Published 10th Oct. 2023
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In a city of sweeping views, everyone wants to be on top. Home to four of the ten tallest buildings in the United States, Chicago offers unbeatable skyline vistas. On a USA trip, should you find yourself breezing through the Windy City on a warm summer night, you’ll have no shortage of elevated bars and beer gardens to choose from. Some even have retractable roofs so you don’t need to worry about bad weather ruining your plans (handy given the city’s notoriously short summers). So, sit back, choose your tipple, and prepare to watch the sunset over the city, because we’ve got the inside scoop on the best rooftop bars in Chicago.
1
Best for starry drinks and bites
A passion project for two legends of their fields (actor Robert DeNiro and chef Nobu Matsuhisa), the Rooftop at Nobu offers a whole lot more than its views. For starters, this sexy spot gives visitors a chance to taste the restaurant’s Michelin-starred Japanese and Peruvian bites such as Brussels sprout yuzu miso, shishito pepper, avocado crispy rice and yellowtail jalapeño. Then there’s the cocktail list – a heady mix of creative concoctions that pair perfectly with that delicious food. Finally, it’s possible you’ll spot a star or two – this is a known celebrity hangout.
2
Best for classic cocktails with a view
Although Chicago’s city skyline is impressive, there’s so much more to see, and Cindy’s sets a high bar (quite literally) making it a worthy addition to the best rooftop bars in Chicago. Overlooking Lake Michigan, Millennium Park and Chicago’s iconic Bean, this famous cocktail club’s outlook is tough to beat. The huge glass atrium at the Hyatt's Chicago Athletic Association boasts exceptional sweeping vistas, especially if you happen to nab the best seats in the house. Our tip: make a beeline for the outdoor terrace.
3
Best for mixing with a local crowd
Want to get elevated but escape the hustle and bustle of downtown? We suggest soaking up some local vibes at The Robey in Chicago’s hip Wicker Park neighbourhood. The Cabana Club is set atop the sixth floor of the luxe hotel and while the food menu is on the lighter side, the team serves a mean frozen cocktail. Bonus: if you’re a guest at the hotel, you also have access to the rooftop pool.
4
Best for superlative service
Miru, which means ‘view’ in Japanese, is the all-day restaurant at the upscale St. Regis Hotel in Lakeshore East. Being on the 11th floor of a brand new 101-storey skyscraper, the view of the skyline is incredible, and the service is even better. Admire the expansive views of Lake Michigan, Navy Pier and the Chicago River, and enjoy drinks or dessert on top of the world.
5
Best for quirky events
There’s nothing British about this downtown hotel, but its trendy rooftop bar boasts some of the city’s best views. Just steps from the Chicago River, the LH rooftop bar is the only tri-level rooftop in the city, offering sweeping sightlines along the water. If the city’s bright lights alone aren’t enough to dazzle you, LH offers several themed experiences and winning seasonal events such as last winter’s ‘Rudolph’s Rooftop’. Also, the espresso martinis taste just as good in any season.
6
Best for strong drinks and next-level pizza
The team behind Tetto certainly know what’s required of a fun outdoor space: lots of seats, a great sound system and drinks that pack a punch. Pop in and you’ll find little cabanas, sofas you can sink into and fabulous fare from local street food favourite Professor Pizza. Oh, and incredible views of the city. That’s winning on several levels.
7
Best for stellar vibes and superlative sushi
Next up on our list of the best rooftop bars in Chicago is Château Carbide, the luxe garden space on the 24th floor of The Pendry hotel, which has quickly become one of the city’s hottest rooftops. While the outdoor seating is limited (reservations are a must in this popular spot), the intimate set-up is a big part of what makes it so appealing. Alongside the drinks, guests can dine on a stellar menu of sashimi and sushi. Bonus points for the suitably stylish playlist and live music offerings.
8
Best all-weather venue
The spacious rooftop bar at the Godfrey has strong sofa game, with lots of prime perches to cosy up and chill out with friends. And while its island vibes make it the perfect summer go-to, this is one hot spot you can visit year-round. There’s a retractable roof for rain, patio heaters for chilly nights and warming igloos come wintertime, so you’ll be nice and snug whatever the weather.
9
Best for bright lights
Offshore Rooftop, which is currently crowned the largest rooftop bar in the US, is a sleek retreat for upscale Californian cuisine and craft cocktails. You’ll find the expansive 50,000 square foot site at the far end of Navy Pier with sweeping lake views that are to die for. The menu features the requisite cocktails and an extensive wine list, and if you go on Wednesday or Saturday, you’ll get front-row seats to the venue’s firework show.
10
Best late-night hangout
This three-storey hangout has a stylish garden lounge rooftop and a playlist of alt-indie and house music curated by a rotating selection of DJs. There's no shortage of creativity in the cocktails either. You can order a drink just for yourself or request a boozy bowl to share with your group. And the retractable roof means you can pop in year-round for said seasonal cocktails. Celeste is one of the best rooftop bars in Chicago for when midnight strikes, so hang around till late in this uber cool spot.
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