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The birds are singing, the sun is shining — and the drinks are flowing.

If you find yourself with some time to spare, grab a mask and visit one of the dozens of patios, rooftop bars and other open-air spaces that allow diners to catch some rays while enjoying a bite.

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Find more patio options on our searchable database of restaurants and bars in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs online.

Lírica

Navy Pier's recent reopening meant the debut of Lírica, a Latin American restaurant perched on the pier and featuring outdoor seating on a 150-seat patio with unbeatable views of Lake Michigan.
Navy Pier’s recent reopening meant the debut of Lírica, a Latin American restaurant perched on the pier and featuring outdoor seating on a 150-seat patio with unbeatable views of Lake Michigan.

Navy Pier has reopened, and you can make reservations now for the newly debuted Lírica, a Latin American restaurant perched on the pier and featuring outdoor seating on a 150-seat patio with unbeatable views of Lake Michigan. Dine on grilled octopus, beef empanadas, or large plates like skirt steak with chimichurri and zucchini. Cocktails include a variety of mojitos and margaritas, as well as an Old-Fashioned with a Oaxacan-inspired twist. 900 E. Grand Ave., liricarestaurant.com

PB&J

Burrata, prosciutto and balsamic pizza at the West Loop restaurant, PB&J.
Burrata, prosciutto and balsamic pizza at the West Loop restaurant, PB&J.

Named for its selection of pizza, beer and jukebox jams, this West Loop watering hole offers happy hour deals from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Enjoy half-off specialty cocktails and pizza on the expansive patio, which has both covered and heated seating options. Reservations for up to 10 people are available on OpenTable, but walk-ins are welcome. 205 N. Peoria St., 312-498-7080, pbjwestloop.com

The Rambler

The Rambler is located in the North Center neighborhood of Chicago and features a dog-friendly sidewalk patio, as well as a large outdoor beer garden.
The Rambler is located in the North Center neighborhood of Chicago and features a dog-friendly sidewalk patio, as well as a large outdoor beer garden.

Even with COVID-19 capacity restrictions, guests should have a decent shot at grabbing a seat at The Rambler in North Center, which offers two outdoor spaces: an extended sidewalk patio with room for 48 people, plus a backyard beer garden that fits 68. The sidewalk patio is dog-friendly. Full food and drink menus are available in both areas, while the back also has TVs for catching the games. 4128 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-799-8881, theramblerchicago.com

Recess

The patio at Recess bar in the West Loop, 838 W. Kinzie St.
The patio at Recess bar in the West Loop, 838 W. Kinzie St.

Meant to hark back to the carefree days of school-sanctioned fun time, Recess features beers like Marz Brewing’s Chug Life and Off Color Beer for Tacos along with a rotating burger of the week, frozen cocktails and mixed shots. Perch on the expanded patio, which now includes seating on the second floor of the restaurant’s shipping container structure. Reservations are recommended. 838 W. Kinzie St., 312-801-1181, chicagoinrecess.com

Rewired Pizza Cafe & Bar

Rewired Pizza Cafe & Bar offers a 40-seat patio that also boasts heaters and a fire pit.
Rewired Pizza Cafe & Bar offers a 40-seat patio that also boasts heaters and a fire pit.

This new Edgewater hangout offers a 40-seat patio that also boasts heaters and a fire pit for chilly evenings. Rewired’s patio is also dog-friendly, with first-come, first-served seating arrangements. Guests will find weekday happy-hour deals and live music on the patio every Thursday. 1100 W. Thorndale Ave., 773-360-1621, rewiredcafe.com

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