Summer is a great time to soak in the sun and the expansive views from the rooftop bars dotted across the city!
Below you will find some of our favorite rooftop bars, with the best views of the city, and some of the more creative drinks.
CHICAGO'S TOP 10 ROOFTOP BARS
Check out these rooftops, and the scenery that accompanies them!
While you're looking for great Chicago entertainment, don't forget to use our other popular Chicago posts to help you make plans:
- Best Things to Do in Chicago
- Things to Do in Chicago's Loop
- Tourist Attraction Discount Passes
- Summer in Chicago
1) Cindy's
The Loop; 12 S. Michigan Ave.
Topping off the historic Chicago Athletic Association at 13 stories high is this rooftop bar and restaurant, providing a breathtaking scene of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan.
As one of the best rooftops in the Loop, Cindy’s cocktails are balanced and aesthetically pleasing, to match the view. The glassed-in deck area allows this to be a great decision, no matter the weather!
Hundreds of guests have complimented Cindy’s on Yelp and TripAdvisor, assuring that the drink prices are worth the view!
One Yelper commented, “Cindy's is highly recommended for anyone visiting Chicago! It is a beautiful space, which includes an open-air terrace that provides a great view of Millennium Park as well as the Lake.”
2) Reggies' Trainwreck Rooftop Deck Bar
The South Loop; 2109 S. State St.
Reggies' is a music lover’s favorite.
This space has been transformed from a run-down repair shop to the music venue, record shop, and bar that is it today!
Beyond the good food you will find a rooftop playground, complete with picnic tables, a pool table, and a basketball hoop!
This spot is a refreshing change of pace from the downtown rooftops.
Many satisfied customers have reviewed Reggies’ on Yelp and TripAdvisor, calling it, “Just awesome.”
One yelp review stated, “Super chill, South Loop bar. You'll probably see the most diverse group of people at Reggie's which makes it even more cool."
3) LH Rooftop
The Loop; 85 E Wacker Dr.
Make your way to the top of the London House Hotel to find the sweeping views from this tri-level rooftop.
Overlooking the Chicago River, Magnificent Mile, and the famous architecture along the way, this is one of the best angles to take in the surrounding city.
As a more recent addition to the city, this rooftop has already made an impression on many guests.
A yelper stated, “I have been to London House twice, the rooftop, and the city views are amazing you can definitely see Chicago's architecture."
4) Cerise
The Loop; 203 N. Wabash
26 stories up, the Virgin Hotel’s rooftop bar, Cerise, hosts a bird's-eye view of the expansive skyline. With crafty cocktails and comfy furniture, this is a great spot to begin or end the night.
Enjoy the music and lights as you take in the fresh air from the balcony that surrounds three sides of this historic building.
Many guests have advertised their positive experience at this bar on Yelp and TripAdvisor.
The ambiance and drinks have been complimented, with comments stating, “Really cool atmosphere with amazing rooftop views overlooking downtown. ... I'd definitely return… Perfect for a summer night out.”
5) Drumbar
The Gold Coast; 201 E. Delaware Pl.
This rooftop sits a block off of the Magnificent Mile in the Gold Coast neighborhood.
With a focus on crafty cocktails and quality liquor, this rooftop serves as an oasis on top of the Raffaello Hotel to enjoy some quality conversation and the beautiful scenery.
Many positive reviews prove Drumbar to be a rooftop you won’t want to miss.
One Yelper appreciated this urban escape, stating, “This bar definitely has a local feel too it, since it's tucked behind the Hancock and right off of Michigan.
In my opinion, it's a bit of a hidden treasure. The drinks are amazing and the ambiance is great.”
6) The J. Parker
Lincoln Park; 1816 N. Clark St.
Panoramic views of Lincoln Park and the lake are found at The J. Parker, on top of the Hotel Lincoln. This year-round rooftop bar hosts themed drinks and small plates perfect for every season.
With comfy seating and high top tables, this place is perfect for any occasion, and the needed diversion from the heart of downtown.
Many guests have claimed this as their favorite rooftop bar in the city! This bar provides beautiful views of the city, as one Yelper stated, “The view is impeccable! Seriously it is so beautiful I couldn't stop looking at it.”
7) Tanta
River North; 118 W Grand Ave
Taste the color and flavor of Peruvian culture at the rooftop at Tanta.
With Peruvian celebrity chef Gastón Acurio calling the shots, this spot has delicious food and cocktails.
The rooftop deck provides space to enjoy the summer weather while you sip on a pisco sour and enjoy the delectable food.
This restaurant is becoming a River North staple, as seen with the hundreds of positive reviews posted on Yelp and TripAdvisor.
One satisfied Yelper simply stated, “Tanta has a really cool rooftop, beautiful people, and amazing food & drinks."
8) IO Roofscape
River North; 127 W Huron St.
Nestled in River North, you will discover IO Roofscape within the Godfrey Hotel.
With a spacious lounge and modern vibe, this rooftop provides indoor and outdoor seating for every season and every time of day.
This urban, upscale rooftop serves chef-crafted cocktails accompanied by a view.
This has been a popular spot for years, as customers have commented on everything from the atmosphere to the food.
Many locals have used this as a platform to show off their city, as one TripAdvisor review stated, “It's my go-to bar for visitors. Great view...Great service and drinks”
9) Up & Up
Wicker Park; 1600 N. Milwaukee Ave.
This rooftop lounge above the Robey Hotel showcases the beauty of the city.
Hovering above the ‘L’ tracks, you will find views of the skyline in the distance and the dynamic neighborhood that surrounds this hotel.
Enjoy your inventive cocktail with the sun and the view.
As one of the newer rooftops in Chicago, this bar has already started to receive positive feedback from customers.
Customers enjoy this rooftop escape in the vibrant Wicker Park neighborhood, as one Yelper commented, “Hands down the best view in Wicker park.”
10) Raised
The Loop, 1 W Wacker Dr.
This garden-themed terrace sits above Wacker Drive and boasts a view of the Wrigley Building, Michigan Avenue Bridge, and the surrounding hustle and bustle of the neighborhood.
There is a curved railing at the edge of the building facing a clear glass panel, which is perfect for people-watching.
One Yelper said, "If you haven't gone yet, plan to go with your friends and you will instantly be in charge of finding the places to go from then on."
RELATED POSTS:
