Summer weather brings great opportunities for outdoor dining and drinking. Explore new spots with a stroll along Malt Row or a Lincoln Park restaurant crawl. Enjoy BBQ fare at Sportsman’s Club’s patio series or immerse yourself in the culinary scene during the James Beard Foundation awards.
Summer Dining Experiences
Check out 10 dining events in Chicago during June:
Sunday BBQ Series at Sportsman’s Club
Visit the Ukrainian Village tavern’s spacious patio on Sundays for barbecue delicacies from restaurants like Maxwell’s Trading on June 7, Creepies on June 21, and Boeufhaus on June 28. Experience a taste of New Orleans during the James Beard Awards weekend on June 14, featuring Bacchanal and Nightbloom. BBQ served 4-7 p.m. through September 27 at Sportsman’s Club, 948 N. Western Ave.
Thursday Night Beats & Bites
After work, enjoy dinner at an open-air mall with four food trucks, including Wagyu House by The X Pot, Chkn Box, and Polombia. The event showcases live music from Motown to Brazilian jazz. Held Thursdays 5-8 p.m. through July at Roosevelt Collection, 150 W. Roosevelt Road.
‘The Chicago Way’ Q&A and Signing
Taste bites from chef Carrie Nahabedian and drinks from Peter Vestinos while journalist Monica Eng hosts a Q&A with Michael Gebert, discussing his book “The Chicago Way.” The book details Chicago’s culinary evolution over 50 years. Event includes an autographed copy. Held 1-4 p.m. June 8 at Brindille, 534 N. Clark St.; $50 tickets available.
Chicago Cocktail Classic
The second annual event unites over 30 bars globally, with cocktails from Bar Mauro, Superfine, BKK Social Club, and Chicago spots like Meadowlark and Nine Bar. Tickets offer 10 drink tokens. Held 6-10 p.m. June 14 at 167 Events, 167 Green St.; $100 tickets.
Up South Pop-Up
Maya-Camille Broussard from Justice of the Pies highlights South Side culinary talent with smoked desserts and chef Dominique Leach’s dishes. Part of Up South tradition. Held 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 14 at Justice of the Pies; RSVP by June 12.
Sanders BBQ x Mahari
Enjoy dishes from Sanders BBQ Prime with chef James Sanders and Mahari’s chef Rahim Muhammad, featuring a BYOB brunch. Held 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 14 at Mahari; $75 tickets.
Bario BBQ
Explore dishes from Manchamanteles, Diego, Pizza Lobo, and Santa Masa Tamaleria. This event celebrates Mexico’s grilling traditions and supports the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. Held 4-7 p.m. June 14 at Manchamanteles; $69 tickets.
Cravings on Clark
Participate in a Lincoln Park restaurant crawl featuring eateries like The Fat Shallot, Tanaka Ramen, and The Wiener’s Circle. Hosted by the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce. Held 6-9 p.m. June 24, starting at Briny Swine Smokehouse; $55-$65 tickets.
Malt Row on Damen
Discover drinks from breweries and distilleries such as Cultivate by Forbidden Root and Jeppson’s Malört during a neighborhood stroll. Stops include Amy’s Candy Bar and Falcon’s Handcrafted Sandwiches. Held 5:30-8:30 p.m. June 24 on Damen Avenue; $32 tickets.
Chicago’s Taste of the Nation
Over 50 restaurants, including Obelix and Girl & the Goat, serve bites paired with drinks at this No Kid Hungry benefit. Includes cooking demos and a wine cellar prize. Held 6-9 p.m. June 26 at Rockwell on the River; $150 tickets.
Don’t miss these exciting dining experiences in Chicago this June.