A mid-1800’s architectural wonder helped make Chicago the city it is today. The 96-mile Illinois & Michigan Canal (I&M Canal) connected the Great Lakes in Bridgeport, Chicago to the Illinois River at LaSalle-Peru, and amazingly unique towns sprung up that maintain their authentic charm to this date.
READ ON!Freedom. The Open Road. The American Dream. All are still alive on The Mother Road. The nostalgia of diners, museums, tourist stops and neon lights are there for you to visit as you make the drive from Chicago to Santa Monica, CA. You can still get your Kicks on Route 66!
READ ON!A visit to Starved Rock State Park consists of many sights to behold, including breathtaking views of its many canyons and awe-inspiring scenes of eagles flying during the winter month.
READ ON!The Heritage Corridor is filled with events that are waiting just for you. Live music, fun festivals, learning programs, and active adventures await.
READ ON!Are you looking for a specific type of place to visit in the I&M Canal Heritage Corridor? If you're a craft beer fan, you will love the Heritage Corridor Ale Trail? Seeing a thrilling journey or just an escape, check out Adventure Outside Chicago. We've got all the info to unlock your next trip right here.
READ ON!As the weather begins to warm up, it is time to take advantage of the outdoors again. Enjoy every moment of summer as the wind blows through your hair and the sun shines bright while you dine on great meals and sip on tasty beverages. Summer patios are starting to open back up for the season. Here is a list of restaurants, wineries, and breweries where you can enjoy an outside dinning around the Heritage Corridor:
Restaurants
Ashbury’s Bar & Grill at Boughton Ridge Bolingbrook, IL
Enjoy a tasty meal while watching golfers take on this beautiful golf course.
Pesciolino Osteria Channahon, IL
Feel the fresh air surround you while protected under a hooded patio, enjoying authentic handmade pasta and fresh seafood.
Chuck’s Southern Comforts Café Darien, IL
Treat yourself to some of the tastiest eats in the Chicagoland area as you dine outside on their open patio.
Friaco’s Mexican Restaurant Joliet, IL
This family-owned restaurant has a relaxing atmosphere with the perfect front patio to enjoy some of the tastiest authentic Mexican food around.
Jitters Coffee House Joliet, IL
Enjoy their freshly made breakfast and lunch outside under one of their umbrella tables to help block all the sun while you feast.
Barolo Restaurant Joliet, IL
Feel the wind through your hair while enjoying the company of friends on this shaded patio, indulging in tasty authentic Italian cuisine.
Chévere Latin Café Joliet, IL
Get a better view of the Rialto Square Theatre’s beautiful architecture while enjoying delicious flavors of Venezuelan Fusion flavors.
Uptown Grill LaSalle, IL
Located in the Starved Rock area, soak up the sun while being surrounded by a beautiful outside atmosphere filled with colorful flowers.
The Public Landing Restaurant and Banquet Center Lockport, IL
Housed in the historic Gaylord Building, this upscale casual eatery overlooks the I&M Canal and Lincoln Landing Park.
Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center Oglesby, IL
Experience the Back Door Lounge where you can sit back, relax and dine, while you enjoy an endless view of Starved Rock State Park.
Red Dog Grill Ottawa, IL
Known as Starved Rock Country’s best waterfront dinning, dive into their splendid menu, enjoying gourmet American and seafood cuisine overlooking a world-class marina.
Lodi Tap House Utica, IL
Dine outside in the middle of the quaint downtown covered in lights and a friendly atmosphere.
Wineries/Breweries
Wine & Cheese Company Plainfield, IL
Widen your taste palette at this fine wine and artisan cheese shop downtown Plainfield in their open outside patio surrounded by lights and beautiful flowers.
Clarks Run Antiques & Wine Utica, IL
Order your glass of wine inside at the bar, then enjoy it outside on their patio while soaking up the sun in Utica.
MyGrain Brewing Joliet, IL
Located in the historical Joliet Union train station, you can grab a table on their spacious patio while you toast to the weekend.
Pollyanna Brewing Lemont, IL
Enjoy cool and refreshing beverages as you sit on their patio while overlooking the I&M Canal.
These are just a few locations with outside dining and patios around the Heritage Corridor. Be sure to check out our website hcdestinations.com for more restaurants, wineries, and breweries in your area with outside dining.