Chicago Rooftops With Iconic Views
via Bar Avec
Chicago summers never seem to last long enough, so let’s try and soak up all the fun in the sun while the weather’s nice! Here are some of the most iconic places to not only enjoy a delicious meal, but take in breathtaking views of the city skyline, Lake Michigan and more.
Bar Avec {640 North La Salle Drive, 8th Floor, Chicago, IL; 312.736.1778}
Inspired by the leisurely dining experiences of coastal Spanish & Portuguese towns, Bar Avec’s ambiance serves up some serious ‘summer in Europe’ vibes. Located on the rooftop above avec River North, bar avec combines quintessential European charm with sweeping 360 degree city skyline views. Their menu showcases a variety of European wines, beers + craft cocktails as well as snacks + shareables.
Solana {1616 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL; 872.315.3083}
Sitting poolside on a city rooftop while sipping on frozen cocktails and eating tasty tacos sounds like the summer dream. Solana can be found on the 6th floor of Wicker Park’s iconic Robey Hotel and features an indoor/outdoor rooftop terrace complete with a small pool that is available to the public starting at 11am daily. Solana delivers major relaxing tropical vibes with a menu of street style tacos, frozen drinks - think Piña Coladas and Customizable Margaritas - as well as beer + wine.
Cindy's Rooftop {12 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL; 312.792.3502}
Cindy’s Rooftop at the Chicago Athletic Association is probably one of the, if not the most sought after Chicago rooftops for locals and visitors alike. The gorgeous views are not the only reason people seem to flock to Cindy’s. Enjoy lunch, dinner, drinks and weekend brunch under an expansive glass atrium on Cindy’s all season terrace while taking in sweeping views of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan.
via Cabra
Cabra {200 North Green Street, Chicago, IL; 312.761.1717}
West Loop’s Cabra is a Peruvian paradise led by James Beard award-winning and Chicago icon, Chef Stephanie Izard. Its prime spot on the top floor of the Hoxton Hotel with seasonal outdoor terraces and an indoor dining room surrounded by floor to ceiling windows means every table at Cabra comes with outstanding views. Dive into authentic Peruvian fare like Goat Empanadas and cheers with drinks like Pisco Sours while soaking up views of the West Loop neighborhood & beyond.
(Pro tip: Come on summer Sundays after 4pm and enjoy a Cabra happy hour around The Hoxton’s rooftop pool!)
Aba {302 North Green Street, Chicago, IL; 773.645.1400}
Aba’s rooftop terrace in Fulton Market is a nature lover’s paradise; adorned with an abundance of lush hanging greenery and florals that provide a dreamy escape from the neighborhood below. The space is equipped with a full dining area as well as multiple ‘lounge’ areas to unwind in. Aba’s menu is Mediterranean focused with highlights like Smoky Garlic Hummus, Shawarma-Spiced Skirt Steak and an impressive beverage menu to match.
(Pro tip: Don’t sleep on their weekday happy hour.)
Z Bar {108 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL; 312.573.6888}
The Peninsula Hotel is a popular destination for both Chicago visitors and locals, with a prestigious ambiance and prime location in the heart of Gold Coast. Those looking for breathtaking views should head to Z Bar, the hotel’s rooftop lounge which serves up creative cocktails + global tapas with terrace views that’ll make you feel like you’re floating amongst the skyscrapers. Indulge in cocktail classics like The Perfect Mojito or try a seasonal drink like the Italian Iced Tea and experience the luxury that is Z Bar.
J. Parker {1816 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL; 312.254.4747}
Discover contemporary boutique charm and front row views to Lincoln Park + Lake Michigan at Hotel Lincoln. The hotel boasts a delicious in-house coffee shop as well as a high-end sushi restaurant, but the real MVP of summer is The J. Parker rooftop bar. J. Parker’s atrium is equipped with over 100 outdoor seats (available at a first-come, first-served basis), giving guests an exciting view of where park, lake + city all meet. Enjoy bottomless brunch, cocktails + bites or late night soirees like ‘DJs After Dark’ surrounded by unforgettable views & vibes.
Offshore Navy Pier {1000 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL; 312.535.6660}
The newly renovated and revamped Offshore Club sits at the far East end of Navy Pier and boasts the largest rooftop in the city. Their multi-seasonal space showcases close up views of both Lake Michigan and the famed Chicago skyline, as well as a front row seat to Navy Pier’s summer fireworks shows every Wednesday and Saturday night.
via Three Top Lounge
Three Top Lounge {1357 North Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL; 708.967.2168}
The newly repurposed Salt Shed in Goose Island has been THE musical venue to visit in Chicago over the past few years. Not only does it boast an expansive indoor concert hall & outdoor venue hugging the Chicago River, it also has great dining options like the Goose Island Taproom and recently opened Three Top Rooftop Lounge. Three Top is an indoor/outdoor rooftop that sits at the highest point of Salt Shed and provides unobstructed views of the concert stage, the city skyline and river below. Sip on hand-crafted cocktails while being serenaded with live music and watch the city come to life at night. (Open starting at 5:30pm on concert days)
Avli on the Park {180 North Field Boulevard, Chicago, IL; 312.600.9997}
With three locations around the city, Avli restaurants have been serving up traditional + flavorful Greek cuisine in Chicago for over a decade. However, in the summertime, it’s Avli on the Park that really shines due to its proximity to The Loop + Maggie Daley Park and of course its seasonal rooftop garden terrace. Enjoy all the feels of the city while being tucked away in a flower laden cabana feasting on delights like Flaming Saganaki + Souvlaki and sipping on robust Greek wines + cocktails.
LH Rooftop {85 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL; 312.357.1200}
The rooftop bar + lounge atop the famed London House Hotel is the perfect place for pre-dinner drinks or a nightcap after a swanky night out in the city. LH Rooftop’s location offers jaw-dropping views of the city’s skyscrapers and the Chicago River below. Their all-day menu features a fresh take on American classics, focusing on shareables + tapas, perfect for pairing with one of LH’s signature hand-crafted cocktails.
By Robyn Glaza | Market Manager