Dine outdoors (finally!): Are those crocuses popping out of the ground? Could it be that the final frost has passed us by? Spring may finally be in the air, which means the season of outdoor eating and drinking is upon us. That means it’s time for pizza on DeNucci’s patio, punchy spiked pink lemonade at Happy Camper in Wrigleyville, and barbecue with a side of live music at Babygold. For more spots to eat in the great outdoors, check out our full list of the city’s best outdoor dining, and read more guides here, too.
Meet the new crop of restaurants: We’re welcoming quite a few new restaurants to the city and to Resy this month, including Ostras (“oysters” in Spanish), where you can enjoy seafood with a mix of cultural influences spanning from Mexico to Southeast Asia. There’s also Le Cochon Bistro for French classics, like beef bourguignon and crème brûlée, and Cafe Yaya, the more casual sequel to white-hot Galit. Want to see the rest? Check out our newest openings right here.
Save the date: If your April calendar is feeling a little bit empty, we’ve got plenty on the docket to keep you busy and well-fed. There’s a five-course spring wine dinner at Le Sud, an Easter Brunch buffet at The Duck Inn, and a jazz dinner at the Mesler, to start with. To see the full schedule of events — including a 4/20-themed market at Segnatore — click here. P.S.: It can’t hurt to look ahead to May, too. Mother’s Day is almost upon us, and special brunches and more are already popping up.
Revisit a neighborhood favorite: Eleven years since opening, Parson’s Chicken & Fish has become a true neighborhood staple (even with three locations). How do they do it? It starts with the super crispy crust on their chicken, continues with their slushy Negroni, and, if you want to know the rest, check out writer Marnie Shure’s letter of recommendation this way. And if this inspires you to visit (or revisit) another neighborhood gem, check out our deep dives on Club Lucky and The Duck Inn, plus all of our Resy Spotlights.
New to the Hit List (April 2025) Cafe Yaya, Nella Pizza e Pasta, Sophia Steak Chicago, Giant
