9 suburban restaurants with unique al fresco dining
Relaxing outdoor patios. Beautifully landscaped gardens. Rooftops overlooking quaint downtowns.
Suburban residents don't have to travel far to enjoy picturesque al fresco dining experiences.
As the weather warms and summer approaches, patrons can dine in a Spanish courtyard or be transported to an Italian villa. They can enjoy the fresh air of a lakeside deck or the cozy atmosphere of a private garden.
Here are nine outdoor dining options in the suburbs:
Adelle's Fine American Fare
Adelle's in Wheaton has received rave reviews for its outdoor dining experience, which includes a private garden, a cedar pergola, and 100 handmade glass flowers and iron sculptures decorating the seating area. The neighborhood restaurant was the only Illinois establishment to land a spot on OpenTable's 2017 list of "100 Best Al Fresco Dining Restaurants in America." Owners aim to offer friendly service and upscale comfort food, along with craft cocktails and beer.
Adelle's is at 535 W. Liberty Drive, Wheaton. Hours are 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Sunday and Monday by appointment only. adelles.com.
Meson Sabika
Operating in the renovated 1847 Willoway Manor is enough to make the popular Meson Sabika stand out among other Naperville restaurants. The landscaped garden and outdoor patio in the heart of the historic four-acre estate put Meson Sabika over the top. Adorned in Spanish decor, the tapas restaurant is often is used for weddings, banquets and other special occasions.
Meson Sabika is at 1025 Aurora Ave., Naperville. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11:30 to 11 p.m. Friday; 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday; and 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday. mesonsabika.com.
Fiora's
Fiora's offers unique dining experiences in each room of its historic yellow house in the heart of downtown Geneva. Patrons can sit in the chandelier dining room, a library wine bar, a wine cellar or a sunroom with floor-to-ceiling windows. Or, when the weather permits, they can dine beneath the trees at umbrella-covered tables overlooking Third Street. The restaurant's outdoor patio aims to provide as quaint and intimate an experience as its elegant indoor setting.
Fiora's is at 317 S. Third St., Geneva. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. fioras.com.
Agio Italian Bistro
Surrounded by a brick garden wall and an iron fence, the outdoor seating area at Agio in Palatine emits the vibe of a true Italian eatery. A covered patio can be transformed to accommodate any weather condition, operators say, allowing patrons to enjoy the fresh air in rain or shine.
Agio is at 64 S. Northwest Hwy., Palatine. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday; 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday; and 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday. agiobistro.com
Docks Bar and Grill
Live music, a cabana-style bar and panoramic lake views are among the key ingredients that make Wauconda's Docks Bar and Grill a festive summertime hot spot. The large, tiki-themed patio, known as Docks on the Rocks, overlooks Bangs Lake and offers one of the most scenic spots in the suburbs to enjoy a meal.
Docks is at 313 E. Liberty St., Wauconda. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. docksbarandgrill.com
The Office
Located just steps away from the Arcada Theatre in the heart of St. Charles, The Office has become a popular spot for lunch, after-work cocktails or a preshow meal. Owner Sean Williams says the large outdoor patio contributes to the gastro pub's cozy atmosphere with its wooden canopy, brick walls, lush plants and bar-style tables with "mesmerizing" fire features.
The Office is at 201 E. Main St., St. Charles. Hours are 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to "late" Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. theofficestc.com.
Shakou Barrington
Shakou restaurants have been popping up throughout the suburbs since the first establishment opened in Libertyville five years ago. A trendy rooftop terrace makes the Barrington location stand out among the rest. With a variety of seating options, decorative lighting, a wooden pergola and a view of the downtown, the outdoor dining area offers a unique dining experience for fans of sushi and Asian fare.
Shakou is at 121 W. Main St., Barrington. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday. shakourestaurants.com/barrington/.
Westwood Tavern
Operators of Westwood Tavern in Schaumburg take pride in their wide variety of meals, large beer and wine menu, and inviting atmosphere. On a nice summer evening, the restaurant adds its patio to that list. Ample seating, two fireplaces and an outdoor bar put the upscale sports bar among the suburbs' can't-miss al fresco experiences.
Westwood is at 1385 N. Meacham Road, Schaumburg. Hours are 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday (kitchen closes at 11 p.m.); 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday (kitchen closes at midnight); and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday (kitchen closes at 10 p.m.). westwoodtavern.com.
Sogno Ristorante
With their rooftop seating and authentic Italian cuisine, the family that owns and operates Sogno wants patrons to feel like they've been transported to a countryside villa in Italy. The rooftop patio, which overlooks downtown Wheaton, was formerly a seasonal dining option, but operators say it will soon be available year-round. Renovations are underway to enclose the roof, though it will remain open when the weather permits.
Sogno is at 100 N. Hale St., second floor, Wheaton. Hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 4 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 3 to 9 p.m. Sunday. ilsognoristorante.com.