#rooftop bars

Rooftop bars like 230 Fifth in NYC are beautiful in the summer, but what do they do in the cold eastern winters?

They put up colorfully lit, heated plastic igloos. 

This is like a giant snow globe.

Or, you can always go inside.

If there’s one thing Chicago knows how to do, it’s taking advantage of great weather by heading outside. With the unofficial start to Summer behind us, the upcoming months will be spent outdoors as much as possible. Upgrade your night out by enjoying drinks and a meal with amazing views of the city. Here are a few of our favorite rooftop bars in Chicago to check out this season.

The Gwen Chicago  

Located on Magnificent Mile, The Gwen rooftop is open year-round but we particularly love it during the summer. Their Prosecco Popsicle Poptail is a must try and a favorite of our very own Sara Nili.  

Tanta Rooftop Terrace  

Open seasonally (May – October), you’ll find live music every Wednesday, delicious Pisco Sours among many other cocktail options, and a Peruvian inspired menu at Tanta Rooftop Terrace.

I|O at The Godfrey Hotel Chicago

You’ll want to grab a drink (or two) at Chicago’s largest indoor-outdoor rooftop lounge. Chef crafted cocktails make it a go-to for a night on the town. Keep this one on your list year-round as the retractable roof keeps us toasty in the winter months without losing the great views of our city.

London House Rooftop

This tri-level rooftop venue is one of a kind in Chicago. Enjoy indoor and outdoor seating options as you eat American fare and sip on tasty cocktails and take in sweeping views of Magnificent Mile, Lake Michigan, and the Chicago River.

Cindy’s Rooftop

This rooftop location is a favorite of TSG Chicago Editor Katie Covalle. It’s easy to see why. Found in The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, Cindy’s offers panoramic views of Lake Michigan, the Art Institute, and Millennium Park. The menu boasts seasonal creations that will keep you coming back for more. 

If you head out to any of these places or have another favorite spot we should check out, be sure to share your photos and tag us on Instagram @tsgchicago.

What a glorious find... and this was how it looked in November 🌞

Video link below the screenshot.

Find it on the top of the Primavera Park Hotel.

It was free to enter when we visited too 👍