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Cielo Rooftop + Patio at Azul
Photograph: Courtesy Azul

The 21 best rooftop restaurants in Chicago

Take in stunning views of the city streets and skyline when you dine at these rooftop restaurants.

Written by
Morgan Olsen
,
Emma Krupp
&
Jeffy Mai
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After a long, grinding winter, it's time to embrace everything wonderful about warm weather—and on a balmy evening, there are few better places to be than on a rooftop patio. When you're looking for something a little more filling than cocktails at rooftop bars in Chicago, turn your attention to the city's top rooftop restaurants, where dinner comes with a side of amazing skyline views. We've rounded up rooftop dining options to suit every mood, including tucked-away rooftop terraces, sunny outdoor brunch spots and bites from some of the best restaurants in Chicago. Gloomy weather in the forecast? Several of these spots also offer indoor dining or covered patios to keep you safe from the elements while you feast. So get ready for a sky-high meal at the best rooftop restaurants in Chicago. 

RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor restaurants in Chicago

Top rooftop restaurants in Chicago

  • Restaurants
  • Peruvian
  • West Loop

Stephanie Izard helms this shiny rooftop restaurant inside the Hoxton, a hotel located in the heart of the West Loop. Here she specializes in light, bright Peruvian fare that's ideal for the sunny space. Dig into an order of salmon ceviche by the pool, dip grilled shishitos into a pepper-forward aioli and tuck into a plate of smoked goat empanadas.

  • Restaurants
  • Mediterranean
  • West Loop

If you're hoping to get a table at this always-booked West Loop rooftop, stop what you're doing now and make a reservation. Chef CJ Jacobson delights diners with fresh Mediterranean-inspired bites such as smoky garlic hummus, pistachio-topped whipped feta and char-grilled lamb chops. The beverage team keeps the good times flowing with rooftop-friendly cocktails like the Aloe? It's Me, made with mezcal, aloe, green juice, lime and jalapeño.

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  • Restaurants
  • Loop

Sights don’t get any more spectacular than the ones afforded to guests dining at LondonHouse Chicago’s 22nd-floor rooftop. It’s the kind of place that’ll wow both locals and out-of-towners alike, boasting selfie-worthy views of the Chicago River, the Mag Mile and the city’s many skyscrapers. The kitchen complements the experience with re-imagined American fare, such as Louisiana crab dip and braised pork shank, while the bar mixes refreshing libations that help keep the good times rolling.

  • Restaurants
  • Contemporary American
  • Loop
  • price 3 of 4

Boasting some of the most exquisite views of the city, Cindy's sits atop the stunning Chicago Athletic Association Hotel in the Loop. Though the cocktails are the main draw of this beautiful rooftop terrace, guests can nosh on hearty entrees as well as small bites like freshly-shucked oysters and charcuterie boards piled high with local selections, preserves and grilled bread.

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  • Restaurants
  • Peruvian
  • River North
  • price 2 of 4

Though it's located in the heart of River North, Tanta invites guests on a sensory journey through Peru with thoughtful cocktails, dressed-up ceviches, empanadas and large-format entrées. Order the El Chingon cocktail—with tequila, mezcal, lime and a chingon pepper-infused ice cube—followed by the cebiche clásico, wok-fried lomo saltado, sweet corn empanadas and grilled whole branzino.

  • Restaurants
  • Spanish
  • River North

The open-air sister concept to Chicago's two avec locations, bar avec channels the Iberian Peninsula with its breezy 8th floor patio and dinner menu inspired by the seaside cafes of Spain and Portugal—think scallop crudo and steamed mussels—plus cocktails like Livin la Vinho Verde, made with Portuguese wine. And while there's no sea (or lake) in sight here, we think the patio's lush coastal decor looks just as nice set against panoramic skyline views. 

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  • Restaurants
  • Contemporary American
  • East Village
  • price 2 of 4

Surrounded by a 1,000-square-foot garden, this breathtakingly beautiful rooftop dining room offers a seasonal menu inspired by chef Bryan Collante's Filipino heritage, travel experiences and influential dishes from over the course of his career. As you dine, take a look around at the lush, overflowing greenery and vertical hanging gardens.

  • Restaurants
  • Japanese
  • West Loop

Nobu Hotel's rooftop terrace offers a sleek, Japanese-inspired oasis 11 floors above the streets of the West Loop complete with sweeping views of the city skyline. On the menu you'll find a tightly focused taste of the hotel's signature first floor restaurant, including wagyu sliders and miso black cod lettuce wraps, as well as nigiri, maki and desserts. Feeling extravagant? Top off your meal with an ultra-premium bottle of Japanese sake.

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  • Restaurants
  • West Loop

Located above the banks of the Chicago River, Gibsons Italia presents diners with three levels of breathtaking views. Grab lunch or dinner on east-facing patios on the second and third floors, where you can marvel at the skyline and river while twirling house-made pastas. The lesser-seen fourth floor has a retractable roof, but the space is currently only used for private events (should you be so lucky to get an invitation).

  • Restaurants
  • Seafood
  • River West/West Town

Head upstairs to Cielo, the rooftop space at Azul Mariscos in Goose Island, and you'll be greeted by stunning views on all sides—turn your head one way to watch ducks float by on the Chicago River, then glance the other way to stare up at the skyline. Grab a seat at a high-top table to feast on Latin-inspired mains from chef Michael Hernandez or settle into a lounge-style couch for drinks and small bites (there are also wooden pergola-style cabanas available for rent, if you've got a small crowd). 

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  • Restaurants
  • American
  • Lincoln Square
  • price 2 of 4

Chicagoans mourned the loss of Ravenswood favorite Fountainhead when it closed in 2020, but Land & Lake has successfully stepped in and filled the void. The space’s expansive rooftop remains—complete with a covered bar and plenty of umbrellas for shade—and guests who sit upstairs can still enjoy the restaurant’s full menu of modern American fare, like Buffalo marinated crispy cauliflower and boneless seared half chicken with garlic, olive and thyme.

  • Bars
  • Breweries
  • Logan Square

While this Logan Square brewpub's atrium-style dining room gets plenty of sun, you can soak in even more vitamin D atop its bustlng rooftop patio. Order Asian-inflected dishes like bulgogi poutine or a togarashi smash burger served on a Japanese milk bread bun, and don't miss the pub's elegant beer selection (like Rules of the Rhein, a light German-style kolsch imparted with a floral touch from hand-rolled jasmine tea blossoms). 

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Shanghai Terrace
  • Restaurants
  • Chinese
  • Streeterville
  • price 3 of 4

Highlighting Cantonese and Shanghainese cuisine, the menu at Shanghai Terrace is rife with dumplings and buns, traditional Peking duck, fried rice and noodles. Thanks to piped-in world music, loads of greenery and just the right amount of breeze, it might even fool you into believing you’ve made a tropical escape from the city (well, after a few tea-infused cocktails, it might).

  • Restaurants
  • Greek
  • Wicker Park
  • price 2 of 4

If you're itching to dine alfresco in Wicker Park, look no further than Taxim's tucked-away rooftoop deck. The no-frills space is home to some impressive Greek eats—think seafood soup, braised lamb shank, duck gyro and wood-grilled octopus—plus an expert wine list.

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  • Restaurants
  • Logan Square

Looking for somewhere to sip margs and devour tacos in the sun this summer? This laid-back rooftop deck in Logan Square has you covered. Start with an order of spicy margaritas and guacamole before tucking into tortillas stuffed with everything from beer-battered tilapia to chickpeas and avocado. Don't leave without a dish of horchata soft serve with cookie crumble.

  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • Restaurants
  • Contemporary American
  • Streeterville
  • price 3 of 4
  • Recommended

Located on the seventh floor of the Park Hyatt Chicago, NoMI’s vibrant open-air terrace offers high-above views of Michigan Avenue and inventive New American fare, plus sushi, to boot. The outdoor space features a 30-foot bar and tables shaded by parasols—allowing you to escape the hecticness down below and live your best life with a bottle of wine and a seafood tower.

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  • Restaurants
  • Wicker Park

From the street, you may not realize that etta has a sizable second-floor rooftop deck that spans the length of the restaurant. Head upstairs to enjoy dinner alfresco, with favorites like bubbling shrimp, wagyu meatballs and thin crust pizzas. The cocktails are fun, but the wine list is truly superb, with plenty of rosé for those long summer nights.

  • Bars
  • Cocktail bars
  • River North
  • price 3 of 4

Perched atop Celeste in River North sits a romantic rooftop garden decked out in Victorian-style furniture and tons of greenery. Guests can opt to snack on small bites like chorizo flatbread and tahini hummus or go all in with the West Coast burger, with American cheese, lettuce, tomato and special sauce.

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  • Bars
  • Pubs
  • River West/West Town
  • price 1 of 4

When you begin brunch by showing your ID at the door, you know you’re in the right place for a Bloody Mary. Spicy and sweet, garnished with salami and completed with a beer back, it’s practically a meal in itself. Don’t let that distract you from the food, however. Chilaquiles will help cure that hangover, and the Spoke’s signature burger sports double patties, three buns and a secret sauce.

  • Music
  • Rock and indie
  • Near South Side
  • price 1 of 4

Though it might be better known for hosting rock concerts, this South Loop restaurant and venue features a sizeable rooftop terrace. Grab a seat at one of its umbrella-topped wooden tables, order a beer and choose from a variety of pub food favorites, from massive platters of wings to fried pickles. 

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  • Restaurants
  • American
  • Wicker Park
  • price 2 of 4

Even though it's located near one of Chicago's busiest intersections, Chop Shop's shielded rooftop deck is a serene place to grab a bite before heading out in Wicker Park. Go casual with a smattering of starters (don't skip the lamb croquettes) or fill up on house specials, like spring onion gnocchi and a terrific burger.

Find more of the best rooftops in Chicago

  • Bars

Chicago has no shortage of awesome things to do in the summer—by which we mean drinking on rooftops with a great view of the city. But even if all you can see is surrounding buildings, these spots are worth a visit. From a cocktail bar to beer bars, here are our picks for the best rooftop bars in Chicago.

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