Chicago rooftop bars and restaurants

These Chicago rooftop bars and restaurants boast delicious menus, refreshing cocktails, and (most importantly) stunning views of the city’s skyline, waterfronts, and beyond. Best of all, many of them are year-round, so you can enjoy rooftop vibes no matter the weather. Check out just some of Chicago’s most popular rooftop bars and restaurants in the heart of downtown, the hip West Loop, and neighborhoods throughout the city.

Rooftop bars in downtown Chicago

Cindy’s
This might be the best-known (and most Instagrammed) rooftop bar in Chicago. Cindy’s, part of the historic Chicago Athletic Association, features truly jaw-dropping views of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan. Enjoy a drink (and snap a few photos) on the outdoor terrace, then step inside the soaring, glass-enclosed dining area for elevated bites and handcrafted cocktails. It’s the perfect place to bring first-time Chicago visitors.

VU Rooftop
VU Rooftop offers a rare view of the Chicago skyline from the South Loop. The sleek space, located 22 stories in the air, is filled with cozy nooks, fire pits, and comfy seating to kick back and enjoy a cocktail (or two). The super-shareable menu features global influences for brunch, dinner, and late-night.

Château Carbide
Drawing aesthetic inspiration from the French Riviera, Château Carbide inside the Pendry Chicago is perched atop the historic Carbide and Carbon building. The rooftop spot features a botanical-forward cocktail bar that overlooks the Loop. Enjoy small bites live music and DJs, and a chic garden party atmosphere. 

Tanta
In River North, Tanta might just be the perfect date night spot. The year-round rooftop space features stylish vibes, twinkling string lights, fresh flowers, and Peruvian dishes begging to be shared. If there’s a wait, head to the large bar and order two pisco sours — your date will be instantly impressed.

ROOF on theWit
This Roof on theWit on the 27th floor of theWit hotel keeps the party going all year round, thanks to its retractable roof. With its modern design, glittering city views, and energetic beats from the world’s best DJs, it’s no wonder Travel + Leisure named it one of the top three rooftop bars in the world.

LH Rooftop
Chicago’s only tri-level rooftop venue, LH Rooftop atop the LondonHouse Chicago lets guests dine on creative American cuisine and cocktails with unmatched riverfront views. Expect modern design, sweeping vistas, distinctive history, and a landmark Chicago location where you can peer up and down the Chicago River.

Offshore Rooftop Bar
Offshore, located on Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier, is the world’s largest rooftop bar. Grab a seat and admire sweeping views of the skyline throughout the chic indoor/outdoor space. This coastal-inspired spot boasts a full bar, a chef-driven menu, firepits and lounge seating, and open-air and enclosed spaces for year-round dining.

Shanghai Terrace
The vibe: Shades of deep red and elegant Asian decor create a vintage 1930s supper club feel at this fourth-floor oasis in The Peninsula Chicago hotel. Shanghai Terrace offers a contemporary interpretation of Chinese cuisine, served on the lovely warm-weather terrace.

Z Bar
Also inside The Peninsula, Z Bar is an upscale rooftop lounge with a globally inspired menu. Diners can enjoy carefully crafted cocktails and close-up views of iconic skyscrapers, Michigan Avenue, and the historic Water Tower.

Boleo
The Kimpton Gray Hotel brings a luxe-modern vibe to a historic building in the heart of the Loop. The rooftop lounge on the 15th floor, Boleo serves Peruvian and Argentine-inspired street food favorites and snackable small plates while DJs pump music under a retractable skylight roof.

Upstairs at The Gwen
On the fifth floor, this spacious rooftop bar in River North feels a bit like a hidden garden. If the art deco vibe doesn’t win you over, then the Asian-inspired small plates and prosecco popsicles definitely will. In the winter, Upstairs at The Gwen sets up a curling rink and serves festive holiday cocktails.

AIRE
Feel the breeze at AIRE‘s 24th-floor rooftop bar atop Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago. Dine on small plates made from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and enjoy a creative cocktail and wine menu in a chic space that wraps around the building. Soak up city views in almost every direction while enjoying the chill vibes.

Raised | An Urban Rooftop Bar
Just across the street from the Chicago River, Raised is located within the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel. This hip indoor/outdoor lounge is perched on the third floor, where you’ll be high enough to enjoy the views but low enough to feel the energy of the city. Dine on shareable large plates while you gaze out at riverfront views and the bustling Riverwalk just below.

I|O Godfrey
The I|O Godfrey is a sprawling rooftop lounge on the fourth floor of The Godfrey Hotel Chicago. One of the city’s largest rooftop bars, it features a retractable roof and fire pits that make it a year-round destination for stunning skyline views. In the winter, guests will find cozy heated igloos and themed decor.

Streeterville Social
Just steps from many of the city’s top attractions, Streeterville Social is a spacious outdoor terrace located on the third floor of the Loews Chicago Hotel. The rooftop bar and restaurant features a large green space with lawn games and plenty of room to spread out.

Cerise
This vibey rooftop lounge and club is situated in the heart of Chicago’s downtown loop. Cerise, part of Virgin Hotels Chicago, boasts views of nearby sites like the Chicago River, Jewelers Building, and more, all with a fun and funky vibe.

Explore more: Keep rooftop season going year-round with these winter rooftop bars in Chicago.

West Loop rooftop bars and restaurants

Cabra
Helmed by celebrity chef Stephanie Izard, Cabra is a perennially popular Peruvian cevicheria. Located in uber-hip The Hoxton Chicago, Cabra offers impeccable vibes with tons of sunlight and greenery, poolside seating, and sweeping city views.

Selva
Inspired by the energy of Mexico, this moody cocktail bar serves up agave spirits, city views, and a curated menu of bar bites atop the trendy Emily Hotel. Selva‘s regular events include happenings like a late-night happy hour and a rotating showcase of Chicago’s DJ talent.

Aba
It feels like summer all year long at Aba, with its abundant greenery and a light-and-airy atmosphere. Snag a spot on their sprawling rooftop patio, where you can order plates of Mediterranean-inspired fare, like fresh seafood, hummus with fluffy pita, and regional wines.

Nobu
During the summer months, head to the rooftop at Nobu Hotel Chicago in the West Loop to unwind and socialize at their upscale rooftop lounge. Take in marvelous nighttime views of the illuminated cityscape while savoring Japanese-inspired cocktails and fare. Get your fix of elevated Asian-inspired dishes like sushi and nigiri, wagyu sliders, and their iconic black cod miso.

Tetto
In the hot Fulton market district, Tetto specializes in Italian cuisine and sun-soaked vibes. Pair a spritz with one of their handmade Roman-style pizzas or burrata imported from Bari. The space is perfect for golden hour, dinner, or a late-night hang.

Tony’s Rooftop Bar
Time Out Market is a sprawling food hall in the West Loop featuring bites from some of Chicago’s hottest restaurants. Tucked away on the second floor, Tony’s Rooftop Bar is a welcoming, all-seasons spot serving beer, wine, and cocktails in laid-back surroundings.

Explore more: Check out our guide to Chicago hotels with rooftop bars.

Neighborhood rooftop bars in Chicago

Solana
Soaring above the heart of the hip Wicker Park neighborhood, Solana is one of Chicago’s hottest summer spots. Perched on the sixth floor of The Robey, Solana features poolside tacos, frozen piña coladas and margaritas, and breathtaking skyline views.

Kennedy Rooftop
In hip Wicker Park, Kennedy Rooftop is a year-round bar with a unique, panoramic view of the downtown skyline. The food menu includes shareable and casual entrees, complemented by a fun cocktail menu and full bar. In winter, cozy up in private igloos for a snowglobe feel.

Lonesome Rose
Lonesome Rose in Logan Square is an unexpected rooftop oasis featuring Mexican cuisine and chill vibes. Request a seat on the shady rooftop terrace and kick back with classic margaritas, street-style tacos, or loaded nachos. It’s a popular spot for weekend brunch, featuring Tex-Mex takes on the classics.

The J. Parker
Located atop the Hotel Lincoln, this popular all-seasons rooftop lounge features sweeping views of Lincoln Park and the lakefront from its atrium-like perch. The J. Parker offers both indoor and outdoor seating, plus a full menu of cocktails and elevated bar fare in swanky surroundings.

Gene’s Sausage Shop and Delicatessen
This unexpected rooftop is hidden atop a specialty market in the charming Lincoln Square neighborhood. Gene’s Sausage Shop is beloved for its homemade artisanal smoked meats, but savvy shoppers know not to miss the rooftop beer and wine garden where you can enjoy bratwurst cooked on an open wood grill.

Utopian Tailgate
High above the bustling streets of the Old Town neighborhood, Utopian Tailgate is a Chicago summer paradise. The sprawling rooftop brings the tailgate vibes with super-sized Jenga, dancing, and drinking games. Just downstairs, get tickets for a show at legendary comedy club The Second City.

Reggies
An iconic South Loop institution, Reggies is a rock venue, comedy club, bar, and restaurant all under one roof. Plus, they’ve got a great rooftop deck with free pool, basketball hoops, bags, and more. It’s the ultimate casual rooftop, just outside the heart of downtown.