Summertime in Chicago has an energy you can’t experience anywhere else. Because winters are long and can be brutal, Chicagoans go all out, from patio brunches to beach days. Even if it’s one hundred degrees and humid, rooftops will be packed and the beach will be buzzing. Whether you’re a local or visiting for a few days, we’ve got your guide to summer in Chicago, from where to eat to how to escape the heat when it becomes too much. Grab your sandals and let’s get going!

WHERE TO EAT

Breakfast at Lucy’s Cafe in Roscoe Village

We love a good neighborhood breakfast spot, and Lucy’s Cafe in Roscoe Village is where it’s at. Located on the bustling main stretch of Roscoe Street, Lucy’s is a family-owned restaurant serving breakfast and lunch Wednesdays through Sundays. Lucy’s is the definition of being perfect for everyone, with classic menu items along with extensive selections for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. The pancakes are spectacular, as are savory dishes like the Southwest Skillet or Pesto & Goat Cheese Omelet.

Lunch at City Winery on the Riverwalk
The riverwalk has become one of Chicago’s city-centric gems. City Winery on the Riverwalk is one of the best spots to grab a bite, especially for lunch. It’s a stellar patio experience, complete with extensive seating and great city views. Enjoy wine on tap and by the bottle, accompanied by a menu of shared plates, charcuterie and cheese boards, paninis, flatbreads, and more. We love to order several of the dips to share, plus a flatbread!

Afternoon Tea at LondonHouse
Get out of the heat with an afternoon tea at LondonHouse. Their summer menu features sweet and savory bites, a variety of teas, and a fantastic wine selection for those looking to embrace the “rosé all day” mentality. The “In the Basket” experience comes with sweet and savory treats presented beautifully, including scones, French macarons, pastries, mini sandwiches, tarts, and more. Sip a cup of Earl Grey or a glass of Whispering Angel while enjoying unbeatable views of the Chicago River in a comfortable, sophisticated environment. It’s a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

Dinner at Erie Cafe

Those seeking a classic Chicago steakhouse dining experience need look no further than Erie Cafe. Located in a hidden alcove off the Chicago River, Erie Cafe is the classic white tablecloth setting you would expect, but also with an incredible patio. Serving River North since 1994, Erie Cafe offers a classic steakhouse menu of prime steaks, chops, and seafood. Start with the Tomato Caprese Salad or Grilled Calamari for the table. Make sure to ask for an order of the restaurant’s signature Cottage Fries, which are *chef’s kiss*. The Chicken Parmigiana is simply a masterpiece, and the Tiramisu with Berry Sauce is the perfect finish.

Cocktails at Three Dots & A Dash

Located off an alley in the heart of River North, Three Dots & A Dash has been Chicago’s premier tiki bar for years. With a recently revamped menu, if you haven’t been recently (or you’ve never been at all), now is the perfect time to visit. You have two options when visiting Three Dots - sit in the main dining room or visit The Bamboo Room. Located off the lobby, The Bamboo Room features cocktails crafted with top-tier spirits, offering a more traditional and spirit-forward tiki experience. As the website claims, “The Bamboo Room is an ode to rum and rhum agrigoles.” Don’t miss out on the Clairvoyant Missionary - this cocktail is deceiving with a clear body but silky texture. While we love the Bamboo Room for a pre-dinner cocktail or even a nightcap, the drinks in the main restaurant shouldn’t be missed either. The Saturn takes a turn from the predictable rum cocktail using gin with passionfruit, lemon, and almond orgeat for a creamy yet light mouthfeel. To summarize, it tastes like a vacation in a glass.

WHERE TO GET OUT OF THE HEAT

Visit the Art Institute of Chicago
On the particularly stifling days, spend a few hours taking in art and history at the Art Institute of Chicago. Browse the well-renowned modern wing, see ancient artifacts, marvel at Renaissance art, and take in the second-largest Impressionist collection in the world. The Art Institute is home to an exceptional collection of Impressionist paintings, featuring pieces by Monet, Manet, Degas, and Renoir, among others. The museum has a rotating schedule of temporary collections, most recently one focused on Frida Kahlo’s time in Paris and a new one celebrating Impressionist artist Gustave Caillebotte. There’s also a delicious counter-service restaurant to grab a bite if you’re making it a full-day adventure. The sweet potato fries are a must! Illinois residents looking to save a buck can visit the Art Institute on Thursday evenings after 5 pm for free entry over the summer.

See a Performance

Chicago has a vibrant theater scene. From Broadway in Chicago’s energetic musicals to Steppenwolf’s gripping productions and Second City’s stomach-cramping comedy, there is always a show to see. What better way to get out of the heat than by indulging in the spectacular talent of Chicago’s theater community? For more mainstream productions, Broadway in Chicago welcomes national tours and hosts off-Broadway workshops. For more traditional plays and productions, the Goodman Theatre and Steppenwolf are responsible for award-winning performances. For something a little off the beaten path, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater has a full schedule of performances set for the summertime. Also, look to see who’s coming to The Chicago Theater as well as if the Joffrey Ballet is hosting a production at the Civic Opera House. If you love classical music, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is a stunning venue to experience a concert.

See Chicago From Above

360 Chicago has one of the best, if not the best, views of Chicago. With an (unsurprisingly) 360-degree view of the city one thousand feet up, there’s nothing quite as spectacular as seeing the lake extend out for miles during sunset. The experience starts before you even step on the elevator, telling the history of the John Hancock Tower before continuing the journey as you ascend to the 94th floor, where sweeping views of the Windy City greet you. Those who aren’t averse to heights can TILT over the city – yes, the windows lean out over the streets of Chicago. Grab a drink at Cloud 94 - the highest bar in Chicago, and make sure to check out their calendar of events to see what’s happening.

THINGS TO DO

Enjoy one of the MANY Festivals.
With summer being such a short season in Chicago, the city has learned how to pack in the festivals, with several taking place every weekend from May through September. From barbecue festivals to music festivals, tequila festivals, and beer festivals, there is something to experience all summer long. Chicago is renowned for its large-scale festivals, including Lollapalooza, Windy City Smokeout, and North Coast. However, it’s worth heading into the neighborhoods for the smaller street fests that support hyperlocal economies, such as Wicker Park Fest, Roscoe Village Burger Fest, Taste of Greektown, and JeffFest. For a complete round-up of Chicago festivals, visit Choose Chicago.

Catch a Movie or Concert in Millennium Park

Millennium Park is the place to be in Chicago during summer. Catch a free movie or concert through August with spectacular views of the city. Movie screenings are weekly on Tuesdays, and the Summer Music Series takes place weekly on Mondays and Thursdays. Arrive early to secure one of the seats in the pavilion, or bring a blanket and a picnic basket filled with snacks to relax on the green. A few of the movies showing this summer include Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Wicked, and Pride & Prejudice.

*Looking towards the South Loop from Lake Michigan.*

Get On, In, or Near the Water

From top to bottom, Chicago is known for its extraordinary lakefront. Those who grew up in the city have memories of beach days during their summer vacation as kids. Those who have moved to the city have either never been to the beach, go once every few years to say they’ve been, or are regulars. Regardless of which category you fall into (no judgment from us!), the conclusion here is that the lake is a fantastic source of entertainment during the summer.

There are many beaches along the Chicago lakefront, ranging in size and landscape. Some are the traditional sand beaches, others have grassy parks, and others have sections where the trails or concrete steps butt up to the water’s edge. Ohio Street Beach is a smaller, secluded option located near Navy Pier. Northerly Island is a beautiful spot, a little farther south, that doesn’t carry the same crowds as the more well-known beaches like North Avenue and Oak Street Beach. Montrose and Loyola Beaches are good options on the north side of the city. If you’re willing to go even further, Rogers Park has a gorgeous lakefront with parks and beaches to explore. Insider tip: the beaches on the south side have unbeatable views of the skyline.

*View of North Avenue Beach from the Oasis at Shore Club.*

One of the perks of North Avenue Beach is The Oasis at Shore Club. This waterfront restaurant features a sandy area with sunbeds and cabanas for rent, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable beach day with the added perks of a restaurant on-site. Weekends and evenings later in the week resemble more of a party scene, but if you are looking for a casual and relatively chill spot to hang out with good food and lots of drink options - anything from coffee to a straight-up coconut to margarita towers - you’re in for a treat! Tip: Read the fine print of your reservation before securing it. Some days and times have a bottle service minimum. Going earlier in the week during the daytime will give you that more laid-back atmosphere without the bottle service minimum (but double-check before booking!).

Finally, those who want to get on the water have no shortage of options. From formal cruise ships to architecture tours, and electric boats to kayaks, there are dozens of ways to enjoy Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. Boats depart from multiple locations around the city, including the Riverwalk and Navy Pier. Explore your options and choose the one that best fits what you’re looking for.