Complete guide

Rooftop Bars Chicago

2023 update
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Best time to visit May to September
Rooftop grade 9/10
Rooftop bar Chicago
Rooftop Chicago

29 best rooftop bars in Chicago

By:The world's leading experts on rooftops
Updated:March 18, 2023

Looking for the best rooftop bar Chicago? Look no more! Right here you'll find a complete and up-to-date listing with the top Chicago rooftops, packed with all info you need about each venue: opening hours, dress code, pics, maps, booking links and much more.

From Downtown Chicago, through The Loop and to River North, 'The Windy City' has a sky-high spot for everyone. Not only home to the largest rooftop bar in the world and some great Chicago rooftop pools, but buzzing with vibrant and trendy rooftop lounges, offering amazing views over both the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. And while summer is prime and peak season, there are quite a few Chicago rooftop bars open all year round.

So, which is the best rooftop bar Chicago? Just scroll down and find the Chicago rooftop bar best suited for you.

North America
Chicago rooftop map
Rooftop Brunch Chicago
Rooftop Restaurants Chicago
Rooftop Pools Chicago
Winter open Chicago rooftops
The list
Rooftop bar Chicago Streeterville Social in Chicago
1

Streeterville Social
$$$$ | 3rd floor | Streeterville
  • Highlights
  • Summer vibes
  • Majestic views
  • Event terrace

Found at Loews Chicago Hotel, the stylish Streeterville Social offers all the summer vibes and city views you need for a hot and elevated downtown experience. Impressive in both setting and size, this is one of the largest al fresco terraces in Chicago, with plenty of dining tables and comfy loungers, all surrounded with majestic views over the city skyscrapers. Packed with summer vibes, this is a place to meet, eat, and drink, offering a rooftop menu filled with both American gourmet grub and crafty cocktails.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bar Chicago Rooftop at Nobu Hotel in Chicago
2

Rooftop at Nobu Hotel
$$$$ | 11th floor | Fulton Market
  • Highlights
  • Upscale
  • Skyline views
  • Asian inspirations

Found on Chicago’s famous and vibrant Restaurant Row, right in the heart of West Loop, the rooftop at the elegant Nobu Hotel Chicago is just as stunning as the hotel itself. Mixing stylish indoor lounge and an airy outdoor terrace, here you find a sophisticated and upscale atmosphere and setting, surrounded with some of the best Chicago skyline views you can find. The rooftop bar serves a fine selection of specialty cocktails, where many are classics with an Asian twist, along with hot and cold plates by famous sushi chef Nobu Matsuhisa, and a daily rooftop breakfast.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bar Chicago The Robey in Chicago
3

The Robey
$$$$ | 6th & 16th floor | Wicker Park
  • Highlights
  • Dual rooftop setting
  • Skyline views
  • Rooftop pool

The Robey Hotel, set in a 203-feet tall Art Deco building in Wicker Park, offers a dual and diverse rooftop setting, which is one of the most impressive Chicago has to offer. Here you find the 6th floor poolside rooftop bar Cabana Club, open during the warmer months, and a prime spot for lounge hours with drinks, bites and lovely 180° views of the Chicago skyline. More elevated is the 13th floor The Up Room, a sleek rooftop cocktail bar, open nightly year-round. With panoramic views over the skyline, both through the panoramic windows inside, and from the outside terrace, this is an intimate venue for crafted and creative signature cocktails.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bar Chicago Terrace 16 in Chicago
4

Terrace 16
$$$$$ | 16th floor | River North
  • Highlights
  • Handcrafted cocktails
  • Magical view
  • Restaurant + bar

Terrace 16 captures the spirit of Chicago’s glorious summer months year-round with genuine hospitality, warm design, a convivial bar, unmatched vistas and an ever-changing menu whose ingredients shine bright. Located on the 16th floor of Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, the restaurant includes expansive outdoor seating on the idyllic terrace – all punctuated by breathtaking views of the city’s most iconic landmarks. A vibrant menu features new American flavors, an extensive craft cocktail program & thoughtful wine list enhance the experience of the downtown Chicago restaurant.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bar Chicago Z Bar in Chicago
5

Z Bar
$$$$ | 6th floor | River North
  • Highlights
  • Upscale lounge
  • Crafted cocktails
  • Amazing views

Set 6 floors up at The Peninsula Chicago, above Michigan Avenue, Z Bar is an upscale, refined and internationally inspired rooftop bar, offering amazing views over the central parts of Chicago. Out on the comfy and luxurious outdoor terrace you can indulge in both globally inspired cocktails and tasty bites, all served in a sophisticated yet lively and upbeat lounge atmosphere. Z Bar also offers a monthly 'Wanderlust Cocktail Class', if you want to deep-dive into the making of perfectly crafted cocktails.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bar Chicago Sky Terrace at the Ivy Hotel in Chicago
6

Sky Terrace at the Ivy Hotel
$$$$ | 16th floor | Streeterville
  • Highlights
  • Hidden gem
  • Fantastic views
  • Seasonal

Perched on top of the Ivy Hotel in Streeterville, the Sky Terrace is somewhat of a hidden downtown gem. Sixteen floors above the hectic E Ontario Street, this is an elevated rooftop oasis for relaxing food and drinks, complemented with fantastic views over the Chicago skyline. Open during the warmer months, the Ivy Hotel rooftop menu includes a tasteful selection of small bites, shareables and items off the grill, as well as crafted signature cocktails, wine and a rotating selection of beers. Visit for relaxing happy hour drinks daily, or evening cocktails with skyline views.

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Rooftop bar Chicago Joy District in Chicago
7

Joy District
$$$ | 3rd floor | River North
  • Highlights
  • Multi-level
  • Vibrant
  • Event space

Found in Chicago’s River North, Joy District is a multi-level and multi-space venue inviting you to drink, eat and enjoy. With a modern sports parlor on the first floor and a dance party hotspot on the second, the top floor Roof is the place to go for alfresco vibes and impeccable views of Chicago's cityscape. Urban and trendy, the rooftop bar comes decorated with comfy lounge seating and plenty of lush greenery, and it is a hot-spot for fun and happening rooftop parties during the warmer months. But is usually also available in winter as well, turning into a covered and heated escape.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bar Chicago LH Rooftop in Chicago
8

LH Rooftop
$$$$ | 22nd floor | Theatre District
  • Highlights
  • Great atmosphere
  • Panoramic views
  • Live events

LH Rooftop is a fantastic tri-level rooftop bar, located right by the Michigan Avenue bridge, on top of LondonHouse Chicago. The tri-level setting consits of an indoor lounge, called LH on 21, the main terrace called LH on 22 and a private dining space called Cupola. Focusing on LH on 22, this is definitely one of the best rooftop bars in Chicago, with an absolutely superb view among the city's skyscrapers and out towards Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. Here you can enjoy tasty cocktails and bar bites in a fun and vibrant setting, great for both weekday after works and full days and nights of weekend fun.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bar Chicago Cerise Rooftop in Chicago
9

Cerise Rooftop
$$$$ | 26th floor | Theatre District
  • Highlights
  • Great atmosphere
  • Panoramic views
  • Live DJs

26 stories up on the superb Virgin Hotels Chicago you find Cerise Rooftop, which is both a fantastic cocktail lounge and nightclub. From here you get breathtaking views over the city skyline admist all the sky scrapers. With both a chic and trendy indoor lounge and a very stylish rooftop terrace, serving tasty bar bites and well-crafted cocktails, the best part about Cerise Rooftop is (apart from views) the fantastic atmosphere. Friendly service and a great unpretentious vibe, no matter if you visit for early evening relaxing cocktails or late night rooftop party.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bar Chicago Cindy's Rooftop in Chicago
10

Cindy's Rooftop
$$$$ | 13th floor | Millennium Park
  • Highlights
  • Millenium Park views
  • Vibrant
  • Weekend brunch

A beautiful rooftop restaurant and bar with amazing views over Millennium Park and Lake Michigan. Cindy's Rooftop is set on top of the Chicago Athletic Association hotel, and comes with both an airy and spacious glass atrium indoor lounge, as well as an open-air rooftop terrace. Stylish in decoration, the food and drinks served at Cindy's are just about as delightful. Enjoy comfort food and exquisite American fare served as lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, or come for bites and perfectly crafted cocktails in between. Popular venue, usually with a lively and buzzing atmosphere.

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Rooftop bar Chicago Cabra in Chicago
11

Cabra
$$$$ | 12th floor | Fulton Market
  • Highlights
  • Peruvian-inspired
  • Panoramic views
  • Weekend brunch

Found on top of the urban Hoxton in the Fulton Market District, Cabra Chicago is a spirited rooftop dining and drinking destination, inspired by the vibrant flavors of Peruvian cuisine. Surrounded with panoramic views of the Chicago skyline, the rooftop holds a bright and airy year-round interior restaurant, complemented with an outdoor patio, perfect for the warmer days. Colorful and lively in setting, here you can indulge in crave-worthy shareable plates that are bold in flavor and bright in taste, alongside an equally expressive cocktail menu and wine list.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bar Chicago The J. Parker in Chicago
12

The J. Parker
$$$ | 13th floor | Old Town Triangle
  • Highlights
  • Signature cocktails
  • Panoramic views
  • Outdoor + indoor lounge

On top of Hotel Lincoln you find the fantastic J. Parker rooftop bar. Here you get an absolutely stunning 360-degree view over the Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan and Lincoln Park below. Complete with both an outdoor terrace and an indoor lounge, modern minimalistic in decor, with some grenery and a mix of bar stools, basket chairs and lounge sofas. The rooftop bar offers a quite small but good food menu and a nice selection of craft beer on cans, wines and some exciting signature cocktails named after exotic places. Great atmosphere and perfect rooftop for both relaxing afternoons and a full night out.

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Rooftop bar Chicago Upstairs at the Gwen in Chicago
13

Upstairs at the Gwen
$$$$ | 5th floor | River North
  • Highlights
  • Inventive cocktails
  • Stylish & sophisticated
  • Winter wonderland

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. A great spot for stylish and sunny cocktails during summer, but also available during the colder months, when the terrace turns into a winter wonderland with both a curling rink and a cosy cabin.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bar Chicago ROOF On the Wit in Chicago
14

ROOF On theWit
$$$$ | 27th floor | The Chicago Theatre
  • Highlights
  • Year round
  • Panoramic view
  • World known DJs

This rooftop lounge / cocktail bar / nightclub is located right in the city center, 27 floors up, with magical views of all the sky scrapers 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 beeing one of Chicago's top nightclubs.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bar Chicago Utopian Tailgate in Chicago
15

Utopian Tailgate
$$$ | 4th floor | Old Town Triangle
  • Highlights
  • Playground for grownups
  • Skyline views
  • Weekend brunch

Perched on top of the Second City Comedy Club in Old Town, Utopian Tailgate really puts a playful and colorful spin on the Chicago rooftop scene. Dubbed a playground for grownups, the 10,000-square-foot indoor / outdoor venue comes with everything from swings and bungalows to eye-catching picnic tables, all surrounded with fantastic views over the Chicago skyline. Challenge your friends in putterball, super-sized jenga, giant connect-4 and beer, while you munch a curated menu of elevated pub grub and sip well-priced cocktails or something from the large draft selection.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bar Chicago I|O Godfrey Rooftop Lounge in Chicago
16

I|O Godfrey Rooftop Lounge
$$$$ | 4th floor | River North
  • Highlights
  • Large terrace
  • Restaurant & lounge
  • Weekend brunch

At the Godfrey Hotel Chicago, just a few blocks of the Magnificent Mile, you find the large and lovely rooftop restaurant and bar I|O Rooftop Lounge. Decorated with modern and bright lounge furniture, nice water features, fireplaces and beautiful views of the Chicago skyline, accompanied with friendly service and a cool and comfortable atmosphere. Open year round thanks to retractable roof and some really cool rooftop igloos during the colder months. Here you can enjoy lunch, dinner or weekend brunch along with well made cocktails, some of them even hand crafted by the kitchen chef.

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Rooftop bar Chicago VU Rooftop Bar in Chicago
17

VU Rooftop Bar
$$$ | 22nd floor | Motor Row District
  • Highlights
  • 2 terraces & 3 bars
  • Year-round
  • Panoramic views

VU Rooftop Bar is quite a new addition to the Chicago rooftop scene, opening in fall of 2018. This 13,000-square-foot rooftop bar, set 22 floors above the bustling McCormick Place, comes with a stylish indoor lounge, two rooftop terraces, three bars and some amazing and panoramic views over both the city skyline and Lake Michigan. Swanky, modern and spacious, here you can enjoy a locally driven beverage program and Chef Nolan Narut dishes, served nightly and as weekend rooftop brunch.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bar Chicago Kennedy Rooftop in Chicago
18

Kennedy Rooftop
$$$ | 9th floor | Wicker Park
  • Highlights
  • Entire skyline views
  • Presidential cocktails
  • Weekend brunch

Found in the hip, trendy and unique area called Wicker Park, northwest of downtown Chicago, the Kennedy Rooftop aims to highlight the culture and ambience of its neighborhood. Set on top of Hyatt Place, the rooftop bar is modern and trendy in decoration, mixing indoor lounge and heated outdoor terrace, here you get fantastic panoramic view over the entire Chicago skyline. The Kennedy rooftop menu includes tasty shareables and a few solo dishes, as well as a drink list filled with both signature cocktails and Presidential ones.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bar Chicago Château Carbide in Chicago
19

Château Carbide
$$$$ | 24th floor | Theatre District
  • Highlights
  • Skyline views
  • French Riviera vibes
  • Alfresco garden

Elevated at the modern Pendry Chicago, Château Carbide is a new addition to the Chicago rooftop scene, set 24 floors above the heart of the city. This Cote D’Azur-inspired rooftop comes with a beautiful and sun-drenched alfresco garden, opening up to majestic views over the city skyline. A summer hot-spot to enjoy crafted signature cocktails, rosé, botanic brews, the special picnic basket menu, champagne, sushi and much more. Expect more chill setting during daytime, turning into energetic club vibes at night.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bar Chicago NoMI in Chicago
20

NoMI
$$$$ | 7th floor | Magnificent Mile
  • Highlights
  • Artful cocktails
  • Great brunch
  • Restaurant

The chic and picturesque NoMI at Park Hyatt Chicago includes a restaurant, a lounge and a garden. NoMI’s vibrant open-air terrace, known as NoMI Garden, offers guests relaxed sophistication and a respite from the bustling city at its height on the 7th floor. NoMI Garden boasts a 30 ft. bar with an ivory granite countertop and relaxed seating area, refined with parasols and prime views. Featuring an artisanal cocktail program, this is the destination for an in-the-know mix of young creatives and professionals, as well as discerning world travelers, looking to connect and take in the surroundings of downtown Chicago.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bar Chicago AIRE Rooftop Bar in Chicago
21

AIRE Rooftop Bar
$$$ | 24th floor | Theatre District
  • Highlights
  • Amazing views
  • Summer hot-spot
  • Vibrant

Found high, high above the Chicago Loop, more precisely on the 24th floor of the Hyatt Centric, AIRE Rooftop Bar is a summer hot-spot to mix vibes, views, drinks and bites. Dressed in a fun décor, mixing comfy lounge spots with bar tables and greenery, the open-air terrace comes surrounded with an amazing view over downtown Chicago, in all directions. With a chic and vibrant atmosphere, AIRE is a great Chicago rooftop bar to visit for an after work, or some drinks and bites before a night out in town, enjoying the expanded list of craft cocktails and wines.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bar Chicago Devereaux in Chicago
22

Devereaux Chicago
$$$ | 18th floor | Gold Coast
  • Highlights
  • Skyline views
  • Chic & intimate
  • Rooftop pool

Devereaux Chicago is a chic and intimate rooftop bar and lounge, perched 18 floors up at the Viceroy Chicago Hotel in the Gold Coast. The rooftop offers something of a rarity in Chicago: a seasonal poolside rooftop lounge, and really the go-to spot for sky-high summertime vibes. Chilling poolside, you can enjoy panoramic views over the Gold Coast skyline, as well as a selection of crafted signature cocktails, local brews, wine and tasty small plates created by Chef Lee Wolen. Poolside lounge by day, turning into a swanky rooftop lounge by night.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bar Chicago Raised Bar in Chicago
23

Raised Bar
$$$$ | 3rd floor | Theatre District
  • Highlights
  • Crafted cocktails
  • River view
  • Downtown

On the 3rd floor of the trendy Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel you find Raised Bar, an urban rooftop bar. Not the highest rooftop in Chicago, but really cool close up views of downtown and Chicago River. All are welcome to enjoy the outdoor/indoor bar, private outdoor areas and a stylish open roof deck with bar seating around the edge, accompanied with some very comfy lounge sofas and fire pits. The rooftop menu consist of food inspired by classic American bar food with a twist, along with a large selection of beer, wine and creative crafted cocktails. Popular place with great service and a fun and relaxed ambience.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bar Chicago Homestead On The Roof in Chicago
24

Homestead On The Roof
$$$$ | 2nd floor | West Town
  • Highlights
  • Rooftop garden
  • Restaurant
  • Great for events

A lovely and cozy rooftop restaurant, really a hidden oasis located in the heart of West Town. They call themselves 'a literal farm-to-table restaurant', and this goes hand in hand with the rooftop patio not offering any dazzling skyline views but instead over the 3,000 square foot organic rooftop garden. Both intimate indoor space year round, and during the warmer monts the lush and rustic patio serves elegant cuisine made from farm-fresh products along with a nice and creative cocktail menu.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bar Chicago Gene’s Rooftop in Chicago
25

Gene's Rooftop Beer and Wine Garden
$$ | 2nd floor | Lincoln Square
  • Highlights
  • Beer & wine garden
  • Atmosphere

Located at Lincoln Square, on top of Gene's Sausage Shop & Delicatessen, this is a European-style rooftop beer and wine garden where you can enjoy grilled sausages along with beers on tap and wine by the glass from around the world. With flowers, herbs and community benches this is a perfect destination for a sunny day, enjoying some beers and sausages in the very friendly, open picnic style atmosphere. Just remember to bring some cash.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bar Chicago Offshore Rooftop & Bar in Chicago
26

Offshore Rooftop & Bar
$$$ | 3rd floor | Streeterville
  • Highlights
  • World's largest
  • Panoramic views
  • Weekend brunch

Branded as 'the world's largest rooftop bar' by Guinness World Records, Offshore Rooftop & Bar is an all-seasons / all-weather venue, thanks to a 36,000 sq. ft glassed indoor lounge (with a fully retractable roof), leading out to a 20,000 sq. ft terrace, with two private lawns, seven fire pits and even an entertainment and gaming area. All surrounded with panoramic views over Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Here you can indulge in small plates of seasonal and contemporary American fare, as well as a nice selection of creative and updated classic cocktails, bubbles, wines and crafted beers.

Everything you need to know
Related
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Dine with a view - the best Chicago rooftop restaurants
Rooftop Pools Chicago
Best rooftop pools in Chicago
Winter Rooftops Chicago
Elevate the colder months at these year-round Chicago rooftop bars
Rooftop bar Chicago Whiskey Business in Chicago
27

Whiskey Business
$$$ | 2nd floor | Wicker Park
  • Highlights
  • Fun & vibrant
  • Rooftop movies
  • 80’s & 90’s nostalgia

Found in the heart of Wicker Park, Whiskey Business is a spacious, fun and unique Chicago rooftop bar, offering vibes and happenings pretty much every day of the week. Up at the colorful and quirky rooftop terrace you can watch classic movies on the 100” TV’s, party under the stars all weekend, or just enjoy the vibes and sounds of the 80’s and 90’s whenever. The rooftop menu comes filled with over 100 different whiskeys, crafted and seasonal cocktails, an expansive beer list, as well as a wide range of culinary creations.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bar Chicago Lonsome Rose in Chicago
28

Lonsome Rose
$$$ | 2nd floor | Logan Square
  • Highlights
  • Californian / Mexican vibes
  • Relaxed
  • Crafted cocktails

Open, airy and lush both inside and out, the Lonesome Rose rooftop terrace might not be the highest or most panoramic in town, but with a charming and relaxing atmosphere, it is well worth a sunny visit anyway. Up here you can enjoy a menu filled with Mexican goodies, from empanadas and vegan nachos, to tacos, bowls and burritos. Served as lunch and dinner, and Friday to Sunday also as brunch. While the food is good, the drinks are even better. Especially the cocktail selection, ranging from crafted signatures to classic Margaritas, served as a pitcher for the whole crew if you like.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bar Chicago Soho House Chicago in Chicago
30

Soho House Chicago
$$$$ | 6th floor | West Loop
  • Highlights
  • Residents & members only
  • Rooftop pool

Soho House Chicago is a fantastic and exclusive hotel, located in an old warehouse building in the West Loop. It also holds and equally fantastic and exclusive rooftop bar in Chicago, only available to members and residents of the hotel. A perfect place to eat, drink and relax to some amazing views of the Chicago skyline. Enjoy Middle East influenced cuisine, well made cocktails, lovely lounge furniture, cozy fireplaces and a fantastic, steel-rimmed rooftop swimming pool.

Everything you need to know
The Rooftop Guide
About the author

This guide was made by The Rooftop Guide, the world's leading experts on rooftop bars. With over 800 rooftops visited over the last five years, we keep you up to date in the ever growing universe of rooftop venues.

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City info

Rooftop bar Chicago

Rooftop-grade: 9/10

Prime season: May-Sept

Residents: 9 millions

Climate: temperate

If you want to visit any of the best rooftop bars Chicago has available, you'll do best coming here during the summer. A great place to network with like-minded Chicago we buy houses, companies and real estate agents: https://webuyhouseschicago.co/.

Many of the best places here are located in the city center with skyscrapers close by, which provides a cool and stylish surrounding. Chicago has a lot of sky bars and many of them with fantastic views.

If you are searching for bars to drink with a view at, this is the only list you need. This website can help getting a better experience when visiting the city. And here's a list of the best hotels in Chicago with a view

About Chicago

Chicago is America's third largest city with about 9 million inhabitants in the metropolitan area. The city is a major hub of the US communications systems as well as a center for industry and agriculture. Chicago is also one of America's best sports cities with teams like the Bulls (basketball), Blackhawks (hockey), Bears (football), Cubs (baseball) and Fire (soccer). The climate varies from hot summers to cold winters. "The Windy City" has long been a nickname for Chicago. And the wind often blows at the rooftop bars in Chicago.