Dining Al Fresco

Once the weather warms, everyone is itching to spend more time outdoors. But being outside doesn’t have to mean hiking through forests or fields. Incorporate some time outside with a leisurely al fresco meal at one of Chicago Southland’s dining establishments.

There are several options in the fine-dining category including Mr. Benny’s Steak and Lobster House in Mokena, where you can have a prime steak or fresh seafood on their new patio and the outdoor courtyard beside Homewood’s La Voute Bistro and Bar, where you can sip on wine and savor French cuisine.

Get some fresh air with your brews and grub with outdoor seating at Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery in Flossmoor or on the deck at J.J. Kelly’s Restaurant & Pub in Lansing.

A variety of family restaurants in the Southland offer casual eats in outdoor spaces, among them At the Office Sports Bar & Grill in Crestwood, Sheep's Food District in Orland Park, The Patio in Orland Park and Bridgeview, Stoney Point Grill in Mokena and Chuck’s Southern Comforts Cafe in Burbank. You may not even have to leave your hotel! Outdoor dining is available at American Grill at the Clarion Inn in South Holland and 9 Dots Bar & Bites at the Hyatt Place in Bedford Park. 

Other restaurants with outdoor seating include:

Balagio Ristorante - Homewood and Mokena
Culver's - Matteson
Five Guys - Matteson
Panera Bread - Matteson
Papa Joe's of Orland Park
Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant - Orland Park and New Lenox
Sonic Drive-In - Calumet City
Mindy's Ribs - Mokena
At The Office Sports Bar & Grill - Crestwood
Bottoms Up Sports Bar & Grill - Lansing
Mancino's Pizza & Grinders - Lansing
Outriggers Steak & Seafood - Lansing
Redbird Cafe - Homewood
SoHo Sweets Creamery & Cafe - South Holland
Cultivate Community Table - Frankfort
Gayety's Chocolates & Ice Cream Co. - Lansing