When the riverwalk begins to flood with pedestrians, and the Chicago harbors are replenished with sailboats, it’s a signal to emerge from our hibernation and embrace the outdoors, specifically—if you don’t have acrophobia—the higher outdoors. From sumptuous restaurant terraces to adult playground lounges, these are the best breathtaking rooftop bars in Chicago for boozing and bantering with friends.
1. The Rooftop at RIU Plaza Chicago
Rooftop season isn’t over until you visit the city’s newest terrace at RIU Plaza Chicago for spectacular views 288 feet in the sky! Whether you’re a local or visiting Chicago for the first time, the hotel is in a prime location, close to shopping on the Mag Mile, near the best attractions, and all the hottest restaurants.
Enjoy delicious international bites, cocktails, and breathtaking views. Step out onto the pièce de résistance—the iconic glass balcony—for unforgettable photo ops with the city as your backdrop and the thrilling sights below. Be sure to make your plans to visit soon before the weather turns!
Address: RIU Plaza Chicago Rooftop | 150 E. Ontario Street | 27th floor
2. Streeterville Social
When you take the elevator up to the 3rd floor of the Loews Hotel, you’ll step into a secluded paradise. Streeterville Social is one of the many stunning rooftops in Chicago. Its location, away from the busy streets and screeching car horns, has us mesmerized with delight—making it the quintessential place to grab a drink and unwind.
While the allure may be its atmosphere, Streeterville Social has a globally inspired menu debuting dishes that are as creative as they are mouth-watering. Created by Executive Chef Trevor Hoyte and Chef de Cuisine Michael Schleyer, their menu includes savory options blending local and international flavors, such as Octopus Tostadas, Jackfruit Steam Buns, Tamarind BBQ Short Rib, and Street Corn, alongside classic staples like the Social Burger, Chicken Tacos, and Hurricane Fries.
3. LondonHouse Rooftop
When the weather forecast predicts a high of 80, is anything more radiant than lounging 22 stories above ground with a glass of prosecco in hand? Just steps from the Chicago River, the LH rooftop bar is one of the only tri-level rooftop bars in Chicago offering sweeping skyline views along the water.
Address: 85 E Wacker Dr 22nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60601
4. ROOF at theWit
One of the rooftop bars in Chicago offers a year-round destination for locals and visitors alike. Perched 27 stories above downtown Chicago, ROOF at theWit has a retractable ceiling that opens up to both the sun and night sky. With a selection of robust wine and spirits and an internationally-curated menu replete with mezze, sushi, and wood-fired pizzas.
Address: 201 N State St 27th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601
5. The J. Parker
Make a beeline to this dreamy bar that sits squarely atop Hotel Lincoln. The J. Parker—named after Linclon’s bodyguard (yikes)—is an ostensibly refreshing spot if you’re trying to impress your friends with unobstructed views of Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan. However, this is one of the rooftop bars in Chicago that is a first-come-first-serve bar, so depending on your party count, make your preparations ahead.
Address: 1816 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
6. Cindy’s Rooftop
This rooftop is perched at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. It has storybook views of Lake Michigan, Millennium Park, and the Cloud Gate, which makes it the quintessential spot in the loop if you’re searching for quasi-ocean scenery. The open-air terrace makes this the place to plan a brunch and guzzle a DIY mimosa or bloody mary to start your morning.
Address: 12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
7. Utopian Tailgate
This rooftop party scape resonates with the hours you spend with your friends watching MLB baseball. With rambunctious decor and vibrant colors, you’ll walk away feeling nostalgic after group games like cornhole and foosball, all while sipping beer from their tailgate pack.
Address: 1608 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60614
8. The Rooftop at Nobu Hotel Chicago
You probably have recognized the renowned hotel and restaurant establishment as the backsplash of the Kardashian clan leaving dinner—however, this opulent spot isn’t just for celebrities. Helming from the prominent team of Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper, Nobu opened up during the pandemic and remains one of our favorite rooftop bars in Chicago to grab a drink and gaze out into the night.
Address: 155 N Peoria St 11th Floor, Chicago, IL 60607
9. Celeste
This three-story hangout has a garden lounge rooftop with bottle service and variations of indie dance and house music curated by a rotating selection of DJs. This is one of the perfect rooftop bars in Chicago to head to when midnight strikes, but you’re not ready to go home yet.
Address: 111 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
10. Boleo
Ride the elevator to the top of the Kimpton Gray Hotel, and you’ll be transported to an industrial-chic Peruvian rooftop for the night with smooth, sultry beats. The South American-inspired cocktail menu has an array of drinks, with ones made for slow sips, like the La Presidenta, and ones you can quickly inhale, like the Tincho.
Address: 122 W Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603
11. NoMI Garden
Chicagoans can never escape the perennial traffic, blaring horns, and roaring sirens. What lies on the seventh floor of the Park Hyatt is a sophisticated terrace embellished as a garden escape. It’s a vibrant spot if you want to order a bottle of wine and escape city life’s hastiness.
Address: Seventh Floor, 800 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
12. Devereaux
When you wander to the 18th floor of the Viceroy Hotel, you’re met with a dimly lit bar that leads to lounge chairs, Parisian-inspired tables for side-sitting, and an elongated rooftop pool. The Deveraux is one of the few rooftop bars in Chicago, offering a poolside view of the city lights.
Address: 1112 N State St 18th Floor, Chicago, IL 60610
13. VU Rooftop Bar
Get cozy at this upscale yet accessible bar located next to McCormick Place. Spanning 13,000 square feet, the VU Rooftop has an outdoor patio with plenty of couches and fireplaces to snuggle or perspire, depending on the weather’s fickle mood. What adds to the spectacularness is the top-notch views of the Willis Tower and Lake Michigan.
Address: 133 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
14. Z Bar
If you want to cosplay Eloises’ lavish life at the Plaza, head to the Peninsula’s rooftop—the Z Bar. The rooftop bar is ideal for those who don’t want to spend a month’s rent on a hotel room but would like to experience a posh-on-a-budget lifestyle. The rooftop peers out to the magnificent mile for gazing at shoppers below as the sun sets from behind.
Address: 108 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
15. Offshore Rooftop
The largest rooftop bar in Chicago, and one of the largest in the world, Offshore Rooftop spans over 50,000 square feet at the far end of Navy Pier. The menu features requisite cocktails and an extensive wine list for when you need to rejuvenate. And if you’re going on Wednesday or Saturday, you’ll get front-row seats to their firework show.
Address: 1000 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
16. Raised
Regarding Chicago, sweeping views along the river are as good as they get. Open year-round, Raised, Urban Rooftop Bar offers versatile space and vibrant energy that spices any night out. With a seasonal menu and a crisp interior setting, this is the place to cozy up as the green leaves melt into bursts of orange and yellow.
Address: 1 W Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601
17. Cabana Club
Perched above the Robey Hotel, this bar displays stunning views. The Cabana Club has 180-degree views of the Chicago skyline, and you’ll even catch a glimpse of the John Hancock and other notable neighborhood attractions. With a menu filled with frozen cocktails, beer, wine, and a pool for lounging, this rooftop bar in Chicago is the ultimate weekend spot.
Address: 2018 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
18. Selva
Sip into the sunset on Fulton Market at Selva—it just rolls off the tongue. A secluded sanctuary on top of the Emily Hotel, this Chicago rooftop bar has a trail of drink options. From a Margarita and Paloma to a selection of bubbles and beer—it will satiate any parched mouth. This adds to a selection of bites, including ezquites, jicama, mini falutas, and more.
Address: 311 N Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60607
19. Châtaue Carbide
This French Riviera-inspired spot is located above the Pendry Hotel in Chicago. The al fresco rooftop bar in Chicago evokes an airy, leisurely destination. With its Parisian bucolic interior and sun-frenched garden, you’ll feel pulled into the countryside. The menu boasts signature small plates and inventive cocktails that make planning a night here worth it.
Address: 230 N Michigan Avenue, 24th Floor Chicago, IL 60601
20. I|O Godfrey Rooftop Lounge
This posh Chicago rooftop bar elicits elegance and is filled with American fare, drinks, and an upscale small-bite menu. With a retractable roof, it doesn’t matter the season; the outdoor space melts into a unique inside ambiance, and it’s definitely one of the rooftop bars in Chicago you need to check out.
Address: 127 W Huron St, Chicago, IL 60654
21. Aire Rooftop Bar
Looking for a rooftop bar in Chicago that captures a true urban oasis vibe? Located in the Hyatt Centric, and the chic ambiance is painted across the bar with lively decor. So grab a drink of your choice and enjoy panoramic views of the city. A few times during the year, you can listen to a cover of your favorite musician while gazing at the stars.
Address: 100 W Monroe St Floor 24, Chicago, IL 60603
22. Upstairs at The Gwen
Just off Michigan Avenue, you’ll find Upstairs at The Gwen on Rush Street! The chic space is the perfect place to marvel at hundreds of twinkling lights while sipping on delicious cocktails. Guests love the Art Deco-inspired hotel, and the rooftop is one of its hidden gems, complete with fire pit tables, lush greenery, live music, gorgeous city views, and great music. Don’t miss their happy hour, Wine Wednesdays, and Thursday Terrace Tunes this fall.
Address: 521 N. Rush Street, 5th floor, Chicago, IL 60611
Reservation: Secure a spot at Upstairs at The Gwen here