Chicago is a city with a lot of rooftop bars. Over 100 can be found through out the city. To help you find the 5 most hyped this year (2025), we've created this complete article.
We've visited over 30 rooftop bars in Chicago ourselves and researched among locals, so we could narrow it down to 5 that stands out in 2025.
For each rooftop, this article comes packed with:
Visiting rooftop bars in Chicago is a popular thing to do - both among tourist and locals -, so always book your spot in advance (we’ve prepared all booking links for you in this article) and also check out which of the rooftops that are winter open and equipped with rooftop igloos.
Ambiance: LH Rooftop is a fantastic tri-level rooftop bar, located on top of the superb Hilton hotel LondonHouse Chicago, right by the Michigan Avenue bridge and Chicago River. LH on 22 and the main terrace that is usually referred to as the LH rooftop bar. The terrace is luxurious and modernly furnished with lots of seatings - both comfortable lounge furnitures and bar stools.
Drinks & Food: From the rooftop bar you can order from a fine selection of LH signature and classic cocktails, as well as a large array of crafted beer and wine. There is also an all-day food menu, with everything from American tapas to burgers, and rooftop brunch menu every weekend. The atmosphere up at the London House rooftop is usually vibrant and fun, with a trendy crowd gathering for Afternoon Tea, brunch, after work cocktails or weekend festivities. Very popular rooftop, so reservations are highly recommended.
What we think: This is definitely one of the best rooftop bars in Chicago, with an absolutely superb view among the city's skyscrapers and out towards Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. Bottom line: LondonHouse Chicago is a 'must-visit' if you want an unforgettable rooftop bar experience.
Dress code: The LH Rooftop dress code is smart casual. So, typically, it’s a look that lands between a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, and a full-on suit and tie look. You can mix elements of those two outfits, or you can add or takeaway things to make it smart casual.
LH ROOFTOP
Ambiance: Located at the 6th floor of the exceptional five star luxury hotel The Peninsula Chicago, Z Bar is an upscale, refined and internationally inspired rooftop bar, complemented with some amazing views over the central parts of Chicago. Set above Michigan Avenue, Z Bar offers both a stylish indoor lounge and a beautiful outdoor terrace, equipped with comfy lounge sofas and marble tables.
Drinks and Food: Here you can indulge in both globally inspired cocktails and tasty bites, all served in a sophisticated yet lively and upbeat lounge atmosphere. Bites range from fine snacks to sharing plates of steak fondue, while the cocktails are made from rare spirits used in uncommon ways, crafted to perfection. Z Bar also offers a monthly 'Wanderlust Cocktail Class', if you want to deep-dive into the making of the cocktails.
What we think: We were filled with positive vibes after our visit to Z Bar. The vibe was probably the best part along with the perfect cocktails. You can find better views than from here, but it’s still great. Expect high costs for drinks and bites though. Prices at Z Bar are on the step side, but then you do get a Chicago rooftop experience out of the ordinary. Top class drinks, bites and service, complemented with some great views and atmosphere.
Dress code: The Z Bar dress code is smart casual. So, typically, it’s a look that lands between a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, and a full-on suit and tie look. You can mix elements of those two outfits, or you can add or takeaway things to make it smart casual.
Z BAR
Ambiance: 26 stories up on the superb Virgin Hotels Chicago you find Cerise Rooftop, which is both a fantastic cocktail lounge and nightclub. From Cerise Chicago you get breathtaking views over the city skyline, amidst all the sky scrapers. Located in the Theatre District of downtown Chicago, Cerise has both a chic and trendy indoor lounge and a stylish rooftop terrace, winding around two corners of the historic building. Choose between bar stools, lounge sofas or just stand by the edge and take in the staggering views of Chicago.
Drinks and Food: From the rooftop bar you can order some tasty bar bites, both small and large, and usually changing by the season. They are complemented with well-crafted house cocktails, wine and a good selection of beers.
What we think: The best thing about Cerise Rooftop (apart from the view) is however the atmosphere. Friendly service and a great unpretentious vibe, no matter if you come for more relaxing early night cocktails or a weekend night buzzing rooftop party. At weekends the party atmosphere is usually quite high already in the early afternoon, with live DJs playing throughout the day and into the night. So expect a lot of people, and reserving a table is not a bad idea. Open daily from noon, Cerise is a Chicago rooftop bar worth visiting pretty much whenever.
Dress code: The Cerise Rooftop dress code is casual chic. Casual Chic is a dress code that is a little more elevated than the Smart Casual dress code. The premise of Casual Chic is that the clothing is comfortable, but with an elegant touch. Think of a shirt, paired with tailored pants.
HELIPAD KL
Ambiance: Set on top of the excellent Chicago Athletic Association hotel you find Cindy's Rooftop, a beautiful rooftop restaurant and bar with amazing views over Millennium Park. With an airy and spacious glass atrium working as indoor lounge, the views are present everywhere, but at its best from the open-air rooftop terrace. Here you can watch the famous Cloud Gate (The Bean) from above, as well as enjoy panoramas over the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan.
Drinks and Food: Very stylish decoration, the food and drinks served at Cindy's are just about as delightful. Executive Chef Christian Ragano and his team serves classic comfort food and exquisite American fare as lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. In between you can visit the rooftop bar for bites and perfectly crafted cocktails, local brews or something from the impressive selection of wines.
What we think: With generous opening hours and so much to offer, it is pretty much always a good idea to visit Cindy's Rooftop Chicago. Just note that you will not be alone, as it is a popular venue, usually filled with a large crowd and a buzzing atmosphere. Come early for more relaxing cocktails and the best chance for a photo opportunity with the panoramas from the terrace. And make reservations if you want to be sure to get a table.
Dress code: Cindy's Rooftop dress code is casual. The casual dress code means that you should be able to feel comfortable, but still exude style. Succeeding with this combination means that you start from dressy elegance and apply it to a well-groomed but at the same time relaxed leisure look.
CINDYS ROOFTOP
Ambiance: Elevated at the modern and exceptional Pendry Chicago, Château Carbide is a rather new addition to the Chicago rooftop scene, opening during 2021. Set 24 floors above the heart of Chicago, this Cote D’Azur-inspired rooftop comes with a beautiful and sun-drenched alfresco garden, opening up to majestic views over the city skyline.
Drinks and Food: Open seasonally, from May through October, this is mainly a summer hot-spot to enjoy crafted signature cocktails, rosé, botanic brews, the special picnic basket menu, champagne, sushi and much more. But, the holiday season usually also means a pop-up Winter Garden, with absinthe-inspired seasonal cocktails and snowy Chicago views.
What we think: We love most things about this rooftop bar. But if we must pick one thing, it will be the cozy design and vibe. Château Carbide is a luxurious urban living room with an amazing view! Always surrounded with a chic and upscale French countryside ambience, the Château Carbide rooftop offers a more chill setting during daytime, turning into energetic club vibes at night, with local live DJs every weekend.
Dress code: The Château Carbide dress code is smart casual. A look that lands between a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, and a full-on suit and tie look. You can mix elements of those two outfits, or you can add or takeaway things to make it smart casual.
CHATEAU CARBIDE
Hans has visited over 500 rooftop bars, 200 rooftop pools and 300 rooftop restaurants since 2015. This vast experience has made Hans a true rooftop expert, and one of the most knowledgeable in the field. Today, numerous of travel magazines, bloggers and media websites contact Hans to get his expertise on rooftops.
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