Finding amazing rooftop bars in Chicago is easy. But finding the best rooftops for a party is another thing. But don’t despair, we’ve done the hard work for you! After visiting over 30 rooftop bars in Chicago recently, searching for the best party venues, we could narrow it down to 5 great rooftops for an elevated party experience in Chicago 2025!
This article comes packed with the following info about each rooftop venue:
There are some amzing rooftop night clubs on this list, so two tips are to dress to impress and book a table in advance to secure your entrance. Just showing up at the door can sometimes lead to being denied.
The Party: 26 stories up on the superb Virgin Hotels Chicago you find Cerise Rooftop, which is both a fantastic cocktail lounge and nightclub. 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.
Ambience: 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. 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. 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.
CERISE ROOFTOP
The Party: Found on the most bustling street in Chicago’s River North, Joy District is a multi-level and multi-space venue inviting you to drink, eat and enjoy. The second floor Club is a dance party hotspot with the hottest local DJs, themed parties, and bottle service. And up top you find the Roof, an urban and trendy rooftop bar, offering a vibrant atmosphere and impeccable views of Chicago's cityscape.
Ambiance: Decorated with comfy lounge seating and plenty of lush greenery, the Joy District rooftop might be at its peak during the warmer months, but is usually also available in winter, turning into a covered and heated escape. Up here you can sip cocktails or frosé and unwind from the busy streets below, or join in on the fun and happening rooftop parties. Starting May 2022, this will include Drag Brunch twice a month, with raffles and giveaways.
What we think: One of the best (club wise) party rooftops in Chicago. Joy District is also a great and highly customizable venue for private events. With a series of mezzanines and semi-private rooms, you can host anything from late night bachelorette parties and cocktail receptions to corporate events, for anything from 20 to 200 or more guests.
Dress code: The Joy District dress code is casual during the day, but smart casual is recommended for nightly visits.
JOY DISTRICT
The Party: For the best party vibe at Cindy’s, we’d suggest booking the weekend brunch or to drop by late on Friday or Saturday. At certain occasions, live DJs play up here creating a lovey atmosphere with Millennium Park as a mighty back drop.
Ambience: 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. Very stylish decoration, the food and drinks served at Cindy's are just about as delightful.
What we think: As mentioned, the brunch is the best time to come here. We loved it! 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. 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
The Party: Weekends are the best time to visit this amazing rooftop. During this time, the mood changes towards what the ROOF is most famous for, namely being one of Chicago's top nightclubs. World known DJs create a great vibe that might best be described as a slice of Las Vegas in the middle of Chicago.
Ambience: Located right in the city center, offering a magical view of all the skyscrapers and the Chicago skyline, with the Bean at Millennium Park in one direction and a slice of the Chicago River in the other. And the views are available year-round, thanks to an adjustable roof and infrared heaters.
What we think: Another superb club rooftop in Chicago. Apart from great parties every weekend, the ROOF rooftop bar usually also host different weekday events, from 'Movie Mondays' to 'Champagne Thursdays', often including live music. The Roof on theWit is large in space (7.000-square-foot) and also comes with different types of settings depending on when you visit.
Dress code: The ROOF on theWit dress codes is smart casual. Also, make reservations or be in good time, since the ROOF is a very popular place.
ROOF ON THEWIT
The Party: Compared to all other rooftops on this list, the I|O Godfrey Rooftop Lounge offers a more sophisticated party vibe and here you can also party during wintertime. The rooftop igloos are perfect for a rooftop winter party among friends. With approximately 10,000 square feet of stylish lounge, both indoor and outdoor (the I|O stands for Indoor | Outdoor) this is one of the biggest party rooftops in town.
Ambience: Decorated with modern and bright lounge furniture, the rooftop terrace also comes with nice water features, fireplaces and beautiful views of the southern Chicago skyline. Open year round thanks to retractable roof and some really cool rooftop igloos put up during the colder months. I|O Rooftop Lounge combines an upscale New American restaurant with a trendy lounge bar. Here you can enjoy lunch, dinner or weekend brunch with selections ranging from lamb lollichops and sushi to dishes off the grill.
What we think: We’ve visited this rooftop for a party time both for a summer brunch and during winter. Both occasions offered a superb and unique experience. With so much to offer, it is hard to pin point a best time to visit the I|O Godfrey, but a rooftop weekend brunch is always something extra.
Dress code: The I|O Godfrey Rooftop Lounge dress code is casual during the day, turning into smart, casual-elegant during evenings.
I|O GODFREY ROOFTOP LOUNGE
Rikard has spent the last 10 years exploring, enjoying, researching and working with rooftop venues. During these years he has visited more than 700 rooftops across the globe. The experience he has gained is used to create helpful, in-depth and accessible content, and to share his knowledge and rooftop expertise with fellow rooftop-lovers.
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