Guide: Drinks with a View in Chicago

I've got to start with Cindy's.

They have great drinks, great food, and a gorgeous view of Millennium Park with the lake behind it. Cheers!

Neighborhood: Loop

I love the views from the LondonHouse rooftop.

You can see east to the Lake, north to the Wrigley building, and west up the river with an awesome view of Chicago's many bridges.

I've usually been able to walk in right when they open, but at night it can get pretty busy & have a wait. I strongly recommend making a reservation!

Neighborhood: Loop
Reservations: LH Rooftop Reservations

Just across the street from LondonHouse is Raised Bar - another spot with pretty drinks and yummy food!

Neighborhood: Loop

Just across the river is Streeterville Social, located on the 3rd floor of the Loews Hotel.

They have great cocktails, an awesome wine list, and really yummy food (including their enormous avocado toast)!

Neighborhood: Streeterville
Reservations: Streeterville Social Reservations

Psst! Streeterville Social is also on my other guide, the BEST avocado toast in Chicago.

Apogee Lounge, atop the Dana Hotel, has been a local favorite ever since it opened last summer.

With their inventive drinks, CRAZY glassware, and gorgeous summery space -- what's not to love?

Neighborhood: River North

Noyane is a seasonal rooftop restaurant & bar atop the Conrad Hotel. They serve super delicious Japanese food for lunch & dinner, as well as gorgeous & yummy cocktails.

Their boozy snow cones (pictured) are a must try!! 😍

It's a small space, so they do get pretty busy - especially after work. I'd recommend reservations - or plan to wait a little bit!

Neighborhood: River North
Reservations: Noyane Reservations

Z Bar is a brand new cocktail bar on the 6th floor of the Peninsula Hotel, overlooking Michigan Ave.

Come for the views and awesome cocktails - stay for the classy pug-themed decor!

Neighborhood: River North

Toursity, yes.

But you CAN'T overlook the views from the Signature Lounge at the 96th, near the top of the Hancock building.

It's my favorite view of the city - especially on a sunny day when the lake is super blue. It's one of my favorite places to take out-of-town guests!

Neighborhood: River North

Rounding out my picks for River North rooftops is Drumbar, located atop the Raffaelo Hotel.

Drumbar has a pretty space, great drinks, and nice outdoor views.

Neighborhood: River North

Psst! Drumbar was also on my list of the best holiday cocktails in Chicago (2017).

A fun -- and often overlooked -- spot for drinks is the 5th floor rooftop of Restoration Hardware.

You can order wine from the first-floor shop and take it upstairs to the 5th floor indoor/outdoor space.

Neighborhood: Gold Coast

Psst! Restoration Hardware (3 Arts Cafe) is on a few other lists of mine:

• Chicago Wait List Hacks
• Best Avocado Toast in Chicago
• Fancy Smoked Salmon Dishes in Chicago

If you're looking for a rooftop in Lincoln Park, the J Parker is the spot for you.

It's a small space, so it can be a bit crowded (like a lot of spots on this list). But you can't beat the views on a sunny day.

Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

Most of these rooftops have had water views thus far - but the newly opened Dutch & Docs in Hotel Zachary has something even better: a direct view of Wrigley Field.

I haven't been to this one yet, since it's super new. But it's high on my list!

Neighborhood: Wrigleyville
Reservations: Dutch & Docs Reservations

Speaking of Wrigleyville views, the Wrigley Rooftops (now owned by the Cubs, since last year) sell ticketed views into the stadium during Cubs' games.

Tickets are typically ~$100 and include your seats + all-you-can-eat & drink (with a pretty good selection of local beers).

Neighborhood: Wrigleyville
Tickets: Wrigleyville Rooftops

Cabana Club atop The Robey has a tiny triangular pool, cute lawn chairs, and pretty cool views of downtown from Wicker Park.

Cheers!

Neighborhood: Wicker Park

Brand new in the West Loop, Aba has awesome decor and great views of the city from the west.

Neighborhood: West Loop
Reservations: Aba Reservations

One of the coolest non-rooftop views in Chicago is at the new-ish Gibson's Italia. It's located right at the fork in the Chicago River, so it's a really cool and distinctive view of the city and river.

Enjoy the view from their restaurant or their beautiful bar!

Neighborhood: West Loop
Reservations: Gibson's Italia Reservations

City Winery on the riverwalk is one of the most genius ideas. I mean... tell me if you can create a better Chicago moment than this picture.

It's located right at river-level in the Loop (go down the flights of stairs next to any of the nearby bridges to get there).

Be warned -- it gets really, REALLY crowded after work, especially later in the week. But it's super fun!

Neighborhood: Loop

The patio at River Roast has the most gorgeous views of the river (and great cocktails, too).

In addition to their awesome regular menu, they also have a LEGIT happy hour special currently -- $35 for a dozen oysters and a bottle of rosé. They have it every day, including weekends (which is an insane deal). Sign me up!

Neighborhood: River North
Reservations: River Roast Reservations

Shore Club is located right on Lake Michigan - a bit of an oasis in the middle of the Gold Coast.

Stick your toes in the sand and enjoy some cocktails, won't you?

Neighborhood: Gold Coast
Reservations: Shore Club Reservations

Head up north to get to Waterfront Cafe, a cute little spot right on the beach at 6219 N Sheridan.

Neighborhood: Berger Park

And finally, create your own water view on the Chicago Fireboat - a new tour company owned by very good friends of mine!

You can take daily river, sunset, and firework tours and enjoy a drink from their bar on board. You can also book a private charter for groups!

Neighborhood: boat leaves from Dusable Harbor (111 N Lake Shore)
For more info: www.fireboattours.com