Get above it all at the best rooftop bars in Chicago
There’s nothing quite like taking your al fresco game to the sky. Fortunately, there are tons of Chicago rooftop bars, especially downtown. It’s a beautiful city, and even more lovely from above with cocktail in hand.
Whether you’re looking for a cool scene on a hot summer day, romantic rooftop restaurants, or just want to eat and drink outside, these places up your al fresco game (literally).
Rooftop Chicago bars are typically open from around May through October, but it varies depending on the weather. Some open as early as April and are still open in November.
Plan your bucket list with the best rooftop bars in Chicago.
Related: Things to do in Chicago
Chicago Rooftop Bars
Downtown Chicago Rooftop Bars
Devereaux
This cocktail bar on the 18th floor of Viceroy Chicago offers views of the Gold Coast and Lake Michigan.
While you revel in the 70’s-chic decor, dig into the menu created by James Beard finalist and Michelin-starred executive chef Lee Wolen. If things get too hot, there aren’t many Chicago hotels with rooftop pools, but Viceroy has one.
1112 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610
Click here to read reviews and check rates
AIRE
With locally sourced fare and an extensive craft cocktail and wine list, this oasis atop the Hyatt Centric hotel is an after-work favorite. It’s another one of several downtown Chicago hotels with rooftop bars.
100 W. Monroe, Chicago, IL 60603
Click here to read reviews and check rates at Hyatt Centric in the Loop
Celeste
Step into an urban oasis at this fourth floor lounge featuring Victorian-style seating and ivy covered walls.
111 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
Cerise
Located at the top of the Virgin Hotels Chicago, this rooftop lounge has one of the most panoramic views, with 270 degrees of scene and be seen. This is definitely one of the best rooftop bars Chicago has to offer.
203 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60601
Click here to check rates and read reviews of Virgin Hotels Chicago
With its view overlooking Grant Park and Lake Michigan, this Chicago rooftop restaurant and open-air terrace is considered the jewel in the crown of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel.
12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Click here to read reviews and check rates at Chicago Athletic Association
Fremont Chicago
A retractable roof means you can party al fresco into the late night hours at this River North restaurant / nightclub. Whether you’re looking for bottle service or a boozy brunch they’ve got you covered – or not, depending on the weather.
15 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654
Click here to learn how to save money exploring Chicago so you have more for cocktails on the roof!
52Eighty
This rooftop lounge featuring artisanal cocktails, an extensive wine list, and gastropub cuisine is on the 29th floor of the Cambria Hotel, right off the Magnificent Mile.
166 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
III Forks
Tucked into a residential complex east of the Prudential Tower and north of Maggie Daley Park, this steakhouse rooftop offers Prime beef along with its prime location.
180 N Field Blvd, Chicago, IL 60601
I|O Godfrey Urban Roofscape
Located atop a 4-star luxury hotel, when you visit this rooftop you’ll want to dress to impress. It encompasses 15,000 total indoor and outdoor space, you can lounge here all year long.
127 W. Huron St, Chicago, IL 60654
Click here to read reviews and check rates at I|O Godfrey
Joy District
You’ll dig the pops of color displayed in bold, patterned couches, bright flower and foliage-covered walls, string lighting, and murals by up and coming artist P. Scott at this River North lounge, especially with cuisine by Executive Chef Jason Hedin (formerly chef de cuisine of The Lobby at The Peninsula).
112 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
LondonHouse Rooftop Bar
Located on top of the LondonHouse Hotel (are you seeing a theme here with these rooftops?), LH-22 is in such demand you’ll want to make reservations – if you can. It’s one of the most popular rooftop bars downtown Chicago has to offer.
85 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601
Click here to read reveiws and check rates at LondonHouse
Photo credit Stephanie Izard, inc.
Little Goat Rooftop
If you’re looking for one of the best rooftop restaurants in downtown Chicago, you can’t go wrong with Stephanie Izard. During the lunch our you can grab lunch from Little Goat Bakery and bring it up to the rooftop. At night, sip on some craft beer or summer cocktails from the rooftop bar. Just be aware that the rooftop is connected to the private dining space, so it might be closed.
820 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
Raised Rooftop Lounge
When it comes to rooftops, the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel “Raised” the bar with this third floor lounge. A Spanish-inspired menu features stuffed peppadew peppers and chilled shrimp with caper berries which you can enoy sitting by the fire pits or overlooking the Chicago River.
1 W Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601
Photo credit Eric Allix Rogers
Reggie’s Trainwreck Rooftop
No need to worry about tripping over kiddos at this rooftop. It’s 21+. With free pool, bags, and a basketbal pop-a-shot you may need the pull string shower to cool off.
2105 S State St, Chicago, IL 60616
ROOF on theWit
Party year-round at this 27th floor lounge with a retractable roof. In case you hadn’t guessed by the name, it’s on the roof of theWit Hotel.
201 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601
Click here to read reviews & check rates at theWit
Rooftop at Torali
Sip in the shadow of the Hancock Building in this rooftop lounge at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago.
160 E Pearson St, Chicago, IL 60611
Click here to check rates and read reviews of the Ritz-Carlton Chicago
Streeterville Social at Loews Chicago Hotel
Soak in some city views at The Bistro, their rooftop restaurant offering up gourmet bites and refreshing cocktails. Want to host a private event? They’ve got 7,500 square feet just waiting for your special shindig.
455 N Park Dr 3rd Floor, Chicago, 60611
Tanta
The second-floor terrace is open year-round, perfect for sipping on Pisco Sours and snacking on cebiche at one of the best rooftop restaurants Chicago has to offer.
118 W. Grand Avenue, Chicago IL
Z Bar
Located above Chicago’s iconic Michigan Avenue, Z Bar presents beautiful city views, an array of globally-inspired cocktails, boldly-flavored food and the latest tunes from around the world. After being transported to The Peninsula Chicago’s rooftop terrace via dedicated elevators cloaked in lush forest artistry, an intriguing world of new tastes, sounds and sights awaits.
108 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
ZED451
This Chicago rooftop bar is consistently named one of the most beautiful rooftop lounges in the city.
739 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
For more al fresco eats, check out LL World Tour’s picks for Chicago’s best outdoor dining
Chicago Neighborhood Rooftop Bars
Chicago’s best rooftop bars aren’t all downtown. There are also some great places to soak in the sun in the city’s neighborhoods. Here are some of the best.
Photo courtesy Cabana Club
Cabana Club
Cabana Club, on the 6th floor of the hotel, offers 180 degree views of Chicago, but from the west. This is one of the few spots in the city where you can glimpse the skyline from this western view. Just below sits the Damen Blue Line stop so you will be sure to catch a glimpse of a passing train or two.
1616 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL
Photo courtesy Gene’s Sausage Shop – Twitter
Gene’s Sausage Shop & Delicatessen
Take a break from shopping for your weekend barbecue on the roof of this European market and deli, which features over 40 varieties of encased meats.
4750 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Fountainhead
If you like whiskey and beer and excellent farm-to-table cuisine, then head to Ravenswood for this neighborhood favorite rooftop.
1968-70 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
photo courtesy Homestead on the Roof
Homestead on the Roof
This rooftop restaurant above Roots is literally farm to table. Diners sit adjacent to the 1,000 square foot organic rooftop garden, filled with vegetables, fruits, and herbs.
1924 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Photo credit Eric Kleinberg
J. Parker
Located atop the Lincoln Hotel, this rooftop oasis is a bar with a view overlooking Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan. It’d definitely one of the best Chicago rooftop bars!
1816 N Clark St, 13th Floor, Chicago, IL 60614
