Patio Season in Oak Brook

<i>Photo courtesy of Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse</i>
Photo courtesy of Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse

Where to dine outdoors this summer

When warm weather arrives, Oak Brook’s restaurant scene moves outside. From lively patios at Oakbrook Center to neighborhood favorites and scenic settings overlooking water and golf courses, outdoor dining is part of the village’s summer rhythm. Here are some local spots to enjoy a meal in the fresh air.

Photo courtesy of The Table at Crate

Oakbrook Center

Many Oakbrook Center restaurants were designed with outdoor seating overlooking plazas and walkways, making it one of the easiest places in the western suburbs to dine outside.

Antico Posto

Italian favorites served on a cozy patio tucked along Oakbrook Center’s promenade.

Beatrix

Bright, lively patio known for brunch, coffee, and casual neighborhood dining.

Fogo de Chão

Brazilian steakhouse featuring a spacious patio perfect for warm evening dinners.

Old Town Pour House

Energetic beer hall with a large patio, fire pits, and outdoor TVs.

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille

Upscale steakhouse offering elegant patio dining near the center’s main plaza.

Piccolo Buco

Roman-style pizzas and Italian dishes with relaxed outdoor seating.

Pinstripes

Bistro dining with patio seating overlooking the bocce courts and lawn.

The Purple Pig

Mediterranean-inspired small plates and wines with lively outdoor patio seating.

The Table at Crate

Stylish café inside Crate & Barrel with patio seating overlooking the mall.

Wildfire

Classic Chicago steakhouse with a longtime favorite patio at Oakbrook Center.

 

Photo courtesy of Lucca Osteria & Bar

Around Oak Brook

Beyond the shopping center, several restaurants across the village offer patios for casual lunches, dinners, and weekend gatherings.

Alter Brewing + Kitchen

Local brewery and kitchen with a laid-back patio for drinks and casual dining.

Blackberry Market

Popular breakfast and lunch café with charming outdoor seating.

Blackwood BBQ

Fast-casual barbecue spot with simple outdoor tables for warm-weather dining.

Brook’s Kitchen & Tap

Modern American menu with comfortable patio seating.

Fat Rosie’s Taco & Tequila Bar

Festive Mexican restaurant with margaritas and two lively outdoor patios.

Kona Grill

American and sushi menu with patio seating near the Oak Brook Promenade.

Photo courtesy of Labriola Ristorante

Labriola Ristorante

Italian restaurant offering seasonal patio dining for lunch and dinner.

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar

Rustic American comfort food served on a spacious outdoor patio.

Lucca Osteria & Bar

Neighborhood Italian spot with relaxed patio seating.

Violí

Greek restaurant featuring a garden-style patio shaded by a pergola.

 

Photo courtesy of Water’s Edge Restaurant at Oak Brook Golf Club

Scenic Patios

These Oak Brook destinations pair outdoor dining with views of gardens, golf courses, and water.

COA at The Drake Oak Brook

Upscale dining with patio seating on the historic Drake Oak Brook property.

Water’s Edge Restaurant at Oak Brook Golf Club

Relaxed patio dining overlooking the golf course and Salt Creek.

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse

One of the area’s largest patios, known for steaks, seafood, and fire pits.

 

Author

The Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, NM

Celebrating A Century of Open Road: Now in its 100th year, this slice of Americana still beckons travelers

Tely Nagle, Drake Hotel Proprietor, in the Romanesque gardens
Photo by Victor Hilitski

Welcome In! The Drake Oak Brook’s elegance and charm are back to stay

ATJMAH_CM_2223

Striking the Right Note: The Chicago Youth Orchestra shapes the lives of aspiring young musicians

The camaraderie of the volunteers often keeps them involved after their student graduates

Always Boosting: Hinsdale Central’s Booster Club helps fill gaps in student activity and athletic budgets

Anne Schultz, MD, FACP Cindy Lagone, MD, FACP

Authentic Internal Medicine: Building relationships with patients and the community

Hair loss problem after covid search Instagram Post Minimalist -

Is hair loss on your mind? Reclaim Your Crowning Glory

Kristina and Matthew Bailey began reading books to their son, Owen when he was six months old— they haven’t stopped.
Owen turned 4 in June and recently received an award from the Clarendon Hills Public Library for having had 1,000 books read to him before starting kindergarten.

The library’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge is one of a few reading challenge programs offered in Clarendon Hills, where the Bailey family has lived for the past 2 1/2 years.
Kristin Bailey said she saw an ad about the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge and decided it was a good fit for Owen.

“He’s always been really into books,” Bailey said. “He had a natural interest in books at nine months old. That’s when COVID started, and he didn’t get out much, so reading books to him worked out very well. He’s a naturally curious kid, and imagination-building is important. The reading allows him to learn and explore new things, and he really wants to learn to read now.”

Krista Devlin, the Clarendon Hills library’s youth services librarian, said there’s a specific reason The Friends of the Library-sponsored 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge was started in 2022.

“Reading aloud to a child is one of the best ways to help develop important early literacy skills, which will prepare them for kindergarten,” Devlin said. “It is also a great way to bond with your child and to encourage a love of reading.”

Devlin said Owen was the second child to reach the challenge of having 1,000 books read to him before starting kindergarten. He was awarded a certificate, a crown, and his picture was taken to recognize his accomplishment.

Bailey, who said she is “a big reader,” said her family usually goes to the library once a week. Reading three books each night to Owen, along with a book before nap time, is the household normal.

“Consistency in our routine has been good and is important,” she said, adding that Owen’s two sisters, ages 2 1/2 and 1

An open book: Clarendon Hills four-year-old earns library recognition

Charlie Tomfohrde and his array of house plants for sale at the Hinsdale Farmers Market

A Budding Entrepreneur: Charlie Tomfohrde’s plant business continues to grow

Terri Doney (left) and co-founder Barb Thayer are “sisters” in the group, My Breast Cancer Sisters

Breast Cancer survivors: Hinsdale area group looking for others to help

Maxx Klein and Jack Klein

Airoom’s New Design Space Maxx and Jack Klein take the helm of their family’s business

IMG_4543

Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club A Tennis Player’s Dream

Hall of Fame

Hinsdale Central Foundation: On a mission to support staff, teachers, administrators, and students