You’ve been cooped up all winter, so now that’s it’s time to go alfresco, why not reward yourself? Perch yourself on one of these new or soon-to-open patios, and let the summer scene seekers flock to you.
Tallulah (hours | address | maps)
The secluded 38-seat rear patio at this cute Lincoln Square bistro, which debuted in mid-April, is fitted with a roof so you can enjoy Sunday brunch even if the sun scorches. Plus there are trees and fencing to muffle city sounds, and it’s classed-up with a sparkly three-tier chandelier and white linen-topped tables. Chef Troy Graves’ contemporary American dinner menu features pan-seared scallops with curried English pea risotto ($20); brunch highlights include lobster eggs Benedict with pesto hollandaise ($14).
Rustik (hours | address | maps)
As you might guess by the name, this Logan Square newbie has a thing for the great outdoors all year round—there’s even an indoor glass atrium displaying nature-inspired motifs. But now you can enjoy the real thing: A Brazilian wood-framed 15-seat sidewalk patio with iron tables opened last week. For now, you can nosh on dinner choices such as grilled hanger steak with pommes frites ($18). Weekend brunch debuts in early May.
Zed451 (hours | address | maps)
This just-opened spot promises to be a real meat market—no really. The sophisticated steakhouse offers an international update on Brazilian churrascaria and an enormous rooftop deck with 120 seats, amazing River North views, a full-service bar and plenty of greenery—it’s the perfect setting for communal cocktailing. Budget bonus: You can skip that $49 all-you-can-eat menu—it’s not available outdoors. Instead, look for a la carte selections such as fondue and charcuterie on the rooftop.
Rosebud Prime (hours | address | maps)
You’ll have a new Loop option when this steakhouse opens its 60-seat alfresco cafe on May 1. Separated from the street by a spacious, landscaped plaza so you can hear your tablemates instead of the traffic, it’s perfect for power-lunching. Other touches include linen-topped tables and comfy rattan chairs—great for those lunches that last till happy hour.
Perennial (hours | address | maps)
This soon-to-open Lincoln Park American bistro, located just steps from the actual park, is from the team behind Boka and Landmark; they’re hoping to open (inside and out) by late May. The 60-seat cafe is topped with a cool curved pergola in lieu of the usual awning, and it’s outfitted with flowers, ivy, birch trees and fancy furniture. Exec chef Giuseppe Tentori is still firming up the menu; sample dishes include a peekytoe crab salad and farm-raised rainbow trout with sweet pea emulsion.
Shochu (hours | address | maps)
Need a break from Cubs craziness? Skip the beer gardens and head to this Asian-influenced Wrigleyville restaurant-lounge from the Deleece folks—it’s slated to open any second. The patio, tucked behind the restaurant, won’t open until mid-May, but will offer shade trees and a fountain, plus black wicker armchairs to contrast white tables. The sharable small plates menu offers choices such as green curry duck breast with mizuna salad ($8) and kampachi, basil and saffron rice maki ($8).
Parrot Cage (hours | address | maps)
The patio at this Washburne Culinary Institute-affiliated restaurant in the South Shore Cultural Center opened for a minute late last summer, but it’s since been upgraded and scheduled for rollout June 1. The awning-covered space is surrounded by acres of lush parkland, plus you’ll get cool breezes off Lake Michigan, which is within eyeshot of the eatery. American eats, prepped and served by chefs-in-training, include crab-crusted catfish ($18) and a 14-ounce ribeye steak ($25).
[ Terri Mooney is a Metromix special contributor.] metromix@tribune.com
