Things I Like - Food

I was very excited to see the alfresco dining guide in last week’s Chicago Tribune. Several of the places noted (Flatwater’s, Tavern at the Park and Piccolo Sogno) are already favorites and I’m looking forward to trying the new Terzo Piano at the Art Institute as well as Roof at the new Wit Hotel.

I know that the guide wasn’t meant to be all inclusive, but I do think that they missed some key players:

• Boka – Progressive American cuisine from a Charlie Trotter alum in Lincoln Park. The terrace (shown here) is very peaceful.


• Dinotto – This long time Old Town favorite serves great traditional Italian dishes on an enclosed ‘piazza’.


• Wishbone – Southern food on a very casual patio. Feel free to bring the family, others definitely will. In the West Loop.


• Follia – Great northern Italian cuisine in a funky space. Keep an eye out for the owner – you’ll know him when you see him. West Loop.


• North Pond Café – ok, not really outdoor dining but when the glass doors are open on the enclosed patio you feel like you’re sitting in the middle of Lincoln Park. The food is always amazing.

Lunch in the Loop

• Townhouse – Great tucked away seating area and a killer shaved apple salad


• 1 N Kitchen – Kobe sliders, an iced tea and a large set back patio with plenty of umbrellas. Make sure to go back to work.


• Rivers – Food not stellar but the French dip, the burger and the charred beef salad are pretty good. And you really cannot beat sitting at a table alongside the river.


• Ceres Café – Solid diner food in the courtyard just north of the CBOT. The best option in the south Loop.


• Smith & Wollensky – Basic (expensive) steakhouse fare but the patio overlooking the river is fantastic.

If you don’t mind sitting on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant, close to both pedestrian and street traffic, the following all have great food and service. If the outdoor dining area was more enclosed or out back or up top, they would be top choices for warm weather dining.

• Prosecco – another traditional Italian where everything is very good. The wine list and very knowledgeable yet still pleasant sommelier are a huge bonus.
  
• Frontera Grill – top Mexican cuisine in the city.


• Crofton on Wells – one of my favorites for fine dining, you will devour absolutely everything on your plate.


• Cyrano’s – great casual bistro dning with ½ price wine on Mondays!