Is it me or is there is something about dining outdoors that makes everything taste better and drinks go down smoother? While many restaurants on the North Shore can claim they have outdoor seating, with such a limited to time to enjoy the pleasure of dining outdoors, this list highlights those that give you the best ambiance, without sacrificing taste. So here goes my favorites, hope they become yours too.
Found Kitchen and Social House
1631 Chicago Ave., Evanston, 847-868-8945
Recently voted Make It Better's Hippest Restaurant on the North shore, Found is a kitchen, a social house and a restaurant with a mission. Its rustic new American dishes change with the market and season and are served in a relaxed, eclectic atmosphere inspired by 1920's Bohemian Paris and icons of the Beat Generation. In the warmer months, diners can take advantage of the Parisian-inspired sidewalk seating that can accommodate approximately 25 guests and soak up the sites of the city and the delicious food all at the same time. Even if you can't find a seat outdoors, a table in the restaurant's living room that boasts large windows overlooking the sidewalk can provide the same effect but in a more private setting.
Peckish Pig
623 Howard St., Evanston, 847-491-6778
Opened for a little more than a year, this relatively new gastropub hits all the right spots. From its fun and lively atmosphere, to its cool and inviting décor, to the great service and we haven't even mentioned the food, the onsite brewery (tours available) and wait for it…. a 3,000 sq. foot private outdoor patio! The menu consists of mostly shareable plates that cover a wide range of tastes and they typically have 5-8 house-brewed beers on tap. It's the perfect place grab brunch on the weekends, meet up with friends or unwind after a long day and enjoy the outdoors! Reservations taken for parties of 12 or more only.
Trifecta Grill
501 Chestnut St., Winnetka, 847-441-1700
Trifecta Grill offers a fun, chic, yet relaxed urban atmosphere and features high-quality food with the freshest ingredients (small bites and large plates), a state of the art wine preserving system, a fantastic craft beer list and expertly crafted cocktails. Throw in the spacious private patio and you have the makings of a perfect dining experience. Reservations now accepted.
Avli Estiatorio
566 Chestnut, Winnetka, 847-446-9300
Better known as just Avli, this authentic Greek restaurant combines traditional dishes with new regional selections that allow patrons to experience Greek dining in a fresh, new way. Their quaint yet spacious patio complete with hanging lights always gets rave reviews and adds to the overall charm of this restaurant, tucked away in the back of a small shopping mall.
See more great Al Fresco Dining on the North Shore here.
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