Chicago has the best skyline in America for rooftop drinking. The 10 below show why. Most cluster around The Loop and Magnificent Mile, with views of the river, Lake Michigan, or both.
Part of our 50 Best Rooftop Bars in the World listThis article is one chapter in our larger global guide. See the full pillar with every featured city.
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The 10 best rooftop bars in Chicago
01 · Chicago
The Loop
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22nd floor · Lake view
On top of the LondonHouse Hotel. The 22nd-floor view of the Chicago River is the photo.
Order: An old fashioned with the river view
02 · Chicago
Millennium Park
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Glass-walled · Park view
On top of the Chicago Athletic Association. Direct view across Millennium Park to Lake Michigan.
Order: A martini, looking at the Bean
03 · Chicago
Gold Coast
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Hotel rooftop
On top of the Raffaello Hotel. Outdoor terrace with a view across the Magnificent Mile.
Order: A boulevardier, terrace-side
04 · Chicago
Lincoln Park
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Hotel rooftop · Lake view
On top of Hotel Lincoln. Direct view of Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan.
Order: A signature cocktail with the lake view
05 · Chicago
Logan Square
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Hotel rooftop · Logan Square
On top of The Robey Hotel in Logan Square. Sweeping panoramic view that reaches downtown.
Order: A signature with the Logan Square view
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06 · Chicago
South Loop
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Hotel rooftop · 21st floor
On top of Hotel Essex. South Loop rooftop with sweeping skyline views.
Order: A craft cocktail with the skyline
07 · Chicago
River North
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Indoor-outdoor · Year-round
On top of Godfrey Hotel. Indoor-outdoor option with year-round operation.
Order: A signature cocktail at the rooftop bar
08 · Chicago
River North
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Hotel rooftop · River
On top of Renaissance Chicago. Direct view of the Chicago River.
Order: A spritz with the river view
09 · Chicago
Hyatt Centric Magnificent Mile
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Hotel rooftop · 33rd floor
On the 33rd floor of the Hyatt Centric. The most central Magnificent Mile rooftop.
Order: A martini with the city below
10 · Chicago
The Peninsula
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Hotel rooftop · Polished
On top of The Peninsula Chicago. Polished hotel rooftop with sweeping city views.
Order: A perfect Manhattan with the panorama
More Chicago rooftopsThe full Chicago rooftop-bar index by neighbourhood.
See the full list
How Chicago rooftops use the architecture
LondonHouse and Cindy's are the two essentials. Most peak between 6 and 9 PM in summer. Closed in winter for many.
