Dining al fresco is one of the cherished rites of summer. And this year, with the cancellation of virtually all of the city’s summer festivals, it’s more important than ever.

It’s safe to say that Recess (838 W. Kinzie) in the West Loop looks nothing like any other restaurant in the Chicago area. In lieu of conventional exterior walls, the  14,000-square foot, multi-level patio is rimmed on the street side with battered boxcars, which are also used on the inside to house bars, cabanas and food stations. 

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Recess’ bar menu includes a good selection of wine, craft beers, cocktails, frozen drinks

and mixed shots, while the accompanying pub menu focuses on updated classics. Think burgers, pulled pork, salads, loaded tater tots, guacamole, pigs in a blanket and chicken wings. Recess is open for dinner nightly and brunch on weekends.

There are two Beatniks: the West Town Beatnik at 1604 W. Chicago Avenue and Beatnik on the River at 180 N. Wacker Drive. Both have outdoor seating, and both pair extensive bar menus with globally-influenced fare. Halfway through the year when travel died, it’s good to know that our palates can still flit from place to place.

Expect dishes like tandoori masala meatballs, huitlacoche arepa filled with duck confit, watermelon gazpacho with a sprinkle of feta, and Lebanese-style lamb. The weekend brunch menu offers dishes as diverse as fried chicken and waffles, a double cheeseburger and bulgogi fried rice.

Similar menus aside, West Town Beatnik’s outdoor space, complete with a retractable roof, has its own identity. The decor successfully blends Moroccan opulence with the tropical lushness of Bali, and the combination makes it easy to banish worries about all of the problems facing the country for at least a few hours.

Beatnik photos by Ethan Jollie