Best Rooftop Bars in Chicago - Summertime Chi

Us Chicagoans LIVE for summertime Chi. It’s what we suffer through the winters for. The second it’s sunny and 65, every single person in the city collectively decides to have a cocktail outside.

So whether you’re planning a girls night, a first date, a post work happy hour, or just trying to enjoy the Chicago weather, rooftop bars are the best way to experience the city.

These are my picks for the best rooftop bars in Chicago that need to make your summertime Chi must-hit list.

but first, here’s what you should wear

CINDY’S

best for iconic views of the city

This is a must on your visit to Chicago summertime list. Above the Chicago Athletic Association, it’s one of the best rooftops in the city. Overlooking Millennium Park and Lake Michigan, it’s something you will have to book in advanced. It’s the place you take people for their first time visiting Chicago.

Neighborhood: The Loop

The Vibe:

• Girls brunch

• When your mom is in town

• People visiting or your first time in Chicago

CABRA

best rooftop for girls brunch

This is such a great spot to eat! It transports you to Peru with a gorgeous rooftop and incredible food. You must get their ceviche and pisco sour - did I mention they have a pool too?

Neighborhood: West Loop

The Vibe:

• Birthday dinners

• Brunch with the girls

• Group dinners

Z BAR

best luxury rooftop bar

If you love expensive martinis, this bar is for you! This is an iconic hotel bar and has some of the best cocktails. Their rooftop terrace is perfect when you’re feeling boujee or need a cocktail after a long day of shopping.

Neighborhood: Mag Mile

The Vibe:

• Solo date

• Date night

• Martini nights

• Lovers of hotel bars

LONDONHOUSE

best skyline views for sunset

You can’t visit Chicago without going to this bar. It has such beautiful views of they city any time of the year. You definitely should make a reservation but they do have a DJ in the summertime, making it a perfect spot to sip a cocktail before going out in River North.

Neighborhood: River North

The Vibe:

• First date

• Taking in-town visitors

• Drinks before going out

ABA

best rooftop for post work happy hour

Aba is perfect for everything: rooftop drinks, happy hour, dinner, girls date, etc. The Mediterranean food is incredible and has long been one of my favorite dinner spots (the hummus is to die for). You will always have a good time here.

Neighborhood: West Loop

The Vibe:

• Group dinners

• Happy hour

• Post work drinks

• Daytime cocktails

THE ROBEY

best rooftop in wicker park

This is one of the most unique rooftop bars in Chicago. It’s not as touristy and has that neighborhood feel. You can see the skyline perfectly and there are plenty of bars nearby to go to afterward.

Neighborhood: Wicker Park

The Vibe:

• Solo date

• Date night

• Sunset views

BAR AVEC

best rooftop for a girls night out

This is such a trendy spot in the middle of downtown. Perfect post-work spot when the weather is nice outside and you’re sick of seeing the sun through your office window. Very trendy too for a great photo-op before your GNO

Neighborhood: River North

The Vibe:

• Work outings

• Girls night

• Big groups

THE J. PARKER

best rooftop with views of the lake

This is one of my favorite spots to take in-town visitors simply because the view is so breathtaking. A definite yes in the summer but it is also beautiful in the fall to see all the foliage. They also have a great happy hour Sun-Thurs 4-6.

Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

The Vibe:

• Summer dates

• Sunset cocktails

• Happy hour

• Visitors

TANTA

best rooftop for dinner and a cocktail

This rooftop isn’t talked about enough! The Peruvian-inspired menu is tasty and summery, and the rooftop itself is like a cute hidden secret. It works well for dinner, drinks, happy hour, and never disappoints.

Neighborhood: River North

The Vibe:

• Birthday celebrations

• Summer nights

• Group dinners

• First dates

MIRU

best rooftop for a fancy dinner celebration at sunset

If you want a splurge night out this summer, this is the spot for you. Being one of the newer rooftops in the city, it might be a little bit more of a best kept secret. Located on the 11th floor of the St. Regis so you know you will get top tier service. It screams elevated and luxury paired with a gorgeous rooftop terrace for dinner.

Neighborhood: Lakeshore East

The Vibe:

• Special occasions

• Luxury dinner

• Celebratory date night

UPSTAIRS AT THE GWEN

With a bit of a more relaxed atmosphere with its couches and unlimited seating, this is great for big group hangs. A very relaxed vibe with great views!

Neighborhood: River North

The Vibe:

• Big group hangs

• Happy hour

• Corporate outings

• Summer nights
  

Whether you’re looking for a relaxed cocktail, a trendy dinner spot, or somewhere with skyline views paired with martinis, Chicago has so many underrated rooftops!

RELATED POSTS: