Having the Fox River run through downtown makes for some incredible outdoor dining options in St. Charles. The scene is great at these restaurants, but the cuisine is even better. If you’re looking to appreciate a beautiful day outdoors while enjoying a delicious meal, you’ll have many options that will satisfy both of those needs. Check out some awesome places to dine outside below!
First Street Plaza
If you’re searching for an area that offers a variety of restaurants that you can dine at, head down to the First Street Plaza. Positioned by the Fox River downtown, the First Street Plaza is closed off to vehicles so you can have your meal without being bothered by any passing traffic. The plaza is home to some great dining options including McNally's Irish Pub & Kitchen, Alter Brewing, Gia Mia, La Za'Za Trattoria, La Mesa Modern Mexican, and more.
12 S. St., St. Charles, IL 60174
(331) 901-5949
Photos Courtesy of Alter Brewing + Kitchen
Right along the Fox River, Alter Brewing + Kitchen is creating and serving up some awesome brews. Try one of Alter's staple beers, or one of their limited and seasonal beers at their full-service bar outside on the patio. If you need some food to go with your drink, don’t worry! Alter has some terrific bites that will pair perfectly with your beverage!
31 S. 1st St., St. Charles, IL 60174
(630) 415-0770
Photos Courtesy of Gia Mia and the St. Charles Business Alliance
Who doesn't love pizza? Gia Mia is a fantastic choice on the First Street Plaza to satisfy that craving. They have a variety of traditional, and unique, wood-fired pizzas, as well as other Italian fare. They even have lunch specials daily from 11am - 3pm. Pizza, plus good scenery, equals a memorable day outside.
51 S. 1st St., St. Charles, IL 60174
(630) 549-0162
Photos Courtesy of La Mesa Modern Mexican
If you're in the mood for some Mexican food, La Mesa Modern Mexican has got you covered. They have many styles of tacos that always hit the spot. No trip to a Mexican restaurant is complete, however, without the chips and salsa. La Mesa also offers five different types of salsas to snack on while you’re waiting for your entrée. Not only is their food exceptional, but their margaritas are outstanding to sip on while being outdoors on the plaza.
109 W. Main St., St. Charles, IL 60174
(630) 513-6300
Photos Courtesy of McNally's Irish Pub & Kitchen, Shay Clarke, and the St. Charles Business Alliance
Try some Irish cuisine at McNally’s Irish Pub & Kitchen. McNally’s features live music every Wednesday and Friday evening that you can listen to while sitting and enjoying the plaza. You can even test your knowledge at Trivia that they have every Tuesday from 7pm - 9pm. In July of 2022, McNally's launched a new menu featuring many mouth-watering Irish dishes. This is the perfect pub if you want to pick up a Guinness and some Fish n' Chips to savor while taking in some fresh air.
5 S. 1st St., St. Charles, IL 60174
(630) 443-9304
Photos Courtesy of La Za'Za Trattoria
La Za’Za Trattoria is another ideal option to have a mouth-watering, authentic Italian meal. If you are just looking for a drink, La Za'Za Trattoria has a selection of 57 different bottles of wine to choose from. Having a glass of wine under the string lights in the plaza is a superb way to spend your evening.
100 S. Riverside Ave., St. Charles, IL 60174
(630) 549-7672
Photos Courtesy of Flagship on the Fox
Even away from the plaza, you can still find spots with awesome food and great music, starting with Flagship on the Fox. Their covered outdoor dining area is a nice option to get some fresh air when the garage doors are up, but will give you some shade on a warm, summer day. Flagship on the Fox has live music every Wednesday through Sunday, so there are plenty of chances to grab a drink and some food and listen to that artist you’ve been wanting to hear.
3 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL 60174
(331) 235-5803
Photos Courtesy of The Graceful Ordinary and Brigette Burgman Photography
Located right by the bridge downtown, The Graceful Ordinary offers a picturesque outdoor patio that is nested over the Fox River. This patio is the perfect area to have a drink from their outdoor bar, and to soak in the sight of the river. Every plate that is served up is unique, blending multiple American regional styles together that is extremely impressive in terms of taste and presentation. The gorgeous space that The Graceful Ordinary presents, combined with their extraordinary dishes makes for an unforgettable experience.
201 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL 60174
(630) 549-0287
Photos Courtesy of The Office
The Office has a terrific outside eating area right off of Main Street downtown. With live music out on the patio, it’s a fantastic place to hear some tunes while having a meal or a drink. Worried about getting a little chilly while dining outside? There’s no need to panic. The Office has gas fire pits on the tables so you can stay warm while enjoying the outdoors.
105 N 2nd Ave., St. Charles, IL 60174
(630) 584-8603
Photos Courtesy of Town House Cafe
There aren't many places where you can grab a delicious lunch and shop for that book you've been searching for at the same time. At Town House Books & Café, you can. This lunch spot is connected with a bookstore, so you can dine and shop when you go. You can even have your lunch on their cozy outdoor patio, where you can enjoy one of their many soups, salads, sandwiches, and more. Can't wait until lunch? There's no need to panic. They offer a continental breakfast from 9 - 11am so that you can start your day off on a high-note!
1 Illinois St., St. Charles, IL 60174
(630) 945-3332
Photos Courtesy of Eden Restaurants & Events and Brigette Burgman Photography
Next to the bike path overlooking the river, Eden Restaurants & Events provides a beautiful atmosphere. They have an open-air dining area that is partially enclosed, but opens up so you can take in the nice weather. The cuisine is influenced by all different regions of the Mediterranean, and the flavors are absolutely going to blow you away. Get some food and one of their creative cocktails, and appreciate the scenic Fox River.
1400 W. Main St., St. Charles, IL 60174
(331) 901-5142
Photos Courtesy of Evergreen Pub & Grill
Just a little down the road from the downtown area is Evergreen Pub & Grill. This is a fantastic spot to catch a game or some live music while sitting on their outside patio. If you want to get up and move around, Evergreen even has sand volleyball courts to bring out your competitive side. This building has been a tavern since 1928, so, if you're lucky, you may even get a chance to catch some old stories too.