O Patio, Where Art Thou? A Summer Guide to Ravenswood’s Best Patios

Each year, millions of Chicagoans emerge from hibernation to the sound of hundreds of patios re-opening for the season. You there, dear reader—don your short sleeves. Wrangle up two to seven of your closest friends. Locate the nearest oasis of outdoor seating. Order a round for the table, and toast to summer in the city. You know you’ve earned it.

You may not know, however, that Ravenswood is positively brimming with patios. For your convenience, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the most prolific patios in the neighborhood. Big ones. Small ones. Pet-friendly ones. Secret ones. There’s a patio for every occasion. Bonus points if you manage to hit all of these before summer’s end!

Psst—did we miss one? Shoot us a message at info@ravenswoodchicago.org to request updates to this list!

On Malt Row

Thirteen years ago, Begyle Brewing became the first taproom to open along the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor. Since then, they’ve perfected a deliciously simple tap list and made a name as one of Malt Row’s most laid-back and frequented neighborhood hangs. You can always count on seeing a few friendly faces hanging around Begyle’s patio, which comes with a lovely view of the Metra wall. View the Begyle Brewing Website

  • 🍻 Malt Row Business
  • 🐾 Dog-Friendly

Cultivate by Forbidden Root is a spacious and welcoming brewpub with an elevated vibe, serving up foeder-aged botanical beers, unique cocktails, and upscale dishes made over a woodfire hearth, including foie gras and beer-braised short rib. Want to impress someone? Take them to Cultivate. Their sidewalk patio is perfect for dates or after-work drinks with a friend. View the Cultivate Website

  • 🍻 Malt Row Business
  • 🐾 Dog-Friendly

Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Dovetail is an iconic destination brewery on Malt Row specializing in continental European styles and traditional methods. Dovetail beers are a go-to all year long, but on a cloudless summer’s day they’re perfection. (Dovetail is also a stone’s throw from the Chamber office, meaning you’re not unlikely to find the author herself stopping in for a Lager after hours. Prost!) Their patio is a serene space with a view of the ivied Metra wall. View the Dovetail Website

  • 🍻 Malt Row Business
  • 🐾 Dog-Friendly

Tucked away in quiet Bowmanville, Half Acre is a must visit for local hopheads. Their beer menu is legendary for a reason, boasting time-honored classics and experimental releases alike. Their rotating food menu elevates Half Acre’s cultural status from brewery to full-blown culinary destination, and their picturesque outdoor beer garden is kid and pet-friendly! Half Acre also hosts cool events pretty regularly—keep an eye on their calendar this summer! View the Half Acre Website

  • 🍻 Malt Row Business
  • 🐾 Dog-Friendly

The first distillery established in Chicago since Prohibition, KOVAL is widely known for their organic spirits made with unique grains and signature techniques. Located in the heart of Ravenswood, their distillery includes a tasting room, store, and a spacious patio where patrons can sip inventive cocktails made with KOVAL spirits. View the KOVAL Website

  • 🍻 Malt Row Business
  • 🐾 Dog-Friendly

Conveniently next to Half Acre, Spiteful Brewing’s taproom is practically built for summer hangs, complete with big garage door windows, a dartboard, and a chill outdoor patio. Many a refreshing pint are to be found on their rotating tap list; like the staff, Spiteful brews are friendly and accessible, making this an easy go-to for any occasion. Also on the Spiteful menu? That’s right: thin-crust Pequod’s pizza. Might as well cancel the rest of your summer plans now. Check out Spiteful’s Website

  • 🍻 Malt Row Business
  • 🐾 Dog-Friendly

Clark Ave

Tiztal is a local favorite gem serving up fresh juices, smoothies, and delicious Mexican-style breakfast and brunch dishes. If you’re checking them out for the first time, their chilaquiles are widely recognized as among the best in the city, and you can’t go wrong with one of their freshly-squeezed juices (especially refreshing as the weather heats up!) Their patio is a charming, visually rich space shaded by a canopy of trees. View the Tiztal Cafe Website


An evening on the patio at Carol's Pub with a classic Old Style sign in the background

Don’t go to Carol’s if you’re not prepared for a hootin’ and hollerin’ good time, and don’t say we didn’t warn you. Live country and western music, karaoke nights, cold beer, and a 4am liquor license have earned Carol’s the title of Chicago’s most infamous honky tonk, and rightfully so. Their (pup-friendly!) outdoor patio is an ideal place to kick things off before you inevitably wind up on the dance floor. Daily drink specials include a $7 Chicago Handshake. Visit the Carol’s Pub Website

  • 🍻 Malt Row Brews On Tap
  • 🐾 Dog-Friendly

Others on Clark St:


Irving Park Ave

Diner Grill is a 24-hr mainstay with a classic fenced patio. They’ve been serving up classic American fare, day and night, since 1937. For comfort food that doesn’t skimp on the flavor or the portions, Diner Grill is a must-have. Their covered patio has a quaint backyard feeling, difficult to come by elsewhere in the city. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed summer hang, be it morning, high noon, or three a.m. Visit the Diner Grill Website

  • 🐾 Dog-Friendly

Indian Clay Pot is a warm, comfortable spot serving up southern Indian cuisine prepared fresh in actual clay pots imported from India, offering customers an authentic and traditional culinary experience with vegan and gluten-free options available. Their brick-enclosed back patio is delightfully leafy, with warm, intimate lighting—ideal for summer dates or . Visit the Indian Clay Pot Website


The Long Room has served Ravenswood as a friendly neighborhood tavern and leader in the growth of the Chicago craft beer scene since January 2000. Long Room’s enclosed garden is a peaceful sanctuary in which to enjoy early morning coffee, a beer or two at lunch, or evening cocktails with friends. Tucked away in back, this airy yet intimate outdoor space is adorned with bold tropical plants, potted flowers, climbing vines and an herb garden nestled above a pergola. View Long Room Chicago’s Website

  • 🍻 Malt Row Brews On Tap
  • 🐾 Dog-Friendly

O’Donovan’s is a long-standing neighborhood pub slinging mouthwatering Italian-American fare. Their indoor space is surprisingly capacious, their beer garden is charmingly lush, and both areas are jam-packed with characteristic quirks. The food and drink menu is just as captivating, featuring something for just about everyone. Plus, they’re open until midnight Sun-Thurs and until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays! View the O’Donovan’s Website

  • 🍻 Malt Row Brews On Tap
  • 🐾 Dog-Friendly

Near the Irving Park Brown Line Station is Ritual Coffeehouse, known for pitch-perfect coffee pours, can’t-have-just-one baked goods, and vibey vinyl spins. Lesser known is their back patio, ensconced in a delightfully European alleyway, complete with a wall mural, umbrellas for shade, and a canopy of string lights. Unlike most cafes, Ritual stays open until 10pm every day of the week—yes, you read that right. It’s an all-day destination for patio purists. View the Ritual Coffeehouse Facebook Page

  • 🐾 Dog-Friendly

Montrose Ave

La Amistad is a casual Mexican eatery with down-to-earth authentic flairs. The menu—featuring standouts like the mole enchiladas, carnitas tacos, and a fan-favorite vegetarian bean burrito—is well-loved by locals seeking real flavor at reasonable prices. Their tree-shaded sidewalk patio is a notoriously chill spot for enjoying a cerveza or two. Alcohol is strictly BYOB at La Amistad, so be sure to plan ahead! View La Amistad’s Website


Wolcott Tap is the definition of a neighborhood hang. A short walk from the Montrose Brown Line Station, Wolcott Tap is a classic locale for hits-the-spot pub fare, boasting a lovingly-curated collection of local brews on draft. A wealth of sidewalk seating and proximity to the brown line make the Wolcott Tap patio a great spot for casual hangs on weekdays and weekends alike. Visit the Wolcott Tap Website

  • 🍻 Malt Row Brews On Tap
  • 🐾 Dog-Friendly

XOchimilco is a family-owned and operated restaurant bringing customers authentic flavors of Mexico. This is a well-loved spot where the vibes flow as freely as the tequila. Expect top-quality service, food, and delightfully artful plate presentations. Just a short walk from the Montrose Brown Line Station, their patio is a summery dream, perfect for knocking back a few margaritas with friends and loved ones any day of the week. View the XOchimilco Website


Others on Montrose Ave:


Damen Ave

ARRIBA! On top of Farm Bar sits ARRIBA Rooftop, where patrons can soak up the sun, pair Mexican bites with tropical cocktails, and enjoy summery views from the top of Damen and Montrose. ARRIBA’s weekday happy hours from 4-6pm earn patrons half-priced appetizers and spirits—and kids eat free! Perfect for a beat-the-heat hang with friends. View the ARRIBA Website


When you think friendly neighborhood patio, you think Gio’s. Gio’s Bar and Grill is a laid-back locale for delectable bar food—known for their burgers—and relaxed vibes. Gio’s came under new management in late 2024; the husband-and-wife duo now in charge (who met at Gio’s many years ago!) are bringing lots of positive changes to this classic joint, including an upgraded menu and a packed calendar of community events. View the Gio’s Bar and Grill Website

  • 🍻 Malt Row Brews On Tap
  • 🐾 Dog-Friendly

Others on Damen Ave:


Ravenswood Ave

For nearly 20 years, it’s remained a real contender for the sought-after title of best pizza in Chicago. Spacca Napoli serves authentic, thin-crust Neopolitan pizza made from ultra fresh, high-quality ingredients—and it shows. Their gorgeous patio comes to life when warm weather beckons, offering a lovely Euro-summer experience for those of us without the dough (see what I did there?) to catch a flight to Italy. Spacca is one of a few businesses that will be affected by water main replacement projects this summer, so be sure to stop in and show them some love when you get the chance. View the Spacca Napoli Website


O’Shaughnessy’s made TimeOut’s list of the 11 Best Irish Pubs in Chicago for its authentic-feeling custom-built wood bar, deluxe interior, and true-to-life menu of curry, shepherd’s pie, beef stew, and more. Plus, like every good Irish pub, they’ve got a smart selection of year-round and seasonal beers on tap. And, yes: a gorgeous sidewalk patio with ample seating for warm summer days and nights. Sláinte! O’Shaughnessy’s is one of a few businesses that will be affected by the water main replacement projects this summer, so be sure to stop in and show them some love when you get the chance. View the O’Shaughnessy’s Website

  • 🍻 Malt Row Brews On Tap
  • 🐾 Dog-Friendly

Just look at that patio, would you? A hop and a skip from the J.C. Deagan building, this place is an office favorite for a reason. Rojo Gusano is known for its creative tacos (their menu is cleverly separated into ‘tacos’ and ‘not tacos’), breezy cocktails, and stylish decor. The patio is beautifully shaded, with a wealth of seating and canopy of atmospheric string lights to set the mood—a great spot suited for any kind of outing. View the Rojo Gusano Website

  • 🐾 Dog-Friendly

Others on Ravenswood Ave:


Others Around the Neighborhood

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