Truth be told, there’s nothing like a summer spent in Chicago. Everyone knows that when the weather turns (even slightly) warm, patio season is unparalleled in the Windy City. While the vibes are on high, head out to these new and revamped patio hotspots to enjoy food and drink with friends.
LH Rooftop at LondonHouse Chicago
Located on the LondonHouse Hotel’s 22nd floor, the LH Rooftop seats about 190 people and overlooks the Chicago River and part of the sparkling skyline. With arguably some of the best views in the city, guests can enjoy creative cocktails and New American cuisine. It’s connected to LH 21, which is an indoor hotel bar on the 21st floor. Reservations can only be made online–and they book up fast!
85 E. Wacker Drive, 312-357-1200, LondonHouseChicago.com
Cabana Club at The Robey
Wicker Park’s answer to a chic New York rooftop is Cabana Club at the new and uber-cool, The Robey hotel. The sixth-floor rooftop bar boasts an indoor and outdoor bar, along with a small pool, heat lamps and chaise chairs with a full view of the Chicago skyline. The trendy outpost is one of the most buzzed about spots that recently emerged in the city. While they have a killer margarita, their rosé in a can is an oddly chic way to spend a weekday happy hour.
1616 N. Milwaukee Ave., on the sixth floor of The Robey, 872-315-3083, TheRobey.com
Cindy’s at Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Another patio you need reservations at months in advance is Cindy’s at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. The restaurant and bar features indoor seating covered by glass panes, which create an exquisite natural light throughout the restaurant, while the bar serves up some intricately crafted cocktails with a vintage apothecary feel. By this Memorial Day, expect Cindy’s to have a new bar on the terrace featuring booze-infused popsicles and ice cream, rosé options and a rotating cocktail menu. The crème-de-la-crème of the space, though, is the view of Millennium Park, the Bean and the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan.
12 S. Michigan Ave., 312-792-3502, CindysRooftop.com
Cerise at Virgin Hotels
The Richard Branson-built line of luxury hotels, Virgin Hotels, made its flagship debut in Chicago in 2015, yet its rooftop bar and lounge, Cerise, remains one of the hottest locales in Chicago to take in a view and a crafted cocktail. The vibrant and mod-esque style that has become Richard Branson’s signature aesthetic for the Virgin brand runs true at Cerise, where bright blues, reds and fluorescent lights are aplenty.
203 N. Wabash St., 312-940-4400, VirginHotels.com
Noyane at Conrad Chicago
Photo by Nick Fochtman
Photo by Nick Fochtman
The Conrad Chicago’s latest patio restaurant/bar from chef Richard Sandoval (Latinicity) is a Latin-influenced Japanese restaurant that is a can’t-miss this summer. The restaurant, which will be open seasonally, features sushi, sashimi, hibachi-style grilled meats, Japanese whiskey cocktails, sake, beer and undeniably beautiful views.
101 E. Erie St., 312-667-6700, ConradChicagoHotel.com
Apogee Lounge at dana hotel & spa
Set in what once was the Vertigo Sky Lounge at the dana hotel & spa is the newly reimagined space called Apogee. The modern, yet intimate setting sits on the hotel’s 26th floor and features innovative cocktails with views looking over the buzzing River North neighborhood. Expect elements of greenery, an industrial-chic color palette and indoor/outdoor seating at this new and improved rooftop that’s set to become the ultimate hotspot in the city’s cocktail scene.
660 N. State St., 312-202-6000, ApogeeLounge.com
Ronero
This Latin American restaurant and rum bar is infused with Caribbean spirit and brings you on an exquisite culinary adventure through the Caribbean, Central America and South America. The rustic-chic space seats up to 100 people and serves fusion food. Esco Bar, the bar’s late-night outpost, features delectable drinks and bites. You won’t want to pass up this ultra-trendy West Loop spot, which features al fresco dining.
738 W. Randolph St., 312-600,6105, RoneroChicago.com
