Street Closures Create Safe Outdoor Dining in Chicago

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Chicago has recently changed its rules and regulations to limit social interactions due to a surge in COVID-19 cases. For the time being, bars and breweries without a retail food license that serves alcohol will not be permitted to let customers indoors. 

What does this mean for those of us looking to enjoy the city during the summer months while practicing social distancing? Thankfully, outdoor dining is still in effect. 

The city has blocked off many streets to allow for socially distant outdoor dining, allowing Chicagoans to enjoy the great food the city has to offer while minimizing the risk of COVID-19. Let’s take a look at some of the streets in our favorite Chicago neighborhoods that are open for al fresco dining.

Andersonville: A section of Balmoral Avenue east and west of Clark Street is closed off to allow for outdoor dining between 5 pm and 10 pm. Three restaurants are participating in the outdoor dining program: Replay at 5358 North Clark Street, where you can enjoy burgers, wraps, and beers outdoors. At 5400 North Clark Street, Hamburger Mary’s offers up a menu of classic American comfort food alongside beers and cocktails. And finally, Vincent, located at 1475 West Balmoral Avenue, takes care of your upscale dining needs with delicious three-course meals featuring the like of chicken liver mousse, roasted half chicken, and chocolate pot de crème. Vincent is open Wednesday through Sunday between 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm. Be sure to book online to reserve an outdoor table.

Lakeview: Creating an experience similar to that of a food hall, Lakeview has closed down two streets in the neighborhood to make room for diners to eat outdoors from participating restaurants in a socially distanced setting. From Friday to Sunday each week, Cornelia Avenue, just east of Southport Avenue, will provide an outdoor eating area between the hours of 6 pm and 10 pm on Friday, 11 am to 10 pm Saturday, and 11 am to 9 pm Sunday. 

The second outdoor dining area in the neighborhood will be on North Paulina Street south of Roscoe Street to Henderson Street. The open space will available for diners on Friday from 6 pm to 10 pm, Saturday from 12 pm to 10 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 9 pm. In order to take part in the outdoor dining area, you must bring takeout food from one of the participating Lakeview Restaurants including:

  •  The Butcher’s Tap
  • Cafe Tola
  • Left Coast Food + Juice
  • Farm Bar
  • Waterhouse Tavern
  • And many more

Approximately 30 socially distanced tables will be on hand to accommodate patrons. Find more info here. 

Lincoln Park: Running for six consecutive weekends thru August 16 in one of our favorite neighborhoods, the Feast on Lincoln in beautiful Lincoln Park offers diners a great outdoor dining experience. Taking place on Lincoln Avenue from Fullerton Avenue to Wrightwood Avenue, the Feast on Lincoln is open from 4 pm to 11 pm on Saturdays, and 11 am to 11 pm on Sundays. Participating restaurants include: 

  • Broken English Taco Pub
  • Galit
  • Millie’s Supper Club
  • Prost!
  • Takito Street
  • And many more

As usual, be sure to contact the restaurants about reservations and availability. Find out more here. 

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO