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While it goes without saying that Chicago is awesome year-round, almost every Chicagoan will tell you that it’s significantly “better” in the summer. From the perfect weather to the positive attitudes, everything about Chicago truly shines in the summertime.

And similarly, so do some of Chicago’s favorite bars and restaurants. Great year-round but especially wonderful during the summer months, the five places listed below are the definition of summer. So before time runs out on fun in the sun (which it inevitably always does), be sure to hit up these places while they’re at their summer best.

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Photo of the Parson’s Chicken & Fish patio from their Facebook Page

 

Parson’s Chicken & Fish

2952 W. Armitage

From the sun-shiny Logan Square patio to the perfectly fried chicken to the negroni slushies, everything about Parson’s just radiates fun in the summer sun.

 

Howell’s & Hood

435 N. Michigan

Currently boasting the largest draft beer selection in Chicago with 114 selections on tap, this massive (like, really massive) patio right off of Michigan Avenue is a great place to people watch while relaxing with a cold one on a hot summer night.

 

Big Star

1531 N. Damen

Arguably the most “famous” patio in Chicago, Big Star is the place to see and be seen. Order up a platter of tacos and a pitcher of margaritas and you’ve got yourself a perfect summer afternoon.

 

Happy Village

1059 N. Wolcott

In a city where backyards are scarce, Happy Village is the patio you wish you had, complete with plastic lawn furniture, lush greenery and a gurgling fish pond. Oh, and it’s BYOF (bring your own food)!

 

RM Champagne Salon

116 N. Green

Sip rare champagnes and make a toast to the perfect summer night at this Parisian-inspired urban oasis, complete with a cobblestone patio and glowing strands of lights.

 

Any other places you think we missed? Let us know in the comments section below — we’d love to hear from you.

 

Chicago Food Planet offers a variety of awesome walking food tours in Chicago

Devour all five of the iconic “Chicago-style” dishes from the eateries that perfected them on our most popular downtown tour.

Tour Length3 Hours
Cost$75 Adult | $50 Adolescent | Free Child (6 & Under)
Tour Distance1.4 Miles
NeighborhoodsRiver North & Streeterville

Discover why Pilsen was named one of the “12 Coolest Neighborhoods Around the World” by Forbes on our Street Foods of Pilsen Food Tour.  

Tour Length3 hours
Cost$85 Adult With Alcohol | $50 Adolescent | Free Child (6 & Under)
Tour Distance1.4 miles
NeighborhoodsPilsen
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