Home base may be the only place where you can dine indoors with your dog (thanks, health code), but when the weather is warm, Chicago is full of patios where pups are welcome. Whether you're seeking a casual beer or snack or a full meal, there are plenty of spots around town to take your dog for an alfresco dinner—or lunch, or brunch, or drink.
The Spoke & Bird
Near South Side/Pilsen
After a trip to the dog-friendly area at Coliseum Park, bring your furry companion for a cup of coffee or brunch at this relaxed cafe, which has a lovely patio under shady trees. Grab a sweet from the adjacent Spoke & Bird Bakehouse, and a housemade dog treat for your pup.
312 Chicago
The Loop
Dogs can brunch like humans do at this Italian spot in the Theater District, which offers a whole weekend menu of healthy options for the canine crowd to enjoy on its dog-friendly patio. Choose from salmon with white rice, peanut butter biscuits, or a “beefsicle” popsicle for dessert.
Parlor Pizza Bar
Wicker Park/West Loop
Both locations of this hip pizzeria welcome pups on their patios, which provide bowls of water to keep dogs hydrated. Pet owners can keep themselves hydrated as well, thanks to the 24 taps of craft beer and margaritas and sangrias by the pitcher.
Benchmark
Near North Side/Old Town
Dogs get their own menu of inexpensive eats on the patio at this sports bar, including chicken breast, carrots, and a mini burger ($1-2 each). Meanwhile, humans can enjoy a boozy brunch for just $35, including a waffle bar, bloody mary bar, omelette station, doughnuts, brisket, and more.
Big Star
West Town/Wicker Park
Big Star is one of Chicago's most popular destinations for tacos and margaritas, but even die-hards may not realize that the 80-seat patio welcomes dogs. Be sure to try the bacon-wrapped Sonoran hot dog—and if your dog is feeling a little hot, the staff is happy to provide a water bowl.
Roots Pizza
West Town/Lincoln Square
Pizza for you, snacks for your dog: while you savor one of Roots' Quad Cities-style pies (which come in strips instead of slices), your dog can tuck into a pig ear or rawhide bone ($3-3.50). Both locations welcome dogs on their patios with water and affection; check out the "Patio Pooches" cork board at the West Town outpost to see photos of other dogs and their owners in action.
Parson’s Chicken & Fish
Logan Square
With 250 seats, this party palace's massive patio has more than enough room for all the dogs in your life (and at least a few of humans, if you feel like it). That's good news, because you'll want to linger a while to enjoy the sunshine, fried chicken, and Negroni and coconut slushies—and maybe treat your dog to a hushpuppy or two.
Clark Street Ale House
Near North Side/River North
This beer and whiskey bar is so dog-friendly, both inside and out, that even non-owners sometimes drop by for the chance to pet strangers' pups. Dogs will get plenty of room to roam in the backyard (and even a place to do their business) while their owners enjoy free popcorn, pretzels, and one of the more than 100 brews on tap.
