Raise a glass where the skyline steals the show — outdoors & on top!
It’s that time of the year when Chicago’s temperatures are just right for outdoor & rooftop season. Grab a Leinenkugel's and make the most of Chicago's sights & sounds this summer – whether you like a daytime social gathering on a spread-out patio, or a nighttime soiree high in the clouds, we've got you covered.
Photo courtesy of H2 PR
230 N. Michigan Ave. - The Loop
The Carbon & Carbide building has been around since 1920, but it finally opened its first rooftop bar in the summer of 2021! Château Carbide debuts as a part of the Pendry Chicago hotel's reopening. The open-air 24th-story rooftop is absolutely going to be one of the hottest destinations this summer!
Photo via Homestead on the roof
1916 W Chicago Ave. - The Loop
Homestead On The Roof is the kind of patio that makes your forget you're in the middle of the city. With skyline views, lush greenery, and plenty of sunshine, it's the perfect place to stretch a happy hour into an all day affair!
Photo Via Facebook/vurooftopbar
133 E. Cermak Rd. - South Loop
We don't know about you, but we're feeling 22! The 13,000-square-foot rooftop sits on the 22nd floor, under the Chicago sky. VU Rooftop Bar has both the food and beverage programs that are locally driven, making sure this spot is as Chicago as can be!
PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK / AT THE OFFICE
4901 Cal Sag Rd. - Crestwood, IL
Away from the hustle and bustle, "At The Office" Sports Bar and Grill is the perfect spot for great food and cocktails enjoyed on their spacious outdoor patio. Watch the game on their Jumbotron while sipping on some Leinenkugel's.
PHOTO VIA mother's Ruin
2943 N Milwaukee Ave. - Avondale
Mother's Ruin pairs laid- back patio vibes with some of the best cocktails in the city. Whether you're setting in for sunny afternoon drinks or a lively night outdoors, its spacious patio and effortlessly cool space makes it an easy favorite all season.
PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK / ROOFTOP TAP
12231 S. Harlem Ave. - Palos Heights, IL
Come for the food and spirits and stay for the fun in the sun! Rooftop Tap has fused the best of a Sports Bar ambiance with a casual dining experience, like the Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy drafts every Monday!
PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK / POP'S PIZZA SPORTS BAR
817 E. Nerge Rd. - Roselle, IL
Pizza and beer are a match made in heaven, and Pop's is the place to be. They've got all the Blackhawks games on the TVs (and their goal horn), and a beautiful patio and beer garden for their signature 'za and Leinenkugel's draft beer.
PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK/ TAVERN ON THE POINT
6724 N. Northwest Hwy. - Edison Park
Tavern on the Point is Edison Park, Chicago’s first rooftop outdoor space, offering a lively atmosphere accompanied by elevated American comfort food, craft beer, smooth bourbons, and quality whiskeys. Enjoy a city tavern ambiance while avoiding the stress of downtown Chicago, only Tavern on the Point with Leinenkugel's.
photo via Chaser's Sports Bar & Grill
9003 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Niles, IL
4255 Old River Rd. - Schiller Park, IL
830 S Rand Rd. - Lake Zurich, IL
Chaser's provides a warm and welcoming environment for sharing a meal or watching a game. Between their full-service menu of comfort food and ever-expanding craft beer menu, including Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy drafts. Chaser's and their patio is the place to be.
PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK / WILL'S NORTHWOODS INN
3030 N. Racine Ave. - Lakeview
Will's Northwoods Inn is the home of all things Wisconsin in Chicago! They have a bunch of pop-ups on their patio like Packerpalooza, the UW Marching Band, Musky Fest – and of course, an endless supply of cheesy deep-fried apps and Leinenkugel's craft beer.
PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK / RIZZO'S BAR & INN
3658 N. Clark St. - Lakeview
Located less than 500 feet from the Cubs' stadium, Rizzo's Bar & Inn is a family-run joint that pays homage to Wrigleyville's history and serves classic ballpark fare and Rizzo family special recipes. Their spacious and sunny outdoor patio with Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy draft is a must-see sight for any sports fan in Chicago.
PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK / HOPSMITH
15 W. Division St. - Gold Coast
Hopsmith Chicago boasts a two-story tavern with fully opening street-level windows and a 2nd-floor retractable roof perfect for the summer. Dig into their expansive food menu as you enjoy some gold Leinenkugel's beer.
PHOTO VIA FACEBOK / LOTTIE'S PUB
1925 W. Cortland St. - Bucktown
Lottie’s Pub is a classic Chicago establishment offering a wide selection of craft beers like Leinenkugel's, as well as a menu stacked with bar favorites, served on their patio. Lottie's remains a historic yet inviting corner bar deeply rooted in the neighborhood.
Photo: Anthony Tahlier
200 N. Green St. - West Loop
Chicago celebrity chef Stephanie Izard's latest project, Cabra, on the top floor of The Hoxton hotel, is a Peruvian-inspired cevicheria that offers amazing views of the neighborhood... and a pool.
Photo via Virgin Hotels Chicago
203 N. Wabash Ave. - The Loop
Virgin Hotels’ Cerise rooftop bar strikes gold with its winning combo: quirky interior, beautiful downtown views, top-notch music programming, and drinks that aren’t stupid expensive. It’s one of your best options if you’re looking to go the hotel bar route.
Photo via IMR Chicago
2018 W. North Ave. - Wicker Park
Have you ever wanted to be part of a club? The Robey’s Cabana Club invites everyone to the rooftop game in Wicker Park. Find a lounge chair, let the cool breeze hit you, drink a Paloma, and listen to the Blue Line whiz past below. Elevate your evening even further (literally) by visiting the swanky UP Room bar on the hotel's 13th floor.
Photo via Facebook/Twisted Spoke
501 N. Ogden Ave. - River West
Drinking one of Twisted Spoke’s six house-recipe Bloody Marys atop its second-story rooftop garden is one of our favorite summertime hangover cures. Don’t take our word for it, though. Try it for yourself!
Photo via Heron Agency
201 N. State St. - The Loop
Day, evening, or night, ROOF On theWit has it all. The retractable roof and climate-controlled room allows for memorable nights any time of the year. You’ll regularly catch the best local and touring DJs keeping the dance floor moving at this rooftop hotel club. For the 2021 season, theWit has reimagined the space to encourage social distancing. Here is what to expect during your visit!
Photo: Eric Kleinberg
1816 N. Clark St. - Lincoln Park
Night on the town? Regularly recognized as one of the best views in the city, The J. Parker (on top of Hotel Lincoln) is what your Instagram feed has been missing. Take a trip, because they also renovated their space!
Photo via Facebook/Reggies
2015 S. State St. - South Loop
Check out the new 99-person rooftop bar and playground. There’s nothing better than a rock show and rooftop hangs. That’s exactly what Reggies in South Loop has to offer seven nights a week.
Photo via Facebook/Bottom Lounge
1375 W. Lake St. - West Loop
If you love an off-the-beaten-path hangout and good views of Willis Tower (forever “Sears” in our hearts), Bottom Lounge’s rooftop should prove a pleasant surprise. Stop by for pre-show drinks the next time you have tickets to the bar’s venue portion. Just make sure the patio is open first.
Photo via Facebook/Plymouth Restaurant & Rooftop Bar
327 S. Plymouth Ct. - The Loop
You no longer have to leave downtown to relax under the sun. Plymouth is one of the few spots on this list with an open rooftop year-round.
Photo via Facebook/Fig & Olive
104 E. Oak St. - Streeterville
Fig & Olive is a Mediterranean culinary treat in the center of Gold Coast with a beautiful outdoor dining space.
Photo via Facebook/Cindy's Rooftop
12 S. Michigan Ave. - The Loop
Cindy’s, the centerpiece of Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, offers one of the best views of Millennium Park. More of a restaurant than a bar, it’s best to make reservations in advance at this popular rooftop. Head to the hotel’s recently reopened Game Room for a round of drinks and Bacci ball after dinner.
Photo via Facebook/ Bernie's
660 N. Orleans St. - River North
The food at Bernie’s gets a lot of praise, but it’s the rooftop that’s the real star of the show during the summer.
Photo via Facebook/LondonHouse
85 E. Wacker Dr. - The Loop
Oh, you fancy, huh? It doesn’t get any more central than LondonHouse’s 22nd-story outdoor terrace overlooking the Chicago River, Michigan Avenue and—basically—the heart of the city.
Photo via Heron Agency
1 W. Upper Wacker Dr. - The Loop
If you’re really looking to impress out-of-town friends, Raised will be perfect proof of why Chicago does it better. Nestled at the bustling corner of State and Wacker, everything here is done to the nines—from the drinks to the decor to the decadent frites.
112 W. Hubbard St. - River North
Exciting vibes linger around this funky, urban feel rooftop along River North’s stretch of Hubbard Street. Joy District is a solid spot for daytime or after-dark drinking. Bring your friends for a night under the stars.
Photo via Agency 360
1212 S. Michigan Ave. - South Loop
Pizza doesn’t always need to be served on the ground level. Aurelio’s South Loop location is your best destination for a rooftop pie.
Photo via Facebook/Parlor Pizza
108 N. Green St. - West Loop
Both the West Loop and Wicker Park Parlor Pizza locations have excellent outdoor dining (and ping pong!) areas, but only the original West Loop bar and restaurant offers rooftop views. Go for brunch and experience one of the best Bloody Mary bars in the neighborhood.
photo via iogodfrey.com
127 W. Huron St. - River North
No, not the Godfather, but the Godfrey. Satisfy rooftop cravings in any weather at The Godfrey Hotel's gorgeous indoor/outdoor fourth-floor rooftop bar.
Photo via Whirlyball
1825 W. Webster Ave. - Bucktown
When WhirlyBall upgraded to its new space in Bucktown, it also gained a second-floor outdoor terrace complete with several communal fireplaces. Cool down (or warm up) after a game of WhirlyBall (a combination of bumper cars, lacrosse and basketball for those not in the know) or bowling or LaserTag.
Photo: Anthony Tahlier
1112 N. State St. - Gold Coast
16th, 17th, no 18th floor! Devereaux, part of the Viceroy Chicago hotel, has found its ranking amongst Chicago's best rooftops. The swanky space feels more like Hollywood in the '70s than present-day Chicago. Oh, and did we mention there's a pool?
Photo via Facebook/Offshore Chicago
1000 E. Grand Ave. - The Loop
Navy Pier's new mega-rooftop is a record breaker—literally. The 52,000+-foot space is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the "World's Largest Rooftop." In addition to ample views of beautiful Lake Michigan, Offshore also reserves a 21+ age policy, providing a break from the otherwise family-friendly activities on the Pier. It's not hard to find the appeal in this place.
Photo via Facebook/Bounce Sporting Club
324 W. Chicago Ave. - River North
Sports, food, and a great view—what better way than to spend a night on the town? This weekend turn-up spot has also snuck its way into our hearts as a happy hour favorite. That has a lot to do with its rooftop patio. The hardwood and lounge-style seating can make this feel like a party in your own backyard.
photo via abarestaurant.com/chicago
302 N. Green St. - Fulton Market
A favorite in the Fulton Market District, Aba Restaurant has already received several accolades like Chicago Tribune’s Readers’ Choice award for “Chicago’s Best New Restaurant.” We’re sure their welcoming and lush rooftop might have something to do with that.
Photo via facebook/lonesomeroseforever
2010 N. California Ave. - Logan Square
We’re not certain, but we have a sneaking suspicion that tacos taste better when eaten on a rooftop. Maybe it’s the sun, or maybe it’s the breeze blowing through our hair, but either way, Lonesome Rose’s rooftop is a must if you’re planning a day out in Logan Square.
Photo via logan 11 bar & kitchen
2230 N. California Ave. - Logan Square
This bar & kitchen is the neighborhood patio that does it all. With a spacious outdoor setup, craft cocktails, and menu built for lingering, it's the perfect hangout spot that turns dinner into drinks!
Photo via Facebook/bixibeer
2515 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Logan Square
Another new addition in 2018, BiXi Beer has a top floor featuring an outdoor patio as well as an indoor atrium with a retractable roof. So, no matter where you sit, you’ll be feeling those sweet rays of sunshine. Perfect for sipping on one of their house-brewed beers.
Photo via Facebook/The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club
1750 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Logan Square
Where else in Chicago can you play shuffleboard on the roof? This Floridian-themed cocktail and shuffleboard bar ups the paradise levels during the summer with a cute rooftop where you can shuffle in the sun.
Photo Via zbarchicago.com
108 E. Superior St. - Magnificent Mile
Put on that chic outfit in the back of your closet and get ready for an extravagant night. The Peninsula Chicago brings you their fabulous rooftop bar on top of Michigan Ave. Z Bar has the perfect combination of luxury, fun, and cocktails.
Photo via kennedyrooftop.com
1551 West N. Ave. - Wicker Park
Last summer we got friendly with The Kennedy Rooftop but we're really buddying up to it in Summer, 2021. This trendy, new, heated rooftop sits atop the Hyatt Place Chicago/Wicker Park. If you're looking for a new hot spot, just look up!
photo via instagram.com/avecchicago
640 N. LaSalle Dr. - River North
Avec restaurant just opened a new open-air rooftop bar on the 6th floor of its River North location! The restaurant is made for casual drinking and dining. Bring your friends and enjoy cocktails and delicious food while taking in the phenomenal skyline view.
photo via tantachicago.com
118 W. Grand Ave. - River North
We know Tanta has amazing Peruvian food, but did you know the cocktails they serve on the rooftop are just as good? Tanta restaurant is giving you unique, delicious food, housemade cocktails, and a chance to dine under the stars.
photo via facebook.com/carnivalechi
702 W. Fulton Market
Sitting in Chicago's West Loop, Carnivale is serving up cuisine and culture of Mexico, South America, and Central America. This restaurant is offering more than just dinner and cocktails, but one-of-a-kind desserts as well!
photo via instagram.com/mordecaichicago
3632 N. Clark St. - Wrigleyville
Enjoy a pre or post-game cocktail at Modecai's top floor lounge, Hush Money, while gazing out at Gallagher Way's park and Wrigley Stadium from the enclosed rooftop patio.
photo via Viceroy Hotels & Resorts
1112 N State St. - Gold Coast
Located on the 18th floor of the Viceroy Chicago in the Gold Coast, Pandan has reimagined the former Devereaux space into a lush, Southeast Asian-inspired sanctuary.
Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know!
