Chicago Al Fresco: Drinking in the Windy City

If you’re headed to Lollapalooza in its birthplace Chicago—it’s expanded to include iterations in Paris, Argentina, Brazil, and Berlin—the annual lakefront three day festival offers headliners including Chance The Rapper, The Killers, Blink-182, and Arcade Fire, a mix of indie names, and a chance to enjoy the Windy City.

To cool down after hours of dancing in massive throngs of music lovers, look to the bars. The Midwestern metropolis comes alive in the summer, filled with watering holes boasting outdoor patios, rooftop vistas, and sprawling alfresco picnic table packed arrays. Whether it’s an expertly mixed cocktail with sweeping views of the skyline or an epic margarita and taco combo you’re after, see these Chi-town feeds for the best outdoor imbibing setups.

#lollapalooza #patiolife #rooftop #rooftopbar #lollapaloozachicago #festival #music

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@bigstarchicago

For unbeatable views of the same magnificent, ocean-like lakefront that serves as Lollapalooza’s backdrop, this downtown rooftop gem is a must-visit for anyone seeking tipples to offset concert beers. Since opening two summers ago, as part of the reopening of the Chicago Athletic Association as a luxe hotel on Michigan Avenue the spot is named after philanthropist Cindy Pritzker, mother of Chicago Athletic Association’s founder, John Pritzker.

Neighborhood: Wicker Park

Followers:24,256

@cindysrooftop

For unbeatable views of the same magnificent, ocean-like lakefront that serves as Lollapalooza’s backdrop, this downtown rooftop gem is a must-visit for anyone seeking tipples to offset concert beers. Since opening two summers ago, as part of the reopening of the Chicago Athletic Association as a luxe hotel on Michigan Avenue the spot is named after philanthropist Cindy Pritzker, mother of Chicago Athletic Association’s founder, John Pritzker.

Bonus: you can now get boozy artisinal popsicles along with well-reviewed small plates from executive chef Christian Ragano, who also oversees the food and beverage program for the rest of the hotel.

Neighborhood: The Loop

Followers: 7,392

@duckinnchicago

Known for quirky New American dishes and a duck prepared multiple ways, the real draw at Duck Inn, a Southwest spot from restaurant group Rockit Ranch Productions, just might be the romantic outdoor patio, strung with twinkling lights and coral-hued umbrellas. Small plates or rotisserie duck are on offer (you’ll need to call ahead for the latter), from executive chef Kris DeLee, who’s dubbed his culinary style as “working-class fine dining.”

Neighborhood: Bridgeport

Followers: 5,498

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@adastchicago

Ada Street, a mediterranean-leaning gastropub from restaurant group DMK bills itself as an “arts-driven” eatery, and touts its off-the-beaten-path coordinates. The brick-walled, astroturf-lined back patio features a vibrant mural and ping pong table, and has industrial vibes that mirror the place’s warehouse-filled, no-man’s-land locale (it’s far-east Wicker Park or Pulaski Park, depending on who you ask).

Neighborhood: Pulaski Park

Followers: 1,209

@promontorychicago

Promontory has a wide menu and cocktail selection filled with open hearth cooked dishes. The lovely flower-trimmed patio space, from the team behind beloved Logan Square spot Longman & Eagle, plays host to Promontory’s full roster of music performances and DJ sets throughout the week.

Neighborhood: Hyde Park

Followers: 7,782


THE GET

Inspired by all those sublime rooftop cocktails and excellent concoctions best sipped on a patio? Make your own at home, with a bit of help from Kaufmann Mercantile’s barware set.