Courtesy of Z Bar
Z Bar takes luxury to new heights. Located on the 6th floor of The Peninsula Chicago, this rooftop terrace overlooks Water Tower Place on Michigan Ave. The global-inspired menu consists of shareable plates, including caviar potato bites, Mediterranean flatbread, and tuna tartare. The cocktail menu includes the classics–aperol spritzes, old fashioneds, and mojitos–and four variations of gin and tonics. The Nolet Dry is mixed with orange, rosemary, and Indian tonic, while the Malfy Originale Dry contains lemon, coriander, and Mediterranean tonic. 108 E. Superior.
Photography courtesy of The Robey
Atop the tallest building in Wicker Park, which is home to the Robey, you’ll find The Up Room. The indoor and outdoor space of this iconic flatiron building offers sweeping views of the Chicago skyline and surrounding areas. The seasonal cocktail menu includes innovative drinks like the Oaxacan on Broken Glass, a mix of mezcal, Ancho Reyes, Angostura, and Hellfire Bitters and the Grotto Smash with vodka, blackberry, mint, lime, and Angostura. Get there early to secure a spot in the Grotto, the private alcove under the bell tower. 2018 W. North Avenue.
Courtesy of Cindy's Rooftop
Perched above Millenium Park on the 13th floor of the Chicago Athletic Association, Cindy’s Rooftop has some of the best views in the city. You can enjoy drinks on the terrace year round, but all dining is indoors under the glass atrium. Depending on the time of day, Cindy’s has four different menus all with local wild and seasonal produce. The Korean fried chicken sandwich on the lunch menu shouldn’t be missed. For dinner, the local cheese and charcuterie board with the chef’s selection of cheese and cured meat is a great way to kick off a meal. The cocktail menu is extensive and contains spirit free drinks as well. You’ll want to try the Raspberry Beret that mixes Rittenhouse rye, Lustau Oloroso sherry with raspberry and hibiscus. 12 S. Michigan Avenue.
Courtesy of The Hoxton Chicago / ANTHONY TAHLIER
Cabra, the indoor and outdoor restaurant atop The Hoxton, is the place to go for ceviche. The Peruvian-inspired menu by famed-chef Stephanie Izardi includes five different types of ceviche, including classic, shrimp, salmon, mushroom, and duck. The inside dining space is airy with floor-to-ceiling windows, a teal palette that compliments the deep orange accents and wood floors, and plenty of greenery. The outside terrace includes a pool and panoramic views of the city’s skyline. For beverages, you can’t go wrong with the classic Pisco Sour or a Pisco Fever, which is made with pisco, watermelon, lime, and tajin. 200 N. Green Street.
Photography courtesy of Pendry Chicago
What better place to enjoy a sparkling cocktail than atop the Pendry Chicago, the building said to resemble a bottle of champagne with its green terra cotta façade and gold-accented top. Twenty-four floors above Michigan Avenue, you’ll find the Cote D’Azur-inspired alfresco garden with views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. The menu includes tarte au fromage, Maine lobster roll, and duck prosciutto. Wood-fired pizzas are available on weekend afternoons. The cocktail menu is very French–Bonjour is made with Belvedere vodka, blueberry, vanilla, absinthe, and Fever-tree club soda. The French Sailor mixes Captain Morgan rum, banana Fever-tree elderflower, and absinthe foam. 230 N. Michigan Avenue.
Photography courtesy of Viceroy Hotel
At Devereaux, located on the 18th floor of Viceroy Chicago, you can sip cocktails and nibble on small plates poolside while enjoying panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the quaint Gold Coast neighborhood. The blue glow of the pool provides a backdrop in the evening to the rooftop lounge at night. Shareables include a cheese board, pretzel dusted calamari, and spinach and artichoke dip. On the drink menu, The Hollaback mixes plantain-washed Hennessey, Banane du Brazil, Angostura, and demerara. 1112 N. State Street.
Photography courtesy of Bar Avec
Bar Avec is hip. With picnic tables, wicker pendant lights that hang from the ceiling, and high top tables offering a bird’s eye view of the city, Bar Avec creates a vibe that you’d find in Spanish and Portuguese coastal towns. Small plates continue this Mediterranean theme with scallops, steak tartare, and mussels. The drink menu consists of a variety of cocktails perfect for the hot summer months. Livin la Vinho Verde mixes cucumber mint vodka with ameal vinho verde, basil, and lemon, and if you’ve never tried an orange wine, you might want to get a bottle. 640 N. Lasalle Drive.
Photography courtesy of Soho House Chicago
For members and guests staying at the Soho House, the rooftop is a must-see. This exclusive space with its black and white checkered floors, strung lights, lounge seating, and a great viewpoint from which to take in the cityscape. The menu includes a large selection of plant based and gluten-free options. The black truffle, squash blossom, and goat cheese pizza is as delectable as it sounds. 113-125 N. Green Street.
Photography courtesy of The Emily Hotel / EBK Photo
Located on the 7th floor of the Emily Hotel in Fulton Market, Selva is a Mexican-inspired cocktail lounge where “the party begins as the sun sets.” The 1,600 square-foot patio offers vistas of downtown and connects to the main dining room. The menu consists of chicken pibil and mushroom tinga tacos and other sharable plates and plenty of mezcal cocktails. Every Friday and Saturday night DJ sets begin at 7:30 p.m. 311 N. Morgan Street.
Photography courtesy of LondonHouse / Amy Ulivieri
Overlooking the Chicago River, LH Rooftop’s three-level terrace has views of the iconic Marina City and the Tribune Tower. The terrace on the 22nd floor has a lounge feel with a mix of couches, high top tables, and high-backed chairs. The menu at this New American restaurant includes a range of small plates and entrees that support local farmers. The Spanish Pulpo or octopus is paired with blistered red peppers and saffron aioli, and Jamaican Beef Empanada comes with curry aioli and pineapple chutney. The Mezze Plate is a great vegetarian option with hummus, babaganoush, artichokes, roasted garlic, and pickled red onions. We recommend the Smoke Show, a margarita made from Casamigos mezcal, Casamigos blanco, guava, and lime. 85 E. Wacker Drive.
