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Best Beer Gardens In Chicago

Chicagoans so rarely see and experience beautiful weather, you can't stop them from heading outside. Make the most of the summer this year by hanging out at some of the best beer gardens in the city - and we're not just talking about sidewalk patios.
Genes
(Photo Credit: genessausageshop.com)

Gene's Sausage Shop
4750 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 728-7243
www.genessausageshop.com

This Lincoln Square grocery store may be known for its array of smoked meats, but come summer time, it's also the perfect place to enjoy the sun, a sausage, and, of course, a beer up in their rooftop garden. The picnic tables are communal, adding to the European atmosphere, and the beers on tap are always rotating, so you'll get to try an old favorite or something new with their signature preservative-free smoked sausages from their grill hut. The menu is definitely German-inspired and sides also include potato salad, coleslaw and more.

Clark St. Ale House
742 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 642-9253
www.clarkstreetalehouse.com

It's all about craft beers (and other alcoholic beverages) at this neighborhood tavern. After all, they don't serve any food, but feel free to bring your own, including carry-out from other local restaurants. Also feel free to bring your dog along to hang out in the beer garden and patio with you. The garden area is spacious and located through the back of the ale house, and it's the perfect place to catch up with friends while enjoying your favorite local brews.

Resi's Bierstube
2034 E. Irving Park Rd.
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 472-1749
www.plus.google.com

For a wonderful array of German beers and food, look no further than this old-school Lincoln Square hot spot. While it has one of the lesser known beer gardens in the city, this is a garden not to be missed. For starters, it offers plenty of seating, and, thanks to some trees, there's shade during the day, and at night, some wonderful lantern lighting. It offers an authentic German experience, right down to the food and decor, in the heart of the city.

Related: Best Outdoor Venues in Chicago

Sheffield's
(Photo Credit: Sheffield's / Wyl Byington)

Sheffield's Beer & Wine Garden
3258 N. Sheffield Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 281-4989
www.sheffieldschicago.com

For a bar and beer garden that has it all, look no further than this Lakeview hotspot. While they serve standup barbecue food, it's their beer garden that draws people back again and again - and what's garnered Sheffield's #1 awards. With its beautiful atmosphere, including some lovely cottonwood trees, it's a great place to hang out and enjoy some tap craft beers from across the country. But it can get crowded, so if you want to sit at one of their coveted picnic tables, arrive early.

The Brixton
5420 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 961-7358
www.thebrixtonchicago.com

One of the newest additions to Andersonville is a charming restaurant serving New American cuisine. It's growing in popularity, not just for its food but for its wonderful backyard beer patio, too. While dining on small plates, like crab dip, as well as large plates, like gnocchi and ragout, enjoy your pick of beers of which there are many. In fact, the beer menu rivals that of the food menu.

Related: Best Bars for Craft Beer Aficionados in Chicago

Elizabeth SanFilippo is a freelance writer, who enjoys trying new foods from all over the world. But her favorite city for culinary treats will always be Chicago. When not blogging about food, she's working part-time at a culinary vacation company, The International Kitchen, based in the Windy City, as well as repping Younique cosmetics and skincare products. Some of her writing can be found at Examiner.com.
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