Summertime Chi Guide

Chicago is notorious for its cold, long winters full of snow and ice. The little-known secret is that in summer, this place EXPLODES! I like to think it’s because we get so few warm days that we know we have to live each one like it’s the last before the snow comes.

If you are heading in town to get a piece of the action, or if you’re a local trying to make the most of your summer, here is your official Summertime Chi Guide!

 

I strongly suggest playing this as you read because it’s the origin of #SummertimeChi

 

Cafes with Patios

 

Maison Marcel

3114 N. Broadway

French bakery + cafe

I order: an almond croissant, an iced golden latte and multiple macaroons

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi4XeHYgMQq/?taken-by=maisonmarcelchi

 

Cupitol

455 E Illinois St.

All-day European cafe

I order: the brioche french toast and an iced Nutella latte

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkzuQSlgsXn/?taken-by=cupitol

 

Colectivo Coffee

2261 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Naturally sourced cafe

I order: a southwestern burrito and an iced chai tea latte

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlYGuRehXb3/?taken-by=colectivocoffee

 

Beatrix

519 N. Clark St.

A good spot for breakfast, brunch or a meeting

I order: the avocado benedict, an iced chai tea latte and a chocolate chip cookie

https://www.instagram.com/p/BheZF7iA-0i/?taken-by=beatrixchicago

 

Rooftop Bars

 

Cindy’s

12 S. Michigan Ave.

American bar and restaurant overlooking Millennium Park

I order: buratta and a Femme Fatale

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlTsSPZDLP7/?taken-by=cindysrooftop

 

The J.Parker

1816 N. Clark St.

Trendy bar on top the Hotel Lincoln overlooking Lincoln Park

I order: the Maya Bay

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjsflIOAVST/?taken-by=jparkerchicago

 

Joy District

112 Hubbard St.

Rooftop bar in River North that turns into a nightclub

I order: the Manzanita

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlZMU4QAItk/?taken-by=joydistrictchi

 

London House

85 E. Wacker Dr.

Upscale rooftop overlooking the Chicago River

I order: a LH Moscow Mule

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkwAc9-ANe6/?taken-by=lhchicago

 

Raised Bar

1 W. Upper Wacker Dr.

A rooftop bar on the Chicago River

I order: a Raised Sangria

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjdZDXDg3q5/?taken-by=raisedbarchicago

 

 

Restaurants

 

Beatnik on the River

180 N. Wacker Dr.

Brand-new second location on the Chicago River

I order: charcuterie and a Second Fiddle

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlqOgSFA1iB/?taken-by=beatnikontheriver

 

Federales

180 N. Morgan St.

Mexican food + the infamous tequila shot throwing place

I order: a chicken quesadilla and a Cadillac margarita

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhXSzV6Aykk/?taken-by=federaleschicago

 

Shore Club Chicago

1603 N. Lake Shore Dr.

Beachside dining and seafood

I order: shrimp & mahi mahi ceviche and a Shore Club sangria

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlbHazjA5m-/?taken-by=shoreclubchi

 

Hampton Social

353 W. Hubbard St.

Hamptons-inspired seafood restaurant

I order: the lobster roll and a frose

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVLVJdOBGFG/?taken-by=thehamptonsocial

 

Happy Camper

1209 N. Wells St.

Real pizza (not deep dish) with good cocktails

I order: a Tony and an Umbrella

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj0Fj0-gjDo/?taken-by=happycamperchicago

 

Patio Happy Hours

 

Luxbar

18 E. Bellevue

$5 drinks and apps during happy hour

I order: truffle fries and rose

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhZZYxag99s/?taken-by=luxbarchicago

 

Ranalli’s

1925 N. Lincoln Ave.

Known for Bachelor Monday happy hour

I order: a heart-shaped pizza and sangria

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiNcMBIAvkR/?taken-by=ranallislincolnpark

 

City Winery

1200 W. Randolph St.

A winery inside Chicago

I order: a cheese tour and rose

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjsBdDSlcQE/?taken-by=citywinerychi

 

Beaches

 

Oak Street Beach

1001 N. Lake Shore Dr.

The closest beach to downtown and borders Gold Coast

I order: a Corona with lime

https://www.instagram.com/p/6OMODYyefu/?taken-by=oakstreetbeach

 

North Avenue Beach

1603 N. Lake Shore Dr.

The “party beach” with Castaways Beach Club

I order: a Bacardi Pina Colada

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj-BoqFgv2r/?taken-by=castawayschi

 

Live it up because it will snow sooner than you know it!