"Do you remember when it was 80 degrees in March last year?"
Yup, that might be the most common complaint muttered by coat-clad Chicagoans this spring.
Sure, summer didn't come early this year as it did last, but that hasn't stopped dozens of restaurants and bars from planning stellar new outdoor spaces to debut once Mother Nature decides it really is time for warm weather in Chicago. Here's a teaser of what rooftop bars, backyard patios and sidewalk cafes are ready for business, weather permitting, plus dozens others slated for debuts throughout the summer.
10 STANDOUT SPACES
American Junkie
15 W. Illinois St. 312-239-0995
This Scottsdale, Ariz.-import with an industrial-inspired look opened in March in River North and already has its retractable roof ready for warm weather. When temperatures climb above 50 degrees, the greenhouse-like glass roof opens to let sun into the second-floor space, which has a capacity of 265 people. Framed by dark leather and blue-and-white striped booths as well as table seating, the second floor also features a raised DJ area and 360-degree wraparound bar with TVs.
ETA: Open now, weather permitting
Sweet Baby Ray's Smokehouse Bourbon & Beer
3478 N. Clark St. 773-975-7427
Even if the Cubs game gets rained out, you can still imbibe outside on the fully covered patio next door to this recently opened barbecue bar that's also-if you couldn't tell from the name-plugging its bourbon and beer selection. TVs are due to be added within the next two weeks, but until then, outdoor speakers tuned to sports audio mean you can keep tabs on the big game of the moment.
ETA: Now open, weather permitting
Howells & Hood
435 N. Michigan Ave. 312-262-5310
The glazed white terra cotta facade of the Wrigley Building and the reflective blue glass skin of Trump Tower both stand watch over Howells & Hood's newly opened patio, which is adjacent to Pioneer Court and Tribune Tower (Full disclosure: The RedEye offices are located in the same building). Pry your eyes off the architecture to focus on the 120-tap outdoor bar (with heaters along the canopy's perimeter), the full food menu or four large TVs. There are plenty of seating options for groups and couples, including high-top tables, couches and seats at two 16-foot-long tables illuminated by table-top fireboxes. Four oversized umbrellas equipped with infrared heaters keep outdoor diners toasty after sunset.
ETA: Now open, weather permitting
Gather
4539 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-506-9300
The backyard patio at this Lincoln Square restaurant promises a tranquil escape thanks to lush landscaping, stone tabletops and benches along the perimeter. Look up and you'll see a roof protecting your dinner from showers; look to the side to feast your eyes on a mural to be painted by a local artist on the building next door.
ETA: Late April, weather permitting
Little Market Brasserie
20 E. Delaware Place 312-640-8141
The expansive extra-wide sidewalk in front of the Talbott Hotel has seen plenty of al fresco action over the years, from the piazza-style seating of Bice to PT, the late-season pop-up restaurant that held court while the indoor space was under construction. Now, this four-month-old restaurant will make most of the space with a 125-seat sidewalk cafe opening daily at 6:30 a.m. for open-air breakfast, followed by lunch, dinner and dessert before closing at midnight.
ETA: May 1
Joe's Bar
940 W. Weed St. 312-337-3486
The owners of this Weed Street fixture-known for college sports and country concerts-are throwing their cowboy hats in the rooftop ring with a 3,500-square-foot rooftop bar with views of the downtown skyline. A separate street-level entrance, full food menu, a new cocktail list and potentially acoustic music shows are in the works.
ETA: May 4
Siena Tavern
51 W. Kinzie St. 312-595-1322
Though recreating the secluded piazzas of Italy in the heart of River North is an impossible task, the owners of Siena Tavern-"Top Chef" fan favorite Fabio Viviani and the owners of Public House down the street-are doing the next best thing with their 100-seat sidewalk cafe. Expect canopy-covered, light-strung lounge seating for groups along Dearborn Street and traditional dining furniture along Kinzie Street.
ETA: Early May
The Dec
160 E. Pearson St. 312-573-5160
The Ritz-Carlton is getting in on the downtown hotel rooftop scene with this 12th floor bar located outside the hotel's current restaurant, Deca. In addition to seating for 57 and a menu of light snacks and specialty cocktails, the main attraction will be "The Lens," an eye-shaped sculpture constructed of the same material as "Cloud Gate" (aka "The Bean) that will reflect light from a nearby fireplace.
ETA: May
Park Tavern
1645 W. Jackson St. 312-243-4276
If you thought the 10,000-square-foot interior of this five-month-old pub near United Center was huge, wrap your head around the 3,000-square-foot, 200-seat beer garden planned for this summer. Order from two bars, lounge under ten cabanas or indulge your competitive side with billiards, table tennis and oversized chess. Five firepits offer warmth on chilly nights; of course, when the temperature rises, all eyes will be on the refreshing--and extensive--beer list.
ETA: May or June
Chicago Chop Shop
2033 W. North Ave.
It's not quite a rooftop, but it doesn't seem right to call it a patio, either; the walled-in, open-to-the-sky dining space on the second floor of this coming-soon meat-centric restaurant and butcher shop really defies categorization. Undetectable from street level, this hidden outdoor room for 60 diners is the opposite of see-and-be-seen Wicker Park neighbors such as Big Star. Expect an elevated section with communal seating and tables for two and four covering the rest.
ETA: July
MORE PATIOS, ROOFTOPS & SIDEWALK CAFES
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House
58 E. Oak St. 312-888-2499
The second-floor balcony at this Gold Coast steakhouse features views of Oak Street below during lunch and dinner. Soak up the mid-day sun or relax in the shade cast by umbrellas that match the red hue of the glowing Esquire Theater sign just a few feet away.
ETA: Open now, weather permitting
High Noon Saloon
1560 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-227-9339
Milwaukee Avenue provides some of the best summer people-watching, so expect the 20 sidewalk seats in front of this new taco and tequila tavern to be packed when the sun's shining.
ETA: Open now, weather permitting
Fatpour Tap Works
2005 W. Division St. 773-698-8940
Surrounded by a fence and flower boxes, seating for about 60 people at high-top tables and couches along Division Street is first-come, first-served.
ETA: Open now, weather permitting
John Barleycorn River North
149 W. Kinzie St. 773-348-8899
A 75-foot retractable glass roof lets the sunshine-or moonlight-in to the bar's second floor, which is surrounded by mezzanine seating and three 6- to 12-screen video walls.
ETA: Open now, weather permitting
Tortoise Club
350 N. State St. 312-755-1700
Decorated with flower-filled planters and shaded by the overhang of the building above, this River North restaurant's patio seating offers tables for a full multi-course dinner or just cocktails.
ETA: This week, weather permitting
Homeslice
938 W. Webster Ave. 312-789-4600
This one-month-old Lincoln Park pizzeria is planning tree-shaded sidewalk seating for 16 along Bissell Street, ideal for trying out a new weekend brunch menu featuring breakfast pizzas, French toast sticks and-wait for it-cereal with Rumchata.
ETA: This weekend, weather permitting
Billy Sunday
3143 W. Logan Boulevard 773-661-2485
The passionfruit daiquiri at this cozy Logan Square cocktail bar and restaurant would make for an killer spring sipper on the 16- to 18-seat sidewalk cafe.
ETA: Sunday
The Local Chicago
198 E. Delaware Place 312-280-8887
Even if rain threatens, this Gold Coast bar and eatery quite literally has its sidewalk seating covered. Deep canopies and fold-down walls keep sprinkles at bay, while on sunnier days, flower planters and partitions separate the approximately 60 seats from foot traffic along Delaware Place.
ETA: Next week, weather permitting
Takito Kitchen
2013 W. Division St. 773-687-9620
Bench-flanked communal tables will seat 22 on the extra-wide sidewalk in front of this Mexican-inspired Wicker Park restaurant.
ETA: April 29, weather permitting
Bar Pastoral
2947 N. Broadway 773-472-4781
If a summer breeze spells wine and cheese for you, Bar Pastoral's 25-seat outdoor cafe on Broadway will be your destination. On weekends, a seperate sidewalk area will be open for guests to enjoy retail sandwiches from Pastoral next door in the sun.
ETA: Late April, weather permitting
The Monarch
1745 W. North Ave. 773-252-6053
A departure from its former life as beer hall Uberstein, the backyard patio at this Wicker Park restaurant will channel a Cape Cod-chic vibe, complete with Monarch daisies and a patch of grass with Adirondack chairs.
ETA: Late April, weather permitting
Sumi Robata Bar
702 N. Wells St. 312-988-7864
Snagging a seat at the multi-level 20-seat patio featuring cabanas, tiered wooden decks and evergreens will be as close as you can get to dining in an oh-so-zen Japanese rock garden.
ETA: Late April or early May
Brasserie 54 by LM
5420 N. Clark St. 773-334-9463
This French restaurant in Andersonville has been previewing its 50-seat backyard patio on Sundays only, but next month, it will be decked out with flowers and open for dinner service as well as weekend brunch.
ETA: May 1, weather permitting
Reno
2607 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-697-4234
Take in a front-row view of Logan Square's summer action at this 40-seat sidewalk cafe, with umbrellas or an awning planned to provide some shade while you nosh on a bagel for breakfast or pizza and pasta for dinner.
ETA: May 1, weather permitting
Belly Q
1400 W. Randolph St. 312-563-1010
In addition to 20-30 sidewalk seats along Randolph Street, this Asian-inspired West Loop restaurant plans to make the most of the space just west of the building. Think canopies for shade and a portable firepit and heat lamps for warmth on chilly nights.
ETA: May 1 for sidewalk seating; mid- to late May for patio seating
Bistro Dre
2965 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-697-9067
This Lincoln Park BYOB extends a bit of its charm outside by way of a 12-seat sidewalk cafe decorated with wrought-iron furniture, herb-filled flower boxes, light-strewn potted trees and a wood-crate fence.
ETA: May 1
Glunz Tavern
1202 N. Wells St. 312-642-3000
This pedestrian-heavy stretch of Old Town will see the debut of historic Glunz Tavern's 24 sidewalk seats, offering a full food and drink menu.
ETA: May 1
Pl-zen
1519 W. 18th St. 312-733-0248
Tucked in a narrow garden unit, this Pilsen beer bar and restaurant will squeeze in an extra 12 seats outside the front door-make sure to look down from street level or you'll miss it.
ETA: May 1
Tesori
65 E. Adams St. 312-786-9911
The 40-seat garden-lined patio that belonged to former Loop restaurant tenant Rhapsody will reopen for the season with outdoor seating for this 7-month old Italian restaurant.
ETA: Early May
Umai
730 S. Clark St. 312-986-8888
Flower-lined sidewalk seating for 25 to 30 diners along Clark Street will create even more space for sushi lovers at this Japanese restaurant in the South Loop.
ETA: Early May
Bel 50
738 N. Clark St. 312-496-3948
River North's waffle sandwich shop expands its seating with 12 seats on the sidewalk out front lined with planters.
ETA: Early May
Public House
400 N. State St. 312-265-1240
Though this River North bar was open last summer, this season marks the debut of a Kinzie Street sidewalk cafe with space for 50 to 70 people, plus umbrellas and accordion windows that open up to the indoor bar and dining room.
ETA: Early May
Ay Chiwowa
311 W. Chicago Ave. 312-643-3200
The high-energy vibe and street art-inspired decor will spill out back of this faux-dive Mexican bar and onto an 18-seat, covered back patio in River North.
ETA: May 7
Embeya
564 W. Randolph St. 312-612-5640
The owners of this Asian-inspired West Loop restaurant-which recently launched lunch-are planning a 16-seat cabana-style lounge space as well as a 46-seat dining area with umbrellas for shade and a border of grass-filled planters.
ETA: Mid-May
The Big Cheese
4229 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-661-6993
Umbrellas and planters will perk up sidewalk seating for 26 outside this grilled cheese-centric sandwich shop in Lincoln Square.
ETA: Mid-May
Replay
3439 N. Halsted St. 773-525-1125
Boystown mainstay Bucks Saloon has closed and will morph into an arcade bar, but the new owners also plan to upgrade the popular back patio as they refresh the interior.
ETA: Mid-May
The Savoy
1408 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-698-6925
This seafood-centric Wicker Park bar and restaurant opened last summer, but it's saved it's the debut of a sidewalk -12 seats bordered by wrought-iron railing and planters-for this year.
ETA: Mid-May
LP Stadium
2423 N. Clark St. 773-661-9710
A 24-seat sidewalk cafe along Clark Street is in the works, pending city approval, at this Lincoln Park sports bar where summer drinks such as sangria, margaritas and pina coladas join the regular line-up of beers and cockails.
ETA: Mid- to late May
Duran European Sandwiches
529 N. Milwaukee Ave. 312-666-6007
Look for the gated parking lot next door to this cute cafe to turn into a 16-seat patio later this spring.
ETA: Late May
Arami Go
203 E. Ohio St. 312-245-3003
Look for a small sidewalk cafe of 8 to 10 seats debuting soon at this Streeterville sushi spot.
ETA: Late May
Leadbelly
5739 W. Irving Park Road 773-283-7880
The owners of this month-old Portage Park burger shop plan to make space on the sidewalk for a dozen or so more burger fans.
ETA: Late May
Fat Rice
2957 W. Diversey Ave. 773-661-9170
This Euro-Asian-inspired Logan Square eatery will expand seating by a dozen or so when its herb planter-trimmed sidewalk cafe debuts along Sacramento Avenue.
ETA: Late May
Da Lobsta
12 E. Cedar St. 312-929-2423
New England-style lobster, shrimp and crab rolls will be most appropriately gobbled on this Gold Coast restaurant's 10-to-15-seat sidewalk cafe, surrounded by fencing painted in signature lobster red.
ETA: May
Little Goat
820 W. Randolph St. 312-888-3455
Sidewalk seating for 34 will soon make it a little easier to snag a seat at chef Stephanie Izard's modern spin on a classic diner.
ETA: May
Oon Chicago
802 W. Randolph St. 312-929-2555
Tree-shaded sidewalk seating for 20 to 30 diners is set to debut the same time as the rest of this Asian-inspired restaurant from former Saigon Sisters chef Matt Eversman.
ETA: Late May or early June
Flour & Stone
355 E. Ohio St. 312-822-8998
If the timing goes as hoped, 20 seats on the plaza outside this Streeterville pizzeria will debut about the same time it receives its liquor license allowing the sale of beer and wine.
ETA: Late May or early June
Bacino's of Lincoln Park
2204 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-472-7400
This long-standing Lincoln Park pizzeria is planning an intimate Italian garden-inspired patio for 25 to 30 next to the restaurant this summer.
ETA: June
Hash
1357 N. Western Ave. 773-661-2964
Macrame hanging planters will bring the retro vibe of this '70s-inspired breakfast and lunch cafe outdoors onto a 15-seat sidewalk cafe.
ETA: June
La Sirena Clandestina
954 W. Fulton Market 312-226-5300
Details are still developing, but drinks-only sidewalk seating is in the plans for this South American-inspired West Loop restaurant.
ETA: Mid-summer
Blackfinn Ameripub
353 N. Clark St.
With 100 tap handles at the bar inside, this River North hangout will have plenty of beer to be savored on its proposed 38-seat sidewalk cafe on the corner of Clark and Kinzie streets.
ETA: August
>>Also in the works ...
Alpana Singh's elegant River North wine bar, The Boarding House, has plans to add outdoor seating, though details still are being finalized. We're also anxiously awaiting news on potential outdoor spaces at yet-to-open South Loop restaurant Chica Loca and Roscoe Village restaurant Endgrain.
RESTAURANT AND BAR OWNERS: Are you opening a new outdoor space this year? RedEye will be updating this guide throughout the season, so please email Lisa Arnett (lmarnett@tribune.com) for restaurants and Kate Bernot (kbernot@tribune.com) for bars and clubs.