The 20 Best Rooftop Restaurants in Chicago
Whether you live here or are just visiting, experiencing one of the best rooftop restaurants Chicago is something you cannot miss. Dining under the stars, far away from traffic noise, is a dream come true.
Many of these locations offer excellent dining options, with excellent menu choices, premium beverage selections, and great staff to make the entire experience luxurious. Plan your next romantic night out or special occasion at one of these rooftop establishments for a unique affair.
These are the 20 best rooftop restaurants in Chicago. Because of the excellent benefits each one offers, you will have difficulty choosing just one. So why not visit each one?
1. Cindy’s Rooftop – American & Comfort Food Favorites
Whether you came for the food, the views, or both, you will not be disappointed when you visit Cindy’s Rooftop. It is situated 13 stories over the city and provides beautiful scenery overlooking Lake Michigan. It is located at the top of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, which stands in gorgeous Millenium Park.
Enjoy dining inside the vaulted steel and glass-enclosed rooftop restaurant, or step outside on the open-air terrace to get closer to the sights. The ambiance comprises the simple theme of a beach house at the Great Lakes.
You will find an excellent balance of all things American fare. From comfort food favorites to absolute delicacies, your tastebuds will be amazed. They also offer a full drink menu, including wines and apothecaries.
2. Rooftop at Nobu Hotel Chicago – Delightful Asian Flavors
Sit under the stars and take in the Chicago skyline from this rooftop restaurant’s beautiful terrace seating area. They also offer indoor seating or even private dining options. Reservations are required, so be sure to plan before you head out.
If you order the sushi, you have the option to watch them prepare it at the sushi bar. You will have the fun of watching your food be prepared and know exactly what goes into it.
3. LH Rooftop – Rooftop Dining on Three Gorgeous Levels
LH Rooftop is a truly unique experience, as it is the only tri-level rooftop dining experience in all of Chicago. Choose your dinner from a lush menu of reimagined American classics, and make sure you pair it with one of their excellent cocktail options.
Located on London House’s rooftop, you will not be far from fine hotel accommodations. Enjoy staying right where you have your night on the town for a comfortable experience.
4. VU Rooftop Bar – Fine Dining With Amazing Views
Much more than just a bar, enjoy a fine dining experience at this rooftop restaurant. With events like Birds & Bubbles on Sundays, a full-service brunch menu, and fantastic evening dining options, you will find something for everyone at this location.
At 22 stories up, you will be treated to some of the most unadulterated views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. You will find this location next to McCormick Place.
5. Raised | An Urban Rooftop Bar – Made Fresh Locally
For the best seasonal foods and drinks made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, head to Raised | An Urban Rooftop Bar. Share a plate and enjoy their versions of old-time favorites. Finish it off with your choice of wine, beer, or cocktail. You may not find the same option twice for their beer selection as they rotate their options from local Chicago breweries.
All foods, ingredients, and brews used or offered at Raised | An Urban Rooftop Bar are sourced within 300 miles of the restaurant from locally owned businesses, farms, and breweries.
Located in Wicker Park, one of the most individual Chicago neighborhoods, this rooftop restaurant illustrates everything great about its surroundings. It is located at the top of the Hyatt Place Chicago Wicker Park.
Enjoy the trendy urban chic design when you dine inside or step outside onto the heated terrace. The menu features primarily shareable dishes with a few solo options that satisfy you completely.
The drink options are nearly limitless, with signature cocktails and even a line named after the presidents. Wine and craft beer are also on the menu.
7. IO Godfrey Rooftop Lounge – High-Class Dining
This rooftop restaurant offers visitors the comfort of a retractable roof. No matter the weather, you will be comfortable enjoying your dining experience. While you dine, stop by the rooftop bar for handcrafted cocktails to liven up your meal.
In the evening, all customers must wear casual-elegant attire, with the doorperson restricting access to those who do not meet this requirement. After 8 PM, all customers must be 21 or older to enter.
8. Celeste – All-American Dining with a Twist
While Celeste is well-known for being an excellent American-style drinking location, you will find some of the most fantastic food here. Enjoy the beautiful rooftop garden while you look out over the city and take in the stars.
Pair one of their divine kitchen creations with a freshly made cocktail or craft beer expertly chosen by the staff from the local community.
9. Homestead on the Roof – Garden Views From the Roof
Located above Roots Handmade Pizza, Homestead on the Roof is a hidden gem in Chicago’s West side. It features an 85-seat rooftop patio with an exceptional garden bursting with flowers, two hanging gardens, and an outdoor fireplace to warm up next to.
Homestead has been recognized nationally as one of the best outdoor eateries by Open Table and as one of the best rooftop restaurants by local news sources. When the rooftop closes for the season, the interior is open year-round, so you can enjoy all the delicacies they offer.
10. Roof on the Wit – Rooftop Dining With a Kick
Offering everything from pizza to sushi, everyone in your party is sure to find something to please their taste buds at Roof on theWit. Top off your meal with one of their fine beverage options, including seltzers, cocktails, champagne, and wine.
Enjoy lunch options during the week and brunch on the weekends. At night this venue turns into one of the hottest bars in town. Whether you want decadent food or drinks, this rooftop restaurant and bar has it all.
11. Cerise Rooftop – Total Immersion of the Senses
This gem is on top of the Virgin Hotel, central to everything in Chicago. With vibrant food delights and scenic views of the city’s skyline, the total immersive experience will leave you amazed.
It is ideal whether you visit during the day or try the night scene. In addition to the excellent food offerings, they have a cocktail and drink list that allow you to pair your beverage perfectly with your meal.
12. Upstairs at the Gwen – Art Deco Combined With Decadent Food
This rooftop restaurant is a hidden secret within the city. It is Art Deco-inspired with gorgeous skyline views. Dining is offered all day, so you can enjoy the sights from different viewpoints.
While the summer season is particularly famous, Upstairs at the Gwen has been redesigned to allow patio season to extend into the winter. Warm drinks and fire pits enable guests to forget about the cold temperatures surrounding them, creating a cozy atmosphere on the patio.
13. The J. Parker – Beautiful Views of the Skyline While You Dine
The J. Parker is excellent for perfect skyline views and sights of Lake Michigan. You can enjoy the view from inside or outside the glass atrium. This venue does not take reservations and is on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to arrive early. You will not want to miss out.
Enjoy American food with a twist. You will also find lighter fare for those who do not wish to partake in a heavy meal. The dishes are farm-to-table and seasonally inspired.
14. Cabra – Colorful and Lively Setting
If you are looking for an exciting night out, stop by Cabra. All the dishes and drinks are inspired by Peruvian cuisine flavors. The food is absolutely amazing, and the environment is bold and beautiful.
While you can catch fantastic sunshine from inside the award-winning restaurant, the patio offers unobstructed views of the city both in the daytime and nighttime.
15. Streeterville Social – Casual Summer Dining
One of Chicago’s go-to summer eats locations, Streeterville Social offers high-quality terrace dining from their Bistro. They offer gourmet foods and exquisite cocktails that bring people from miles around to enjoy.
They also offer several vegetarian and gluten-free options, so if you have anyone with special dietary needs, this restaurant has it all. It is a casual, laid-back location where you are encouraged to come in casual summer attire.
16. Chateau Carbide – Alfresco Dining With French Touches
Located at the top of the Pendry Chicago, the Chateau Carbide offers guests the French countryside experience through dining in their alfresco indoor or outdoor settings. The garden setting evokes this sentiment perfectly.
They have an exciting menu featuring a wide range of sushi, from light bites to sashimi to hand rolls. If you love sushi, you must dine here. All guests must be at least 21 years old.
On Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons, local Chicago artists play shows for the restaurant, adding a small touch of live music.
17. Terrace 16 – New American Dining
This rooftop restaurant is located on the 16th floor of the Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago. Terrace 16 features an American menu but with a new flavor. The ingredients are given freedom of expression so that diners can taste each individual flavor.
To enhance your meal, choose one of the fantastic cocktails or wines. Additionally, the culinary staff will meet any request for dietary needs.
18. Aba – Mediterranean Dining in the Sky
Located in Chicago’s historic Fulton Market District, Aba is a stunning Mediterranean restaurant inspired by various cultures, including Israel, Greece, and Turkey. Experience drinks from the bar with the same cultural influences.
The outdoor seating area is popular and on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations for these tables are available. For the best experience dining at Aba, you will want to try one of these beautifully arranged tables to enjoy the skyline while you dine.
The cooking at this restaurant is on the lighter side and places significant emphasis on raw and cooked protein. Its name stands for “Father” in Hebrew.
19. Z Bar – Embracing Female Advancement
Z Bar received its name from Maria Zec, the first female General Manager of the Peninsula Hotels. Her goal is to make the entire experience unforgettable for all guests. This is achieved by bringing together the best of the best in the industry for cooking and mixology.
The restaurant is above Michigan Avenue and offers visitors an experience combining flavor with international flair. While it embraces all the city offers and gives it back to the customer, Z Bar also provides an around-the-world adventure with delicious dishes from many cultures.
When you visit, be sure to take in the glorious views from the rooftop. It is one of the major draws of this restaurant.
20. Whiskey Business
Whiskey Business is located in the center of Wicker Park and offers visitors an experience like no other. It features over 100 varieties of whiskey to choose from, hence the name. But in addition to this fabulous offering, you will find some of the most fantastic food creations in town.
Enjoy snacks while watching a film during movie night, or stop by for a fabulous brunch. They have all the food options you could imagine to slake your hunger.
With 3,000 square feet of space, the rooftop is luxurious and offers all you need to make it a fantastic night on the town.
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