For most of us, dining alfresco means locating the nearest patio or rooftop with good vibes and decent food. But in a city with sprawling green space and beaches for days, there are cheaper ways to enjoy the season’s biggest perks. Yeah, we’re talking about a good old-fashioned picnic. Grab a blanket, stock up on food, pick a spot to hunker down and allow us to show you the way to picnic perfection one step at a time.
BEGINNER: Pre-packed picnics
These restaurants and markets are just a phone call away and make it easy to pull off a picture-perfect picnic in a crunch.
Pastoral
131 N. Clinton St. 312-454-2200 (closed Sundays), 2945 N. Broadway 773-472-4781, 5212 N. Clark St. 773-358-7181 and 53 E. Lake St. 312-658-1250
With four locations around town and five picnic baskets to choose from, this artisanal cheese and wine emporium isn’t forking around. The Francophile picnic ($39.99) keeps it classic with paté, a variety of unique cheeses, mixed olives, fig and black tea preserves, whole grain mustard and a baguette. If you’re feeding the masses, go with the Grande Italiano picnic ($69.99), which is packed with artisan cheese, salted butter, spreadable salami, olives, crispy flatbread, honey and a baguette. Each basket can be paired with a compatible wine or beer at an additional cost. Order online at pastoralartisan.com at least 24 hours in advance.
Toni Patisserie & Cafe
65 E. Washington St. 312-726-2020
If your dream picnic involves the Eiffel Tower and Parisian fare, grab a customized Pique-Nique box from this French cafe in the Loop. Each package includes your choice of a baguette sandwich, entree salad, side and dessert. And if you squint your eyes hard enough, the John Hancock Center might just look like the Eiffel Tower. Call ahead or email info@tonipatisserie.com to order.
The Florentine
151 W. Adams St. 312-660-8866
The Italian eatery in the Loop offers two pre-packed picnic boxes that are stuffed with traditional treats. Date night calls for the Italian Summer in the City basket ($40) with a chicken panini, spinach salad, housemade chips with rosemary salt, panna cotta and your choice of bottled water or San Pellegrino. If wine is a must, as it should be, choose the Ciao Bello Date basket ($65) with assorted cheeses, olives, prosciutto and melon, grilled veggies, biscotti, roasted Amish chicken with carrots and potatoes and your choice of select wines. Call to order at least three hours in advance.
Goddess and Grocer
Various locations, goddessandgrocer.com
With pick-up spots in Andersonville, Gold Coast, the Loop and beyond, Goddess offers personalized picnic boxes ($15 each) fit for the pickiest eaters in your group. Diners select any cold sandwich, deli side salad, chips and giant cookie or dessert bar. Plus, a variety of twist-off wine bottles make the perfect boozy companion. Call ahead or order in-store.
INTERMEDIATE: Gather and go
If you’re ready to level up your picnic with customized food and booze, hit these speciality stops for unique finds.
Olivia’s Market
2014 W. Wabansia Ave. 773-227-4220
The quaint and curated Bucktown shop has an impressive selection of cheeses, meats, pre-packed goodies from local spots, sweet treats and booze. You’ll find exactly what you need—if not more—in a matter of minutes.
Chicago French Market
131 N. Clinton St. 312-575-0306 (closed Sundays)
The European-inspired market houses a slew of top-notch vendors fit for a grab-and-go meal in the park, including Da Lobster with lobster rolls, Raw with organic vegan fare, Delightful Pastries and Cafe with desserts and many more.
Hong Kong Market
2425 S. Wallace St. 312-791-9111
Located in Chinatown, this huge authentic Asian grocery is stocked with fun snacks, candy and beverages you won’t find anywhere else. Though the market is most accessible by car, there’s an Orange Line stop nearby that makes post-work pickups a breeze.
Publican Quality Meats
825 W. Fulton Market 312-445-8977
The West Loop purveyor of all things awesome is a picnic basket’s best friend. Grab pre-made salads, pastry chef Dana Cree’s famous ice cream pints (don’t forget the ice pack!), a block of cheese and a fresh baguette from neighboring Publican Quality Bread.
Eataly
43 E. Ohio St. 312-521-8700
River North’s beloved Italian superstore is a one-stop shop for picnic necessities including salads, spreads, cured meats, cookies, wine and beer, bread and more. Pro tip: Grab a stash of fresh fruits and veggies and head to the vegetable butcher to have everything cut and prepared for no additional cost.
ADVANCED: Think outside the basket
Be a picnic hero and ditch the pasta salad in favor of these uncommon—but very craveable—picnic additions.
Sushi: Pop into your favorite sushi joint and order a mix of non-fussy (read: easy to pick up) nigiri, maki and sashimi. Don’t forget the chopsticks!
Throwback candy: When’s the last time you had Pop Rocks and Big League Chew? Thought so. A collection of childhood treats doubles as dessert and a hilarious conversation starter. Psst! Dylan’s Candy Bar (445 N. Michigan Ave. 312-702-2247) boasts an entire section devoted to retro finds.
Batched cocktail: Play bartender and mix up a large-format cocktail (sangria and punches are ideal) to share with the group. For easing hauling, funnel the finished product into a clean empty wine bottle with a twist-off cap and pack fruit for garnishing.
Doughnuts: Your last-minute effort is everyone else’s win. Grab an assortment of doughnuts to nibble on and encourage everyone to spoil their dinner.
Fried chicken: Handheld, booze-absorbing and easy on the eyes, fried chicken is the unsuspected picnic companion you didn’t think to pack—until now.
DIY ice cream sandwiches: The pain of toting around ice packs and an insulated bag pays off with this game-changing dessert that’s easy to assemble and only requires a box of cookies and your favorite pint of ice cream.
Canned wine: Ditch the bottle in favor of canned wines (I promise they taste just as good) and plastic wine glasses. Your picnic pack will be lighter and you won’t have to worry about broken glass ruining your fun in the sun.
PRIME PICNIC SPOTS
Heads up! Booze is great, but most parks, public beaches and green spaces are not BYOB-friendly. Please consult each venue for more information.
Promontory Point: 5491 S. Lake Shore Drive 312-742-5369
Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park: 201 E. Randolph St. 312-742-1168
Adler Planetarium: 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive 312-922-7827
Chicago Riverwalk: Along Lower Wacker Drive from LaSalle Street east to the lake
Maggie Daley Park: 337 E. Randolph St. 312-552-3000
Oz Park: 2021 N. Burling St. 312-742-7898
Mary Bartelme Park: 115 S. Sangamon St. 312-746-5494
Milton Lee Olive Park: 500 N. Lake Shore Drive
@morgancolsen | mcolsen@redeyechicago.com
