These are the best rooftop bars in Chicago that are open right now. So, if you’re just as bummed about Lolla being canceled as we are, here are some spots to offset the sorrow. As Illinois continues monitoring Phase 3 progression, other bars and restaurants will most likely move to open, so keep an eye out here for updates!
These Chicago Streets Are Closing to Make Room for Outdoor Dining
Trying to maximize your outdoor adventuring time? Check out which Chicago streets are being closed down to make room for outdoor dining.
Discover Which Chicago Streets Are Closed
Offshore
1000 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Taking the cake as the world’s largest rooftop bar, Offshore in Chicago brings back its sprawling space and sprawling cocktail list. While this bar updates its menu seasonally, fear not! The signature lychee-style cocktail still sits on the menu and, if you’re feeling peckish, their food menu has expanded to include salmon poke bowls, heirloom tomato, and avocado salads, and so many more refreshing options. Currently, Offshore is taking reservations up to parties of six, so grab the crew!
LondonHouse
85 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601
LondonHouse is back for almost half a day of stellar rooftop galavanting. Open from 11 am to midnight, swing by for a midday sip or an evening excursion. Keep it classy with a signature cocktail like the LondonHouse Old Fashioned featuring Bulleit Bourbon. Reservations are limited to two hours and parties of six, but that should be plenty of time to bask in the rooftop splendor!
Upstairs at the Gwen
521 N Rush St 5th Flr, Chicago, IL 60611
Okay, so we fibbed (just a little) when we said that you could hit up all these rooftop bars right this very minute. Upstairs at the Gwen technically doesn’t open until tomorrow, but good things come to those who wait, you know? If you’re looking for the best rooftop bars in Chicago with shaded seating, we know you’ll love the new shaded ‘Calypso’ experiences which include umbrella-covered seating at this establishment. Also, they have bottomless-mimosas. (Do you forgive us now?)
FountainHead
1970 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
If you want to maintain the scorch both inside and out, rejoice! FountainHead, one of Chicago’s premier whiskey bars, is back with their selection of over 1000 (yes, three zeros) whiskeys. Is that a little too intense? Not a problem. FountainHead also boasts over 500 beer selections. With a range that extensive, there’s something for everyone.
Whiskey Business
1367 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Whiskey Business is a rooftop bar in Chicago that mixes its 100+ whiskey selection with ’80s and ’90s nostalgia. Reserve your spot on the rooftop and enjoy a wide selection of food options (including brunch). If you’re trying to kick the evening up a notch, reserve the Beach House Evening Wave package. Beach houses include your choice of bottle, a bucket of a dozen tallboys or white claws, and a platter of fresh fruit to refresh yourself with. What’s not to love?
VU Rooftop
133 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
One of our favorite spots in the whole city, VU Rooftop bar is specially cultivated by expert designer Ramsey Prince and features a fine-tuned cocktail menu you can enjoy beneath an open sky. Settle into the cozy couches, situated around a modern hearth, and enjoy sweeping views of the city from this South Loop rooftop patio. Make a reservation through 7 Rooms with your party.
Utopian Tailgate
1608 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610
Utopian Tailgate is best described as a 10,000 square foot rooftop party experience. While we can’t have full-blown parties just yet, the massive space means adequate social distancing measures can still happen while accommodating multiple groups. Perched high above The Second City building, each table in the outdoor space boasts custom table games and several all-weather Sunbrite flatscreens. This means an endless amount of fun to pair with the most ‘elevated’ (see what we did there?) tailgating experience you’ll ever have with their fresh summer cocktails.
Gibson’s Italia
233 N Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606
You don’t have to be eating steak to frequent one of Chicago’s best rooftop bars, Gibson’s Italia, although who could you blame you for snagging some gelato? Instead, throw on some of your dressier attire, order some fine wine, relax on the rooftop terrace, and live your best Gatsby life. You deserve it.
Tó Hayáti
1558 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Tó Hayáti, Taxim’s rooftop terrace, is open to transport you away to Greece. This rooftop bar in Chicago features Greek wines, spirits, and drinks inspired by Greece’s history. We know you’re visiting this neighborhood treasure for its drinks, but the food here is absolutely not to be overlooked. Grab a small plate of tzatziki and pita or go for the gold with a delicious gyro; pair it with a lager or a wine and you’re living the good life.
Kennedy Rooftop
1551 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Adorning the Hyatt Place Chicago in Wicker Park, the aptly named Kennedy Rooftop is located just off the Kennedy Expressway in one of our favorite neighborhoods. Wanna get active? The bar offers limbo as well as large Jenga. (Don’t pull that one!) The drinks among the craft cocktail menu are, of course, named after presidents of the past. Open right now every day of the week, this new spot is sure to start climbing your must-go-to lists!
Cindy’s
12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Cindy’s is back and better than ever! With gorgeous views of Lake Michigan and Millennium Park, this is the spot to relax and knockback signature cocktails like What’s The Tea and Kentucky Island Time. Also, beginning June 25th, the team will donate $2.00 from each sale of the Old Fashioned cocktail and Effective Immediately cocktail to My Block My Hood My City’s small business relief fund. The donations will help toward repairing small businesses in Chicago’s Black communities. Good views? Good drinks? Doing good for the community? Now that’s a triple threat!
View More Rooftop Bars in Chicago
Are you looking for a rooftop bar that is not on this list? View additional rooftop restaurants and bars in Chicago.
View the Best Rooftop Restaurants & Bars in Chicago
At UrbanMatter, U Matter. And we think this matters.
Tell us what you think matters in your neighborhood and what we should write about next in the comments below!