Over the last couple of years, when winter gripped hold of Chicago and the global pandemic forced restrictions on indoor dining, some of the places we turned to were Chicago’s renowned rooftop bars and rooftop restaurants.
Chicago’s rooftop bars offer thriving utopias in the summer, but the frosty winters often force many rooftops to retreat indoors and wait out the cold. With that out of the question, however, they were forced to adapt and consequently offered a range of different cozy outdoor hideouts.
The igloos, ski lodges, fire pits, and many more solutions in different shapes and sizes return this year, ensuring a memorable night up among the Chicago skyline can still be had in the coming months.
We’ve compiled a list of the most unique winter rooftop bars in Chicago that are still open through the colder months! From mouthwatering Mediterranean food in cute greenhouses to curling competitions with complimentary cocktails. Check out these excellent Chicago rooftop spots.
1. Joy District’s Rooftop
Few rooftops can compete with the astounding setup at Joy District. Sparkling lights, comfortable patterned couches, and impeccable views of Chicago’s skyline guarantee a memorable night, but it’s the magic of vibrant murals and cascading greenery that truly makes Joy District’s rooftop a unique space.
This year, the rooftop’s tented ‘winter wonderland’ has returned, offering a covered and heated escape with cheerful Christmas decor and heaters. You’ll now find Christmas trees, snowmen, and a comfortable setup to snuggle up and sip on cocktails throughout winter.
More information can be found via the Joy District website.
Address: 112 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
2. The Godfrey Hotel’s Rooftop
One of the best winter rooftop bars in Chicago can be found at the Godfrey Hotel. The annual winter wonderland event on the Godfrey Hotel’s indoor-outdoor rooftop has returned for another year of skyline magic.
The hotel’s large fourth-floor terrace has been transformed into an astounding outdoor oasis offering guests the opportunity to cozy up in one of the many heated, clear-domes igloos for a special winter wonderland experience.
Outdoor firepits, patio heaters, s’mores, live DJs, s’mores, sensational views of the Chicago skyline, and of course, themed cocktails offer a truly magical way to celebrate the season.
More information can be found via The Godfrey Hotel website.
Address: 127 W Huron St, Chicago, IL 60654
3. The Gwen Hotel’s Rooftop
If you’re looking for something different, The Gwen Hotel’s rooftop has the answers. While you won’t find lavish igloos here, you’ll instead be able to enjoy the hotel’s annual Curling and cocktails experience.
During the winter months the hotel kits out its rooftop with not igloos, not ice skating, but an outdoor curling rink high in the sky during the winter months.
Curling sessions come with a complimentary round of cocktails, meaning you can sip away on your favorite tipple while battling your buddies on the state-of-the-art curling rink.
Assemble your most accurate amigos and head to The Gwen Hotel rooftop for a memorable night of curling and cocktails this winter!
More information can be found viaThe Gwen Hotel website.
Address: 521 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611
4. London House Chicago’s Rooftop
Recently named one of the best hotels on the planet, LondonHouse Chicago and its elegant tri-level rooftop bar requires no rhapsody.
Renowned for having some of the best views in Chicago, the luxury hotel frequently festoons its rooftop for varying seasonal soirees. It is its elevated winter experience, however, which has proven most popular since it first launched back in 2020.
Now returning for its fourth year, the festive “Rudolph’s Rooftop” experience offers whimsical décor, rentable outdoor igloos, and celebratory cocktails at a sensational seasonal set up on one of Chicago’s most iconic rooftops.
More information can be found via the LondonHouse Chicago website.
Address: 85 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601
5. Whiskey Business’s Rooftop
On a 3000-square-foot Wicker Park rooftop high above 1367 N Milwaukee Avenue, Whiskey Business has created a multifunctional space to run events throughout winter.
One of the best winter rooftop bars in Chicago, Whiskey Business has rooftop movie nights,weekend brunches, a curling rink, and a sports bar Chicago Bears gameday packages offer something for everybody, but this year, the bar has also erected an enormous glowing tent on its rooftop so that guests can stay warm and cozy while enjoying a few drinks.
More information can be found via the Whiskey Business website.
Address:1367 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
6. Aba
Aba is a charming Mediterranean restaurant in Chicago’s historic Fulton Market District. The rooftop patio at Aba has been given a winter makeover, and guests will now find firepits and overhead heaters at the enclosed rooftop patio. Dishes from all over the Mediterranean, including Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, and Greece, can now be enjoyed from a toasty outdoor/indoor space.
More information can be found via the Aba website.
Address: 302 N Green St, 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60607
7. The VU Rooftop
While you won’t find domes, igloos, or anything above you at VU, there are safe large firepits situated all around the rooftop so that you can stay toasty warm while taking in unparalleled views of the lake, South Loop Chicago, Museum Campus, and often some sublime sunset spectacles.
The 13,000-square-foot South Loop space is home to three different bars and two patios in which to enjoy some top-notch cocktails and bites. Note that this ritzy rooftop VU follows a classy and fun dress code, so make sure to pull out your best outfits for the occasion and leave your casual wear at home.
More information can be found at the VU Rooftop website.
Address: 133 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
8. The Kennedy Rooftop
The Kennedy Rooftop is Wicker Park’s very own urban chic hideout. The interior, food, and drink options are all designed to accentuate the modern, trendy, and diverse fabric of Wicker Park. Panoramic views of Chicago’s iconic skyline and a comfortable layout make it a phenomenal rooftop option, and luckily, its igloos have returned for another Chicago winter.
Like The Gwen Hotel, the Kennedy Rooftop is also home to a curling lane, meaning you can enjoy a classy evening on the plush rooftop with a bit of competitive fun to keep you warm.
More information is available at The Kennedy Rooftop website.
Address: 1551 W North Ave Ashland, Chicago, IL 60622
9. Offshore Rooftop
Not only does the Offshore Rooftop hold the title of the largest rooftop deck in the country, but it is also consistently recognized as one of the best places to enjoy a drink with a view. The panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline are unmatched. While most rooftops are among the skyline and thus offer views over the city, Offshore Rooftop instead allows you to gaze out at Chicago’s famous skyline.
Open year-round, the award-winning 36,000-square-foot rooftop has several cozy fire pits and an entertainment and gaming area. Again, both indoor and outdoor areas mean guests can enjoy the views and world-class kitchen from behind glass or out snuggled around a fire pit.
More information can be found via the Offshore Rooftop website.
Address: 1000 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
10. The J. Parker Rooftop
While Chicago is home to an array of astounding rooftops, there aren’t many that offer 360-degree views of the city. Up at Hotel Lincoln’s J. Parker Rooftop, however, you will find just that in addition to front-row seats of Lake Michigan and Lincoln Park and its stunning winter spectacle.
With indoor and outdoor seating, a glass retractable roof, and floor-to-ceiling windows, there are plenty of options to sit and enjoy the scintillating views.
Seasonal drinks include various forms of hot toddies, mulled wines, and ciders.
More information can be found via The J. Parker website.
Address: 1816 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614