Spring is on the way, and Chicago is more than ready to embrace warm weather. And what can be better than al-fresco dining in the Windy Cit? From rooftops to sidewalks, Chicagoans can escape to the urban outdoors, enjoy the fresh spring air, and take in the sights and sounds of America’s heartland on the spacious and cozy outdoor dining spaces at restaurants across the city. Here are some some of the best options!

Acadia Goes Al Fresco: Intimate Street-Side Patio Launches for the First Time

The two-time, one Michelin-starred, and AAA 5-Diamond Restaurant Acadia (1639 S. Wabash Ave.) introduces the South Loop neighborhood to a new street-side dining option with the opening of its patio this spring. Twelve to 16 guests can enjoy the acclaimed bar menu from Chef Ryan McCaskey, 2014 James Beard Best Chef: Great Lakes semifinalist, with options such as Stonington Lobster Roll with buttered bun, paprika, chives, and salt and vinegar chips or the Acadia Burger with truffle butter and French fries. In addition, guests can sip to the welcomed arrival of warmer weather with cocktails like the GINS / TONICS / LIMES with Botanist gin, housemade lemongrass tonic, and kaffir lime and cucumber ice cubes. Reservations can be made by calling 312.360.9500 or atwww.acadiachicago.com. Acadia is open Tuesday-Thursday 5:30-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 5-11 p.m., and Sunday 5-8 p.m.

A Secret Garden

The Garden, the rooftop patio at Celeste (111 W. Hubbard St.), is set to open as soon as the weather permits. The Garden offers vintage-inspired punch bowls and Victorian-style seating arrangements. A nod to the building’s past life, Louis Sullivan tile and ivy-covered walls aid in making this spot both luxurious and whimsical. Celeste is located in the River North neighborhood of Chicago and is open for dinner Monday-Friday 5 p.m.-4 a.m., Saturdays 5 p.m.-5 a.m. Reservations can be made by calling 312.828.9000. Follow Celeste on Facebook and Twitter.

Steakhouse Elegance Outdoors

The premier steakhouse Eddie Merlot’s invites guests to celebrate the return of al fresco season with a visit to the well-appointed outdoor lounges of itsLincolnshire (185 N. Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, IL 60069; 847.276.2000) and Warrenville (28254 Diehl Rd., Warrenville, IL 60555; 630.393.1900) locations.

Eddie Merlot’s in Lincolnshire can seat up to 60 guests in the restaurant’s front and rear patios. The restaurant’s dining rooms open up to the wooden and red brick-adorned outdoor spaces, made cozier in the evening hours by roaring fire pit. Guests to Eddie Merlot’s Warrenville location can enjoy the restaurant’s signature dinner favorites and lounge menu while overlooking a scenic pond, illuminated at night by accent lighting and torches. Eddie Merlot’s Warrenville can accommodate up to 40 guests for al fresco dining. Both Chicagoland locations are open for dinner Monday-Thursday 5-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 5-11 p.m., and Sunday 5-9 p.m. Eddie Merlot’s outdoor lounges will open for the season on May 1, weather permitting. For a full menu of offerings, or to make reservations, please visitwww.eddiemerlots.com.

Sun and Gelato at Filini

One of the only al fresco dining options in the Lakeshore East neighborhood, Filini Bar & Restaurant (221 N. Columbus Dr.) welcomes guests to dine outside and enjoy the spectacular view of Millennium Park along the street-level patio. The eatery offers an expansive gelato and sorbet menu, including Cocco Tostato with coconut sorbet, poached pineapple, and toasted coconut; and Spumoni with pistachio gelato, Amarena cherries, chocolate sauce, and whipped Chantilly. Open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-midnight. Filini’s full bar menu with summer cocktails and Italian small plates is also available. Guests can make reservations by calling 312.477.0234 or online atwww.filinichicago.com. For more information, please visit Facebook orTwitter.

Al Fresco Finds at Found

Settle into spring with the intimate al fresco living room at Found (1631 Chicago Ave., Evanston, IL). The Parisian-inspired sidewalk café offers seating to more than 25 patrons with eclectic outdoor furniture and views of charming downtown Evanston. In addition, the lounge at the front of the restaurant offers an “inside-outside” feel, featuring large windows that open to the outdoor area of the Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant. Chef Nicole Pederson’s flexitarian menu is available Tuesday-Saturday 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., followed by dinner service Tuesday-Thursday 5-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 5-11 p.m. and Sunday 5-8:30 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling 847.868.8945. For more on Found, including full menus, please visitwww.foundkitchen.com, or visit Facebook and Twitter.

Sidewalk Dining in the Heart of Lincoln Park

Among the tree-lined streets of Lincoln Park, guests can sip summer cocktails and dine on the contemporary American cuisine from the team at Gemini Bistro (2075 N. Lincoln Ave.). Located in the heart of Lincoln Park, Gemini Bistro’s sidewalk patio offers the opportunity to eat out in the idyllic neighborhood. Dishes such as Short Rib Ravioli and Caesar Salad are available for their devoted following along with rotating seasonal options throughout the spring and summer. The patio opens as the weather permits this spring, and the restaurant is open Tuesday-Thursday 5-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 5-11 p.m., and Sunday 5-9 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling 773.525.2522. For more information on Gemini Bistro including full menus, please visit www.GeminiBistroChicago.com or visit Facebook or Twitter.

Pick a Seat at Howells & Hood’s Patio on Pioneer Court

The countdown is almost over for the renowned Howells & Hood (435 N. Michigan Ave.) outdoor 300-seat patio, to open for the spring/summer season. Surrounded by lush landscape, guests can sit beneath oversized umbrellas on warm sunny afternoons and enjoy infrared heating on cool evenings. Complete with a pavilion bar offering 25 seats and two granite-topped communal tables with fire features and seating for 16, guests can enjoy Howells & Hood’s unparalleled craft beer selection outdoors. With 5,700 square feet of al fresco dining space along the façade of the historical Tribune Tower, Chicagoans can celebrate in style with views of the Magnificent Mile and Pioneer Court. The patio opens once the weather permits this spring. Hours of operation are Monday-Wednesday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m.-1 a.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.-11p.m. Reservations can be made by calling 312.262.5310. For more information and full menus, please visit www.howellsandhood.com, Facebook, orTwitter.

I|O Urban Roofscape Retracts to Unveil its Outdoor Lounge This Spring

As the weather warms up this spring, I|O Urban Roofscape, located atop The Godfrey Hotel Chicago (127 W. Huron St. at LaSalle St.), will unveil its brand new outdoor space. In addition to having the largest year-round retractable outdoor lounge and bar space in Chicago, I|O Urban Roofscape also offers dramatic, south-facing skyline views, which are unobstructed due to the unique design of the hotel’s retractable roof. Aviary alumni Chef Riley Huddleston presents a menu featuring tasteful preparations of Chicago’s favorite foods, as well as oversees the execution of the concept’s math-produced cocktail program from the lounge and bar’s kitchen. I|O’s full food and beverage menu is available online. I|O Urban Roofscape is open every day from 7 a.m.-2 a.m. and Saturday until 3 a.m.

Scenic Sips & Snacks at the J. Parker

This spring, enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and Chicago skyline outdoors at the J. Parker (1816 N. Clark St., 13^th Floor) perched atop Lincoln Park’s legendary Hotel Lincoln. Guests can sip classically inspired cocktails and nosh on substantial bar bites from James Beard Award nominated Executive Chef Paul Virant while taking in the spring breeze on a spacious patio that can accommodate up to 150 guests. The outdoor patio will be open Monday-Thursday 5 p.m.-1 a.m. and Friday-Sunday 4 p.m.-1 a.m. For more on the J. Parker including full menus, please call 312.254.4747, visit www.jparkerchicago.com, or visit Facebook and Twitter.

Take a Trip to Mexico on Mercadito’s Patio

Come warm weather, Mercadito (108 W. Kinzie St.) opens its glass, garage-style retractable front door to reveal a 35-seat patio perfect for people watching while enjoying the restaurant’s authentic, imaginative Mexican fare and sipping on the margarita-inspired beverages. Chef Patricio Sandoval transports guests to his home country with summery ceviches such as Mixto with octopus, shrimp, mahi mahi, tomatillo pico de gallo, and passion fruit-serrano broth, as well as fresh takes on guacamole, tacos, and more. Tequila-based cocktails from beverage partners the Tippling Bros. provide the perfect sip to cool down, from the refreshing cucumber Pepino el Pyu and tropical Misty’s Sleeve. Mercadito is open for lunch Monday through Friday 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; for brunch Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; and for dinner from Sunday-Monday 5 p.m.-12 a.m., Tuesday-Thursday 5 p.m.-1 a.m., Friday 5 p.m.-2 a.m., Saturday 5 p.m.-a.m. Reservations can be made at 312.329.9555.

Transport to Catalan This Spring on Mercat’s Outdoor Patio

This spring, Mercat a la Planxa (628 S. Michigan Ave.) opens its 60-seat outdoor patio for Catalan-inspired lunch and dinner in the South Loop. Colorful umbrellas provide shade while guests enjoy an extraordinary selection of tapas dishes from cut-to-order charcuterie and cheeses to fresh seafood, steaks, and chops, all inspired by Barcelona and Spain’s Catalan region. Guests can soak in the spring sun while enjoying Mercat’s extensive collection of Spanish Cavas, wines, sangrias, and beer. Chef de Cuisine Cory Morris unveils the new spring menu in early April, with menu items such as Endívia a la Planxa, grilled endive with pistachio and tangerine, and Baix amb Ensalada Rusa, striped bass with chorizo escabeche, green pea purée, carrot froth, purple potato, and aïoli. Mercat’s full seasonal menu is available online. Reservations recommended and may be made by calling312.765.0524.

Patio in the Park at Perennial Virant

Celebrate the start of patio season at Perennial Virant (1800 N. Lincoln Ave.) with James Beard Award nominated Executive Chef Paul Virant’s menu of dishes that highlight fresh and local ingredients while capturing the peak flavors of each season. Dine al fresco on the cozy patio with stunning views of Lincoln Park after perusing the gorgeous Green City Market. Weather permitting, the outdoor space is open for all day parts and can accommodate up to 70 guests. Perennial Virant is open for breakfast Monday-Friday 7-11 a.m.; for dinner Monday-Thursday 5-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 5-11 p.m., and Sunday 5-9 p.m.; and for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling 312.981.7070. For more on Perennial Virant, including full menus, please visit www.perennialchicago.com, or visit Facebook and Twitter.

Spring has Sprung at Sepia

Dining outdoors never felt so chic. Michelin-starred Sepia (123 N. Jefferson St.) offers a sophisticated patio for guests during the warm months, with a host of seasonal dishes that showcase the quality and purity of locally sourced ingredients from James Beard Award nominated Executive Chef Andrew Zimmerman. The intimate al fresco space, which reflects the easy elegance of the interior dining room and lounge, can accommodate 22 diners and offers the restaurant’s full menu of award-winning dishes. The patio is open on weekdays for lunch and every day for dinner. Sepia is open for lunch Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; for dinner Sunday 5-9 p.m., Monday-Thursday 5:15-9:30 p.m., and Friday-Saturday 5:15-10:30 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling 312.441.1920. For more on Sepia, including full menus, please visit www.sepiachicago.com, or visit Facebookand Twitter.