Ahh...nothing like summertime...and Beer Gardens...here is a listing of several of the best beer gardens for the year 2009 that the Chicago suburbs have to offer...be sure to check these out:
Alumni Club
Alumni Club in Schaumburg boasts the largest dining garden in the Northwest Suburbs, complete with a stone firepit, an outdoor grill, a basketball court, a sand volleyball court, and a professional built-in Bagz court, all surrounding a massive Tiki Bar bordered with palm trees and a waterfall. Overlooking a pond and acres of beautifully landscaped parkland, the beer garden creates the perfect atmosphere for dining or cocktailing alfresco. On Fridays throughout the summer, weather permitting, Alumni Club will host an outdoor Happy Hour Buffet from 5:30–7:30 p.m. featuring burgers, brats, and hot dogs. On Thursdays, sign up for Bagz tournaments for a chance to win prizes! 871 E. Algonquin Road, Schaumburg. 847-397-3100. http://www.alumniclub.com/.
Anyway’s
Anyway’s in Oakbrook has a lovely little beer garden—a patio extension to their dining room with complete food menu and bar service. It has authentic Chicago brick walls topped with glass to keep out traffic noise. All tables have umbrellas, and it’s a perfect place to dine alfresco for lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack. 5 East Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace. 630-932-9323. http://www.anywayspub.com/.
Breakaway Lounge
The beer garden at Breakaway Lounge in Villa Park is a great place to hang out and enjoy a drink and a bite to eat. Outside, you can get away from it all – their beer garden is a great break away from your crazy everyday life! 345 North Avenue, Villa Park. 630-833-0081. www.myspace.com/thebreak_away.
Capri Classic Italian Ristorante
Voted #1 Italian Restaurant and Best Chef in the NiteLife Best of the ‘Burbs, Capri should definitely be on your list of places to eat this summer. They have outdoor seating available on their patio, drink specials Tuesday through Thursday, and live music Tuesday through Saturday! Come and have lunch or dinner on the patio!
17 W. 400 22nd Street, Oakbrook Terrace. 630-279-3825.
CD & ME
CD & ME in Frankfort is owned by landscapers, so of course their outdoor space is a true delight! With their beautiful landscaping, waterfalls, firepit, gazebo, and outdoor stage, look no further than CD & ME for your next big event! Their Thursday night concert events are open to the public, with great live artists every week. 23320 S. La Grange Road, Frankfort. 815-469-7315. http://www.cdandme.com/.
Champps Americana
For all of you beer enthusiasts, Champps in Lombard now proudly features a total of 42 beers on draft! Take your pick, and enjoy the great beer variety while taking in a summer breeze on the outdoor patio. Also, check out Champps’ extensive menu filled with burgers and more. This is a great place for a summer evening.
2301 Fountain Square Drive, Lombard. 630-627-3334. http://www.champps.com/.
Cubby Bear
The Cubby Bear in Lincolnshire has a huge second-floor outdoor deck! Come outside for some drinking or to grab something off the outdoor grill on Thursday–Saturday. Bagz games are always available, and soon they’ll have pool tables outside, too! This is sure to become your favorite outdoor hangout. 21661 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Lincolnshire. 847-541-4700. http://www.cubbybear.com/.
Famous Freddie’s Roadhouse
Head over to Famous Freddie’s in Fox Lake to celebrate their 10th summer all season long! Located on the Pistakee Lake, Freddie’s multi-level outdoor deck offers patrons a scenic lake view, making it the perfect place for dining and cocktailing during beautiful summer days and nights. Freddie’s is equipped with an outdoor Tiki Bar as well as a Frosty Bar featuring frozen drinks. Bagz is available for play as well as Nintendo Wii games, Beer Pong, NTN Trivia, and more. With its one hundred boat slips, a special section for motorcycle parking on the weekends, and entertainment all summer long, Freddie’s is a popular stop for many! 510 S. Park Avenue, Fox Lake. 847-587-9677. http://www.famousfreddiesroadhouse.com/.
Finn McCool’s
Located off of Algonquin Road just west of Route 53, Finn McCool’s offers guests a fenced-in concrete patio area for meals alfresco on sunny days and Irish beers or cool cocktails on warm nights. A waitress will serve the full Finn’s menu including appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and house specialties to guests dining in the beer garden. Make Finn’s your Friday hang and enjoy an $8.99 Lake Perch Fish Fry. 1941 E. Algonquin Road, Schaumburg. 847-303-5100. http://www.finnmccoolschicago.com/.
Harry’s Sports Bar and Grill
Harry’s is a huge bar with great daily specials and the perfect beer garden for some fresh air—or to crush your friends at Bagz! This is a great place to watch your favorite sporting events on over 40 TVs and 3 big screens. The menu at Harry’s includes a variety of delicious, homemade appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, pastas, chicken, beef, steak, and pizzas; of course, food service is available outside. They have a great audio system so there’s always music inside and out! 9901 W. 55th Street, Countryside. 708-354-3333.
Hawthorne’s Backyard
Hawthorne’s Backyard in West Chicago should be your go-to place this summer if you’re the outdoorsy type. They have a staggering FOUR ACRES of fun! With sand volleyball, Bagz, horseshoes, bocce ball, a firepit, and of course the huge beer garden, you’re sure to have a great time here. Plus, for all you bikers out there, show up at Hawthorne’s Backyard on your “Hog” any Saturday or Sunday between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., and you’ll get a FREE pulled-pork sandwich! 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane, West Chicago. 630-293-6700. http://www.hawthornesbackyard.com/.
Indian Lakes Resort
After you’ve played 18 holes of golf on Indian Lakes’ championship course, unwind on Master’s Patio overlooking the water. After enjoying the great outdoors, take a dip in the pool with your family before a delicious meal at one of Indian Lakes’ fine restaurants, followed by an evening of entertainment, wine-tasting, sports—or more golf! 250 West Schick Road, Bloomingdale. 630-529-0200. http://www.indianlakesresort.com/.
Jambalaya at Pheasant Run
At Pheasant Run, the Midwest’s largest entertainment resort, you have plenty of options for enjoying the great outdoors. Enjoy 36 holes of championship golf. Create a splash in three pools. Experience a night of live theater, music or comedy. And get ready for the taste of New Orleans at Jambalaya! 4051 East Main Street, St. Charles. 800-4-PHEASANT. http://www.pheasantrun.com/.
John’s Buffet
They say “There is no buffet at John’s Buffet!” What they do have, besides an extensive array of tasty treats and a huge beer and wine selection, is a great beer garden on the east side of the building with an outdoor café. Come out to John’s Buffet! 27W482 Jewell Road, Winfield. 630-752-2000. http://www.johnsbuffet.com/.
Maple Avenue Pub
Enjoy the spring sunshine in the beer garden at Maple Avenue Pub in Lisle! In the summer, play some Bagz on the patio—and have you planned your 4th of July festivities yet? Come to Maple Avenue Pub, because they have a great view of the fireworks! The beer garden features a full menu—including appetizers, sandwiches, and pizzas—and music every day and night. 1227 Maple Avenue, Lisle. 630-971-8730. http://www.mapleavepub.com/.
Maxum Bar and Grill
Maxum in Hinsdale features a great, covered beer garden which makes the perfect outdoor hangout to drink and enjoy Maxum’s yummy entrées. This is not your typical bar cuisine! And don’t forget to try one of their Daily Drink Specials, from buckets of beer to shots and bombs. 9300 S. Kingery Highway (Route 83), Hinsdale. 630-789-6800. http://www.maxumbarandgrill.com/.
Mickey Finn’s Brewery
Mickey Finn’s in Libertyville is well-known for its awesome beer and live music, but have you checked out their beer garden yet? It’s a cozy patio with umbrellas and full food service – a great place to kick back with one of Mickey Finn’s truly unique, flavorful ales and lagers. 412 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville. 847-362-6688. http://www.mickeyfinnsbrewery.com/.
Moretti’s Ristorante & Pizzeria
The garden at Moretti’s Ristorante & Pizzeria in Bartlett makes for a very enjoyable outdoor dining experience, with its stone firepit, two-sided fireplace, and outdoor grill situated on a large deck surrounded by sculptured landscape. Enjoy dinner and lunch in this comfortable beer garden. 1175 W. Lake Street, Bartlett. 630-837-4992. In Schaumburg, Moretti’s has a large patio surrounding the outside of the building, overlooking a lushly landscaped garden area perfect for summer dining and enjoyment. Guests will be treated to the full menu on the patio, where they can choose from pizza, Italian, and American favorites. It’s great for a family meal, a work lunch, or even a few happy hour cocktails after work. Enjoy Moretti’s Mini Martini Flight in the sun and choose three to sample including the Pomegrantini, Limon Drop, Razz-Tini, Cosmo, Fuzzy Naveltini, Blue Moon Martini, and Apple Martini. 1893 Walden Office Square, Schaumburg. 847-397-4200. http://www.morettischicago.com/.
Pete & Johnny’s Tavern and Grille
Pete & Johnny’s in Lisle has a large, comfortable outdoor beer garden for all of your dining and drinking needs! They pride themselves on their great service, quality dishes, and reasonable prices; make sure to stop by the beer garden this summer to enjoy a daily drink special… or even to take Pete’s Challenge!
2901 Ogden Avenue, Lisle. 630-848-1900. http://www.peteandjohnnys.com/.
Ray’s Evergreen
Ray's Evergreen Grille is the home of the famous outdoor Tiki Bar, the western suburbs’ best outside full-service bar. Sit outside and watch the Cubs or the White Sox on their huge plasma TVs and enjoy the best drink specials in town. Join one of the Bagz tournaments every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday night on the grass under the lights – with prizes provided by Ray's. And you can't miss College Night every Monday! Bring your school i.d. and take advantage of $0.50 draft beers and shot specials. Make this summer special and enjoy the outside while it lasts! 1400 W. Main Street, St. Charles. 630-584-3535.
Rolling Lanes
Enjoy the summertime with outside drinking and dining at Rolling Lanes. Of course, you’ll also want to try their Daily Drink Specials, Karaoke, or superb live entertainment in the 10th Frame Lounge! With Candlelight Bowling, Cosmic Bowling, and parties galore, Rolling Lanes is the place to be! 6301 Joliet Road, Countryside. 708-352-7262. http://www.myrollinglanes.com/.
Rooster’s Barn and Grill
Check out Rooster’s – “The Hot Place for Cool Meals” and spend some time in their beer garden patio! They’ll take reservations for any size party at any time, so bring your friends and try one of the over 500 hot sauces to sample (or purchase, if one of them hits the spot). Rooster’s serves up great lunches and dinners daily, and breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays. Plus, they have all-you-can-eat crab legs on Thursday and Saturday! 122 W. Lake Street, Bloomingdale. 630-307-9995. roostersbarnandgrill.com.
Ryans Public House
The beer garden at Ryans is a lovely, intimate space that you should definitely check out. Narrow and running the length of the building, with brick walls, hanging lights, and umbrellas, the Ryans beer garden has a great urban feel not usually found in the suburbs. Enjoy one of their delicious menu items with full service outside, and bask in the summer sunshine! 8942 W. Ogden Avenue, Brookfield. 708-485-7400. http://www.ryanspublichouse.com/.
Shark City Sports Bar & Billiards
The beer garden at Shark City delivers a South Beach experience right in Glendale Heights, featuring a beautiful waterfall and private cabanas! Munch on their great appetizers, delicious sandwiches and burgers, or healthy salads and wraps while enjoying tunes from the DJ or live entertainment from Thursday to Saturday. 2240 Bloomingdale Road, Glendale Heights. 630-893-9346. http://www.sharkcity.biz/.
Two Rivers Bar & Event Center
Two Rivers is building a huge firepit in the middle of their large beer garden! Enjoy the music and the relaxed and pleasant atmosphere in the beer garden while you savor their special skewer menu, featuring pork, beef, lamb, chicken, fish, and vegetables. Or order off their regular menu for Eastern European and American favorites, plus delicious homemade burgers. Yum! 10997 S. Archer Avenue, Lemont. 630-257-8187.
Villa Sofia
Come to the brand-new beer garden at Villa Sofia! It’s a beautiful red-brick outdoor space under a large wooden awning and table umbrellas. In this 1500 square foot beer garden, you can relax with one of the options from the bar or the full menu. And what a menu it is! Gourmet dishes with pheasant, wild boar, venison, wild duck, quail, and many more – Villa Sofia offers the best wild game recipes around. What better place to experience these dishes, live music, and karaoke than in the beer garden? 26400 N. Rand Road, Wauconda. 847-526-2112. http://www.villasofiausa.com/.(source: nitelife.org)And here are a links to Chicago downtown beer gardens listed by neighborhood:
Downtown, Near North, Near West & Near South
North Side – Lincoln Park and Old Town
North Side – Lakeview
North Side – Far North & Northwest
West Side
South Side
(source: chibarproject.com)
