The 20 best rooftop restaurants 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? Stephanie Izard’s ode to Peru perched atop the Hoxton hotel.

Why we love it: Chef Stephanie Izard, who's also behind spots like Girl and the Goat and Duck Duck Goat, offers Peruvian fare atop the West Loop's trendy Hoxton hotel. Situated on the 12th-floor rooftop, Cabra is another hit from the esteemed chef and partners Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm of the Boka Restaurant Group. 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: If you have time, arrive early and enjoy a drink by the pool before your meal to take in the stunning city views.

Address: 200 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607

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

What is it? An indoor/outdoor bar and restaurant atop the LondonHouse hotel in the heart of the city.

Why we love it: In a city bursting with jaw-dropping views from all angles, this rooftop offers one of the best vantage points. Located on the 21st and 22nd floors of LondonHouse Chicago, LH Rooftop affords guests stunning vistas of the architecture along the Chicago River and Michigan Avenue. 

Time Out tip: You'll have to arrive early if you want to find a seat, and the drinks aren't cheap. We recommend staying for a glass of bubbly, enjoying the view and moving on.

Address: 85 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601

Opening hours: Daily 11am–midnight

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-Thu 4-10pm; Fri 4-11pm; Sat 10am-11pm; Sun 10am-10pm

What is it? A modern Italian steakhouse with exceptional views.

Why we love it: 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).

Time Out tip: Gibsons Italia offers one of the most unique views of the city, right where the river splits north and south.

Address: 233 N Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606

Opening hours: Daily 11am-11pm

What is it? The St. Regis Hotel's ultra-luxe Japanese restaurant.

Why we love it: Miru makes you feel like you're floating right above the Chicago River. Overlooking Wacker Drive in Lakeshore East, Miru's outdoor terrace offers unbeatable views of Navy Pier and the lake. The only thing that beats the views is the food—indulge in wagyu nigiri, an extensive signature maki selection and a tasty black sesame mochi for dessert.

Time Out tip: Snag a table on the patio for a perfect viewing point for the summer fireworks every Wednesday and Saturday.

Address: 401 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 7am-9pm; Fri, Sat 7am-10pm

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 LaSalle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654

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

What is it? A lively Peruvian rooftop restaurant in River North.

Why we love it: Although 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 and bottomless mimosas.

Time Out tip: 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.

Address: 118 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5-9pm; Fri 5-10pm; Sat 11am-2:30pm, 5-10pm; Sun 11am-2:30pm, 5-9pm

What is it? A farm-to-table restaurant featuring ingredients sourced from its on-site garden.

Why we love it: Surrounded by a 1,000-square-foot garden, Homestead on the Roof is a breathtakingly beautiful rooftop dining room that offers a seasonal menu inspired by chef Bryan Collante's Filipino heritage, travel experiences and influential dishes from over the course of his career. 

Time Out tip: Don't forget to take a look around at the lush, overflowing greenery and vertical hanging gardens.

Address: 1924 W Chicago Ave, Chicago IL 60622

Opening hours: Wed, Thu, Sun 5-9pm; Fri, Sat 5-11pm

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? A Latin American restaurant situated along the Chicago River.

Why we love it: Head upstairs to the rooftop space at Azul 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.

Time Out tip: If you've got a small crowd, there are wooden pergola-style cabanas available for rent. 

Address: 1177 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Thu 5-11pm; Fri 5pm-midnight; Sat 4pm-midnight; Sun 2pm-midnight

What is it? A brewpub with Korean, Chinese and Vietnamese influences.

Why we love it: While this Logan Square brewpub's atrium-style dining room gets plenty of sun, you can soak in even more vitamin D atop its bustling rooftop patio. Order Asian-inflected dishes like a togarashi smash burger served on a Japanese milk bread bun, and don't miss the pub's elegant beer selection (like Heilong Slumbers, a Szechuan-spiced porter with complex toasted coffee aromas).

Time Out tip: BiXi Beer's happy hour is a can't-miss with $6 house drafts and $2 oysters.

Address: 2515 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 3-10pm; Fri 3-11pm; Sat 10am-11pm; Sun 10am-9pm

What is it? The Peninsula Hotel's elevated Chinese restaurant.

Why we love it: 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).

Time Out tip: This is a quieter spot for when you want to have a relaxing meal over city views.

Address: 108 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611

Opening hours: Wed, Thu 5-10pm; Fri, Sat 11:30am-2:30pm, 5-11pm; Sun 11:30am-2:30pm, 5-10pm

What is it? An authentic Greek restaurant with an intimate rooftop in Wicker Park.

Why we love it: If you're itching to dine alfresco in Wicker Park, look no further than Taxim's tucked-away rooftop 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.

Time Out tip: Taxim's rooftop stays open even on colder days thanks to a rooftop and heaters.

Address: 1558 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5-9pm; Fri 5-10pm; Sat 4:30-10pm; Sun 4:30-9pm

What is it? A Tex-Mex restaurant from the team behind Parson's Chicken & Fish, Lost Lake and Longman & Eagle.

Why we love it: Lonesome Rose, which also has a second location in Andersonville, is known for its margarita pitchers, tacos, burritos and horchata soft serve, and the airy rooftop patio, which is one of our favorite summertime spots.  

Time Out tip: Don't leave without a dish of horchata soft serve with cookie crumble.

Address: 2101 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Mon-Thu noon-9pm; Fri noon-10pm; Sat 10am-10pm; Sun 10am-9pm

What is it? A chic restaurant and lounge seven floors above the Park Hyatt Chicago.

Why we love it: 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.

Time Out tip: On your way into the restaurant, check out the NoMI art gallery located just outside the entrance on the seventh floor. 

Address: 800 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 6:30am-midnight; Sat, Sun 7am-midnight

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. Cheers!

Address: 111 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654

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

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 dipping your toes in 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 St, Chicago, IL 60610

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

What is it? A restaurant/butcher/event space inside a former auto body shop in Wicker Park.

Why we love it: 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 butcher's burnt ends) or fill up on house specials, like a crab cake benedict and a terrific burger.

Time Out tip: With a deli, restaurant, bar and 6,000-square-foot event space, Chop Shop is a true one-stop shop for the perfect night out.

Address: 2033 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Wed-Sat 11am-9pm; Sun 11am-4pm