Patio season is officially upon us! If you've been eagerly waiting all winter to be able to get outside to enjoy some food or drink on a patio, then we are thrilled to say that you are in the right spot. Take a look below at everything you need to know as we begin to enter this long awaited season!
Menu
Click on the button below to view outdoor dining options in the selected area!
Breweries
Businesses in Photos - Photo 1: Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling. Photo 2: Alter Brewing + Kitchen
There's nothing quite like sitting back, relaxing outside while sipping on a nice, cold brew in the summertime. If you find yourself downtown, stop by Alter Brewing + Kitchen where you can admire views of the Fox River while enjoying a drink from their full-service container bar outside, and a bite to eat from their expansive food menu. Right across the river is where you'll find Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling - known for their delicious beverages, frequent live music performances, and of course, a terrific patio to get some fresh air, and even a bite to eat when food truck stops by.
Businesses in Photos - Photo 1: Courtesy of D&G Brewing. Photo 2: Courtesy of Riverlands Brewing. Photo 3: 93 Octane Brewery
Just west of downtown are three more breweries that allows for sunshine while sipping on a pint, like at D&G Brewing, whose patio is ideal for unwinding while sipping on their creative craft brews. Riverlands Brewing also has an expansive patio area, where you'll often be able to catch some live music and some tasty food from food trucks when they stop by. Over at 93 Octane Brewery, if you're feeling a bit hungry, you can grab food from Urban Counter next door. You can enjoy both your beer and your meal inside the brewery's covered patio to ensure your comfortable in the shade.
1st Street
Businesses in Photos - Photo 1: La Za'Za' Trattoria. Photo 2: McNally's Irish Pub & Kitchen
When you first step onto the 1st Street Plaza from Main Street, you'll immediately see La Za'Za' Trattoria and their outdoor dining area. La Za'Za' Trattoria has been serving up unbelievable Northern Italian cuisine since 1995, and is an ideal option if you're looking for a romantic evening out downtown. Next door, you'll be transported to the Emerald Isle while never leaving St. Charles, by going to McNally's Irish Pub & Kitchen. They also have outdoor seating available where you can enjoy traditional Irish fare while staying refreshed with one of the best Guinness's in the area.
Businesses in Photos - Photo 1: Courtesy of Gia Mia. Photo 2: Courtesy of La Mesa Modern Mexican
Continuing along 1st Street, you'll come across some outstanding, creative wood-fired pizzas at Gia Mia. You can savor your pie, along with small-bites and an extensive wine selection etheir outside or in their dining area. If it's Tequila that you're after, La Mesa Modern Mexican has one of the more impressive selections in all of the Chicago suburbs. Plus, with modern twists on traditional Mexican dishes, dining in their outdoor area while sipping on a margarita hits the spot every time.
Businesses in Photos - Photo 1: Courtesy of moto imoto. Photo 2: Courtesy of Vintage 53
For an "East meets West" dining experience that can be held outside, moto imoto needs to be on your list! With exceptional sushi, creative plates, and a fantastic sake selection, you'll be 'wowed' with your dining experience. Afterwards, head across the street to Vintage 53 to kick-back with a glass of wine, along with sandwich or charcuterie on their patio area.They also have a market where you browse and shop for cut-to-order cheese, charcuterie, wine, and all the accompaniments you need for the the perfect presentation.
Downtown
Businesses in Photos - Photo 1: The Graceful Ordinary (Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography). Photo 2: Courtesy of Mio Modo
In search of an exquisite dining experience downtown that you can enjoy outside? Make your reservations at The Graceful Ordinary! This award-winning establishment offers more than just food - they offer an incredible dining experience with foods that are carefully created from multiple American regional styles. Plus, their patio overlooking the Fox River is the ultimate cherry on top! Another dining experience that is hard to match is at Mio Modo. This establishment features an array of Italian offerings, from old-school recipes to contemporary additions. On the weekends, enjoying their brunch outdoors with the beautiful weather is an absolute must!
Businesses in Photos - Photo 1: Courtesy of The Wine Exchange. Photo 2: Courtesy of R House
For outdoor drinks downtown, make your way over to The Wine Exchange - the experts in fine wine. Here, you can enjoy high-quality wines from around the world, flatbreads, and other small plates, exceptional for a relaxing afternoon. For fun cocktails, great music, and an even better time, R House has to be your next destination! You can sip on their popular drinks like their Shark Attack, all while enjoying, games, music, and fresh air on their patio.
Businesses in Photos - Photo 1: Courtesy of Flagship on the Fox. Photo 2: Salerno's on the Fox (Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
One of the most prominent features of St. Charles is the Fox River, so why not go to a patio with terrific views of it? Salerno's on the Fox's patio area sits right on the water getting you about as close as you can get! From pizzas to Italian specialties, Salerno's on the Fox has been a fan-favorite since 1975. At Flagship on the Fox, you can also get a view of the water from their indoor/outdoor dining space, and with their outdoor dining expanding to Walnut Street, you'll have even more spots to enjoy one of their famous grilled cheeses and a thirst-quenching beverage.
Businesses in the Photos - Photo 1: Courtesy of Townhouse Cafe. Photo 2: Courtesy of Brown Butter Bakery
Craving some fresh air on your lunch break? Townhouse Cafe has some of the freshest sandwiches and salads around, and trust us, you don't miss out on their charming brick courtyard to dine at! Don't forget to treat yourself to one of their scrumptious desserts before you leave, too! On the opposite side of the Fox River is a spot that has made quite a name for themselves with their gluten free donuts - Brown Butter Bakery. However, did you know that you could also enjoy their tasty breakfast and lunch menu from the comfort of their shaded outdoor patio, as well?
Businesses in Photos - Photo 1: Courtesy of Whiskey Bend. Photo 2: Courtesy of Duke's Northwoods
In 2023, two new businesses came to downtown St. Charles bringing a couple of outdoor dining areas with them! Whiskey Bend frequently hosts live music events during the summer months on their patio, as well as a full bar with televisions so you won't miss a minute of the game. Additionally, with a full menu of mouth-watering offering and an impressive selection of bourbon/whiskey, it's easy to spend an evening relaxing, enjoying the beautiful weather. Beside the Fox River downtown, Duke's Northwoods is a Wisconsin-themed spot serving favorites, such as fish fry, cheese curds, and juicy burgers. They recently added an outdoor area, as well as their indoor/outdoor patio so you can appreciate the great outdoors while savoring the flavors of the great north!
Businesses in Photos - Photo 1: Courtesy of The Hive Tavern & Eatery. Photo 2: Jalapeno Grill (Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography)
After spending some time over at Mt. St. Mary Park, you can walk right over to the Jalapeno Grill - a local favorite Mexican spot with a vibrant building that can't be missed. Offering traditional Mexican fare (and a can't-miss Taco Tuesday - $1.50 per taco), this cozy taqueria also has outdoor seating you can stay outside after your stroll through the park. The Hive Tavern & Eatery also has a can't-miss Taco Tuesday ($4 Coronas, $2 Tacos, and $6 Burritos), in addition to an extensive menu with American fare, libations, and of course, an outdoor dining area for some wonderful ambience when you dine.
Businesses in Photos - Photo 1: Courtesy of Alley 64. Photo 2: Courtesy of The Filling Station Pub & Grill
You can get your "fill" of patios by taking a trip to The Filling Station Pub & Grill! With a menu featuring an array of different food and drink options, like their famous burgers and a great beer selection, they're sure to have something you're craving. Their large outdoor patio sits right on Main Street, and is known to be the home of many parade watch parties like their Polar Patio Holiday Parade Party, and their St. Patrick's Celebration. Across the street is Alley 64 - a huge Harley Davidson themed bar, with a banquet room, patio, and multiple bars. Featuring a food menu and a drink menu that is filled with cold beer and mixed drinks, every visit to Alley 64 is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Businesses in Photos - Photo 1: Courtesy of Osteria Trulli. Photo 2: Courtesy of Nuova Italia
A delicious Italian dinner, outdoor dining, wonderful wine - these are all important ingredients for a romantic night out. At Osteria Trulli, you can order pizza that is wood-fired to perfection, as well as pasta, salads, seafood dishes and more. On Thursdays, you and your partner can enjoy 1/2 price bottles of wine along with your meal, all while enjoying the fresh air on their outdoor patio! Looking for another charming option? Step into the refurbished 1841 church, now Nuova Italia, for an elegant Italian meal in a unique dining atmosphere, either indoors or outdoors on their patio.
Businesses in Photos - Photo 1: Shakou (Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography). Photo 2: Taste of Himalayas
In St. Charles, we are lucky to have a diverse range of cuisines available, so why not explore something new during your outdoor dining experience? Shakou offers a tempting selection of sushi rolls, premium drinks, and Asian dishes. Their stylish establishment also features an outdoor dining area in the back for a delightful evening out. For authentic Indian and Nepalese flavors, head to Taste of Himalayas. This award-winning eatery serves up delicious dishes like Chicken Tandoori and freshly baked naan. Enjoy their cuisine when the weather is pleasant, with outdoor seating available at the front of the restaurant.
What Do You Look Forward to Most When Going Out to Eat/Drink?
Catching the Big Game
Hearing Live Music
Enjoying a Food/Drink Outside on a Patio
Savoring Delicious Food and Drinks
East of Downtown St. Charles
Businesses in Photos - Photo 1: Courtesy of Cooper's Hawk. Photo 2: Courtesy of Wok n Fire
When traveling East on Main Street from downtown, you'll come across more dining and drinking spots where you can relax and soak up the sun. For wine lovers, a delightful day awaits at Cooper's Hawk, where you can sip on their award-winning wines paired with a tasty meal. If you're in the mood for some Asian cuisine, Wok n Fire serves up incredible Pan Asian dishes from Malaysia, Korea, Thailand, and Japan that you can be savored on their outdoor patio.
West of Downtown St. Charles
Businesses in Photos - Photo 1: Courtesy of The Evergreen Pub & Grill. Photo 2: Courtesy of Rookies All-American Pub & Grill
As you're leaving downtown headed West, one of the first sights you'll come across is the historic Evergreen Pub & Grill. They have a great patio to enjoy the good weather and best of all, they have a sand volleyball court that you can use with your friends and family to work up an appetite! Nearby is Rookies All-American Pub & Grill, who added a brand new patio last year! This outdoor space includes an outdoor bar, ample seating, and televisions ensuring you don't miss any of the action while watching the game.
Businesses in Photos - Photo 1: Courtesy of Alexander's Cafe. Photo 2: Courtesy of Tap House Grill
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and the best way to kick-start your morning "sunny-side up" is by having your breakfast outdoors. At Alexander's Cafe, you can do just that on their patio along Main Street. You can indulge in their many breakfast offerings and even sip on libations like a Bloody Mary or a Mimosa. If breakfast isn't calling your name, Tap House Grill is another fan-favorite establishment where you can order fresh, made from scratch food while sitting outside. Additionally, with a wide variety of craft beers, it's no wonder why they've been pleasing taste buds in St. Charles since 2005.
Businesses in Photos - Photo 1: Courtesy of Wahlburgers. Photo 2: Courtesy of Global Brew Tap House
Not only does Global Brew Tap House have 50 beers on tap and hundreds more bottles from all around the globe, but they also have a patio where you quench your thirst, and play games with friends and family, like bocce ball! After you've gotten your fill, you're bound to have built up an appetite, so take a trip to Wahlburgers! Here, you can enjoy their famous, juicy burgers, and their space outside is perfect place to dine, complete with a firepit and water views.
Coming Soon
Businesses in Photos - Photo 1: Courtesy of The Office Dining & Spirits. Photo 2: Courtesy of Maple Leaf Coffee House
Coming soon to the outdoor dining scene in St. Charles are two new and improved patios! The Office Dining & Spirits is currently renovating their outdoor space, located right off Main Street in downtown. Maple Leaf Coffee House is also making improvements to their patio that will be nestled alongside the Fox River, making it the perfect cafe to start off your morning. Be sure to follow their social media for updates!
The only thing that makes dining outside even better is dining outside where there is live music you can listen to. Click here to view all the weekly live music performances taking place throughout St. Charles.