Cindy’s sits on top of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, offering an amazing view of Millenium Park. The menu is split between spirits, wine, beer and unique options like potions, elixirs, tisanes and mocktails. Try the full apothecary service, a $250 to $280 package that comes with 20 drinks designed to “cure your life.” No wonder Cindy’s calls its bar “the original pharmacy.”
Downtown, South Loop, River North Outdoor Drinks, Happy Hours and Entertainment!
Outdoor bars in Downtown, South Loop, Gold Coast and River North are a great way to enjoy the warm weather. But who has the best happy hour? The best drinks? The best views? We're here to help you figure that out. The area is home to everyone from hipsters and students to retired condo dwellers. Check out some of the city’s well-known landmarks, try an eclectic selection of restaurants and high-end bars or indulge in some high-end shopping.
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Cindy’s Rooftop
12 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60603
312-792-3502
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Jennifer Billock
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Millennium Park
Spend summer evenings in Millennium Park, where you can watch boats on the lake or catch a concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion every Monday and Thursday from June to August. And every Tuesday, bring popcorn for the movies, shown on a 40-foot LED screen set up on the stage.
201 E. Randolph St., Chicago, Illinois 60601
312-742-1168
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Park Grill and The Plaza at Millennium Park
Head to Michigan Avenue’s scenic Millennium Park for an award-winning restaurant — and the city’s largest al fresco dining venue — that offers views for days! The Plaza now serves everyday breakfast from 9 a.m. to noon, and Park Grill’s happy hour specials await each weekday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the lounge.
11 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60602
312-521-7275
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Connie's Pizza
Escape the heat and catch a game at this family-recipe focused eatery, which has nine TVs and amble bar seating. The space is big enough for 300 people to partake in half-priced happy hour drinks and daily food specials. Summertime wouldn’t be complete without Connie’s Newberry Margarita or Bellevue Smash cocktail!
1030 N. State St., Chicago, Illinois 60610
312-326-3443
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Kurah Mediterranean
Patrons of this cozy South Loop spot are met with elegant décor, friendly servers and captivating Mediterranean plates. Head to the new covered patio to sample the homemade sangria or your choice of drink from an extensive list of refreshing cocktails. Daily happy hour includes hummus, falafel and drink specials.
1355 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60605
312-624-8611
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Julius Meinl
Smoothies, EisKaffee (vanilla ice cream, espresso, and whipped cream), flavored Italian sodas, and ice teas are among fan favorites at Julius Meinl, where efficiency, courtesy and luxury intertwine. We recommend snagging a patio seat, signature Café Melange and highly acclaimed silver platter. You’ll feel like you’re in a Vienna café!
211 E Ontario St, Chicago, Illinois 60611
773-868-1876
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drumBAR
drumBar looks more like a men’s club smoking lounge than a modern bar. If dark wood and plush leather couches aren’t your style, grab a bourbon cocktail (try the Hog Wild or Start Me Up) and head to the modern patio where you’ll get views past the Hancock Building and across downtown, straight to Lake Michigan.
201 E. Delaware Pl., Chicago, Illinois
312-933-4805
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Wise Owl Drinkery & Cookhouse
Find unique American fare and craft cocktails at this brew bistro, where you’re encouraged to bring pals and pets to the patio. Chill in the bags court, devour an $8 daily lunch special or scope the weekend’s live entertainers. Never-ending specials include $3 craft cans or $5 martini Mondays and sangrias or mimosa on weekends.
324 S. Racine Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60607
312-374-8915
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The Great American Lobster Fest at Navy Pier
Green Curtain Events offers DNAinfo readers $5 off all lobster meal tickets and $10 off VIP experiences at the Midwest’s Largest Seafood Festival via promo codes DNA5 and DNAVIP10. Head to Navy Pier during Labor Day weekend for musical performances on an outdoor stage and evening headliners in the Aon Grand Ballroom.
600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60611
517-819-1344
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Northerly Island
Once an airport on the lakefront (we miss you, Meigs Field), Northerly Island has reclaimed its former glory as a grassy wonderland from the World’s Fair era. One end is nature preserve with trails and the other is home to the Adler Planetarium and big-name outdoor summer concerts at Charter One Pavilion.
1521 S. Linn White Dr., Chicago, Illinois 60605
312-540-2668
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The Burger Point
You’ll feel like you’re in a beer garden inside The Burger Point, where the dining room is bathed in sunlight, thanks floor-to-ceiling windows. Pick from 19 mouthwatering specialty burgers (beef, chicken or turkey; all grass-fed and free of antibiotics and hormones). You can even build your own! Vegetarians: Don’t overlook the crowd-pleasing, house-made veggie burger and veggie chilli.
1900 S. State St., Chicago, Illinois 60616
312-842-1900
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Reggies Chicago
A music fan’s playground, enjoy cutting-edge bands almost nightly on either of two stages: The “Rock Club” or “Music Joint.” The latter is flanked by exposed brick and a smattering of entertainment memorabilia. Pick your pour from 70 beers — including 25 drafts — and head to the dog-friendly patio or to the rooftop for free pool.
2015 S. State St., Chicago, Illinois 60616
312-949-0120