5 Great Places for Outdoor Dining in the South Loop

One of the many advantages of living in the city of Chicago is unfettered access to world-class restaurants. If you have a chance to enjoy some of the many options for outdoor dining in the South Loop, you’ll see why.

As restrictions lighten and businesses begin to reopen, eating outdoors in the South Loop has never felt more vibrant. The weather is just starting to warm up, and residents are flocking to their favorite eateries, breakfast nooks, and summer bistros for patio dining. If you’re looking to enjoy a meal outdoors while you take in the sights of the city, or you need to locate the perfect place for a night out with friends, here are five great restaurants in the South Loop offering outdoor dining.

Honey Berry

Specializing in unique pancakes and other tantalizing breakfast concoctions, Honey Berry on historic State Street has something for every a.m. aficionado. Check out their menu here. Offering patio dining, as well as full liquor and coffee bars, this dog-friendly establishment has a wonderful buzz and warm atmosphere. Entrées average $15-18, and in-person dining is open at 50% capacity. They also offer an inviting selection of sandwiches and brunch items. Wait times vary, and space is often limited at peak hours. Plan ahead, if possible.

Flo and Santos

No discussion of Chicago cuisine is complete without at least one mention of pizza. If you’re craving a slice of perfection, try out Flo and Santos on Wabash. This beautiful, exposed brick pub and eatery boasts a large outdoor beer garden and offers a wide array of polish classics, in addition to its delicious pies. Family-friendly by day and party-capable by night with daily drink specials, you can also enjoy your favorite sporting events on any of its seventeen flatscreens - including on the patio. With entrees reasonably priced at around $11, a night out won’t break the bank.

LowCountry

What better way to commence the start of summer than with an outdoor dining experience in the South Loop centered around an authentic seafood boil shared with friends, loved ones, or colleagues? At Low Country on Wabash, you’ll feel like you’re in someone’s backyard as you enjoy your own customized boil, prepared traditionally and shared at the table. Choose from snow crab, fresh shrimp, lobster, or any number of oceanic proteins, then combine them with your preferred sides, sauces, and level of spiciness to create your own perfect mix. Seafood market prices vary.

La Cantina Bar and Grill

If you’re in the mood for Mexican cuisine, try La Cantina on Michigan Avenue. View their menu here. La Cantina is situated near Soldier Field, McCormick Place, and world-famous Millennium Park, which makes it a perfect spot to stop and grab a meal while you’re taking in the sights. True to its namesake, La Cantina offers a full bar featuring fresh margaritas and exclusive cocktail recipes, as well as patio dining. Their extensive menu is loaded with fresh ingredients prepared traditionally, including vegan options and discounts for Columbia College students. Entrée prices average around $12 dollars.

Niu B

This quaint gem offers high-quality Japanese cuisine. Located on Michigan Avenue, Niu B is open for both indoor and outdoor dining, with a maximum of six guests per table. For a quick lunch, try a traditional bento box, or order from their made-to-order noodle bar (noodle dishes average around $13). If you’re planning a more casual outdoor dining excursion, you can settle in with a sake flight or a fusion cocktail called the “sake-tini”. They also specialize in maki and nigiri by the piece. Space is limited, but you can make reservations online here.

Terri Buseman, Your Chicago Real Estate Expert

In my line of work, selling dream homes to families who dream big, I’m always on the move. Discovering the best places to grab a bite to eat comes with the territory, but if you want to know more about the stunning neighborhoods Chicago has to offer, peruse my website, and use this handy search feature to do a deep dive into the areas that peak your interest the most.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://www.terribuseman.com/great-places-outdoor-dining-south-loop/

Highlights of 5 Chicago Neighborhoods

 

Chicago has 77 unique neighborhoods, and that’s great news for residents looking to move to the Windy City! Here, I break down 5 Chicago neighborhoods and highlight three reasons they might be the right location for you.

South Loop

1. Proximity to Downtown

This is just one of the many benefits of the South Loop neighborhood. If you are commuting downtown for work or just want accessibility to everything the city has to offer, the South Loop is the perfect home-base.

2. A Cultural Hub

There are countless amenities in the South Loop — from luxury dining to quiet tree-lined streets — you get it all. The South Loop is best known for its famous cultural attractions such as the Shedd Aquarium, Planetarium, Art Institute, and Millennium Park. It is steps from the lake and during the warmer months, you can enjoy one of the many festivals at the lakefront.

3. Quaint Smaller Neighborhoods

The South Loop is a composite of smaller communities, each with its own distinct characteristics. They include Museum Campus, Dearborn Park, Printer’s Row, and the Prairie District. Here, you’ll find apartments and condos in state-of-the-art high rises as well as single family homes and townhomes on charming streets.

Logan Square

1. Both New & Old Real Estate

The real estate variation within Logan Square is truly something to behold. From old mansions, vintage and modern condos and walk-ups to new single-family homes, you’re bound to find a place that suits your lifestyle.

2. Trendy Dining & Nightlife

There is so much happening in Logan Square. Trendy businesses are there to serve the community, and there’s a little something for everyone. So, head to the Middle Brow Bungalow for brews and pizza or sit down to a fancy 20-course sushi dinner at Kyoten.

3. Urban Culture

Logan Square is known for its cultural flair. The area boasts many musicians and artists and welcomes everyone to join their tight-knit urban community.

Lincoln Park

1. Beach Access

Lincoln Park boasts access to multiple beaches including the North Avenue Beach and Fullerton Beach. You don’t have to go far to get a tan and take a dip! In the warmer months, every weekend is a mini-vacation when you live in Lincoln Park.

2. Accessible Transportation

Downtown and the near suburbs are easily accessible with the CTA and major expressways. For people who plan to regularly commute to the suburbs but want to live near the lake, Lincoln Park can’t be beat.

3. Highly Rated Schools

Quality education is one of the most important perks of Lincoln Park that drive new residents to this special neighborhood. This area is to home a variety of notable public and private educational choices from elementary schools up through college.

Near West

1. Major Employment Hub

The Near West is home to many big businesses including Google, Twitter, Uber, Quaker Oats, United Airlines, and even McDonalds. And more businesses are flocking to the area to establish a Midwestern presence. That tells us that this neighborhood will continue to develop, and real estate will increase in value.

2. Modern Eclectic

Near West is home to many ethnic neighborhoods including Greek Town, Little Italy, and Ukrainian Village. In these areas, including Randolph Street and Fulton Street Market, you can get some of the best food the city has to offer. Plus, with the University of Illinois at Chicago campus, residents get access to many cultural events.

3. A Commuter’s Dream

For drivers, residents have easy-access to the I-90 and the I-290 to reach the suburbs and beyond. For city-accessibility, the CTA Blue Line takes people where they need to go!

Wicker Park

1. New Developments

The demand is so high in Wicker Park, we’re seeing many new developments, especially in the area of the Polish Triangle — the city’s oldest Polish settlement. Developments will bring in more residential real estate and commercial business opportunities.

2. Boutique Shopping

Wicker Park screams “boutique” — everything about the neighborhood feels curated and special. Check out Asrai Garden, a lovely Victorian-style flower shop, or head over to Silver Moon, the neighborhood’s trendy wedding boutique.

3. Hip & Trendy

People love the Wicker Park neighborhood for its affordable housing, nightlife, and shopping. This is the ideal location for people looking for Instagrammable moments and delicious food.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://www.terribuseman.com/highlights-of-5-chicago-neighborhoods/