The best rooftop restaurants in Chicago

Stephanie Izard helms this shiny rooftop restaurant inside the Hoxton, a hotel located in the heart of the West Loop. Here she specializes in light, bright Peruvian fare that's ideal for the sunny space. Dig into an order of salmon ceviche by the pool, dip grilled shishitos into a pepper-forward aioli and tuck into a plate of smoked goat empanadas.

If you're hoping to get a table at this always-booked West Loop rooftop, stop what you're doing now and make a reservation. Chef CJ Jacobson delights diners with fresh Mediterranean-inspired bites such as smoky garlic hummus, pistachio-topped whipped feta and shawarma-specied steak frites. The beverage team keeps the good times flowing with rooftop-friendly cocktails like the Aloe? It's Me, made with mezcal, aloe, green juice, lime and jalapeño.

Boasting some of the most exquisite views of the city, Cindy's sits atop the stunning Chicago Athletic Association Hotel in the Loop. Though the cocktails are the main draw of this beautiful rooftop terrace, guests can nosh on hearty entrees as well as small bites like freshly-shucked oysters and charcuterie boards piled high with local selections, preserves and grilled bread.

Though it's located in the heart of River North, Tanta invites guests on a sensory journey through Peru with thoughtful cocktails, dressed-up ceviches, empanadas and large-format entrées. Order the El Chingon cocktail—with tequila, mezcal, lime and a chingon pepper-infused ice cube—followed by the cebiche clásico, wok-fried lomo saltado, sweet corn empanadas and grilled whole branzino.

The open-air sister concept to Chicago's two avec locations, bar avec channels the Iberian Peninsula with its breezy eighth-floor patio and dinner menu inspired by the seaside cafes of Spain and Portugal—think scallop crudo and steamed mussels—plus cocktails like Livin la Vinho Verde, made with Portuguese wine. And while there's no sea (or lake) in sight here, we think the patio's lush coastal decor looks just as nice set against panoramic skyline views. 

Surrounded by a 1,000-square-foot garden, this breathtakingly beautiful rooftop dining room offers a seasonal menu inspired by chef Bryan Collante's Filipino heritage, travel experiences and influential dishes from over the course of his career. As you dine, take a look around at the lush, overflowing greenery and vertical hanging gardens.

Located above the banks of the Chicago River, Gibsons Italia presents diners with three levels of breathtaking views. Grab lunch or dinner on east-facing patios on the second and third floors, where you can marvel at the skyline and river while twirling house-made pastas. The lesser-seen fourth floor has a retractable roof, but the space is currently only used for private events (should you be so lucky to get an invitation).

Nobu Hotel's rooftop terrace offers a sleek, Japanese-inspired oasis 11 floors above the streets of the West Loop, complete with sweeping views of the city skyline. On the menu you'll find a tightly focused taste of the hotel's signature first floor restaurant, including wagyu sliders and miso black cod lettuce wraps, as well as nigiri, maki and desserts. Feeling extravagant? Top off your meal with an ultra-premium bottle of Japanese sake.

Whether it's post-work happy hour or a long-planned date night, River North's Sifr is a great option. From large plates like chicken shish taouk and lamb kebab to shareable bites like herb falafel, this Middle Eastern stalwart caters to a range of tastes. Try to grab a seat on the outdoor patio during the warmer months and don't miss out on the happy hour ($8 cocktails!) Monday through Friday.

Miru at the St. Regis Hotel makes you feel like you're floating right above the Chicago River. Overlooking Wacker Drive in Lakeshore East, Miru's outdoor terrace offers unbeatable views of Navy Pier and is a perfect viewing point for the summer fireworks every Wednesday and Saturday. The only thing that beats the views is the food—indulge in wagyu nigiri, an extensive signature maki selection and a tasty black sesame mochi for dessert.

Head upstairs the rooftop space at Azul Mariscos in Goose Island, and you'll be greeted by stunning views on all sides—turn your head one way to watch ducks float by on the Chicago River, then glance the other way to stare up at the skyline. Grab a seat at a high-top table to feast on Latin-inspired mains from chef Michael Hernandez or settle into a lounge-style couch for drinks and small bites (there are also wooden pergola-style cabanas available for rent, if you've got a small crowd). 

While this Logan Square brewpub's atrium-style dining room gets plenty of sun, you can soak in even more vitamin D atop its bustlng rooftop patio. Order Asian-inflected dishes like Chicago beef baos or a togarashi smash burger served on a Japanese milk bread bun, and don't miss the pub's elegant beer selection (like Ninja vs. Unicorns, an IPA with with notes of ripe pineapple, tangy grapefuit and tangerine).

Highlighting Cantonese and Shanghainese cuisine, the menu at Shanghai Terrace is rife with dumplings and buns, traditional Peking duck, fried rice and noodles. Thanks to piped-in world music, loads of greenery and just the right amount of breeze, it might even fool you into believing you’ve made a tropical escape from the city (well, after a few tea-infused cocktails, it might).

If you're itching to dine alfresco in Wicker Park, look no further than Taxim's tucked-away rooftoop deck. The no-frills space is home to some impressive Greek eats—think seafood soup, braised lamb shank, duck gyro and wood-grilled octopus—plus an expert wine list.

Looking for somewhere to sip margs and devour tacos in the sun this summer? This laid-back rooftop deck in Logan Square has you covered. Start with an order of spicy margaritas and guacamole before tucking into tortillas stuffed with everything from beer-battered tilapia to chickpeas and avocado. Don't leave without a dish of horchata soft serve with cookie crumble.

From the street, you may not realize that etta has a sizable second-floor rooftop deck that spans the length of the restaurant. Head upstairs to enjoy dinner alfresco, with favorites like bubbling shrimp, wagyu meatballs and thin crust pizzas. The cocktails are fun, but the wine list is truly superb, with plenty of rosé for those long summer nights.

Located on the seventh floor of the Park Hyatt Chicago, NoMI’s vibrant open-air terrace offers high-above views of Michigan Avenue and inventive New American fare, plus sushi, to boot. The outdoor space features a 30-foot bar and tables shaded by parasols—allowing you to escape the hecticness down below and live your best life with a bottle of wine and a seafood tower.

Perched atop Celeste in River North sits a romantic rooftop garden decked out in Victorian-style furniture and tons of greenery. Guests can opt to snack on small bites like Nashville chicken sandwich and tahini hummus or go all in with the West Coast burger, with American cheese, lettuce, tomato and special sauce.

When you begin brunch by showing your ID at the door, you know you’re in the right place for a Bloody Mary. Spicy and sweet, garnished with salami and completed with a beer back, it’s practically a meal in itself. Don’t let that distract you from the food, however. Chilaquiles will help cure that hangover, and the Spoke’s signature burger sports double patties, three buns and a secret sauce.

Though it might be better known for hosting rock concerts, this South Loop restaurant and venue features a sizeable rooftop terrace. Grab a seat at one of its umbrella-topped wooden tables, order a beer and choose from a variety of pub food favorites, from massive platters of wings to fried pickles. 

Even though it's located near one of Chicago's busiest intersections, Chop Shop's shielded rooftop deck is a serene place to grab a bite before heading out in Wicker Park. Go casual with a smattering of starters (don't skip the butcher's burnt ends) or fill up on house specials, like a crab cake benedict and a terrific burger.

Chicago has no shortage of awesome things to do in the summer—by which we mean drinking on rooftops with a great view of the city. But even if all you can see is surrounding buildings, these spots are worth a visit. From a cocktail bar to beer bars, here are our picks for the best rooftop bars in Chicago.