boi Magazine 
Issue 12.10, Dining II 
IN THE KNOW, ON THE GO LINK12.10_On_The_Go.html

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BOI Magazine is a full-color glossy, lifestyles publication, distributed bi-weekly in the greater Chicagoland area and suburbs.  Heavely concentrated in all city entertainment districts at clubs, bars,  restaurants, bookstores, gyms, music shops, cafés and many retail establishments.

 

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Hot Summer Fashion and

Cool Drinks

Our models, Coleman Morris and Kyle Clewis discuss the latest fashion trends at Hamburger Mary's. Clothing provided by Moda Boutique, with hair and make-up by Finally Here Salon. All photography by GSG, georgesaintgeorge.com

The guys meet at the bar in the dining room at Hamburger Mary’s.


Kyle raises a glass while wearing a cotton slim fit shirt by Emeliosacci ($59.99) and European low rise jeans by Surco ($75.99). Coleman’s slim-fit black silk/cotton shirt by Versace ($95.99) is paired with European cut jeans with double stitching by Surco ($75.99).


Something’s brewing, and it ain’t just the beer. The guys move to Mary’s Rec room to learn that Hamburger Mary's began brewing beer on-site during the summer of 2009.


Kyle rocks a multicolored slim fit polo style shirt by Pazzo ($75.99) with European cut Ducati style jeans by Surco ($75.99). Coleman adds sizzle to a dark blue slim fit wrinkled shirt by Pazzo ($75.99) with slim fit European cut jeans with double stitching by Surco ($75.99).

The guys bring the date to an al fresco close on Hamburger Mary’s expansive patio.


Kyle’s in an extra slim v-neck shirt by Pazzo ($75.99) and cotton/linen capri pants by Surco ($65.99). Coleman layers a black embroidered t-shirt by Antonio Nino ($45.99) under a gray triple stitched shirt by Emeliosacci ($59.99) with gray linen shorts with zippers by Mizera ($95.99).

Our models, Coleman Morris and Kyle Clewis discuss the latest fashion trends at Hamburger Mary's. Clothing provided by Moda Boutique, with hair and make-up by Finally Here Salon. All photography by GSG, georgesaintgeorge.com

Chicago Alfresco


Think of the most romantic cities in the world and you’re likely to imagine someone sitting in a sidewalk café in Paris, Rome or Monaco. Chicago is a relative latecomer to the al fresco dining scene. It wasn’t until Daley il duce, became mayor that city ordinances and regulations were eased allowing restaurant owners to open a sidewalk café or beer garden.


Any restaurant can throw a few tables on the sidewalk and call it a sidewalk café. It takes a bit of effort to make a sidewalk café or garden into an al fresco oasis. All of the restaurants included in our outdoor dining guide offer something above and beyond the average place, either in location, cuisine or ambiance.


GARDENS OF EDEN


Everything tastes better when you’re surrounded by plants and can see the stars above. All of these places have food good enough to match the atmosphere.


Anteprima

5316 N. Clark, 773.506.9990

The quiet back patio and charming garden, features a retractable awning keeps outdoor dining an option during summer showers.


Arco de Cuchilleros

3445 N. Halsted, 773.296.6046

The tapas and sangria are as good, if not better than other, better known Spanish spot. The intimate terrace glows with lantern light.


Boka

1729 N. Halsted, 312.337.6070

Boka’s beautiful outdoor patio offers a serene and unique setting, sheltered from the elements.






Café Ba-Ba-Reeba

2024 N. Halsted, 773.935.5000

A large sun-dappled patio is a perfect setting for Spanish tapas. It’s almost like a Mediterranean vacation.


Deleece Grill Pub

3313 N. Clark, 773.348.3313

The beautiful garden in back of the restaurant is so secluded that only the rattle of the el in the distance reminds you that you’re in the city.


Dinotto Restaurant

215 W North, 312.202.0302

Yeah, it’s on a busy street, but if you turn away from the fence and face the wall, you could even start to believe that you’re in Rome.


Fizz Bar & Grill

3220 N. Lincoln, 773.348.6088

Moisture doesn’t matter, this place is completely covered. There are great flatbread pizzas and all sorts of drinks specials.


Halsted’s

3441 N Halsted, 773.348-9696

Love the burgers, love the tater tots, love the hot men, I’ll tolerate the sometimes haphazard service. Get there early or plan to wait at the bar as the patio seats are really popular.


Handlebar

2311 W. North, 773.384.9546

So, it feels like you’re at a party in neighbor’s backyard, that’s the point. You’re supposed to chill and enjoy the globally inspired vegetarian friendly cuisine.


Kuma’s Corner

2900 W Belmont, 773.604.8769

The large back patio quadruples the seating at this biker bar/restaurant making the chance that you’ll get to enjoy one of the legendary burgers or build-your-own mac and cheese much greater.


Mon Ami Gabi

2300 N. Lincoln Park West, 773.348.8886

The most authentic French bistro in Chicago has a secluded garden overlooking Lincoln Park.


Moody’s Pub

5910 N. Broadway, 773.275.2696

One of the most established beer gardens, this Edgewater spot is known for great burgers and lousy service. But when you’re chilling out under the canopies of trees, who cares?



Moretti’s

6727 Olmsted, 773.631.1223

All right, it’s Edison Park, Chicago’s answer to the Jersey Shore, but the beer garden seats 300, so you shouldn’t have a problem getting a table.


North Pond

2610 N. Cannon, 773.477.5845

Set on the bank of Lincoln Park Lagoon, the excellent upscale, fresh take on classic American cuisine has a romantic setting.


Piccolo Sogno

464 N. Halsted 312.421.0077

Fitting to close this section on restaurant gardens with what is considered, by many, to be the most beautiful in the city.










ROLLING ON THE RIVER

As in real estate it’s all about location. You can expect to pay a bit more at a restaurant overlooking the river.


Fulton’s on The River

315 N. La Salle, 312.822.0100

You can even pull your boat up to the terrace overlooking the Chicago River and Wacker Drive with spectacular views of the city.



Japonais

600 W.  Chicago, 312.822.9600

The riverfront patio makes for an exceptional if pricey night of sushi. Stay for drinks afterward in the downstairs lounge.


Smith & Wollensky

318 N State Street, 312.670.9900

On the other hand, if you’re going to be footing a hefty tab, you might as well have a great steak and dine in an architectural landmark.


UP, UP AND AWAY

Raise you expectations and check out some of these rooftop terraces and gardens.


The Restaurant at Conrad

521 N. Rush, 312.645.1500

Five stories above pedestrian life, the lofty ambiance of this outdoor spot make sit the perfect place for unwinding with a cocktail or sampling items from the tapas menu.


SushiSamba Rio

504 N. Wells, 312.595.2300

The breathtaking views from the rooftop are almost enough to overshadow the inventive Asian-South American fusion fare. There are themed parties every Thursday.


Shanghai Terrace

108 E. Superior, 312.573.6744

The fourth floor of the prestigious Peninsula Hotel provides a perfect backdrop for fantasizing, combining the sophistication of 1930s supper clubs with flavorful dishes from Shanghai and southern China.


Zed 451

739 N. Clark, 312.266.6691

Feeling grass under your feet may seem a bit strange when you’re three stories above street level, but you’ll soon get over it as you take in the spectacular views of downtown. Try to score one of the private booths.






Gemini Bistro

2075 N. Lincoln, 773.525.2522

This bistro could have been all trend and flash, but thanks to its good food and friendly service, it’s become a neighborhood favorite.


Kit Kat Lounge

3700 N. Halsted, 773.525.1111

The elegant garden along Waveland shows that Kit Kat is more than just a venue for drag queens. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that, I don’t want to get a spike heel in my back.)



M Burger

161 E. Huron, 312.254.8500

Step up to the window and place your order for one of the most written about burgers of the decade, then head over to the 60-seat sidewalk cafe.


The Purple Pig

500 N. Michigan, 312.464.1744

The most talked about restaurant of the year features reasonably priced comfort food and a large patio set back off the street increasing your chances of getting a table.


Roscoe’s See-Side Café

3356 N. Halsted, 773.536.2257

This is the place to see and be seen from late morning to early afternoon, the fact that the food is pretty good, is almost beside the point.


CAN’T BE PIGEONHOLED

There are a few places in town that are so unique they can’t be categorized.

Oak Street Beachstro

1000 N. Lake Shore Dr., 312.915.4100

Sit on the deck surrounded by palm trees and glance out over the water. In a few minutes you might think that you’re in the south of France. A glance over your shoulder and you’ll see you’re dining in the shadows of Chicago landmarks such as the Drake Hotel and Hancock. Then turn around; enjoy the buff bodies and surprisingly reasonably priced cuisine.


Park Grill

11 N. Michigan, 312.742.5222

The large patio in front of the more formal Park Grill serves more budget friendly fare, still not cheap, but what do you expect dining within spitting distance of Cloudgate (i.e. The Bean) in the middle of Millennium Park?


Waterfront Café

6219 N. Sheridan, 773.761.3294

The little shack tucked away in Berger Park serves up pretty good sandwiches and salads in a setting that looks more Caribbean than Rogers Park.




Navy Pier

600 E. Grand

In a league of their own, the many dining options range from upscale (Riva’s) to mid-range (Charlie’s Ale House) to downright cheap (anything from the food court.) All of the sit down restaurants have dining with stunning lake and city views.