Americano 2211 | Wicker Park Those familiar with Birchwood Kitchen, which closed its doors last fall, will also remember its picturesque ivy-covered back patio. Americano 2211, which opened in April in the same space, retains much of the relaxed, European feel of the former occupant, with a brief menu comprising breakfast dishes, pastries, sandwiches, and salads. There are plans to add an herb garden to the 30-seat patio and to stay open for dinner, allowing for an evening glass of wine out back (a liquor license is in the works). Breakfast, lunch: daily. 2211 W. North, 773-360-8757, americano2211.com.
Dos Urban Cantina | Logan Square Chef Brian Enyart’s take on modern Mexican food has already made Dos Urban Cantina a destination, and the new 40-seat sidewalk patio with heat lamps and flower planters isn’t going to hurt things. Large-format cocktails (think half-gallon pitchers of margaritas) and a menu of botanas, or small snacks, were just rolled out in time for the warmer weather; the patio will also have a wine cart with a half dozen rosés by the glass, plus buckets of Mexican beer. Dinner: daily. 2829 W. Armitage, 773-661-6452, dosurbancantina.com.
Spoke & Bird | South Loop By far the best reason to visit this South Loop cafe—which has an extensive menu of breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, and sides—is its sprawling 2,500-square-foot patio. Partially shaded by trees and equipped with enough seating for 100 people, it’s a relaxing place for an early-evening beer (there are six on tap and a dozen-odd more by the bottle) before the place closes at 8 PM. Breakfast, lunch, dinner: daily. 205 E. 18th, 929-263-2473, spokeandbird.com.
