Bars in Chicago may be cold for most of the year, but these are the rooftops where we can't help but drink outside.
LessStephanie Izard strikes again with this sky high haven, found atop the tony Hoxton Hotel. The menu pays homage to the lauded chef’s memories of traveling around Peru, as emphasized by two house favorites: anticuchos (marinated meats grilled over flames) and ceviches (a nod to Izard’s time in Lima). Pair them with drinks that are just as wanderlust-inducing, such as the Malambo No. 5 with rum, lemongrass, and passionfruit, or the Pink Dolphin, a vibrant and aromatic mix of gin, and hibiscus.
Leave the scurry of Streeterville behind and venture up to this rooftop escape, where lush greenery and lakeside breezes await on the seventh floor of the sleek Park Hyatt. Settle in, then raise a glass—classic aperitifs like French 75s and Veneziano Spritzes hold their own against all the culinary elegance streaming out of chef Terence Zubieta’s kitchen, from seafood towers to prime striploin.
Expect the same serene-chic aesthetic here that permeates the interior of this hotly anticipated hotel, which debuted last year with a dynamite team of backers (think: chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert DeNiro, and Meir Teper, to name a few). Kick things off with a round of sushi, of course, then move on to tempting bites like black cod miso or rock shrimp tempura alongside Asian-inspired drams like lychee-elderflower martinis and the Nobu Sidecar, a sultry concoction spiked with Japanese whisky.
Make a beeline to this rooftop for some of the most iconic views of the city—ones that capture postcard-ready panoramas of Millennium Park, Cloud Gate, Navy Pier, and miles upon miles of lakefront bliss. Breathe it all in with a side of the talented team’s boozy handiwork, namely the Mama’s Garden, an herbaceous coupe of gin, cucumber, basil, and lemon, or the Pudge’s Punch, a warming blend of rum, toasted sesame, and zesty lime.
Swing up to this River North rooftop for South American vibes and Peruvian plates that draw on a variety of culinary traditions from Japanese and Chinese to Spanish and Pan-African. Try the Cebiche Clasico, with leche de tigre, sweet potatoes, and choclo (large Peruvian corn kernels)—the ultimate accompaniment to all those pisco sours you’ll be downing. And don’t miss the nigiri pobre, a layering of rice, wagyu, and fried quail egg that serves as one of the city’s best dishes.
Gibson’s fans were amped about this recent opening, an upscale Italian approach that employs the same quality and attention to detail as its sister steakhouses. And then, of course, there are the Chicago River views, made possible by two sprawling waterfront dining and drinking areas. Stick to the classics here with some of the team’s top tipples—we’re talking Manhattans and Old Fashioneds—and complement those sophisticated sippers with an order of seven-year-aged Acquerello Risotto.
The digs are just as enticing as the menu inside this Loop-situated sanctuary, where guests are greeted by a locally painted mural and several fire pits ready to warm up even the chilliest spring eve. Take advantage of them during Movie Night Thursdays, your chance to check out classic films alongside a discounted cinema-inspired cocktail. When hunger strikes, opt for any of chef Matt Jergens’ crowd-pleasing plates, from grilled tzatziki wings to a house burger decked out with bacon.
One of the most buzzworthy openings of recent years is this internationally-inspired stunner on the sixth floor of the Peninsula Chicago. The next time you’re looking to duck tourists, pop into this globally-curated hotspot for dishes like lamb meatballs and daikon frites paired with craft cocktails and a live DJ.
This 4,000-square-foot third-floor rooftop is stocked with posh seating, lush greenery, and fire pits that will have you sticking around far longer than you should. Soak up the scene as you dive into chef CJ Jacobson’s Mediterranean-inspired bill of short rib hummus, lamb ragu, and Jerusalem bagels paired with “ancient civilization” wines from Greece, Israel, and Lebanon plus killer cocktails from famed mixologist Liz Pierce.
Keeping things cool on the 26th floor of the Virgin Hotel, Cerise’s posh flagship terrace wraps around a full three sides of the landmark building. With rotating DJ sets on Fridays and Saturdays, this casual chic space brings a slice of LA to the Loop, aided by tasty fixes like steak frites, mango margaritas, and “Summer Love” sangria.
Chicago’s only tri-level rooftop extends in glorious fashion from the 21st to 23rd floors of the LondonHouse hotel’s historic Beaux Arts tower. The 23rd floor cupola is only available for private reservations, but nevertheless, it’s hard to find a better spot for mingling with Chicago’s upper crust over lobster biscuits and gravy paired with large format bottles of Armand de Brignac.