Chicago Rooftop Bars

Chicago Rooftop Bars

In early August 2017, I had a conference in Chicago (Tuesday and Wednesday). We went early (Saturday) to spend the weekend. “Things to do” as recommended by friends included a Chicago River architectural tour and several amazing restaurants (steak, pizza, hotdogs and Italian). Well known to most is Chicago’s incredible food scene. The recommendations did not disappoint. We were able to take a sunset architectural cruise…which was also AMAZING. But what wasn’t recommended (that should be on everyone’s to-do list moving forward) was to hit some of the (many) Chicago rooftop bars. What a great way to see the city!!!

We were able to hit nine different rooftops. While different people will clearly look for different things (energy, view, selection, music, crowd, etc.), below are my thoughts on each – in order of preference. Others might disagree, but this is how I see it.

The Terrace at Trump (1)
• 401 N Wabash Ave (River North)
• 16th floor
• Best views of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan
• (Expensive) Great specialty cocktails (burnt thyme on drinks)
• Friendly bartenders
• Open (approximately) May – October

Cindy’s at Chicago Athletic Association Hotel (2)
• 12 S Michigan Ave (Loop)
• Amazing views of Millennium Park (and Cloud Gate)
• Amazing views of Lake Michigan
• High energy
• Crowded

LH Rooftop at London House (3)
• 85 E Wacker Dr.
• 22nd floor
• Great views of Chicago River
• Limited outside seating (get reservations)
• Nice and spacious 21st floor bar
• Get drinks on 21st floor and walk up
• Generous pours

Roof on theWit (4)*
• 201 N State St. (Loop)
• 29th floor
• Fun vibe
• Large outdoor seating area
• Very friendly bar staff
• DJ
• Retractable Roof

Raised An Urban Rooftop Bar at Renaissance Chicago Hotel (5)*
• 1 W Upper Wacker Dr. (Loop)
• 3rd floor
• Fun indoor and outdoor seating
• Limited outdoor as most larger sections were reserved for private parties (we were there 45 minutes and no private parties showed up)
• Measured pours
• Very pretty urban gardens – lots of flowers

Green River at Northwestern Memorial Hospital (6)
• 259 E Erie St (Streeterville)
• 18th floor
• Large outdoor seating area
• Impressive panoramic view
• Nice specialty drinks

52Eighty Rooftop Lounge at Cambria Chicago Hotel (7)
• 166 E Superior St.
• 29th floor
• Tall glass walls
• Limited but nice view
• Comfortable seating inside and out
• Nice music (conducive to conversation)

Drumbar at Raffaello Hotel (8)
• 201 E Delaware Pl. (Streeterville)
• 18th floor
• Crowded outdoor area with limited seating
• Make reservations if interested in being seated outside during live music
• No real view
• Nice pours
• Beautiful indoor bar
• Knowledgeable bartenders that are more interested in catching up with each other than talking to customers

Streeterville Social at Lowes Hotel (9)
• 455 N Park Dr.
• 3rd floor
• Small, measured pours
• No view
• Rude staff

• 4 and 5 could go either way

To visit on next trip (and update with notes):

J Parker at Lincoln Hotel
• 1816 N Clark St. (Old Town)
• Overlooks Lincoln Park
• 13th floor
• Retractable Roof

IO at the Godfrey Hotel (River North)
• 127 W Huron St.
• 4th floor

Cerise (Loop)
• 203 N Wabash
• 26th floor

Celeste
• 111 W Hubbard St.
• Zed451 (Near North)
• 739 N Clark St.

Apogee
• 2 W Erie St. (River North)
• Boleo at Kimpton Gray Hotel
• 122 W Monroe St (Loop)
• Retractable Roof

Noyane at Conrad Chicago
• 101 E Erie St.
• 21st floor
• Japanese
• Fish shipped from Tokyo