Tip One Back with Patch's Ultimate Beer Garden Guide

The remaining days of summer might be numbered, but there's still plenty of time to grab some booze at your favorite beer garden, or try out a brand new one.

Throughout the summer, your friendly Patch editors took on the daunting task of kicking back at reader-nominated beer gardens within our three-town radius. We each enjoyed the food offerings, sunshine, fresh air and an estimated two beers apiece.

That's a lot of beer, folks. All for you.

We also evaluated each based on service, seating options, beer selection and adult atmosphere. This week, we wrap them all up in a neat little package for you. Perhaps turn it into an end-of-summer checklist. You don't want to miss any of these sips to spot beer. CLICK HERE for a map of the locations.

Oak Forest Spots

Blarney Stone Pub: A hearty clink of the glass to Blarney for their beer garden with a backyard barbecue feel. The beer selection, service and options for fun and activities create a down-home feel. It's hard not to enjoy yourself out there. Check out what else we loved about the beer garden. 

Our biggest gripe? It abuts Cicero Avenue, so it's a little loud. Great for fun with friends, maybe not ideal for date night.

Marcotte's packs a pretty strong beer garden punch.  Solid drink and food specials, with an open seating area make it a pretty irresistible option. Check out what else we loved about the beer garden.

Our biggest gripe? Service wasn't the greatest. But if we're going to wait, we don't mind doing it on a classic wooden deck with rope lights.

: Perfect combination of atmosphere, food and drink, and fun. The place almost feels like a secret adult hangout. With plenty of space for several games of bags, and two sand volleyball courts, it's the perfect combination of adult drinks and game time. We felt like we were on vacation: Isn't that exactly what a good beer garden should accomplish? Check out what else we loved about it.

Our biggest gripe? We'd like to see a better beer selection.

Orland Park Spots

Rokwelz: Don’t be fooled by the strip mall veneer. Rokwelz provides on many levels, allowing for a fun and peaceful night. We’re all working harder these days, and we need a place to stretch our legs, sling a few back and make jokes about life. This can happen there. Check out .

Our biggest gripe? Low-hanging umbrellas. (Yes, really. That's our biggest complaint.)

Osteria Ottimo:  A big thumbs up to Osteria Ottimo. Pleasant, clean, conducive for fun, great food and cocktails. Great food for meals or just munching, spot on cocktails, massive wine list, and best of all, you don’t have to yell to talk to your faithful companions for the evening. Check out what else we loved about it.

Our biggest gripe? Not enough lighting. We like to be able to see who we're hanging with.

Sam Maguire's Irish Pub and Restaurant: Sam Maguire’s has a few things going for it. A solid, serene beer garden sits tucked away in a corner of Orland Square Mall’s giant lot.The atmosphere is great, the patio is spacious and they have great wallet-friendly specials. Decent mix of domestic, imports and even a couple of crafts here and there, both on tap and in bottles. Check out

Our biggest gripe? Slow service.

Harrison's: Go Here. Lots of comfort, shade from the heavy sun with a breeze, excellent beer selection and an eclectic menu to satisfy a group’s random tastes. Check out what else we loved about it.

Our biggest gripe? Gripe? What's that?

Tinley Park Spots

Rocco's Little Italy: Rocco's is definitely worth a pit stop — especially if you are looking for an intimate setting with the feeling of a European getaway. Good food, a great bottled beer selection and an atmosphere that feels far away from Tinley Park. Check out what else we loved about it.

Our biggest gripe? Overly attentive wait staff. A good problem to have.

Durbin's: We tip our hat to Durbin's. We found the venue's generous daily specials very endearing — not to mention its creative martini list. Right in the heart of downtown Tinley Park, it's perfect for people watching. Check out . 

Our biggest gripe? Noise level. You have to expect the sounds of the outdoors when there isn't a roof over your head or a shelter to insulate street noise. Plus, you're in a beer garden. No complaining allowed.

The Cottage: Affordable, simple and seems like it'd be a ton of fun on a Friday or weekend. It's tucked behind a old-world, gray facade and is surprisingly private and guarded from road noise. Check out

Our biggest gripe? Beer selection is a bit limited.

For more Oak Forest bar and restaurant offerings, PLEASE VISIT our PLACES directory.

For more Orland Park bar and restaurant offerings, PLEASE VISIT our PLACES directory.

For more Tinley Park bar and restaurant offerings, PLEASE VISIT our PLACES directory.