Sometimes you want to be on the beach and in the water.  Sometimes you want to be next to it seeing and smelling the water, sand, and sun while you relax, or party, on a patio overlooking it all.

Depending on the vibe you are looking for, these are the best places to enjoy the beach patio life this summer.

Whispers at Oak Street Beach

Even though they say that they are a "best kept secret" the Whispers at Oak Street Branch is right there on Lake Shore Drive (1001 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611) in a sprawling beach complex.  If you are looking for a place for some big parties and events this is the patio for you.

Unfortunately, their website is lacking but Google reviews rave about the tacos and of course the view.  However other reviews complained about wait times in both seating and service.  Welcome to 2023.   

Shore Club Chicago

Located on North Avenue Beach, this is the place to get some food.  A huge menu that includes breakfast (cause, of course, you want some breakfast on the beach) and a dinner menu packed with seafood options including the seafood tower.

Located at 1603 Lakeshore Drive, the menu also includes plenty of frozen tropical drinks to make you feel like you are much farther south than the north side of Chicago.

The Dock at Montrose Beach


View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Dock At Bradford Beach (@dineatthedock)

Take a guess where this one is.  Yeah, Montrose Beach.  A short 2-mile drive from Wrigley Field takes you out of the city and onto a beach with a park that feels like a world away. While the first two choices were a bit livelier for the beachfront patio, The Dock at Bradford Beach is a bit slower speed with a wide selection of food and drinks.  But the big draw here is the nightly live music.  The stage is full every night at 7 pm with some great sounds to enhance the great views.

Honorable Mention - Castaways Chicago

Castaways could make the list of best Chicago beachfront patios...if they were open.  How are you going to close for renovations in the summer when you are literally just open in the summer?  Had all the cold winter to get that worked out.  Somebody didn't plan that one out well.  Hopefully, they will renovate and reopen to bigger and better things for more great beachfront patio fun.

Check out some more from these places below thanks to Cori Hanna @coriinthecity on Instagram.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cori Hanna (@coriinthecity)

 

Floating Vrbo

If you're sick of the normal vacations...a stay ON the water may be what you need.

These Are The Top 10 "Trashiest" Towns In Illinois

RoadSnacks.com ranked the top 10 "trashiest" towns in Illinois based on government data.

 

More From 97 ZOK