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Chicago Patios Open Early as Temperatures Near 70

By  Josh McGhee and Mauricio Peña | March 16, 2015 3:51pm 

 Crosby's Kitchen
Crosby's Kitchen
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Facebook/Crosby's Kitchen

CHICAGO — Chicagoans took advantage of above-average temperatures over the weekend and Monday by getting outside and doing what we do best: eating and drinking.

James Miller, general manager of Crosby's Kitchen in Lakeview, said they opened the patio last Tuesday and there have been lines ever since.

"Over the weekend, we had people waiting an hour and a half for a seat on our patio," Miller said, adding the patio will stay open until November (and increase by 12 tables) even though temperatures are expected to drop by Tuesday.

Jill Eckhardt and her 20-month-old son Brayden took full advantage of Monday's beautiful weather on the Crosby's patio.

"We went to the park before coming out here for lunch to just enjoy the weather while we can... and before nap time," said Eckhardt, 39, of Wrigleyville.

In Wicker Park, locals took advantage of several outdoor patio options Monday afternoon.

Gina Woods, 21 and Trina Coles, 20, had coffee on the patio of Milk and Honey, 1920 W. Division St.

"Being able to sit outside and enjoy the weather is refreshing," Coles said. "The warm weather just makes me happier."

Down the street, Jerry's Sandwiches, 1938 W. Division St., also had their patio up and running earlier than usual.

"The city comes alive [when it warms up]," said Julia Baranowaki, 24, who enjoyed lunch outside.

Though we'll be back in the 40s Tuesday, many Chicagoans are just happy to have some relief after a cold, snowy February.

"It is [a tease] but I'm thankful for it," Eckhardt said. "Unfortunately, it's going to get cold again so we're spending as much time out as possible."

Here are some other city patios you can hit up after work:

Big Star, 1531 N. Damen Ave.

Parson's Chicken & Fish, 2952 W. Armitage

Homeslice, 938 W. Webster Ave.

Moody's Pub, 5910 N. Broadway St.

Crosby's Kitchen, 3455 N. Southport Ave.

ROOF at theWit, 201 N. State St.

Howell's & Hood, 435 N Michigan Ave.

Dunlay's on Clark, 2600 N Clark St.

Jam n' Honey, 958 W. Webster Ave.,

Grandview Tavern, 1202 W. Grand Ave.

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