Chicago uncovered

The Gage

It’s the same story every spring. First the UGGs disappear along with the slush on the sidewalks. Mittens, hats and scarves go by the wayside, and then suddenly one day you hear it—the magnificent sound of metal chairs scraping along the pavement as restaurants and bars set up outdoor seating. To help you get primed for sunshine, we’ve highlighted some of the best spots in town.

Best spot for people watching
With Melvin B’s now closed, Hunt Club is the heir apparent for prime people watching on the Near North Side. Hunt Club’s ’hood has a surplus of fascinating folks, so if you’re in the mood to ogle, just grab a seat at the sidewalk patio.
Perfect summer drink: Mango Madness Martini ($7.25), mango-flavored vodka with pineapple and cranberry juices, served with an orange slice
Perfect summer dish: Oriental Chicken Salad ($6 small, $9 large) tossed with almonds, oranges, scallions, sesame seeds, wontons and plum sauce

Other great spots for people watching:
>> Pontiac Cafe & Bar
Entertaining sights are practically guaranteed at this Wicker Park spot, but get there early—the whole neighborhood tries to cram onto the sprawling patio on weekend afternoons.
>> Charlie's Ale House on Clark
If you’re lucky enough to score one of the sidewalk spots at this Andersonville staple, kick back with a beer and watch as half the ’hood strolls past.


Best spot for sun worshippers
With 5,500 square feet of outdoor space on multiple levels, Citizen Bar is tough to beat. The huge rooftop deck is a prime locale for soaking up the rays with a cocktail in hand.
Perfect summer drink: 10-ounce Maker’s Mark and Coke slurpy ($9), debuting May 3.
Perfect summer dish: Grilled salmon over smoked lentil salad with red pepper vinaigrette ($17), debuting May 3.

Other great spots for sun worshippers:
>> Athena Greek Restaurant
Slather on the SPF 30 and hit the patio with 100 or so of your friends at this Greektown summertime fave.
>> Vines on Clark
This Wrigleyville spot packs ’em in with a winning triple play of sidewalk patio, beer garden and rooftop deck. (Click here to see photos.)


Best spot for shady characters
With three separate gardens—one on street level and two on multi-level decks—Moody’s Pub claims to have the "largest beer garden on the North Side." And thanks to about 15 large trees that surround and shade the place, the fair-skinned can get fresh air, without frying.
Perfect summer drink: Red sangria packed with lemon, lime and orange slices (glass $4, pitcher $9.50)
Perfect summer dish: Beer-garden eats mean one thing: burgers. Moody’s is renowned for its signature blue cheese version ($8).

Other great spots for shady characters:
>> Avenue M
Trees provide ample shade for the cocktailing crowd that swarms this spot’s enclosed back patio in the summertime.
>> Crust
This Wicker Park organic restaurant’s back patio became fair game for the fair-skinned this spring with the addition of a large tent.


Best spot for a rainy day
There’s nothing more aggravating than finally snagging an outdoor table only to be rained out a few minutes later. Fickle weather won’t force you indoors at Fireplace Inn, where the retractable roof can open and close within five minutes.
Perfect summer drink: 32-ounce vodka lemonade ($12)
Perfect summer dish: Seafood salad ($9.95), served in a carved out tomato

Other great spots for a rainy day:
>> Village Tap
On cool and drizzly days, a canopy rolls out to cover the verdant beer garden at this sudsy Roscoe Village spot.
>> Japonais
The canopied riverwalk at this trendy River North restaurant and lounge provides shelter from the storm (or at least the mist) and a touch of privacy.


Best spot for playing hooky from work
It’s 80 degrees and sunny at 3 p.m. on a Tuesday. What’s a weary worker to do? Slip out the back door and head straight for Plymouth Restaurant & Bar, of course. The rooftop patio is the perfect weekday hideaway: Convenient to downtown, but far enough above street level that your nosy coworker won’t spot you up there when he rolls out for his smoke break.
Perfect summer drink: Frozen raspberry or strawberry mimosa ($7), made with champagne, sour mix and icy fruit puree
Perfect summer dish: Crunch ’N’ Munch veggie and fruit platter ($10.95). (Note: The rooftop here has its own menu.)

Other great spots for playing hooky from work:
>> The Gage
The Millennium Park views from the sidewalk at this Michigan Avenue spot definitely beat the view from your cube.
>> Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery
Clock out and kick back with a cold one at this brewpub, which sports the rare downtown rooftop beer garden.

[ Emily Hiser Lobdell is a Metromix special contributor. ]
metromix@tribune.com