Outdoor dining season is something everyone looks forward to! The weather is warm, the drinks are cold, and the views are unbelievable!
Let us walk you through the 10 most unique places to grab a bite and enjoy the outdoors!
The Quarry Cable Park & Grill
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Niko's Redmill Tavern
1040 Lake Ave.
Woodstock, IL 60098
Niko's is a prime location for outdoor dining in the warm months if you're looking for a party because it's unbelievable outdoor space! It seems that every summer they are expanding their space and making it a destination for locals and visitors alike. Enjoy the beautiful weather and listen to live music of all kinds almost every weekend over the summer. Niko's menu is filled with favorites for just about anyone including a variety of burgers, sandwiches, salads, snacks, pizza and tavern favorites. Don't miss the Painkiller Bloody Mary only served on Sunday's!
Porkie's Pig Roast
2245 S. Eastwood Dr
Woodstock, IL 60098
Each summer Porkies has a full schedule of family friendly outdoor movies that can be enjoyed in their outdoor dining area. This summer check out favorites like The Sandlot, E.T., Jumanji and Monsters Inc. Parents can enjoy a cold beer, mixed drink and more in the beer garden while the family relaxes and enjoys one of their favorite flicks! Obviously, you can't forget the mouthwatering BBQ at Porkies either. From ribs, to sandwiches, to wings any BBQ lover will be happy they stopped by.
D.C. Cobbs - McHenry
1204 N. Green St
McHenry, IL 60050
Brand new to the Downtown McHenry scene is D.C. Cobbs McHenry. This is the popular restaurant's second location! Enjoy a meal on the banks of Boone Creek and soon on their brand-new rooftop. Choose from one of their 19 different burger creations or build your own, you won't be disappointed. Live music will be a regular thing throughout the summer, be sure to like them on Facebook (@cobbsmchenry) to stay up to date on events.
Wave Bar & Grille
3309 N Chapel Hill Rd
Johnsburg, IL 60050
Meet a friend, grab a drink, catch a wave! The Wave Bar & Grille is one of the few places in McHenry County where you can enjoy a meal on the banks of the Fox River. There's nothing better than their Blackened Blue Burger and a cold drink as you watch the boats float by along the river. This is also a perfect location to stop by for a bite when you've been out on the boat all day! Dock right at the restaurant and enjoy!
Parkside Pub
11721 E. Main St
Huntley, IL 60142
Parkside is an institution in Huntley! They are famous for their annual Turkey Testicle Festival, but this place is great in the summer too! This is the perfect stop for a casual, laid back night out with your friends and family. Enjoy their extensive menu filled with bar favorites like burgers, wraps, salads and sandwiches. This is a great spot to enjoy the music of the Huntley Summer Concert Series on the square on Tuesdays over the summer at 7:00 PM.
Port Edward
20 W. Algonquin Rd
Algonquin, IL 60102
This is a unique spot like no other! Port Edward has been serving guests in its unique nautical setting for 53 years and counting. While their indoor space is something to behold, their picturesque outdoor space is perfect for a summer time date-night. Their extensive menu features seafood delights such as oysters and mussels, a variety of fresh fish and seafood, as well as steaks, chops and poultry. Your favorite canine friends are also allowed to dine by your side at Port Edward too!
Public House of Woodstock
201 Main St.
Woodstock, IL 60098
The Public House of Woodstock combines cuisine and history in a perfect setting on the Woodstock Square! Constructed in 1857 the courthouse was home to the county seat until 1974. It now is on the National Register of Historic Places and home to both the Public House and the Old Courthouse Arts Center. You may also recognize the inside of the restaurant as the scene from the movie "Groundhog Day" where Andie MacDowell and Bill Murray drink to world peace. Dinning outdoors at the Public House is a perfect place to stop for lunch while shopping the Woodstock Square. The menu has a wide variety of bites ranging from salads to sandwiches to wraps and larger entrees. Don't miss the seasonal specials featuring a variety of fresh ingredients.
Panino's Seafood House & Bar
5628 Broadway St
Richmond, IL 60071
This is such a quaint and peaceful place to enjoy some great seafood. It is a prime location for those biking the Prairie Trail or exploring Glacial Park! It's also a perfect place for a unique date night. Their specialties are all forms of seafood from classics to more unique dishes. Don't miss the smoked salmon bruschetta, seafood diablo, or shrimp po' boy.
Benton St. Boardwalk
Benton St.
Woodstock, IL
This temporary outdoor dining space made thanks to the City of Woodstock allows Main St. Pour House, DC Cobbs, Mia Passione, and Benton St Tap to have outdoor seating right off of the Woodstock Square. With four restaurants sharing this outdoor dining space you can experience a variety of different cuisines. This has been a fantastic addition to the Woodstock Square area that you have to see to believe!