Brandy / June 27, 2005 8:27 AM

Moodys. With lots of rootbeer.

Eterpe / June 27, 2005 9:04 AM

Iggy's on the Rooftop

Ron / June 27, 2005 9:09 AM

Weiner Circle 3am

Y A J / June 27, 2005 9:09 AM

My new favorite is the Marina Cafe at about 6500 south, right on the lake. Interesting menu leaning towards southern & Caribbean food. Another diner raved about his burger and home-made potato chips.

I and most diners get there by bike, but you could easily park at 63rd st beach.

Michael / June 27, 2005 9:11 AM

I'll second post-bar forays to The Wiener's Circle, and also add Julius Meinl for weekend mornings to the mix.

Sky / June 27, 2005 9:25 AM

Cafe BabaReba.....the food is amazing, the sangria is a dream, and the outdoor patio makes you feel like you are far away on vacation. Love it.

Overwrought / June 27, 2005 9:49 AM

I second Moody's. I love how there's hardly any traffic noise. And all of the trees make you feel like you're far away from the city...which is nice sometimes.

Benjy / June 27, 2005 9:57 AM

I just had dinner at Platiyo on Friday night -- they have a nice patio out back. Tried for Cafe BaBaReeba's patio on Saturday, but got stuck inside. Can't win 'em all.

Also, my rooftop rocks for outdoor dining. Two BBQ grills; views of the lake, skyline and sunsets from 43 floors up; and they finally put real tables up there this year!

Angela / June 27, 2005 9:59 AM

I just saw Le Creperie's back patio garden for the first time, and it is incredibly serene and beautiful, especially in contrast to the dark restaurant and busy Clark/Diversey street

FlowFeel / June 27, 2005 10:38 AM

Great Spot

KX / June 27, 2005 10:52 AM

El Cid's back garden on Kedzie

Fizz outdoor patio

Village Tap back garden

Fireside in Ravenswood

Kitsch'n back garden (when the food is good)

Murphy's on Belmont

brian / June 27, 2005 11:14 AM

O'Neill's on Elston has a nice backyard. Sometimes there are a lot of kids, but they have such tasty beer and the food's good too.

Erica / June 27, 2005 11:17 AM

I second KX on El Cid on Kedzie -- I was just there Friday night, in fact.

Others:
Joy's Noodles on Broadway.

Chief O'Neill's on Elston.

I often find myself dining al fresco by accident on the blueline Damen stop platform around 2 am with a few dogs and tamales from the hot dog cart in front of Flash Taco/Underdogg.

Thurston / June 27, 2005 11:28 AM

The beer garden at Happy Village is quite pleasant, and they serve hamburgers and hot dogs on Friday and Saturday nites.

miss ellen / June 27, 2005 12:16 PM

seeing as my condo is located right next to el cid (and, i can see the patio from my bathroom window), i gotta give it up for el cid in logan square...

somehow, i'm always at babareeba in the colder weather, so i've only been on the patio when it's all wrapped up.

Eamon / June 27, 2005 12:51 PM

I don't know how we've managed to avoid it for so many years, but Castaways absolutely rocks. Fried ravioli!

donna / June 27, 2005 1:19 PM

I'm fond of Angel's in Andersonville. They're back patio is covered with grape vines and is quiet, shady, and cool.
Throw in a pitcher of margaritas and it's the perfect spot.

Huckle Cat / June 27, 2005 1:20 PM

I do love La Creperie, but even better is the patio at Bistro Campagne in Lincoln Square.

Speaking of Lincoln Square, Tuesday nights at Cafe Selmarie are nice for enjoying the tango dancing in Giddings Plaza.

Slats / June 27, 2005 1:34 PM

I'm partial to a nice picnic at the park, cemetary, wherever. Nice and cheap, and always BYOB.

Gabe / June 27, 2005 2:11 PM

I third Moody's. But only outside in the when it's warm.

curtsy / June 27, 2005 2:32 PM

*Handlebar on North Ave

**Promontory Point in Hyde Park

***My rooftop

*Skyway Dog House on 95th Street

***Leo's Lunchroom (back in the day...)

*Ribs n Bibs at 53rd & Dorchester

*Starbucks on Wabash @ Jackson

*Letizia's on Division

*Alliance Bakery on Division

*Sox Park, where the eats have always beat the Cubs' chow

Craig / June 27, 2005 2:34 PM

Any coffeeshop/cafe/restaurant on Division street between Ashland and Western. Twenty-five foot sidewalks. Nuff said.

waleeta / June 27, 2005 8:42 PM

Yaaaaaaaaaaay Moody's! Yay!

Amy / June 27, 2005 9:15 PM

Park Grill in Millennium Park, rooftop of Rock Bottom Brewery, Castaways, and Athena in Greektown

jP / June 27, 2005 9:37 PM

I gave my first public BJ at Moody's . Aaaahhh, good times. Shortly after our waiter brought us our food and I had the best sloppy joe ever! Hooray for dark outdoor seating and eating. You really must if youve never been.

KX / June 28, 2005 11:00 AM

Bistro Campagne - good call.

jP, details please?