Dine and Shine: Where to Eat Al Fresco in The Western Suburbs

By Mark Zonca
July 2016 View more Featured

Enjoy rooftop sunsets and a modern twist on Italian food at Sogno, 100 N. Hale in downtown Wheaton. | Photo by Sogno

Whether you crave a light lunch under an umbrella or a romantic dinner nestled under a tree—eating outdoors adds more than just atmosphere to your meal. Check out these top al fresco dining options in the western suburbs.

ADELLE’S

Since 2004, Adelle’s, 535 W. Liberty Drive, Wheaton, has been welcoming guests to their outdoor patio. This French-American bistro has a beautiful and serene, pergola-topped patio, ringed with iron fencing and a small flower garden. The custom covered cedar pergola, the 100 handmade glass flowers, and the private landscaping enhance your dining experience. Fine American fare is what’s on the menu and delightful dining is what’s in store. Choose from comforting dishes, and not to be missed, is Adelle’s boutique American craft brew selection, 100+ wine list, and handcrafted cocktails.

ATWATER’S

Enjoy spectacular views of the courtyard and the lazy flow of the water when you dine at Atwater’s, the award winning restaurant located inside the AAA Four Diamond Harrington Inn & Spa, 15 S. River Lane, Geneva. Executive Chef Jeff Meyer creates richly flavored American dishes using the freshest ingredients. In addition to patio seating, Atwater’s also features private gazebo dining and monthly afternoon tea.

FIAMME

Fiamme, 19 N. Washington St., Naperville, features a large patio with shade umbrella’s during the day and at night, overhead string lighting next to Fiamme’s signature outdoor flame to set the mood. The patio seats up to 35 guests and offers all of Fiamme’s favorite menu items including their authentic oak-fired oven pizzas along with a seasonal drink menu and specialty beer.

FIORA’S

Set on a lush, green lawn and overlooking beautiful historic 3rd Street in downtown Geneva, the open and expansive outdoor patio at Fiora’s, 317 S. 3rd St., Geneva, is a coveted venue for those seeking a truly exceptional dining experience. Fiora’s features a full outdoor dining patio, bar and stage that evoke an authentic European feel. Guests may relax and enjoy an outdoor experience featuring a full menu of fine wine and cocktails, craft beers, artisan cheeses, and exquisite European-influenced classic and contemporary American cuisine, all while enjoying nightly live music performances on Fiora’s outdoor stage.

IVY RESTAURANT

Located in historic downtown Wheaton, 120 N. Hale St., Ivy Restaurant features—of all things—an outdoor patio encased in ivy. The patio seats up to 90 guests. You are surrounded by beautiful ivy covered walls with a private garden setting. Enjoy live music every Wednesday night. Ivy is a great place to get together and enjoy a glass of wine and their popular cheese platter.

JIMMY’S GRILL

A new look, a new menu, and new management, Jimmy’s Grill, 245 S. Washington Street, Naperville, features a large patio in the heart of downtown Naperville. Chef Travis Rodriguez has created a new exciting farm-to-table menu featuring house braised, grass fed meats, free range chicken, fresh seafood, and baked goods. Jimmy’s also features desserts from Chef Terrell Cole of Dark Horse Pastries and other items from local merchants and suppliers. The patio also features TV monitors to catch the game and a great location for people watching.

MESON SABIKA

The patio at Meson Sabika, 1025 Aurora, Naperville, is a truly remarkable setting for your al fresco dining experience. Seated facing the beautifully landscaped four-acre estate with 150-year-old American oak trees—a world away from the bustle of day-to-day life—proves an idyllic setting for lunch or dinner. Dining among the lush hanging arrangements and the vibrant flowerbeds dotting the grounds of the historic mansion emulates the ambiance of tapas bars and restaurants in Spain.

OLD TOWN POUR HOUSE

Old Town Pour House – located at 8 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, and the soon-to-open location at 1703 Freedom Drive, Naperville—features a beautiful patio for outdoor dining. The perfect place to relax in the summer with a refreshing cocktail, or even an al fresco dinner and a glass of wine. The patio also serves as one of the best beer gardens in Oak Brook, with 90 beer taps including 11 seasonal varieties on constant rotation, so there is always something new to try. The 68-person outdoor seating area includes two fireplaces for the cooler evenings, and also two 50-inch TV screens—the perfect place to watch World Cup soccer, the Cubs or the White Sox.

REDSTONE AMERICAN GRILL

The patio at Redstone American Grill in Oakbrook Terrace features seating for 140 people, half underneath a covered patio and bar, still perfect even if it’s drizzling outside. Wooden benches around a large open air fire pit, granite tables and bar top as well. Entertainment, live music, and DJ’s are featured Wednesday through Friday evenings, weather permitting. Signature dishes such as seared ahi tuna and rotisserie chicken chopped salad are perfect for lighter summer fare from their menu. From the bar – their pineapple infused Redstone Doli martini served up on the rocks, and the non-alcoholic homemade strawberry lemonade will quench your thirst on a hot summer day. Open air dining is the perfect escape experience.

SOGNO

When dining at Sogno, 100 N. Hale, St., in downtown Wheaton, you’ll witness the mother, daughter and cousin of the same family, working their hardest to bring to your plate a modern twist on fine Italian cuisine. Their dream is to bring you into their kitchen and make you feel at home and inspired with their food. But to bring you to Italy, they take you to their rooftop patio. With soft warm breezes and beautiful rooftop sunsets, the Italian countryside doesn’t feel far away.

TWO BROTHERS ROUNDHOUSE

The Two Brothers Roundhouse beer garden, 205 N. Broadway, Aurora, is one of the largest and most unique outdoor dining areas in Illinois. Located in the middle of the Two Brothers Roundhouse, it’s the perfect spot to grab dinner and enjoy a few Two Brothers beer or host major events like weddings and the Two Brothers Oktoberfest party.

UNCLE JULIO’S

Uncle Julio’s, located at 2360 Fountain Square Drive, Lombard, and 1831 Abriter Court, Naperville, features Mexican food made from scratch. The restaurant chain offers a unique and authentic outdoor dining experience built around original recipes with the freshest, hand-picked ingredients. Enjoy the welcoming atmosphere on the patio while enjoying chips and salsa or a mound of chunky guacamole, along with a custom margarita, created from your choice of more than 15 different tequilas.