National Picnic Day | Picnic Kits & Where To Enjoy Them
On April 23rd, National Picnic Day encourages everyone to pack up their lunch and take it outdoors. With the arrival of spring, there is no better time to try a new spot, take a board to go, and enjoy a picnic.
We've rounded up our favorite shops for picking up a charcuterie and accompaniments and nearby parks to enjoy them in. Read on for the full list!
Beautiful Rind
2211 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Logan Square, Chicago
Part cheese shop, part restaurant, part classroom Beautiful Rind is the perfect place to stop if you’re looking for variety. Build your own charcutier board or choose from one of their expertly crafted boards, including meats and cheeses from local Midwestern producers. Can’t decide? Opt for ‘All The Cheeses’, a kit with all Beautiful Rind’s cheeses and their pairings.
Once you’ve secured the goods, head on over to Palmer Square Park, a 7-acre green space along Logan Square’s boulevard system.
All Together Now
2119 W Chicago Ave, Ukranian Village, Chicago
This all-day counter-service spot offers take-away boards and natural wine, serving as your one-stop picnic shop. All Together Now’s most popular board features three artisan cheeses, two meats, preserves, cornichons and raw honey plated on a sturdy, table-ready, reusable wood board. Picnic of one? Their ‘Adult Lunchable’ kit is an elevated take on a childhood favorite.
Mosey on down the street to expansive Humboldt Park and enjoy your provisions near one of their many lagoons and natural areas.
Publican Quality Meats
825 W Fulton Market, West Loop, Chicago
Aptly located in Chicago’s meatpacking district, Publican Quality Meats offers a board including a chef’s selection of their house-cured salumi, pates, terrines, and rillettes served alongside small-batch artisan cheeses, seasonal accouterments, and James Beard Award-Winning Publican Quality Bread. PMQ functions as a cafe and bakery as well, so don’t forget to grab a pastry on your way out.
Take your loot to nearby Bartelme (Mary) Park, for city views that are just as impressive as your organic, dry-aged spread.
The Butcher & Larder
1427 W Willow Street, Bucktown, Chicago
Located inside Local Foods, The Butcher & Larder is a whole-animal butcher shop specializing in quality cuts. Their offerings change seasonally but you can count on one of their friendly cheesemongers to guide you in your selection.
Grab your board and a locally brewed beer or kombucha and head across the street to Walsh Park, a green space located right next to the Bloomingdale Trail.
Gene’s Sausage Shop
4750 N Lincoln Avenue, Lincoln Square, Chicago
Known for their fine European gourmet foods and homemade smoked meat, Gene’s is a must when it comes to building a unique board. From salami, to beef jerky, to alpine sausages, there is no shortage of picnic snacks to be found here.
Their rooftop beer garden is a hit in the summer, bt for those looking for a more intimate spot, go to Winnemac Park for shady trees and a picnic-perfect prarie garden.
Danke
125 S Clark Street, Downtown, Chicago
Danke, a ‘charcuterie-focused’ sandwich shop offers a daily rotation of meats and cheese boards served with house baguette, olives, marcona almonds, cherry spread, and whole grain mustard. Feeling a little more adventurous? Try the schweinebauch or duck liver mousse.
Enjoy your fare, spring breeze and blooming trees at Lakefront Park. There are an abundance of trails as well should you need to walk off the day’s grub.