Top 10 Rooftop Bars Chicago Floats Up To

Going out for a night on the town is what most people look forward to all week. The only thing better than that is a night out above the town! Chicago’s summer weather should be enjoyed to the fullest while it is around. Outdoor seating with a skyline view can really turn a good night into a great night. These are some of the best rooftop bars Chicago flocks to; from night clubs to restaurants and bars.

Drumbar
Drumbar is a moody, sophisticated cocktail bar. The entire setting almost has a v.i.p. feel with dark lighting, leather couches and fantastic cocktails, all while a DJ helps to satisfy your ears. The outdoor terrace is equally appealing with the views of Lake Michigan and the Hancock building. There is plenty of seating, as well as fireplaces to tie the atmosphere together. As soon as you step out of the elevator you are greeted by an atmosphere and decor that is truly a level about the rest.

201 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 924-2531

The Orbit Room
The Orbit Room almost feels like a home away from home. The quality of service is phenomenal, while the entire atmosphere and staff are very welcoming. It does not take much for you to feel like you are going to hang out with friends, even if you show up alone to just chat with the staff. The food menu is pretty extensive with quality bar favorites, all the way up to borderline gourmet dishes. The outdoor patio has a tiki bar feel to it that welcomes those warm summer nights.

2959 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 588-8540

Vertigo Sky Lounge
Vertigo Sky Lounge is an all around destination, offering some of the best indoor and outdoor entertainment. Lamps illuminate the outdoor patio and the fire pit adds a little bit of heat to those brisk summer nights. They have landed themselves on many lists and have won awards for their unique atmosphere. They are the only outdoor roof ice bar in Chicago as well, so you do not have to sacrifice your need for the outdoors when Jack Frost is trying to shut down fun. The Vertigo Sky Lounge somewhat falls between a lounge and a club. Different nights of the week attract different crowds. During the week, it is more of a place to enjoy a cocktail and converse, while the weekends are more about dancing around.

2 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 202-6060

Epic
Epic is an all-around workhorse of the rooftop bars Chicago contains. They offer everything that you could want in one location. You can start the night with an elegant dinner, move out to the terrace to take in the skyline while you sip on an organic cocktail, then finish the night in the lounge. The lounge offers a separate food menu from the restaurant to give even more of a variety to the venue. DJs control the music mood nightly. Esquire named Epic one of the best new restaurant in America, and it is not hard to see why.

112 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 222-4940

Rock Bottom Brewery
Rock Bottom Brewery provides an extremely different vibe than the traditional rooftop lounge. Rather than a swanky or club atmosphere, they just want you to drink good beer outside. The rooftop beer garden is a great place to escape from street level and enjoy their variety of award-winning microbrews. With a full menu and an extensive drink selection, this is the perfect place to meet up with friends and aimlessly talk about life.

1 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 755-9339

Shanghai Terrance
Shanghai Terrance offers an Eastern inspired venue in a very Western city. The terrace is encompassed by a classic supper club atmosphere tied in with touches of Shanghainese decor. The atmosphere is very relaxing and the perfect location to indulge in an intimate dinner or drinks. A recent Zagat Survey named the Shanghai Terrance as the number one “Chinese Restaurant in Chicago”, with its combination of traditional and contemporary Cantonese and Shanghainese dishes it really does tempt the tastebuds.

108 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 573-6744

ROOF On The Wit
ROOF On The Wit is one of the liveliest venues in Chicagoland. It ranks high on the list of the most sought after night spots in the city. The styling is very modern with a great view to compliment it. Dancing is almost mandatory here, it’ll be hard to stand still with the DJ going and the runway filled with dancers. The weekends usually get pretty packed, so be sure to check-in early.

201 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 239-9502

Twisted Spoke
The Twisted Spoke is your favorite ‘biker’ bar with some sunlight. This place has your traditional bar atmosphere with a great whiskey selection, amazing bloody mary’s, and plentiful options of bar food. Their rooftop patio is a fantastic place to indulge in a beer and a burger without having to worry about meeting dress codes or listening to unfavorable music. The Twisted Spoke is a no nonsense bar that offers you the option to get some sun with your buzz.

501 N Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 666-1500

Zed451
Zed451 is a carnivore’s haven. They take pride in every single dish that is served and they have exquisite meat options that you would be lucky to find anywhere else at their level, as well as vegetarian options to cater to everyone. The restaurant is large so finding a place to sit is usually not an issue. The decor is wood inspired and sets itself apart from basically any other restaurant that you would step into. The roof top section is very unique in its own right. The setting is created from wood that is reminiscent of a spa. It has unique couch seating options, as well as traditional table and bar seating options. This venue is great for large groups and intimate dinners alike.

739 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 266-6691

Market
Market is a relatively newer bar in Chicago. The atmosphere of the outdoor patio and rooftop seating are reason enough to check it out. It is a pretty laid back venue that offers televisions on the roof making it easy to enjoy your favorite sports and some amazing weather. They offer bar-type food and great drink specials. The bottom-less mimosas and bloody mary’s is what most patrons know this venue for.

113 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 929-4787