Chicago is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the U.S., and with good reason. Chicago is known for plenty of things, from festivals to bars to culture. There is a lot to see and do here, and it would take you more than a month to explore it all.
Beyond its iconic food, architecture, and music, Chicago is also known for its vibrant culture. From blues to jazz to hip-hop, there is something for everyone’s taste in Windy City’s thriving music scene.
Chicago rooftop bars are a staple of the city’s nightlife scene. It’s not that hard to find a rooftop bar in this city. You can’t swing a cat without hitting one of these bars!
Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to have a drink, a place to dance with friends, or want to make it your favorite hangout spot, a Chicago rooftop bar is the perfect choice for socializing and enjoying the city’s famous skyline.
If you’re looking for something unique, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite rooftop bars in Chicago so that you can make the most out of your next night out.
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Must-Visit Chicago Rooftop Bars
VU Rooftop Bar
133 E. Cermak Rd., Chicago, IL 60616, United States // +13125280191
VU is a massive spot with three bars, two patios, magnificent city views, new American fare, and classic and signature cocktails. This place is perfect for everyone seeking to enjoy a romantic date night or simply create a magical girls’ night out.
They have a spacious, beautiful terrace with city views perfect for taking pictures. Make sure to visit during their September Sounds Summer Brunch Series and enjoy a live DJ and great food. They have a delicious drink menu and shareable food options for large parties.
The staff is polite and knowledgeable and simply fabulous as well as their ambiance. Dimmed lights, fancy couches, comfortable chairs, and a massive bar filled with all kinds of beverages are just one of the things that make this Chicago rooftop bar stunning.
For brunch, you can build your own omelet, order a breakfast sandwich, waffles, and much more, paired with a glass of Mimosa or any other from their brunch cocktails by your choice.
On the other side, their dinner menu is slightly limited but good enough for a Chicago rooftop bar. There are fries with Parmesan, snack boards, flatbread, veggies, sandwiches, and some desserts. I can assure you their ingredients are fresh because I have tasted them.
About the drinks, my anytime favorite is the classic Manhattan, which they made perfectly for my taste. However, from their signature cocktails, I will single out the “Blushed & Beautiful,” based on vodka mixed with raspberry, marshmallow syrup, and lemon juice. Just gorgeous!
Cerise Rooftop
203 N. Wabash Ave. 26th floor, Chicago, IL 60601, United States // +13129404774
This Chicago rooftop bar is a hip hotel venue offering rooftop drinking and dancing with spectacular city views until late hours. It is an ideal place for a night out with your friends and to enjoy many of their delicious cocktails.
This is an awesome rooftop in the heart of the city. The music is chill but upbeat, which matches the space’s ambiance. It is fascinating that it is located on the 26th floor of the Virgin Hotel, which gives you a spectacular view. If you are a bigger group, you can request the “swing” table, which is a picnic-style table.
There are not a lot of choices on the menu, but everything we tried was fabulous. I would recommend the Purple Reign cocktail, which is delicious and a cool purple color garnished with a cucumber slice! I don’t like gin, but I still loved it.
I recommend the fried cauliflower, the “uncommon burger,” the Airline Chicken, and a fried chicken sandwich for eating. We ordered everything for share, and it was truly amazing!
Cindy’s Rooftop
12 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60603, United States // +13127923502
This hip and stylish Chicago rooftop bar and eatery is located at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, with a choice of seasonal fare, offering one of the best views of Millenium Park. Although it is located just on the fourth floor, this doesn’t stop this Chicago rooftop bar from being one of the biggest tourist attractions.
The atmosphere is lovely, and the service is fantastic too. The balcony offers amazing views of the lake and Cloud Gate, too. It’s a unique viewpoint in Chicago and perfect for a private lunch or dinner, family gatherings, and a night out with friends.
Their brunch menu is fascinating. They have brunch beverages such as Bloody Marys, Mimosas, and others, all served with berries and edible flowers. For eating, there is a phenomenal chicken katsu sandwich, buttermilk pancakes, smoked salmon, chia bowl, and many more.
For lunch or dinner, there are light dishes such as charcuterie, shellfish, rigatoni, burrata, and some desserts. Their fried potatoes may sound simple, but they really taste special and homemade.
For drinks, I enjoyed one of their signature cocktails called “Deep Purple,” based on vodka, and it is really refreshing and light. However, if you prefer stronger cocktails, there is the “Figgy Stardust” with mezcal and fig liqueur.
ROOF on the Wit
201 N. State St. 27th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601, United States // +13122399502
This rooftop bar in Chicago is a fascinating summer hotspot on the 27th floor of the Wit Hotel, with skyline views and cocktails. They have a dining room area separate from a bar area, making this place ideal for a drinking party or a light dinner with your partner.
There is a weekend DJ and table dancers to keep you entertained while you enjoy your drink. The vibe is excellent, the ambiance is classy, and the staff is very polite and dedicated to the customers.
The food menu is limited to starters, pizza, and desserts. I had the mushroom pizza, which was delicious; thin and crusty, that melts in your mouth. I also liked the Meat and Cheese board, with Prosciutto, Calabrese Salami, Capicola, Blue Cheese, Aged Cheddar, Paprika Goat Cheese, Seasonal Fruits and Jams, Nuts, and Grilled Bread. It is excellent to pair with your drinks.
From the cocktails, I will single out the “Apple Cider Mule” based on vodka, Liquid Alchemist Apple Spice, Lime, and Ginger Beer. The taste is very refreshing and unique.
Raised | An Urban Rooftop Bar
1 W. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60601, United States // +13127953444
Visit this Chicago rooftop bar for a hip indoor and outdoor hotel lounge featuring craft cocktails, small plates, and a deck with magnificent skyline views. This rooftop bar in Chicago has plenty of space that offers self-seating along with private reserved seating. The ambiance is chic and classy at the same time, and the seating is comfortable.
For highlights, first, the food! Chicago-style lobster rolls, steak skiers, and Brussels sprouts are must-try!
For share, I also recommend their Charcuterie board with Wild Blueberry Lemon Montchevre, Milton Creamery Prairie Breeze, Three Pigs Spanish Chorizo, La Quercia Americana, Cornichons, Grain Mustard, Seasonal Jam, Almonds, and Grilled Sourdough.
Speaking of the drink menu, I will single out the “Watered Flowers” cocktail, with Vodka, Aperol, Strawberry, Cucumber, Lemon, Egg White, and Rose Water. It is pretty strong but refreshing at the same time.
IO Godfrey Rooftop Lounge
127 W. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60654, United States // +13123741830
This fancy Chicago rooftop restaurant and lounge in the Godfrey Hotel offers classic American dishes, booze, and more. The ambiance and the decor are simply fascinating. There are fresh flowers on every table, and the lighting is pleasant.
If you want a great view of the city right on the north river, come here around 7 pm and get a few drinks. If you want to stay later, it turns into a wild night-out club and can be a ton of fun.
An interesting happy hour menu includes bites and drinks such as house-made hummus, avocado toast, edamame, black truffle fries, flatbread, and cocktails based on prosecco.
One of my favorite cocktails is the “Snowflake Sangria,” with Frozen Fruit Granita, a touch of Van Gogh Melon with a splash of Moscato Caposaldo. I also strongly recommend the “Espresso Martini” with an invigorating brew of Don Julio Anejo, Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, Amaro Montenegro, Walnut, and fresh Espresso.
Upstairs at The Gwen
521 N. Rush St. 5th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611, United States // +18722716010
The Gwen is a swanky, seasonal spot for cocktails and sharing plates on a terrace with skyline views. This is one of my favorite little secret spots and truly a hidden gem. It’s an art-deco-inspired is one of the best Chicago Rooftop Bars at the Gwen Hotel downtown with a fantastic menu of small plates and delicious cocktails.
There is an extensive breakfast and dining menu with some really good food which is uncommon in a lot of Chicago rooftop bars. The food is a little bit pricey but definitely worth it!
The Cheese and Charcuterie board with prosciutto, chorizo, Delice de Bourgogne, manchego, fig jam, grain mustard, cornichon, and lavash is perfect for sharing and pairing with your drinks.
The mussels in spicy tomato sauce are to die for. I usually like mussels in white wine sauce, but I am not afraid to try something new. The sauce wasn’t so spicy that it distracted me from everything else. It was medium heat, yet it was very creamy.
Their “Spicy Margarita” is one of my favorite cocktails there, together with the Woo Woo cocktail based on vodka with peach-cranberry shrub, malic acid, and vanilla-cinnamon tincture. It is so refreshing and tastes like summer!
Devereaux
1112 N. State St. 18th Floor, Chicago, IL 60610 // +1 312 632 9316
As day eases into the night, head to the 18th floor of the hotel Viceroy Chicago, where Devereaux, the rooftop lounge, gives you the energy of the city and pulse of the city with potent cocktails.
Unwind in the moody glow of one of the best Chicago Rooftop Bars. Wander outside to take in the city views poolside. You can see the Gold Coast and Lake Michigan from here, and the skyline comes together in one panoramic picture.
The menu of creative spirits includes signature and classic cocktails. The drinks can quickly turn into dinner with small plates and light dishes inspired by the season. Service was excellent; our waitress was friendly, enthusiastic, and attentive and gave us great suggestions about the drinks.
I truly enjoyed their herbed potato chips, marinated olives, cheddar popcorn, sliders, and, for dessert, their Meyer Lemon Budino with white chocolate, limoncello, and Earl Grey shortbread. The food menu is not very extensive, but it is enough so you don’t drink on an empty stomach.
Even though not a gin lover, my favorite cocktail was the “Mauvaise Femme,” with Hendrick’s neptunia gin, raspberry, hibiscus, Fresno pepper, and prosecco. It has so a refreshing and rich taste!
Eight Best Chicago Rooftop Bars: Conclusion
As we said before, Chicago is a city that has a lot to offer. Whether you are a fan of sightseeing or enjoying a night with a cocktail beyond the city lights, there is something for everyone. No one can resist the tempting nightlife of this city.
That’s why we have chosen some of the most attractive Chicago rooftop bars, where you can enjoy snacks, cocktails, and even dinner. So make your stay in the city memorable, see as much as possible, and visit one of the Chicago rooftop bars to complete your experience and admire the city from up in the sky!
Visiting other destinations in Illinois? Check out our other delicious guides:
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Igor Jovanovski is an aspiring digital nomad, travel blogger and graphic designer who really loves food. He also has a creative side, and he works as a freelance graphic designer in his spare time. He has traveled across Europe quite a few times since he was young and recently started his mission to visit every country in the world! Igor’s favorite thing about traveling is the way he gets to know new people, food, places and cultures.
This exciting experience helps him create his own stories and make memories that will last forever