When it comes to dining in the Windy City, the experience reaches new heights— literally! Chicago’s vibrant culinary scene extends to the skies with a selection of incredible rooftop restaurants. All following establishments offer breathtaking views and incredible cuisine. From savoring meals against the backdrop of the city’s skyline to soaking in the atmosphere under open skies, these Chicago rooftops are a testament to Chicago’s love affair with both food and scenery!
Cindy’s
Located across the street from Millennium Park in the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, Cindy’s offers an incredible view of the park and Lake Michigan from the 13th floor of a historic building. Its enclosed glass atrium means that diners can enjoy the scenery─ and the food ─year-round. Cindy’s menu, by “Chopped” Grand Champion Kaleena Bliss, changes seasonally. Reservations are recommended and can be made up to one month in advance.
Signature Room & Lounge
Calling the Signature Room & Lounge a rooftop restaurant undersells the experience. You can find it more than 1,000 feet above the city at the former John Hancock Center. It contains one of the most spectacular vistas anyone can find in an urban environment! The Lounge on the 96th floor is designed for cocktails and light, simple dishes. The Room a floor below, however, is for fine dining, with a seafood-forward menu that includes a raw bar, lobster bisque and surf & turf.
Tetto
One of Chicago’s hottest summer destinations this year is undoubtedly Tetto, a rooftop oasis nestled in the heart of the West Loop. Its name perfectly captures the essence of the venue, which showcases a menu of dishes inspired by the enchanting country of Italy. Indulge in the refreshing Amalfi Limonata or savor the velvety Whipped Ricotta. Every item on the menu seamlessly blends the flavors of Southern Europe with the vibrancy of North America. Coupled with its awe-inspiring views of the city, Tetto guarantees an experience that leaves you in awe.
Offshore Rooftop
In addition to all its other much-loved amenities, Navy Pier is also home to Offshore, the world’s largest rooftop bar. Its take on new American cuisine focuses on shareable plates and sliders, although there are also seafood, beef and pasta entrees available. The restaurant is open seven nights a week for dinner and on weekends for brunch. They also have a new weekday happy hour, complete with an extensive menu of light and shareable bites and beverages for all under $10!
Rooftop at Nobu Hotel
Nobu Matsuhisa brought his world- renowned reputation for exceptional hospitality to Chicago when he opened his signature hotel in the West Loop in 2020. Sleek, modern and swanky, the Rooftop offers small bites and bar service from 3 – 5 p.m., and a menu of nigiri, maki and other Japanese hot and cold plates for dinner. Reservations are required!
Utopian Tailgate
Found atop Second City’s complex in Old Town is Utopian Tailgate, a colorful, 10,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor space that promises a non-stop party, with giant Jenga and Connect Four among the games guests can play as they eat and drink. The food options at Utopian Tailgate include pizza from local favorites Roots, ribs, sliders and wings.
LH Rooftop
The restaurant on the 22nd floor of the LondonHouse Chicago provides a breathtaking view of the city’s beautiful skyline while being right in the middle of it at the corner of Michigan Ave. and Wacker Dr. Its diverse menu consists of new American dishes like bulgogi beef nachos, lobster mac & cheese and lamb sausage flatbread, and the bar has a large selection of beer, wine and spirits.
Clever Coyote
Located in The Robey Hotel, this Chicago rooftop is a great high rise experience. At Clever Coyote, travel back in time to the 90s with tiki-inspired drinks, steamed buns reminiscent of classic sandwiches, and irresistible wings. Embrace youthful nostalgia and create new memories in a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates both the past and the present.
Tanta
Tanta brings the flavors of Peru to River North. From the rooftop terrace on the second floor, diners can enjoy ceviches, grilled meat skewers, empanadas, lomo saltado, and more. The weekend brunch has a smaller menu, but there are bottomless mimosas, so it certainly evens out!
The J. Parker
The J. Parker on the 13th floor of the Hotel Lincoln allows guests to relax and unwind after spending a day exploring the vastness of Lincoln Park. Its gastropub menu includes burrata and crab cakes amid the burgers, four flavors of wings and a corn dog served Chicago-style. The restaurant does not take reservations.
The Up Room
Discover The Up Room, a stunning rooftop lounge on the 13th floor of The Robey! The establishment offers breathtaking skyline views and an inviting terrace. Enjoy low sofas by the bar or step outside for an enchanting spectacle. From nightcaps to celebrations, The Up Room is the place to be for an elevated evening.
Rosebud Randolph
You can find the new flagship location of Rosebud just steps away from Millennium Park’s north entrance. Its patio allows diners to enjoy the Italian classics, steaks and fine wines that have been delighting visitors since 1976. Rosebud enforces a strict business casual dress code.
Homestead on the Roof
Homestead on the Roof is practically a secret─ an 85-seat patio over a West Town pizza restaurant with a picturesque garden for intimacy. Executive Chef Chris Texeira, a James Beard semifinalist in 2015, changes the menu every year, and he’s chosen a Portuguese theme for 2023. Diners can enjoy his take on Iberian classics like piri piri pork belly, charred octopus and Mozambique prawns.
NoMi
Located on the 7th floor of the Park Hyatt in the Gold Coast, NoMi is named after its location on North Michigan Ave. The Garden has a more relaxed ambiance and a different menu than the main dining room, but guests can expect the same blend of American cuisine and French technique from Executive Chef Terence Zubieta.
