Also known as River North Gallery District, the neighbourhood of River North packs some of the country’s best art galleries and studios, hot nightlife scenes with loads of nightclubs and bars, and a range of glossy residential high-rise buildings. This area is home to the renowned shopping district, Magnificent Mile, and other iconic attractions such as Navy Pier and Marble Palace. Whether you are looking for a post-dinner nightcap or want to soak up the stunning vistas of the city while sipping on a cocktail before retiring to your hotel room, you must visit one of the rooftop bars that will give you a front-row seat to one of the most magnificent skylines in the world. Continue reading to learn more about the best rooftop bars in River North, Chicago.
1. Terrace 16
If the experience of wining and dining on the rooftop of a skyscraper sounds exciting to you, you must then head to Terrace 16 when you are staying in the upscale neighbourhood of River North. While there is the indoor bar and dining area, the outdoor patio is where the real magic is. You can savour delectable spreads of American cuisine paired with craft cocktails while soaking in the surreal sights of the city’s skyline, the Chicago River, and Lake Michigan.
Should you have any dietary requirements, the culinary team will be happy to curate your meal as per your request.
Terrace 16
Address: 401 N Wabash Ave 16th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
Website: Terrace 16
Opening hours: 7am - 11pm (daily)
2. Upstairs at The Gwen
This Art Deco-themed rooftop bar is at the top of this list and quite justifiably so. Guests can enjoy a wide array of breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner options, along with cocktails while letting their hair down and socialising in a casual and cosy setting on the open-air terrace.
You can order an American breakfast of eggs, potatoes, and pork sausages and indulge your sweet tooth with a Belgian waffle. If you are hanging out with your tribe, raise a toast with a breakfast cocktail of Bloody Mary while chatting and savouring stunning views of the gorgeous sun lighting up the city.
Upstairs at The Gwen
Address: 521 N Rush St 5th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
Website: Upstairs at The Gwen
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 7am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 7am -1am; Sun: 7am - 11pm
3. Cityscape Bar
This spacious, 15th-floor cocktail bar in River North serves local and organic drinks in a setting with relaxed and casual vibes. From margaritas to Manhattans, the rooftop bar is an ideal place to sip signature cocktails while kicking back with friends and taking in stunning views of the city’s iconic skyline and Chicago River. The bar also features happy hour specials from Monday to Friday between 4 and 6 pm.
Cityscape Bar
Address: Holiday Inn Chicago-Mart Plaza River North, 350 W Wolf Point Plaza 15th Floor, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
Website: Cityscape Bar
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 11am - 1am
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4. IO Godfrey Rooftop Lounge
This swanky rooftop lounge in Godfrey Hotel offers delicious American grub and expertly crafted cocktails in a setting that includes communal booths and an outdoor space boasting a brilliant backdrop of the city’s skyline. Named after its indoor/outdoor ambience, the I/O Godfrey Rooftop Lounge features an expansive menu with small bites, sushi, salads, desserts, cocktails, mocktails, wines, beers, champagnes and brunch cocktails. The rooftop lounge also features a VIP room that is perfect for hosting private events, executive retreats and board meetings.
IO Godfrey Rooftop Lounge
Address: 127 W Huron St, Chicago, IL 60654
Website: IO Godfrey Rooftop Lounge
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 2pm - 2am; Sat: 11am - 3am; Sun: 11am - 2am
5. Bounce Sporting Club
This sports bar in River North offers brunch, dinner and cocktail menus that include craft cocktails, beers, wines, steaks, tortillas and waffles. With branches in both New York and Chicago, the upscale club features sports events on widescreen TVs and is an ideal spot for a night out with your friends. The sports club and lounge also features happy hour specials and DJ events. The place is available for private events and can accommodate up to a maximum of 650 people.
Bounce Sporting Club
Address: 324 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60654
Website: Bounce Sporting Club
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 5pm - 2am; Sat: 11am - 3am; Sun: 12pm - 2am
6. Noyane
This swanky and posh rooftop bar offers Japanese-Peruvian fare and craft cocktails with sweeping views of the city. Overlooking the Magnificent Mile, the rooftop bar features a wide selection of sakes, beers, wines, whiskeys and unique craft cocktails. It serves Nikkei cuisine, which blends Japanese cooking techniques with Peruvian ingredients and features a menu that includes dishes such as ceviches, sushis, and donburis. The rooftop space also hosts events such as yoga sessions and can be booked for private parties with a customized dining experience that can accommodate 12 to 150 guests.
Noyane
Address: 101 E Erie St, Chicago, IL 60611
Website: Noyane
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 12am
7. Apogee Lounge
Located on West Erie Street, this trendy rooftop lounge offers dazzling views of the city, fire pits, DJ events, and innovative cocktails and drinkware. Overlooking the heart of the city, the lounge’s rooftop setting features lush textiles, marble-clad walls and cheerful vibes. Their expansive menu includes a range of drinks that include agave, beer, brandy, gin, rum, scotch, vodka and blended malts. The lounge in River North has a happy hour menu from Wednesdays to Fridays between 4 pm and 7 pm.
Apogee Lounge
Address: 2 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654
Website: Apogee Lounge
Opening hours: Thu - Fri: 4pm - 2am; Wed, Sun: 4pm - 12am; Sat: 4pm - 3am (closed on Mon & Tue)
8. Z Bar
With creative cocktails and unique tapas, this trendy rooftop bar features spectacular city views and an immersive ambience with curated live music, design and artworks. Situated on Michigan Avenue, the bar also offers lessons and techniques for those interested in mixology. From rare spirits to old-fashioned cocktails, the bar’s menu includes a range of drinks such as daiquiris, martinis, sazeracs, Manhattans, spirit-free cocktails, craft sodas, and more.
Z Bar
Address: 108 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
Website: Z Bar
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 5pm - 12am; Fri - Sat: 4pm - 1am
9. Joy District Chicago
This hip, lively rooftop bar serves American fare and cocktails in a rooftop space with lounge-style seating, foliage-covered walls and colourful murals. The rooftop bar of this multi-level drinking and dining establishment is ideal for weekend drinks and can be booked for private events and happy hour parties. They also have premium bottle service experiences and VIP reservations that offer an evening like no other.
Joy District Chicago
Address: 112 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
Website: Joy District Chicago
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 4pm - 12am; Sat - Sun: 1pm - 12am
10. The Laurel Room (Seasonal Rooftop)
This trendy and lively lounge features West Coast vibes, California-inspired cuisine, and unparalleled hospitality in River North. It has a covered rooftop area that’s open seasonally until mid-October. This establishment is located on the 8th floor and has a total of 78 seating spaces in the lounge, restaurant and bar. The seafood-centric menu includes tacos, ceviches, and oysters, and the extensive drinks menu includes agave-based drinks, homemade spritzes, yerba mai tais and margaritas.
The Laurel Room (Seasonal Rooftop)
Address: 640 N N LaSalle Dr 8th floor, Chicago, IL 60654
Website: The Laurel Room
Take your drinking experience to new heights
With epic views, chill vibes, and great drinks, you have a vacation for the books in River North. The above list of rooftop restaurants and bars in River North offers the best spots to see how the city looks from beneath your feet. Choose the most unique bar in Chicago and sip on refreshing cocktails while soaking up jaw-dropping sunsets.