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[title]Baker & Nosh
You’ve got two outdoor options at Uptown’s newest bakery-café. The first is the grassy garden, where chairs are set out near the stone fountain. The second is the patio next to the garden, where two four-seat tables provide a spot to eat a sandwich. If you’re juggling anything more than a cup of coffee and a pastry, we suggest the latter. 1303 W Wilson Ave (773-989-7393). Open now.—David Tamarkin
Bang Bang Pie Shop
What’s a picnic without pie? Exactly. That’s why Bang Bang will set up its shaded yard with picnic tables and picnic blankets. Occasionally the yard will host events, like a movie night (projected on the pie shop’s brick wall) or dinners from guest chefs. But most of the time, it’ll just be you, a big tree, an herb garden and all the pie, biscuits and coffee you could ask for. 2051 N California Ave (773-276-8888). Opens early June.—DT
Derby
Yes, you can drink mint juleps and eat Kentucky Hot Browns (open-face sandwiches laden with turkey, ham and bacon) at this yuppie sports bar year-round. But like predecessor Charlie’s Ale House, Derby’s finest season is summer, when you can sip bourbon in the side beer garden: 12,000 feet of greenery with its own bar and seating for 50. 1224 W Webster Ave (773-248-0900). Open now.—Julia Kramer
Pasteur
Because this 150-seat back patio is still in the planning stage, details are scant, but owner Kim Nguyen hopes to create the feel of Southeast Asia. We’re imagining lots of tropical plants. The ten-table sidewalk seating is open now. 5525 N Broadway (773-728-4800). Opening date TBA.—Laura Baginski
Piano Terra
Introducing a better option than bringing your Chipotle into the Art Institute’s North Garden: Piano Terra, a food-cart offshoot of the museum’s Italian restaurant, Terzo Piano. Here, you’ll find made-to-order salads—choose your lettuce, protein (from lamb bacon to farro), cheese, veggies and dressing—and 60 seats shaded by stylish umbrellas. Michigan Ave at Monroe St. Opens May 25.—Marissa Conrad
Pizzeria da Nella
One hundred people can fit on Nella’s private side patio. That may sound like a lot of bodies, but with the promise of potted trees, flowers and Neapolitan-style pizza, you’re probably going to have to fight for a seat. 1443 W Fullerton Ave (773-281-6600).
Open now.—DT
Premise
The enclosed patio in the back of this new Andersonville restaurant substantially increases the number of people it can serve. But considering the intricate plates chef Brian Runge is putting out, adding that many seats could be a problem. That’s why the 65-seat patio at Premise will be exclusively for three things: drinks, bar snacks and herbs grown for the kitchen. 5420 N Clark St (773-334-9463). Open now.—DT