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Patio season is here - dine around Chicago Northwest!

Patio season is here and summer is the best time of year in the Chicago Northwest region! Enjoy the warm weather and choose from a wide variety of award-winning restaurants offering open outdoor seating. Due to the global pandemic, restaurants are being creative and responsible with how they provide their food services. There are over 400 restaurants in the Chicago Northwest region, here are a few restaurants that offer hungry customers a safe opportunity to dine in the sunshine.

Arlington Heights

Located in downtown Arlington Heights on Vail and Campbell streets, Arlington Alfresco is a brand new, open-air dining and shopping zone that enables restaurants and businesses to expand their outdoor dining area. This outdoor patio experience includes an 18-foot-fenced-in pedestrian walkway in the center of the streets. For Italian-style food, Passero and Carlos & Carlos are the local favorites. Have a memorable brunch with friends or family at either Cortland's Garage or Scratchboard Kitchen. If you are in the mood for Mexican-style food, Salsa 17 and Mago are excellent options. We recommend the table-side guacamole at Salsa 17. Are you looking for live entertainment? Search no further than Hey Nonny, where American food pairs perfectly with great taste in music. Bangkok Cafe and Shakou feature excellent Asian cuisines, perfect for those wanting to try something new. Last but certainly not least, the Irish pub, Peggy Kinnane's, the perfect stop for small plates, comfort food, and eclectic atmosphere.

Elk Grove Village

For those searching for classic American bar food in Elk Grove Village, we recommend stopping by Real Time Sports and trying their award-winning Mango Sriracha wings. However, if you are craving Mexican food, check out Tapalpa - margaritas are available for takeout! Sweet Baby Ray's is a local barbecue legacy that features a chef-crafted menu, using fresh ingredients and bright, bold flavors for their famous steaks, pulled pork, ribs, and more. Carryout is available with a separate entrance!

Itasca

In Itasca, Fox & Turtle is a relaxed, upscale American pub that offers both carryout and patio dining options. They have a wide variety of choices from salads, sliders, steaks, pasta, and diverse entrees. While you decide on your meal, try a local craft beer from Itasca Brewing Company, located right inside the front doors. Take a crowler or two home! Prairie River at Eaglewood Resort & Spa offers remarkable views of the golf course and an outdoor patio and fire pit. Experience Chef Nesha's made-from-scratch Midwest cuisine in a casual atmosphere. Known as the "Cheers of Itasca," Casale Cucina draws in guests for its great Italian food and classic atmosphere. The pizza here is considered by many locals to be some of the best.

Rolling Meadows

In Rolling Meadows, Rep's Place is a family-friendly restaurant molded into the neighborhood sports bar. Alongside quality service, great food, and a fun atmosphere, Rep's Place also features Rolling Meadows memorabilia, like Jimmy Garoppolo's high school football jersey. Are you searching for sushi? Sushi Station is a unique Japanese restaurant serving sushi from a conveyor belt. Prepare for a casual environment containing a lot of smiles.

Roselle

Rosario's, a local staple since 1976, offers a wide range of pizza, pasta, and classic Italian entrees. Bonus: homemade desserts! 1913 is a unique neighborhood spot that pairs French, Italian, and American inspired dishes (fresh and seasonal ingredients!) with an international-focused wine list. Keeping Roselle's history alive, 1913 uses the original storefront sign from 105 years ago! Brunch Cafe is an excellent destination for brunch with friends. A fun atmosphere with great food and quality service - the reviews speak for themselves.

Schaumburg

Chicago Prime Italian is a family-owned, high-quality Italian restaurant with a lot to offer. Find your taste of Italy on their elegant menu and stop by on weekends for live entertainment - they have a beautiful outdoor patio. Riccardo's Ristorante has been doling out Italian classics such as baked clams & cannelloni for over 30 years! This mom-&-pop bistro offers an extensive menu with exclusive deals. We recommend you try the homemade cannoli, tiramisu, or "death by chocolate cake." In the mood for a quality burger? Look no further than Kuma's Corner, a fun gourmet burger bar that names all of their menu items after heavy metal bands. Their burgers have been featured on Food Network, the Cooking Channel, and the Travel Channel. Kuma's Corner also features an extensive thirty-two tap draft beer system. Seasons 52 is a fresh American grill and wine bar delivering a casually sophisticated atmosphere. They offer fresh ingredients that provide a naturally lighter taste, and their menu items change with the season, so there is always something new and exciting to try! Granite City is a casual eatery full of American comfort food and craft beers brewed on-site. You can always count on a relaxed atmosphere accompanied by friendly service.

Streamwood

If you are in Streamwood searching for an easy-going game-day spot with pub fare, draft beer & cocktails, we recommend stopping by Chicago Loop Sports Bar & Grill. They have over seven different flavors of homemade margaritas and mimosas - both available to-go! My Cocina Grill is an authentic, scratch-made Mexican restaurant. Indulge in savory Mexican entrees packed with original flavors that will make your mouth water. We recommend trying out their stuffed churros, a perfect indulgence for a sweet ending.

Wood Dale

In Wood Dale, U Gazdy is a traditional Polish-style eatery that serves Polish Highlander cuisines in a rustic environment. If you are looking to explore your palate, U Gazdy is a great place to start. We recommend trying their steak tartare and lamb chops, the presentation is excellent. In the mood for pancakes? Swing by Bentley's Pancake House, a welcoming, family-owned restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch seven days a week. You can count on a comfortable atmosphere and quality food served by a friendly and attentive staff.

Thank you for joining us as we took a culinary adventure through some of Chicago Northwest's most notable restaurants. With over 400 restaurants in our eight wonderful communities, there are so many fantastic options. Our restaurants are working tirelessly to adapt to the current pandemic, and appreciate your business. For an entire list of restaurants offering open outdoor seating and carryout options, visit https://bit.ly/2xyP0nJ.

• Dave Parulo is president of Meet Chicago Northwest

Weber Grill Restaurant, Schaumburg
Salsa 17, Arlington Heights
Hey Nonny, Arlington Heights
DAVE PARULO
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