Okay, y’all – Let’s pop the bubs from the top! Rooftops are starting to open up and if you’re like me you’re going to hit up as many as you can this year. Last year we were robbed of summer due to the pandemic, so let’s make the most of it this summer! Who’s with me?
Here’s a list of just some of the many rooftops I plan to be sipping and snacking at this year.
Aba (302 N. Green St. 3rd floor)
This Lettuce Entertain You’s West Loop Eatery has quickly become a go-to destination for al fresco dining and summertime vibes. The rooftop is decked with cozy couches, lush greenery, and even heated igloos during winter. The food is Mediterranean/Middle Eastern fare and to die for!
LondonHouse Chicago (85 E. Wacker)
Chicago’s only tri-level rooftop extends from the 21st to 23rd floors above the London House hotel, located in a historic Beaux-Arts tower. It’s hard to find a better spot for mingling and the views – are spectacular!
Nobu Chicago (155 N Peoria St 11th Floor)
A can’t-miss open-air bar with stunning West Loop views. The newly opened Nobu Hotel Chicago has plenty to offer, ranging from light fare and a multitude of refreshing cocktails and wines. The menu here consists of small plates as well as the classic Nobu selection of the finest nigiri, sashimi, and maki. The beverage menu is extensive with must-have specialty cocktails.
The J. Parker (1816 N Clark St)
If you haven’t crossed the J. Parker off your Chicago bucket list, grab a glass of sparkling rosé and get to work. With its mesmerizing views of the city and Lincoln Park, this year-round rooftop bar is a must for entertaining out-of-towners. On particularly beautiful summer days, arrive early and be prepared to wait for a seat to open. It’s worth it, promise!
Whiskey Business (1367 N Milwaukee Ave)
This Wicker Park rooftop offers a fun space tucked just above Milwaukee Avenue. Order from a menu of party-ready drinks, then lean back and watch the lights show, which is set to tunes from the ’80s and ’90s, with some top-40s hits sprinkled in. How fun is that?!
I|O at the Godfrey Hotel (127 W Huron St)
There’s not a bad seat in the house at this sprawling rooftop bar, which affords everyone a front-row seat to a postcard-worthy skyline view. I’ve spent many a nights here and even attended a derby party here! The food and cocktails will make you want to come back every week.
ROOF on theWit (201 N State St 27th Floor)
This rooftop lounge/cocktail bar is located right in the heart of the city with magical views of all the skyscrapers and the Chicago skyline. Open year-round thanks to an adjustable roof, the ROOF has a stylish chic terrace offering different settings depending on when you visit. Early night you can enjoy al fresco dining from a Mediterranean-influenced menu, along with crafted cocktails in a more relaxing lounge atmosphere. Later on the mood changes towards what the ROOF is mostly famous for, namely being one of Chicago’s top nightclubs.
Apogee Lounge (2 W Erie St 26th floor)
One of the highest rooftop bars throughout Chicago, located at the Eurostars Magnificent Mile, right in the heart of the city. A swanky and trendy cocktail bar/nightclub, with a stylish indoor lounge and a lovely terrace, offering sleek lounge sofas, a fire pit, and really cool views of the Chicago skyline.
The world’s largest rooftop bar, Offshore in Chicago brings the best views and the best cocktails. Located at the iconic Navy Pier, Off Shore is perfect for views and for people watching.
Upstairs at the Gwen (521 N Rush St 5th Floor)
Located in the heart of Chicago, just a block of the Magnificent Mile, Upstairs at the Gwen comes with both an indoor lounge and a stylish, open-air terrace. Luxurious and trendy in decoration, the rooftop bar offers a great selection of seasonal, inventive, and well-crafted cocktails, a fine selection of wines, beers on draft and a set of sharable small plates.
These are my top 10, however a few honorable mentions are Noyane, Raised Bar, and Cindy’s Rooftop.
Pro tip: Defintley make reservations as all these rooftops fill up fast and you could wait for hours to get in. Here’s to a fun summer!
