The 19 best winter rooftop bars in Chicago

There’s plenty of cold weather fun to be had on the Art Deco-inspired terrace at the Gwen Hotel, which offers curling lanes plus fire pits and hot cocktails so you can warm up between rounds. Heat lamps are set up around the perimeter to keep things toasty and you can also hang out with a group around one of the fire tables.

Named for Time Out founder Tony Elliott, Tony’s is the crown jewel of Time Out Market Chicago. The cozy all-season rooftop bar is decorated in vintage Time Out London covers, twinkling lights and handsome wood beams that stretch the length of the room. The space is anchored by a sprawling bar that serves a curated selection of wines, beers and signature cocktails. No matter the weather, you can grab a drink while taking in skyline views.

The rooftop space on the 24th floor of Pendry Chicago transforms into a winter garden starting November 1, setting up wooden lodges where groups of up to six can get cozy under blankets on rocking chairs and couches arranged around a firepit. Decorated with lights and evergreens, the cocktail bar will offer special seasonal libations.

Heaters line the outdoor space on the 22nd floor of McCormick Place, which also boasts fire tables surrounded by couches. When the weather’s really miserable, retreat inside where you can still take in the gorgeous lakefront views while sharing a large format cocktail and a plate of parmesan truffle fries.

The massive rooftop at Navy Pier offers seven fire pits so visitors can enjoy its panoramic Lake Michigan views year round. Come for brunch to enjoy bottomless mimosas or relax in the evening by sipping a playful cocktail or mocktail.

Heaters and fire pits keep the rooftop cozy, particularly when you cuddle under a blanket on one of the couches while sipping a hot cocktail. For more protection from the elements, book one of the winter greenhouses and share a bottle of bubbly and a cheese and charcuterie board.

Look out over Lake Michigan and Millennium Park from the glass atrium on top of the Chicago Athletic Association hotel. The outdoor terrace is also accessible year round and features fire pits to keep you toasty while you sip an old fashioned. Cindy’s is running an après ski-inspired pop-up, with classic cold weather cocktails and themed decorations that transport guests to a snowy mountain getaway, daily through February 28.

The 55 seats inside the atrium atop the Hotel Lincoln become more in demand when the weather cools, though you can still sit outside around one of the fire tables. Take in the beautiful Lake Michigan views beneath the retractable roof while sipping bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys during weekend brunch.

Both the indoor space and outdoor terrace of the cocktail lounge on the 26th floor of Virgin Hotels Chicago will be open and heated during the winter. Last year, Cerise transformed into the Hughes Holiday House, paying tribute to John Hughes’ Home Alone and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation with themed decor, cocktails and dishes.

Take in the skyline views from 27 stories up through the floor-to-ceiling windows on the enclosed bar at theWit Hotel. You’ll find a party atmosphere with DJs spinning during brunch and in the evenings, though you can also enjoy a more laid back vibe if you stop in for sushi and classic cocktails before catching a show in the Theater District.

Middle Eastern standout Sifr, one of our best restaurants in Chicago, has debuted a new all-season, heated rooftop. The fully-enclosed space boasts multiple heaters and beautiful views. Chefs Sujan Sarkar and Sahil Sethi enhance the experience with terrific, spice-forward offerings, including mezze platters, chicken and lamb kebabs, and large shareables such as lamb shank. The beverage program is similarly impressive, featuring cocktails with ingredients like saffron, ume and calamasi.

This popular clubstaurant in the heart of River North sees plenty of action every weekend. During the winter, guests can chill out on the rooftop in winter igloos. Get extra comfy with your crew inside the heated spaces while sharing a 96-ounce fish bowl or Mega Mule.

Stay toasty on this West Loop hotspot's partially covered rooftop patio by sitting around one of the fire pits or under a heater while sipping a glass of fortified wine or a cocktail like a nitro espresso martini. If you’re still feeling chilly, you can ask for a blanket and get really cozy between bites of smoky garlic hummus and grilled cauliflower kebabs.

Escape to Napa Valley on the second floor, all-seasons patio at Lettuce Entertain You Enterprise's newest Fulton Market spot. There’s room for 60 in the plant-lined space, where you can enjoy skyline views while sharing a bottle from the extensive selection of California wines along with tuna tostadas and steak frites.

Enjoy tropical vibes beneath a retractable glass roof on the 15th floor of the Kimpton Gray Hotel. Boleo serves Latin American-inspired dishes such as ceviche and anticuchos along with seasonal pisco cocktails. Come for happy hour from 3-6pm Tuesday through Saturday to take advantage of $9 ceviche and discounted beer and wine.

Perched atop Hyatt Place Chicago, Kennedy Rooftop offers sweeping skyline views in Wicker Park. The space boasts fire pits, a retractable cover and an indoor area, making it perfect for winter.

Just because baseball season is over doesn't mean the action in Wrigleyville goes into hibernation. Alma, the Hotel Zachary bar located across from Wrigley Field, is bringing back its heated terrace globes from November 16 to January 26. Up to six guests can enjoy holiday cocktails or kid-friendly options like hot chocolate, eggnog or sparkling cider, plus a build-your-own s’mores station curated by Amy’s Candy Bar. The globes also come equipped with a record player so you can play some holiday tunes, as well as board games and Polaroid cameras to help capture the picture-perfect moments.