Ravinia, the North Shore’s renowned outdoor music festival, hosts dozens of shows each summer. As part of the experience, concertgoers are welcome to bring in food and drinks for picnics on the lawn. One of the best ways to reap the benefits of the BYO policy is to head to nearby Ravinia Brewing and pick up some tacos, salads, and beers to go. Online orders can be placedhere. The brewery recently opened a locationin Logan Square.

Banh mi sandwiches are an excellent on-the-go food and the finest ones can be found at thisVietnamese restaurant and bakeryin Uptown. Try the house special that consists of paté, headcheese, ham, pork roll, and veggies on freshly baked bread, or order a few spring rolls. Nhu Lan is also within walking distance of Montrose Beach.

Lauded Brooklyn pizzeriaPaulie Gee’sadded a walk-up window to its operation during the pandemic shutdown. Folks can now make a quick pit stop for New York-style slices on their way to Logan Square Park. Options range from the standard cheese and pepperoni pies to unique creations like “You Feta Work” (seasoned feta tomato basil sauce, feta, basil, mushroom or sausage). A Wicker Park location also serves slices.

Thischarming spotevokes the nostalgic feel of a vintage soda fountain and prepares picnic-friendly items like pies, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, quiches, pastries, ice cream floats, shakes, and more. Chicagoans heading to Humboldt can pre-order their spreads for pickuphere.

The only thing better than all-day dim sum is all-day dim sum at Millennium Park. This localChinese mini-chainhas an outpost in Lakeshore East so feast on a spread of dumplings, buns, rice noodle rolls, and more while hanging out on Chicago’s front yard. Pre-orders can be placedhere.

Offering light American and European fare, Eastgate Café is the ideal place to load up on picnic foods. Grab sandwiches and salads and then walk a few minutes east to Columbus Park for al fresco dining.

Corned beef and Reuben sandwiches are always a good choice but even more so when they can be enjoyed in Grant Park. Old school diner and deliEleven Cityoffers everything needed for a delicious spread, such as “lox boxes,” salads, cold sandwiches, melts, ice cream floats, pies, cakes, and more.

Hidden inside a grocery store on a side street in Little Village,La Chaparritaserves arguably the best tacos in town. The crispy tripe, cooked in a circular metal pan called a charola, is phenomenal and joined by other stellar options like suadero and longaniza. Order a variety to try at Douglass Park.

South Side arts center Little Black Pearl is home to this café and market, where guests can buy salads, flatbreads, wraps, hot sandwiches, juices, smoothies, pastries, and snacks. Order onlinehereand take the food to nearby Burnham Park.

Belgian-style pomme frites with a twist is the focus at thisrestaurantnear Washington Park. Instead of being a side dish, the fries are topped with hearty proteins and serve as full, shareable meals. Toppings include smoked chicken wings, Italian beef, lobster, jerk salmon, and roasted veggies. Save time by ordering carryouthere.

Although Hyde Park’sPiccolo Mondospecializes in Italian cuisine, the bakery in front of the restaurant goes in a different direction. Inspired by the nationality of the owners, there’s an assortment of Argentinean pastries, cookies, and sandwiches to choose from. These finger foods are the perfect snacks for a picnic across the street at Jackson Park.

Long considered one of the city’s most essential restaurants,Calumet Fisheriesprovides the perfect bites for a picnic spread. Because the smokehouse lacks seating, diners must either eat in their vehicles or find an outdoor space, such as Calumet Park, to enjoy their food. The menu features a variety of smoked fish and fried specialties like shrimp, scallops, and catfish. Bring bills too as it’s cash only.