A view to remember: Seven essential Chicago skyline bars
In a city as magnificent as Chicago, you’ll want to experience all its glory, and the best way to do this is through its magnificent sky bars.
Providing unparalleled views of the cityscape, alongside a variety of drinks, food and a sense of exclusivity, they’re the perfect way to spend an evening, or all night, when experiencing the windy city.
We’ve selected seven of our favourites, that don’t let seasonality affect rooftop drinks; you simply need to check out.
- Studio Paris
59 W. Hubbard St.
With its glass roof, it’s the perfect place for staying warm against the elements all year round. The roof is also retractable, so when the sun’s been beaming down you won’t have to worry about getting too hot. With a 9pm opening, it’ll already be dark, so just look up and enjoy the feeling of dancing underneath the stars; the venue has even welcomed superstar DJs such as Martin Garrix and Calvin Harris.
- Parker
13th floor at the Hotel Lincoln, Lincoln Park
In the summer you can enjoy the stunning outdoors, but when the cooler months kick in, the fun moves inside; but only slightly so you can still enjoy the stunning sky bar, alongside the wondrous lake views. Whilst visiting here, it’s pivotal that you experience the delicious plates of food whipped up by Paul Virant, coupled with the tastiest cocktails.
- IO Urban Roofscape
The Godfrey Hotel, 127 W. Huron St. at LaSalle, Fourth Floor
With 15,000 square foot of fabulous roofscape to roam around, this place accommodates everyone all year round. When the roof does close as the weather dips, it only loses around 3,000 square foot, so it’s still big enough to fit everyone in with ease. To make the most of this luxurious venue, grab yourself a booth along the south wall. Here you’ll be provided with sensational panoramic views of the downtown skyline and the River North.
- Vertigo Sky Lounge
26th floor at the Dana Hotel, Near North Side
Now you’ve probably heard of this one, in fact it’s quite possibly the best known sky bar in Chicago; which is why we need to talk about it. It didn’t get popular for no reason, and this exclusive penthouse apartment venue is the perfect party spot, complete with nightly DJs, a fire pit and massive buckets of beer to really get your Chicago experience going; oh and did we mention there’s a rooftop ice bar during the winter?
- Drumbar
Raffaello Hotel, 201 E. Delaware Place, 18th floor
For a sky bar with a different vibe, step into Drumbar, where you’ll feel like you’ve been welcomed into someone’s home for a tasty cocktail. With the bar practically within arm’s reach, take a seat on a comfy leather couch in the area known as The Library, before stepping outside and taking in the spectacular views of Lake Michigan, the Gold Coast and John Hancock Centre. But if patios aren’t your thing, there are plenty of floor length windows to gaze from wondrously instead.
- Roof on the Witt
27th floor at theWit Hotel, Loop
Another popular staple of the Chicago roof top bar scene, this luxurious venue was once named one of the top three rooftop bars in the world; so it’s definitely worth a look. With a bar that’s transformed into a catwalk during fashion shows, it’s not unusual to see models strutting their stuff, alongside a video projection screen and not forgetting the fabulous views of The Bean and Chicago River, this is a venue everyone needs to visit. There’s even a telescope for some up close sightseeing whilst you sip a cocktail or two.
- The Signature Room
95th floor at the John Hancock Center, Streeterville
If it’s all about the view for you, then there’s one place you need to head, and that’s Signature Room. With floor to ceiling windows, the views of the exquisite Chicago skyline are there for all to marvel out, if you head here at night it’s like observing a city wide Christmas tree. And let’s not forget the delicious drink and food menus, and although slightly expensive, you can’t quite put a price on those views, and it’s still cheaper than some places around.