The 20 best rooftop bars in Chicago

What is it? The answer when an out-of-towner asks "Where should we go out in Chicago?" 

Why we love it: When friends ask us where to take cocktail-loving visitors, one spot always leads the pack: Cindy's. The rooftop restaurant and bar at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel offers unparalleled views of the city, with an expansive look at Millennium Park and the lake. But the real draw is a roster of excellent cocktails and clever spirit-free elixirs.

Time Out tip: The American fare is impressive, but portions are massive, so we recommend sharing.

Address: 12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11am–11pm; Fri 11am–midnight; Sat 10am–midnight; Sun 10am–11pm

What is it? An indoor/outdoor lounge on the third floor of the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel.

Why we love it: Raised serves up cocktails, craft beer, small plates and a primo view of the city's skyline. The bar menu features New American snacks, with an emphasis on frites, while the beverage program caters to locals with drafts brewed in Chicago.

Time Out tip: Reservations are not accepted, so plan accordingly.

Address: 1 West Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 4pm-midnight; Fri, Sat 2pm–midnight

What is it? A breezy, open-air patio serving Spanish-inspired bites and drinks eight floors above Avec River North.

Why we love it: Bar Avec channels the Iberian Peninsula with a menu inspired by the seaside cafes of Spain and Portugal. There's no sea (or lake) in sight here, but the 1,200-square-foot space is decked out with summer-ready coastal decor that does a serviceable job of mimicking the real deal.

Time Out tip: The ultra-fresh roasted beet and strawberry salad with burnt chili vinaigrette, smoked yogurt and lentils offers a refreshing crunch on warm summer nights. Pair with the falafel-seasoned fries with harissa aioli, and you'll impress the whole table.

Address: 640 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-midnight; Fri, Sat 2pm-midnight; Sun 2-10pm

What is it? A year-round rooftop bar offering seasonal cocktails, small plates and stunning views of Lincoln Park from the 13th-floor roof of the Hotel Lincoln.

Why we love it: If you haven't crossed the J. Parker off your Chicago bucket list, grab a glass of sparkling rosé and get to work. With its mesmerizing views of the city and Lincoln Park, this rooftop bar with a retractable glass roof is a must for entertaining out-of-towners any time of the year.

Time Out tip: On particularly beautiful summer days, arrive early and be prepared to wait for a seat to open—it's worth it, promise!

Address: 1816 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Opening hours: Mon, Tue 4-11pm; Wed, Thu 11am-11pm; Fri 11am-midnight; Sat 10am-midnight; Sun 10am-10pm

What is it? The Peninsula's stunning rooftop lounge, where high rollers hang.

Why we love it: Z Bar has it all: sweeping city views, globally inspired cocktails and a roster of delicious, shareable snacks. Pair cocktails like the Bangkok Jam, made with Herradura blanco tequila, makrut lime leaf, lemongrass, ginger, lime and Thai chili, with an order of daikon frites or sliders. Z Bar also offers several inventive spirit-free concoctions for those who want to hold the booze.

Time Out tip: This high-end spot attracts a discerning crowd, so don't expect a rowdy rooftop night here. It's better for date nights, drinks with a few friends or sitting solo at the bar.

Address: 108 E Superior St, 5th floor, Chicago, IL 60611

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 4pm–midnight; Fri, Sat 2pm–1am; Sun 2pm–midnight

What is it? A sprawling outdoor terrace located 11 stories above the Nobu Hotel.

Why we love it: Complemented by east-facing skyline views, the rooftop's design is streamlined and minimalistic, with modern Japanese touches that are equally stylish and intimate. The menu includes a selection of shuko, or small snacks, like crispy rice, shishito peppers and edamame. Guests will also be able to order the hotel's signature nigiri, sashimi and maki. On the booze front, expect a menu of wines by the glass and bottle, specialty cocktails and a wide range of sake. 

Time Out tip: A word to the wise: Don't try to come here without a reservation, especially on the weekend. You'll get stuck waiting with a gaggle of other eager bargoers for God-knows-how-long. 

Address: 155 N Peoria St, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 5-9:30pm; Thu 5-10pm; Fri 5-11pm; Sat 3-11pm; Sun 3-9:30pm

What is it? Michelin-Key hotel The Gwen's swanky Art-Deco-inspired rooftop.

Why we love it: From the fifth floor of the Gwen Hotel in River North, you can enjoy unique views of the city, including plenty of the skyline's architectural highlights. Hotel guests and visitors fill Upstairs at The Gwen for breakfast, lunch and dinner, ordering everything from Belgian waffles to pork belly fried rice. The bar is the highlight of the space on the weekends, serving creative cocktails, local beer and a variety of wine.

Time Out tip: Upstairs at The Gwen hosts various events throughout the week like Wine Wednesday, when you can get bottles for half off, and Thursday Terrace & Tunes, when a live DJ takes over from 6-8pm.

Address: 521 N Rush St 5th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 1am-11pm; Fri, Sat 7am-1am

What is it? An esteemed Mediterranean restaurant and rooftop lounge infused with California influence.

Why we love it: The loungey, greenery-lined setup at this West Loop restaurant makes it one of the city's hottest destinations—and the sights of the surrounding neighborhood don't hurt either. Order a few Mediterranean dishes from the menu (the smoky garlic hummus, whipped feta dip or the Greek village salad are all surefire hits) and then explore the cocktail menu. Even the drinks with the cheekiest names are worth a try—our favorite is the Aloe? It's Me with mezcal, aloe, green juice, lime and jalapeño. 

Time Out tip: Aba's weekend brunch is always a hit. Bellini towers featuring eight assorted flavors, including blueberry, strawberry and kiwi, complement plates like shawarma-spiced skirt steak and eggs, and the avocado and spinach frittata. 

Address: 302 N. Green St, 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Mon, Tue 4-10pm; Wed, Thu 3-10pm; Fri 11am-11pm; Sat 10am-11pm; Sun 10am-10pm

What is it? Stephanie Izard’s ode to Peru perched atop the Hoxton hotel.

Why we love it: Situated 12 floors above the hotel’s inviting lobby, Cabra’s sprawling, partially enclosed digs unfurl before a backdrop of sweeping city views. The shareable menu packs plenty of crowd-pleasers: Hot chorizo and queso dip, plus goat and chicken empanadas. As for drinks, Cusquena, a.k.a. Peru’s unofficial national lager, goes down deliciously with fresh and fried bites alike.

Time Out tip: Book a few days in advance, or come early and lounge by the pool.

Address: 200 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 4-10pm; Thu 11am-3pm, 4-10pm; Fri 11am-3pm, 4-11pm; Sat 11am-3:30pm, 4-11pm; Sun 11am-3:30pm, 4-10pm

What is it? The Viceroy Hotel's poolside restaurant and bar on the 18th floor.

Why we love it: Unlike most other poolside bars at trendy Chicago hotels, Pandan is open to the public. That means you don't need a room key to sip a glass of bubbly while looking over the water at this 18th-floor overlook. Toss in an order of one of the Southeast Asian-inspired plates like the pork lumpia and stick around until the sun begins to set over the skyline.

Time Out tip: The sleek interiors and alluring city views, plus shareable bites and creative cocktails, make Pandan an ideal spot for date night.

Address: 1118 N State Street, Chicago, IL 60610

Opening hours: Tue-Thu 5-11pm; Fri, Sat 5pm-midnight

What is it? A 13,000-square-foot all-seasons rooftop bar in the South Loop.

Why we love it: VU Rooftop Bar provides great views of the skyline from 22 floors above street level. The cocktail menu features seasonal drinks like the Pink Pony Club (vodka, strawberry, lemon and sparkling water) and Chicago Sour (Malört, vermouth, Chareau, lemon, orange and egg white). On the food front, enjoy classics like flatbreads, burgers, chicken sandwiches and popcorn shrimp.

Time Out tip: The bar hosts a rotating roster of live music and DJ sets throughout the year. We recommend following them on Instagram for the latest.

Address: 133 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 6-10am, 4-11pm; Fri 6-10am, 4pm-1am; Sat 7am-3pm, 4pm-1am; Sun 7am-3pm, 4-11pm

What is it? A massive indoor/outdoor rooftop bar at the far East end of Navy Pier.

Why we love it: With 36,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space to roam with a cocktail in your hand, Navy Pier's Offshore is the largest rooftop bar in the world (really). The all-seasons venue includes a glass-enclosed bar where you can order a cocktail and steak sliders, as well as an expansive outdoor terrace outfitted with fire pits and a stage for live performances.

Time Out tip: Offshore is located at the very end of Navy Pier, so if you're using rideshare and are not up for a hike (I'm looking at you, high-heeled queens), take the north dock as far east as possible to the Entrance 2 drop-off area instead of simply selecting Navy Pier as your drop-off point. 

Address: 1000 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Sun 11am-9pm; Wed-Fri 11am-10pm; Sat 11am-11pm

What is it? An underrated rooftop bar with a full menu of American fare.

Why we love it: Perched atop the third floor of the Loews Chicago Hotel, Streeterville Social is one of the largest outdoor rooftop terraces in the city. Spread across 9,000 square feet, the space features a bistro plus a private events terrace. You can lounge the day away on a cozy couch while enjoying tropical drinks and stunning sights.

Time Out tip: Although Chicagoans can get down in any weather conditions, this rooftop is only open during the summer months.

Address: 455 N Park Dr, Chicago, IL 60611

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 4-11pm; Fri 4pm-midnight; Sat noon-midnight; Sun noon-11pm

What is it? A trendy year-round rooftop bar above the Hyatt Place Chicago in Wicker Park.

Why we love it: Unlike the expressway of the same name, Chicagoans will actually want to hang out at the Kennedy Rooftop. Here, guests are afforded unobstructed skyline views that stretch from the John Hancock to the Willis Tower, in addition to 7,500 square feet to roam. A lineup of craft cocktails pays homage to past presidents, like the Quincy Peartini with pear Grey Goose and elderflower.

Time Out tip: We like this spot for its sweeping views of the skyline from the west. The Kennedy Rooftop site says it's "the easiest way to prove Chicago really does have the best skyline," and we can't argue with that.

Address: 1551 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 4-10pm; Thu-Sat 4-11pm; Sun 11am-8pm

Why we love it: The team behind Recess also runs this spacious rooftop bar just down the street. At Tetto, there's lots of room to hang out over Italian-inspired drinks (groups can opt for a cocktail tower) alongside slices from Professor Pizza. What else could you need?

Time Out tip: The crowd here skews younger, and the programming follows suit with a rotating curation of DJs and parties on-site.

Address: 406 N Sangamon St, Chicago, IL 60642

Opening hours: Wed, Thu 4-11pm; Fri, Sat 4pm-midnight; Sun 4-11pm

What is it? A 45-year-old gourmet European market and delicatessen that also happens to have one of the best rooftop bars in the city.

Why we love it: In the summer, Gene's opens its glorious rooftop and serves ice-cold beer, grilled sausages, potato pancakes and pierogis. What's not to love? The only issue you might encounter is finding a table big enough for all of your friends after you've told them where you're spending your afternoon. The rooftop is only open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays—and only as long as the warm-ish weather holds out—so plan your rooftop feasting accordingly.

Time Out tip: After you've filled up on pitchers of Pils and grilled brats, peruse the market downstairs and grab some goodies to take home.

Address: 4750 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 9am–8pm; Sun 9am–4pm

What is it? A lavish four-floor bar, lounge and restaurant that transforms into a nightclub. 

Why we love it: Housed in a historic Louis Sullivan building, Celeste is not short on options. On the first level, The Whiskey Bar is a nod to classic neighborhood bars, while the second-floor Deco Supper Club is a swanky spot to imbibe a craft cocktail. Disco, on the third floor, is a luminous sanctuary dedicated to the era of disco and dance. The main attraction, though, is the lush garden with a retractable roof on the fourth floor. You’ll escape the hustle and bustle of the city with floral-print Victorian furniture, tropical greenery, and vine-covered brick walls. DJs set the mood on weekends by spinning the hits.

Time Out tip: We love a late happy hour, and we certainly love Celeste's because it runs from 5–8pm on Wed–Fri with $10 cocktails, $8 wine and $6 beer. 

Address: 111 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Wed–Fri 5pm–4am; Sat 7pm–5am

What is it? A formerly private 24th-floor space atop the Pendry Chicago hotel. 

Why we love it: Chateau Carbide is a combination indoor and outdoor space that draws inspiration from the French Riviera, serving rosé, cocktails and a menu of light bites high above the streets of the city. In the evening, DJs spinning French house music get behind the decks, providing a soundtrack fit for the stunning architectural views of Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River.

Time Out tip: Chateau Carbide is a hidden gem and a popular spot among those who want to see and be seen. Do with that information what you will.

Address: 230 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601

Opening hours: Tue–Fri 5–11pm; Sat 2–11pm

What is it? A walk-in shuffleboard club with a lively rooftop.

Why we love it: Modeled after classic shuffleboard clubs in Florida, Royal Palms brings the century-old pastime to a gigantic warehouse in Wicker Park. But even if you’re not into sending a biscuit gliding across the floor, there's still fun to be had thanks to the bustling rooftop space. You can watch the competition taking place while sipping on a pina colada and basking in the sun.

Time Out tip: The venue boasts a bar stocked with tropical cocktails and a local food truck pulls up to feed the masses each night from inside a special garage.

Address: 1750 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5–11pm; Fri 5pm–1am; Sat noon–1am; Sun noon–8pm