The July Hit List: Utopian Tailgate, Diver at the Park, Mino’s, and More

Just above Second City, Utopian Tailgate offers just what you’d imagine: the ultimate tailgating experience (without having to stop for sports). The 10,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor space has everything you need for a fun (albeit kitschy) time, from canned wines to colorful cocktails with little paper umbrellas, and large-format drinks with names like Squad Goals and Go Fish, not to mention plenty of games to play with your crew. Eats include crispy fried chicken sliders on sweet Hawaiian buns and a foot-long Chicago-style hot dog. If you still have room, treat yourself to a Waffle Boyz waffle, topped with ice cream, maple syrup, caramelized bananas, and crunchy pecans.

From Monday movie nights to taco Tuesdays, there’s much to enjoy at Whiskey Business — and that’s aside from the over 100 types of whiskey on offer. The 3,000-square-foot rooftop is the perfect spot for happy hour or a weekend party with friends. Try a whisky flight for a taste of their vast selection or cool down with a frozen cocktail, like an icy paloma, instead. The menu, heavily nostalgic for the ‘80s and ‘90s, features everything from Teenage Mutant Ninja Tenders to Electric Sliders. This spot is built for Millennial joy, and we’re not complaining.

For a slightly more sophisticated beach vibe, head to Diver at the Park. This multilevel eatery is a tropical escape from the hot and busy city, with cool cocktails like a berry mojito and an Oaxacan Negroni with mezcal and mole bitters. While you’re hanging on the breezy patio, pair your drinks with Mexican bites, from classic guacamole (with an optional lobster add-on) to a creative vegan take on ceviche with hearts of palm, pumpkin seeds, and lime. Plus, pup cups for your four-legged friends.

Carved out of a ‘60s-era garage, Mino’s brings legit Italian cuisine to the North Shore. Park yourself under a big red umbrella on the patio for crispy fried artichokes with bright lemon aioli or the rich beef and pork meatballs topped with a flurry of grated Parmesan. From there, go deep on an assortment of pizza and handmade pasta. Save room for dessert: the chocolate and olive oil budino pairs perfectly with warm summer nights.

Twenty-two floors up, the view from Vu Rooftop Bar — between the vast skyline and Lake Michigan — is simply stunning. If the nights get chilly, fire pits will keep you warm, as you sip a gin and juice with Concord grape juice or a picante Collins with Ancho Reyes, tamarindo, and hellfire bitters. A snack board with homemade Cheez-its, pickles, and chips is ideal for smaller appetites, while the burger, smothered with comeback sauce, topped with Hook’s smoked cheddar, and nestled in a West Town Bakery sesame brioche bun, is more substantial.

Located in downtown Geneva, Fiora’s serves casual, comforting American dishes with an Italian inflection. Think: spaghetti with shrimp in a brown butter lemon sauce and short ribs with creamy mascarpone polenta and a citrus-herb gremolata. You can enjoy your meal in the historic landmark building — which dates back a century — or outdoors on the lovely patio, where a full calendar of live music is scheduled throughout the summer months.

Want to enjoy the summer weather with your pup in tow? Look no further than Electric Garden, a new dog-friendly beer garden in the West Loop from Whiskey Business’ Chris Johnston. Visit this colorful, raucous spot for lawn games, throwback movie nights, very boozy frozen cocktails, and plenty of food, from deep-fried French toast crunch to cheesy burgers and elotes.

Located just above Roots Handmade Pizza, Homestead on the Roof’s secret garden offers a little haven for dinner and cocktails that’s lovely enough for a wedding but available to all. Amidst the hanging plants and brick fireplace, try Filipino-ish bites from this summer’s guest chef, Brian Collante. Start with pandesal with pineapple mostarda, then move on to crispy lumpia and pan-fried noodles with black garlic truffle butter. Larger format options include a bone-in rib eye with charred eggplant and fish sauce chimichurri and a striped bass drizzled with bacon vinaigrette. To drink: Go for the punchy Worldly Affair, with Darjeeling gin, dragonfruit, saffron, lemon juice, Jamaican Jerk Bitters, and sparkling wine.

The Shore Club is open for the season, helping Chicagoans feel like they’re on vacation, amidst the cabana lounge, the patio, or the dining room itself. Here you’ll find classic beach resort-inspired snacks, like a perfect shrimp cocktail and a Shore Club sandwich with maple bacon and a sunny side-up egg. Chase it all with a Mag Mile Mule with Grey Goose vodka or a frozen Spritzicle: Aperol, Ketel One Peach, orange blossom, and fresh-squeezed orange juice.

Find more info here.

After building a fan base at local farmers’ markets, Sfera managed to work out of a ghost kitchen during the pandemic. Now, owners Steven Jarczyk and Daniela Vitale have their own brick-and-mortar spot, slinging Sicilian street food on Broadway. We suggest picking up a few options to go and having yourself a little Italian picnic. Whether you opt for crispy-creamy arancini stuffed with beef ragu, a fresh panzanella salad, or a thick-crust Sicilian-style slice is up to you. But why not try them all?

Find more info here.