Summer is in full bloom! Which means it’s time for a GIVEAWAY!!! {though, you’ll have to read the whole post first before getting all the details on that – obviously!} It’s funny, prior to having kids my favorite season was fall. I have always loveddddd fall and everything that comes along with it. The leaves, the breeze, the Jewish holidays {there are some great ones!!} but suddenly after kiddos, that’s all changed. I mean, fall will always have a place in my heart but with small children, nothing beats SUMMER!!! Park and pool life are in full effect, camp equals happiness, nothing beats the sound of the ice cream man, and it’s also festival season. YESSS yes yes and yes. These days, I truly live for it!

One of the BEST parts about summer though in my opinion… eating outside!!!!!! Is there really anything better in life? When the weather cooperates, eating outside is truly heaven. Currently I have a ton of friends moving to the burbs and the question of where we like to eat the most has come up time and time again. SO, I figured that I’d share my picks with all of you, but put a summer spin on it in the heat of patio season {no pun intended!} But first, I hope you’re following me on instagram because year round, I like to share all our delicious dining experiences with my followers on my IG stories and give you guys the deets on pretty much every great restaurant that we eat out at! Ok, let’s get to it:

Greenwood in Highwood

One of my absolute FAVORITE local restaurants! While it only opened this past spring, we’ve already been there a few times… which actually says a lot. It’s literally THAT good. But on top of the unbelievable American fare, impeccable service, and insane drinks {honorable mention to The Greenwood Cocktail!} it’s one of the rare suburban restaurants that the second you pull up in your car, you feel like you’re in the city. Then, you go in and you immediately feel as if you’ve actually been transported to the city!!! Can’t beat that! {also, Greenwood is totally family friendly which my mom friends and I can appreciate!}

Dana’s Favorite Dishes: Cauliflower Steak, Whitefish {pictured above!}, Ahi Tuna Salad
Isaiah’s Favorite Dishes: Skillet Cornbread, Avocado Toast, Double Cheeseburger

Greenwood is located at 200 Greenbay Road. Highwood, Il 60040

Disotto in Highwood

Disotto is basically little Italy on the North Shore!!! You honestly can’t help but fall in love with this quaint neighborhood resto upon walking in because it kind of feels like home. I mean, I’m not Italian and obviously don’t come from an Italian family but trust me on this: the vibe is warm, the staff is friendly, and the pasta is perfection! Not to mention the wine! Mmmmm. Plus, fortunately for me, they have a bunch of naturally gluten free menu items along with gluten free pasta {and even gluten free bread too!} which means I can enjoy pretty much all the home-run entrees just as they were supposed to be created. SO MUCH YES. 

Dana’s Favorite Dishes: Octopus Arrosto, Buratta, Salsiccia {AKA Orecchiette}, Risotto, Braised Short Rib
Isaiah’s Favorite Dishes: Mussels {pictured above!}, and EVERYTHING else!!

Disotto is located at 310 Green Bay Rd, Highwood, IL 60040

Libertad in Skokie

Libertad is a one-of-a-kind Latin American culinary experience that truly does not disappoint. It sounds so cliche, but when you’re there you really feel like each dish is made with love. Also, the portions are generous for a “small plate” restaurant and I suggest going with a group or another couple as it’s a great place to share a bunch of apps and entrees! It’s priced reasonably and you will ALWAYS leave there full and happy! 

Dana’s Favorite Dishes: Pulpo {AKA spanish octopus}, Veneras {AKA scallops}, Camerones {AKA jicama chip, guacamole, cilantro-serrano grilled shrimp – pictured above!}
Isaiah’s Favorite Dishes: Camerones {AKA jicama chip, guacamole, cilantro-serrano grilled shrimp – pictured above!}, Veneras {AKA scallops}, Pollo {AKA chicken}

Libertad is located at 7931 Lincoln Avenue, Skokie Illinois 60077

Lucky Fish in Northbrook

Lucky Fish is straight up delicious! If you’re a seafood lover, this resto has your name written all over it! With it’s ridiculously fresh fish delivered daily, you can eat like a king {or queen!} without leaving the ‘burbs. Nothing better than that, am I right? Portions are generous and drinks are aplenty {did I mention Lucky Fish has a full bar too?!} and one of my favorite things about it is that it’s casual! No fancy dress code or stuffy ambiance here. Just a damn good straight forward menu and really nice people, at that. It’s totally kid-friendly and simply put, FUN. Trust me, you will love Lucky Fish Northbrook {and it’s uber-chic outdoor patio too!!}

Dana’s Favorite Dishes: Fries, Seafood Salad, Grilled Gulf Shrimp {pictured above!}
Isaiah’s Favorite Dishes: Grilled Gulf Shrimp {pictured above!}
Kid’s Favorites: Lobster Mac and Cheese, Popcorn Shrimp

Lucky Fish Northbrook is located at 1349 Shermer road, Northbrook, IL. 60062

On top of everything I mentioned about the A+ food, each one of these North Shore restaurants have seriously awesome patios, as you can see in the pics! They’re all so different but also all equally impressive. And let’s be honest, there really is NOTHING better than sitting outside eating amazing food and taking in the breezy patio scene.

Find out how you can enter to win $50 dollar gift cards to EACH of these restaurants over on my Instagram page HERE!!!!!!! But before you go – I have a BONUS for ya since you’ve read this blog post… All you have to do is sign up for my blog newsletter HERE and you will get 10 extra entries into the giveaway!!!!!! {if you’ve already signed up, just tell me in the comment section of this post!}

UPDATE: Giveaway is closed!! Stay tuned because I plan to do many more local giveaways! {as well as giveaways for everyone too, of course!} Stay current with my blog by subscribing to get new posts delivered straight to your email HERE. 

[bctt tweet=”Find out the 4 BEST outdoor patio restaurants in Chicago’s North Shore! + Enter to WIN $50 each to @greenwoodhighwood, @disotto_italian, @luckyfishonshermer and @libertad7931!!!! ” username=”iadorewhatilove”]

Are you into the outdoor seating situation as much as I am?
Share with me in the comments!