Chicago certainly isn't winning any superlatives for its weather, but we can officially claim bragging rights for the world's largest rooftop bar. No, really: The Guinness Book of World Records says so. Earlier this week, the annual record book bestowed the honor on Offshore, the brand-new 52,300-square-foot rooftop deck at Navy Pier. The year-round destination offers plenty of posh, glass-enclosed indoor space for those nasty Chicago winters as well as a massive wrap-around terrace outside that's dotted with fire pits and comfy furniture.
Unlike the rest of Navy Pier, which is (at times) family-friendly to a fault, Offshore is only open to adults over 21. The indoor space is centered around two sprawling bars that serve wine, beer and easy-drinking cocktails like the Real Housewife of Chicago, a frozen blend of rum, Fernet-Branca, lime, banana and Chartreuse. The food menu is mostly populated by handhelds like Maine lobster deviled eggs, a fried chicken sandwich and oyster shooters.
The impressive, record-breaking interior is broken down into intimate seating areas for small and large groups, and there's plenty of seating around both bars for date night. When the weather allows, the 20,000-square-foot terrace beckons with fire pits, a gaming area and stellar skyline views. Offshore is open Monday through Thursday from 4pm to midnight, Friday from 4pm to 1am, Saturday 11am to 1am and Sunday 11am to 10pm.