 |
Pan American experiences
|
------- |
North America |
NORTH AMERICA ------------------------------------------786[EXPERIENCE] | |||
Chicago’s Iconic Sky-High BarsRooftop Meeting Places with Views that Reveal the City’s StoryBy Jazmin Agudelo for Ruta Pantera on 12/1/2025 9:12:33 AM |
||||
| Chicago — the city that invented the skyscraper — transforms at sunset into an urban canvas where light glimmers against towers of glass and steel. For both visitors and locals, rooftop bars are the perfect vantage point to experience that grandeur: cocktail in hand, Lake Michigan’s breeze brushing your skin, and the horizon unfolding like an endless promise. In 2025, with more than 100 rooftops open during the summer season — and many equipped with heaters and igloos for winter — the scene has evolved toward more inclusive and sustainable experiences. Among them, five stand out for their combination of epic views, distinctive atmosphere, and menus that honor the city’s culinary diversity. These aren’t just elevated bars; they are portals into Chicago’s soul. How To Put 250 Feet Under Your Barstool The first and most emblematic is Cindy’s Rooftop, perched on the thirteenth floor of the historic Chicago Athletic Association, offering direct views of Millennium Park and its iconic sculpture, The Bean. Open since 2016, it has established itself as a favorite for romantic sunsets and lively gatherings, thanks to its open-air terrace lined with hanging gardens and a glass atrium that allows skyline views even on cloudy days. Cocktails—like the “Cindy’s Smash” with local bourbon and seasonal fruits—pair with shareable plates inspired by Midwestern cuisine: fresh lake oysters and thin-crust pizzas topped with ingredients from urban farms. In 2025, the rooftop introduced a zero-proof menu featuring herb-based mocktails grown on-site, attracting a diverse clientele. Its five-minute walk from the 360 Chicago Observation Deck, which makes it a must-stop for anyone wanting to pair height with public art. Just steps from Michigan Avenue, Z Bar on the fifth floor of the Viceroy Chicago offers refined elegance that contrasts with the bustle of the Magnificent Mile. This rooftop—bookable via OpenTable—boasts an outdoor terrace with plush sofas and panoramic views of the Chicago River and the southern skyline. Experts praise its focus on globally inspired cocktails—try the “Wanderlust,” a martini twist with gin infused with local botanicals—and bites like tuna ceviche with California flair. In a city where winters are relentless, Z Bar stays appealing thanks to a retractable roof and fire pits, making it a year-round destination. By 2025, they’ve added monthly mixology classes where guests craft their own creations while watching the sunset. It’s the ideal spot for a sophisticated date, with a smart-casual dress code that elevates the experience without pretension. |
||||
|
For those who prefer the vibrant pulse of River North, the I|O Godfrey Rooftop Lounge at the Godfrey Hotel emerges as an energetic epicenter. Located on the fourteenth floor, this high-tech rooftop—featuring sleek white sofas, a retractable roof, and a video wall projecting the skyline—offers views of the Chicago River and the city’s northern stretch all the way to Lake Michigan. In 2025, its Monday-to-Thursday happy hour (4–5:30 p.m.) includes themed cocktail flights inspired by the area’s Polish heritage, along with shareable plates like smoked brisket sliders. Heated igloos and fire pits make it winter-friendly, attracting groups seeking a lively atmosphere without sacrificing comfort. Its proximity to River North galleries and restaurants positions it as a bridge between culture and fun, with reservations recommended through its website to avoid lines. No conversation about Chicago rooftops is complete without mentioning Terrace 16, perched on the sixteenth floor of the Trump International Hotel & Tower. This elegant space, with a 200-seat terrace overlooking the meandering Chicago River, captures the city’s modernist architecture at its finest. Craft cocktails—like the “Riverbend,” made with rye whiskey and house-made bitters—pair with a Mediterranean-inspired menu featuring small plates such as chickpea hummus with local ingredients and quinoa salads with produce from hydroponic gardens. In 2025, Terrace 16 expanded its Sunday brunch hours, adding acoustic DJ sets that keep things sophisticated without becoming noisy. It’s a seven-minute walk from 360 Chicago, and its polished vibe makes it perfect for professionals seeking networking opportunities with a view. Limited reservations for groups up to eight are available via Tock, ensuring an exclusive experience. Finally, LH on 22 at the Langham Hotel elevates the rooftop concept into contemporary luxury, with unmatched views of the Loop and the lake from its twenty-second floor. Part of the LH duo (LH on 21 serves as the indoor lounge), this open-air space features fire pits, lounge seating, and a menu of modern American cuisine: think oysters with Osetra caviar and cocktails like the “Skyline Spritz” with prosecco and herb-infused liqueurs. In 2025, it has gained popularity for its summer events with local musicians and its commitment to sustainability — every dish uses ingredients from organic Illinois suppliers. It’s a rooftop that invites both introspection and celebration, ideal for solitary sunsets or intimate dinners. Its proximity to the river and the Art Institute of Chicago makes it a seamless part of any cultural itinerary. Moments with a Skyline These five rooftops offer more than height — they offer a narrative of the city itself: from Cindy’s Victorian charm to the global innovation of LH on 22. In a metropolis where the wind is as legendary as its hot dogs, these spaces prove that seeing Chicago from above is more than a view; it’s an immersion into its resilient and cosmopolitan spirit. Whether you’re sipping a sunset cocktail or indulging in a bubbly brunch, each promises moments as unforgettable as the skyline. |
||||
|
|
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| |
|
|
|
|
×
|
||||
Please leave a comment about this article: 786 |
|
| Enter your email address: |
Your email will not be displayed. |
| Your nickname: | |
| Your comment: | |
| Was this article helpful to you? | |
|
|
|
Articles about exciting travel experiences in our hemisphere.
BEACH & SUN
Welcome to the World’s Largest New Year’s Celebration
For those traveling from North, Central, or South America, New Year's Eve in Rio offers a rich narrative about how a city can transform a universal holiday into a unique celebration, rooted in local traditions and open to the world.
|
Experiences Finder
(Search our catalog of articles here.) |
|---|
