This summer, The Robey Hotel is inviting Chicagoans to dive into rooftop season at Solana, a sunny, skyline-level destination perched atop The Robey in the heart of Wicker Park. As the only public rooftop pool in the neighborhood, Solana will serve up street-style tacos, frozen cocktails, and a full season of immersive programming, all available to locals and visitors alike.
Solana opens for the season on May 5, with a proper rooftop kickoff party set for Saturday, May 10. The afternoon celebration will offer a first look at the refreshed concept and set the tone for the summer ahead, featuring high-energy events that range from DJ-fueled dance parties to laid-back wellness activations.
What to expect at Solana
One returning favorite is the “Summer Series,” a monthly rooftop gathering that spotlights Chicago-based collectives through rotating musical takeovers. Guests can also look forward to “Sync + Reset”, a Sunday experience blending music and movement with low-impact workouts and breezy DJ sets, perfect for a bit of rooftop centering before the week ahead.
In tandem with a vibrant events calendar, Solana will serve a food and beverage menu designed for relaxed, all-day lounging. Guests will order directly from the bar this year, a service model that keeps things simple and seamless.
The menu, overseen by Executive Chef Michael Elliott, centers on street-style tacos made with fresh, high-quality ingredients on El Milagro tortillas.
Standouts include the Al Pastor taco, featuring grilled pineapple salsa and jalapeño sauce, and the Pescado Frito taco, which features crispy fried fish with sweet chili sauce and cabbage slaw – both ideal for summer rooftop snacking.
On the drinks menu, frozen cocktails like the Prickly Pear Margarita and refreshing sips such as the Solana Spritz bring an easy-drinking sparkle to sunny afternoons, whether you’re settling in for a full day by the pool or just stopping by for a round.
The rooftop will also continue to offer public access to its pool, maintaining its status as Wicker Park’s only rooftop pool with sweeping skyline views.
Solana’s kick-off party
Solana’s opening party takes place on Saturday, May 10, from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM, featuring a vibrant afternoon of music, drinks, and rooftop revelry. The party is open to the public and free to attend.
Guests are encouraged to bring their own towels; however, hotel guests will have access to towels provided in their rooms.