In full transparency, this list of Chicago's best rooftops and patios to enjoy in the warm weather was supposed to be published several weeks ago. But seeing how Chicago has been gritting our collective teeth through one of the grimmest, grayest and wettest Mays in recent history, we probably haven't missed much time spent al fresco in the city.
Nevertheless, we persist, and with the promise of warm weather and sun in our future at some point, we've compiled a list of hot spots to enjoy a cocktail, mocktail, bite or meal once it's nice enough to do so.
Rooftops
Cindy's
Starting with the GOAT, the view alone is worth staking out reservations at Cindy's, the rooftop bar at the Chicago Athletic Association hotel on Michigan Avenue. With unparalleled and unobstructed views of Millennium Park, the Bean and Lake Michigan, every drink tastes a bit better at Cindy's. And if, as has been the case the last few weeks, the weather doesn't cooperate, the hotel boasts a number of cool spaces to hang and dine, including the Game Room, with shuffleboard and more, and their dark-wood-and-leather appointed lobby, the Library.
Arriba
At the corner of Damen and Montrose is Farm Bar Lakeview, a wonderful spot for a local bite any time. Perched just above Farm Bar is Arriba (pictured above), a sister but stand-alone rooftop bar with its own menu and vibes. The theme is tacos and margaritas, and Arriba is very on theme. The small but focused menu includes tacos and ceviche as well as guacamole and elotes dip; ask for a little extra zing in your spicy marg and soak up the Lakeview views.
London House / J. Parker
Though in two different neighborhoods, the rooftop bars of the London House and the Lincoln Hotel offer two of the most epic views of the Chicago skyline. They also both boast party-like vibes on the weekends, when DJs set up shop to bring pulsing beats and flashing lights to accompany those views. Situated on the Chicago River, LH Rooftop faces northwest, meaning the sunsets glisten off the glass buildings and the water below. Just a little ways north in Lincoln Park, The J. Parker at the top of the Lincoln Hotel looks southeast out over the vast green of the park, the bright blue of the lake and a stunning outline of downtown's skyline.
Gene's
For a decidedly more chill vibe than the glitz of hotel bars, consider Gene's Sausage Shop & Delicatessen in Lincoln Square. Their rooftop beer and wine garden is a cozy nook in an almost suburban neighborhood, replete with community picnic tables and manicured greenery in every corner. Grab a sandwich and a drink (adult or otherwise) downstairs, then head up to the rooftop space for a moment in the sun while you lunch. It's the perfect spot for those of us without garage rooftops of our own.
Chateau Carbide
The newest of the rooftops mentioned here, Chateau Carbide sits atop the Pendry Hotel, the latest tenant at downtown's most gorgeous art-deco skyscraper, the Carbon & Carbide Building (have you ever noticed how the top of it looks like an actual champagne bottle?!). While, like their other hotel brethren, this rooftop features DJs on Saturdays, consider popping over on Fridays for the acoustic set. Channel your inner Fitzgerald (F. Scott or Zelda, you choose) and sip on a glass of Chandon as the skyline in front and the building itself sparkles in the summer sun.
Patios
Hopleaf & Fiya
These two Andersonville institutions couldn't be more different, but they have one thing in common: gorgeous and unmissable back patios for dining and catching up in a quiet space in the heart of a bustling neighborhood. At Hopleaf, grab a spot at a wrought iron table and choose from their list of dozens of beers from around the world to cool off with. The poutine is always good, but may not be your first choice as the mercury rises. For lighter fare, head over to Fiya, which describes itself as offering "soul food of the Levant." Selections include a long list of shareables served with hand-made pita fired in the big clay oven inside, though you'll want to be on the sunny, green patio out back.
Trivoli
You'd be forgiven if you trek to Trivoli simply for the Instagrammable scenery. With its string lights, Parisian cafe tables and cobblestone patio, the outdoor dining space tucked off Green St. in the West Loop is great for both the aesthetic and the food and drinks. A Hogsalt property (Armitage Alehouse, Au Cheval, Bavette's, Green Street Meats, etc.), the menu boasts everything from sushi to prime rib to pasta, so better to look elsewhere if you're looking for a light meal. But an Aperol Spritz among the hustle and bustle of the West Loop may just have you feeling transported without having to board a plane to Europe.
Cody's Public House
For something entirely different, Lakeview's Cody's Public House is a rowdy good time any night of the week with a hopping inside bar—pool table, juke box, you name it—and an even larger backyard patio. There's a converted camper out back that serves as a second bar, so patrons enjoying the outdoor high tops and TVs don't even have to venture inside for their next round. The best part about Cody's, though, may just be that it's a dog-friendly scene, so you'll get to see—and maybe pet!—some very good boys (and girls!) while you enjoy your summer evening.
Tuco & Blondie
There are plenty of places to get a better taco in Chicago, sure. Not that the ones at Tuco & Blondie, in the heart of the Southport Corridor, are bad by any means. The Tex-Mex menu features plenty of great options, including a shareable fajita platter that sizzles its way to your table with style. With a large, multi-room indoor space, it's the outdoor patio that's really worth checking out, bright and colorful umbrellas keeping the busy tables below shaded so the ice in your margaritas doesn't melt too fast. The back bar is a great spot to chat up your neighbors, and when you're done with chips and guac, there's dessert around the corner at Jeni's Ice Cream.
Wurst Behavior
For a real, old style Chicago back patio, consider Wurst Behavior at Elston and Irving Park Road. The latest offering from Pierogi Kitchen's Gosia Pieniazek and Artur Wnorowski, Wurst Behavior's best offering is in its name, of course: a selection of sausages, brats and hot dogs complimented by classic sides and a wide selection of local and imported beers. Sneak out back for a patio that feels like you're on your aunt and uncle's back deck (in the best way), a tiny oasis in the city that's less about the polish and more about the Polish.
Bistro Campagne
If it's date night or you're just craving the best poulet rôti in the city, it doesn't get better than Bistro Campagne, the Lincoln Square French mainstay. Through the cozy dining area you'll be ushered to a secluded garden patio that feels like the neighborhood's best kept secret; you'll soon completely forget about the neighbors zipping down Lincoln Avenue just on the other side of the tall wooden fence. Let the knowledgeable wait staff suggest a French wine to pair with your escargot or mussels to start, and be sure to say "Merci" when what's sure to be a magical evening winds down.
With over 70 neighborhoods across the city, surely we've missed some must-experience rooftops and patios. Where are your favorites? Where are you excited to try this summer?
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