Where to Dine - Chicago - page 73

upscale, fresh-as-can-be American cuisine in a romantic and
sylvan setting. Also see p. 78. 2610 N. Cannon Dr., halfway between
Diversey Pkwy. and Fullerton Ave. & 773/477-5845.
O'Brien's Restaurant Wells Street in Old Town is lined
with several alfresco options, but the best belongs to O'Brien's,
the unofficial nucleus of neighborhood life. The outdoor patio
has teakwood furniture, a gazebo bar, and a mural of the own-
ers' country club on a brick wall. 1528 N. Wells St., 2 blocks south of
North Ave. & 312/787-3131.
WRIGLEYVILLE & VICINITY
Moody's For 30 years, Moody's has been grilling some of the
best burgers in Chicago. It's ideal in winter for its dark, cozy
dining room (warmed by a fireplace), but it's better still in sum-
mer for its awesome outdoor patio, a real hidden treasure. 5910
N. Broadway Ave., between Rosedale and Thorndale aves. & 773/275-2696.
WICKER PARK/BUCKTOWN
Meritage Café and Wine Bar Meritage wins my vote
for most romantic outdoor nighttime seating. The food
(American cuisine with Pacific Northwest influences) is top-
notch, but it's the outdoor patio, twinkling with overhead
lights, that makes for a magical experience. Best of all, the patio
is covered and heated in the winter, so you can enjoy the illu-
sion of outdoor dining even in February. 2118 N. Damen Ave., at
Charleston St. & 773/235-6434.
Northside Café On a sunny summer day, Northside
seems like Wicker Park's town square, packed with an eclec-
tic mix of locals catching up and checking out the scene. The
entire front of the restaurant opens onto the street, making it
relatively easy to get an “outdoor” table. For more info, see
p. 85. 1635 N. Damen Ave., just north of North Ave. & 773/384-3555.
festive atmosphere make it a longtime local favorite for singles in their
20s and 30s. Crowds begin pouring in at the end of the workday, so
you'll probably have to wait for a table. Not to worry: Order a pitcher