Area Restaurants Get Creative with Outdoor Dining Options

When the customers arrived to the outdoor patio at in Algonquin, they were immediately served with two bones and a bowl of water.

Stella and Bella lapped the attention and the treats right up.

Their owners, Jim and Donna Jendruczek of Algonquin, were just as happy to be enjoying a nice warm evening outside and to have their French Mastiffs along for the fun.

They were there for Port Edward’s Dog Dine-Out nights, which are happening on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the downtown Algonquin restaurant this summer. The doggy fun runs from 5 p.m. to dusk and goes until October.

This is the event’s third year, and it has become so popular that they’ve expanded it from one night to two nights this year, said Lee Ann Konitz, Port Edward assistant general manager.

“People love to do stuff with their animals and they love to be outside in the summer,” she said.  “It’s been so popular and it’s worked out great. We haven’t had any accidents or fights. It’s just been fun.”

A percent of the proceeds from the dine-out event goes toward various animal shelters and rescues, Konitz said. On Thursday, the first night of the event this year, it went to the Illinois-Wisconsin Search and Rescue Dogs.

One of the rescue dogs, Reggie, was in attendance at Port Edward Thursday while his companions enjoyed an evening on the patio. Reggie was hit by a car, and underwent orthopedic surgery to repair compound fractures in both front legs and chest injuries.

Where to Go for Dinner and Drinks Outdoors

With the wonderful summer weather, you don’t need to be a dog or a dog owner though to enjoy outdoor dining in the area — either at Port Edward’s or at other locales throughout Algonquin and Lake in the Hills.

The newly opened Village Vintner Winery and Brewery, 2380 Esplanade Drive in Algonquin, has seen customers flocking to its outdoor patios, said co-owner Bob Boyer.

The patio can seat about 25, and Boyer said patrons are finding it’s a perfect spot to enjoy the restaurant’s homemade beer and wine.

Boyer added that you can enjoy the restaurant’s full menu outside as well, including meals cooked on their wood-burning stove inside.

, 220 N. Randall Road in the Lake in the Hills, is also serving up a full menu outdoors this summer.

While the outdoor tables – which overlook a tiny pond - have been popular with patrons over lunch and dinner, they’re also popular after regular dining hours with people who just want to sit outside and relax with a drink.

If you’re looking to enjoy a little something sweet outdoors this summer, Niko’s Lodge in Algonquin Commons is the spot to go.

You can pick anything from their full menu to enjoy outdoors, as well as any of their beverages.

But something a little different for you to enjoy at Niko’s this summer is s’mores.

The restaurant has the roasting sticks, the marshmallows, the chocolate and the graham crackers all for you to use.

You can stand outside on a great night and make your own s’mores.

Cara Matthewson was at Niko’s on a recent weeknight, enjoying the fun summertime tradition of s’mores.

“This has got to be the greatest thing ever,” she said. “It’s a perfect night, and a perfect way to end your meal. I love s’mores. I had no idea you could do this here. My family is loving it.”

One regular spot where patrons like to enjoy the outdoors in the summer is taking a hiatus this year.

The Riverview along Route 31 in Algonquin, which has been popular with outdoor diners for years, is renovating its patio. So for now, you’re going to need to enjoy their food indoors.

Tell us: What’s your favorite outdoor restaurant to grab dinner and/or a drinks during the summer?