The best rooftop restaurants in Chicago

Given a gorgeous roof deck above their pizzeria, Roots, Greg Mohr and Scott Weiner open what they’ve called “a literal farm-to-table restaurant.” The patio seats 80, and the menu draws ingredients from the organic rooftop garden.

There's no sweeter place to grab a bite to eat and soak up the sun than atop Stephanie Izard's West Loop diner, Little Goat. The second floor space is adorned with a glowing goat, so it's impossible to miss. If the deck isn't closed for a private event, head upstairs for burgers, snacks and cocktails. 

Noyane translates to "hidden roof" in Japanese, making it an apt name for this secret oasis on the 21st floor of the Conrad Chicago. Situated just off the Magnificent Mile, Noyane is nothing like its fist-pumping neighbors. The menu here is filled with sophisticated Japanese fare and intricate, Asian-inspired beverages. Throw in an order of sashimi and stay a while.

If you're itching to dine alfresco in Wicker Park, look no further than Taxim's 80-seat rooftop patio. The no-frills space is home to some impressive Greek eats—think seafood soup, grape leaf-wrapped shrimp, duck gyro and octopus—plus an expert wine list. 

Seasonal fare and impeccable service are on deck at this River North spot that serves brunch, lunch and dinner. If the weather permits, ask for a seat on the huge rooftop patio, which is also equipped with a bar. A few of our favorite summer-ready treats include tuna crudo with avocado and mango, sweet and spicy eggplant, Bernie's BLT and s'mores made with butterscotch pudding and chocolate ganache.

If the name didn’t tip you off, there’s a terrace attached to this upscale Chinese restaurant and lounge (and a mighty nice rooftop one at that). 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 lychee-vodka martinis or green tea mojitos, it might.)

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. Breakfast tacos are a good way to spice up your egg intake. And the Spoke’s signature “fatboy” burgers are thick, juicy and perfectly tender and served with fantastic fries.

Scott Harris’s Taylor Street spot combines elements of the Purple Pig (a menu full of schmears and charcuterie) with the Italian sensibilities of his Mia Francesca’s chain. There are a few fumbles on the menu, but mostly the dishes succeed due to their sheer decadence. Harris's best move: turning the roof into a cozy, 45-seat patio.

The restaurant seats hundreds of people, a good portion of them in a large, busy bar area and a sprawling (and surprisingly chic) roof deck. If you’re wondering whether III Forks makes a decent Manhattan, the answer is yes, and the same goes for a 16-ounce USDA Prime New York strip, which arrives a perfect medium-rare.

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 truffle fries) or fill up on house specials, like grilled hanger steak, mussels or the veggie burger.

Mahalo offers two stories of easy, breezy summer dining in Wicker Park, but if you can, you'll want to grab a seat on the rooftop patio. There, you can order Hawaiian fusion fare like poké bowls, Kalua Pork and Huli Huli Chicken alongside Instagram-ready rum-based drinks. 

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.