 24, 2013
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Around TownHidden Gems

    Chicago’s hidden gems: Sandmeyer’s Bookstore, Margie’s Candies and the Town Hall Pub

    April 18, 2013
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • First Look - Reviews

    First Look review: Cathy Rigby returns to the stage in the enchanting “Peter Pan”

    February 2, 2013
    By TheRealChicagoOnline

You might be interested

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Doughnut delight: These sweet treats are popping up all over in Chicago

  • Around TownGeneral FeaturesOther Recent Articles

    A day at the museum: Exploring the iconic Field Museum in Chicago

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Coffee craze: Exploring the best, most unique independent coffee shops Chicago has to offer

  • LATEST REVIEWS

  • TOP REVIEWS

Timeline

  • November 11, 2021

    Inside Scoop: Massive FoBAB beer festival returns to Chicago this weekend, Nov. 12-13

  • July 31, 2019

    Chicago Insider Etienne Padin on obscure museums, shopping in Andersonville and dining at Maple & Ash

  • July 30, 2019

    First Look review: CMX CineBistro provides a fun, fresh take on the luxury dine-in theater experience

  • July 28, 2019

    Finger lickin’ good: Six trusted Chicago spots for a stellar barbecue experience

  • July 25, 2019

    The Big City Blog: Four Friday Night Flights beer tastings remain this summer, including July 26 in Ravenswood

Latest Comments

  • The 14 Best Fireplaces in Chicago | UrbanMatter
    on
    October 11, 2017
    […] Photo Credit: The Real Chicago […]

    Cozy on up: We asked active Chicagoans for their favorite spots to warm up in the ...

  • Why You Should Visit a Museum | FreeForAll.org
    on
    January 16, 2017
    […] Photo Credit: Therealchicago   […]

    It’s cold out there: A few spots to warm up this winter

  • Why You Should Visit a Museum – FreeForAll.org
    on
    October 23, 2016
    […] Photo Credit: Therealchicago   […]

    It’s cold out there: A few spots to warm up this winter

  • The Real Chicago – The Big City Blog: A very Chicago night on the town
    on
    May 31, 2016
    […] up was The Redhead Piano Bar for drinks and live music. I’ve said it before ...

    Friendly, unfussy, and serious about music: Hanging with Marshall Nelson from the Redhead Piano Bar

  • Scouting Logan Square: A Renewed Historical Neighborhood - The Annex, a blog by Casamatic
    on
    March 10, 2016
    […] (cover photo via The Real Chicago) […]

    The rise of Logan Square: Why this diverse area has quickly become one of Chicago’s hottest ...

Find us on Facebook

Originally launched in 2006, The Real Chicago — as a glossy entertainment magazine, website and email newsletter — has consistently provided the very best insider information, features and reviews to help both tourists and active locals get the most out of exploring the greatest city on Earth.
  • Latest Posts

  • Inside Scoop: Massive FoBAB beer festival returns to Chicago this weekend, Nov. 12-13

    By TheRealChicagoOnline
    November 11, 2021
  • Chicago Insider Etienne Padin on obscure museums, shopping in Andersonville and dining at Maple & ...

    By TheRealChicagoOnline
    July 31, 2019
  • First Look review: CMX CineBistro provides a fun, fresh take on the luxury dine-in theater ...

    By TheRealChicagoOnline
    July 30, 2019

Photostream

    Follow us

    © Copyright The Real Chicago. All rights reserved.