Located in downtown Chicago, the West Loop is an area along the western bank of the Chicago River that is well-known for its burgeoning restaurant, bar, and market scene. It was formerly an industrialised area, with many warehouses, factories and wholesale markets lining it. But it has now transformed into one of Chicago’s most hip-and-happening nightlife wining and dining spots. Live music venues, bars, pubs, high-end boutiques, local food joints, and fine dining restaurants rub shoulders with each other here. And jostling for space here are the area’s numerous rooftops bars. Besides speciality cocktails, craft beer, and small plates, the main draw of these rooftop bars is their city skyline views and eclectic vibe. Perfect for after-work drinks, cocktails with friends, or late-night libations, take a look at our suggestions for the best rooftop bars in West Loop, Chicago.
1. Ballast Point Brewing Chicago
Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed
From the rooftop tasting room and patio of Ballast Point Brewing Chicago, drink up gorgeous views of Chicago’s urban skyline while sipping on one of their craft beers. At this amazing brewpub, experience a casual and lively atmosphere that is perfect to sample their more than 40 beers on tap, speciality brews, and a yummy blend of California-meets-Chicago cuisine. You can take advantage of their daily specials like ‘Beers & Bites’, 'Wing Wednesday’, 'Burger Monday’, etc.
Ballast Point Brewing Chicago
Address: 212 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
Website: Ballast Point Brewing Chicago
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 12pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm
2. Aba
Tuck into some tasty Mediterranean grub on the chic rooftop patio of Aba that is conveniently located in Chicago’s Fulton Market District in the West Loop. Besides serving dishes inspired by the various countries of the Mediterranean region, the resto-bar also offers rare Mediterranean-inspired spirits and wines. The inviting and tastefully done-up rooftop settings of this bar are ideal for a relaxed brunch, evening cocktails, and shareable plates or a romantic dinner.
Aba
Address: 302 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
Website: Aba
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 4pm - 12am; Sat: 10am - 1am; Sun: 10am - 10pm
3. Waydown Rooftop Bar and Lounge
Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed
Located on the roof of Ace Hotel Chicago, Waydown Rooftop Bar and Lounge is a contemporary and trendy space to hang out with friends, colleagues, or go on a date. This bar and lounge offers superb Chicago skyline and downtown views, well-made classic drinks, and live music. Tuck into scrumptious bar snacks paired with delicious cocktails like Mr. Sunshine, Smoking Gun, or go for the Ace Old Fashioned. Drop by for their Happy Hour or Six Dollar Mondays to have a good time on a budget!
Waydown Rooftop Bar and Lounge
Address: 311 N Morgan St 7th floor, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
Website: Waydown Rooftop Bar and Lounge
Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 4pm - 1am; Thu - Sat: 4pm - 2am
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Nearby rooftop bars
4. AIRE Rooftop Bar
Located on the roof of the Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago hotel, AIRE Rooftop Bar offers breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline with a side of chic ambience and interesting decor elements. Perfect for a post-work cocktail or late night drinks, this rooftop bar has quite a selection of wines and craft cocktails on offer. Small plates for sharing make superb accompaniments to yummy cocktails for a night of socialising with friends or colleagues. The bar re-opens in May for the season.
AIRE Rooftop Bar
Address: 100 W Monroe St #1602, Chicago, IL 60603, United States
Website: AIRE Rooftop Bar
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 3pm - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 3pm - 12am (closed on Sun)
5. Cindy's
Situated on the roof of the Chicago Athletic Association hotel is the trendy and hip rooftop bar called Cindy’s. Resembling a beach house of the Great Lakes region, Cindy’s is a full-service restaurant and open-air terrace bar that offers not just award-winning cocktails but stupendous views of Chicago’s landmarks like The Art Institute, Millenium Park, Lake Michigan, and beyond! The bar has fire pits in the winter so that you can continue enjoying the outside views while sipping on tasty libations. Besides carefully crafted drinks, the bar also serves lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.
Cindy's
Address: 12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, United States
Website: Cindy’s
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 1am; Sat: 10am - 2am; Sun: 10am - 12am
6. RAISED | An Urban Rooftop Bar
On the roof of Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel is West Loop’s hidden gem - RAISED | An Urban Rooftop Bar. The bar has an urban and industrial design that is interesting yet welcoming. Besides an open roof deck, it also has an outdoor-indoor bar and private outdoor areas that afford Instagram-worthy views of downtown Chicago River. Open in summer and winter, this rooftop gem serves a wide variety of cocktails, craft beer, and wines along with shareable plates of American bar food.
RAISED | An Urban Rooftop Bar
Address: 1 W Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
Website: RAISED | An Urban Rooftop Bar
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 12am; Fri - Sat: 2pm - 12am (closed on Sun)
7. Cerise Rooftop
Situated on the 26th floor of Virgin Hotels Chicago is the amazing Cerise Rooftop bar. Overlooking the Chicago cityscape, you can experience the best live music, dancing, craft cocktails, wines, beers, spirits, and delicious culinary creations at this rooftop space. A unique offering at Cerise Rooftop is the ‘Heated Dome Experience’ where you and your party sit inside a heated dome while you sip on tasty drinks and nosh on tasty grub that will make you feel like you are vacationing in a tropical paradise!
Cerise Rooftop
Address: 203 N Wabash Ave 26th floor, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
Website: Cerise Rooftop
Opening hours: Thu: 5pm - 12:30am; Fri: 5pm - 1:30am; Sat: 5pm - 2:30am (closed from Sun - Wed)
8. Plymouth Restaurant & Rooftop Bar
Enjoy scrumptious food and delicious drinks on a rooftop deck in the middle of the Loop in Chicago at Plymouth Restaurant & Rooftop Bar. The restaurant’s rooftop bar has lovely views of the Harold Washington Library Center and the city of Chicago. Thanks to removable enclosures and outdoor heating, the rooftop bar and grill stays open all year round. A full menu and bar along with daily specials make this a perfect venue for after-work drinks or a casual dinner with friends.
Plymouth Restaurant & Rooftop Bar
Address: 327 S Plymouth Ct, Chicago, IL 60604, United States
Website: Plymouth Restaurant & Rooftop Bar
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 4pm - 12am; Thu - Fri: 2pm - 12am; Sat: 3pm - 12am (closed on Sun)
9. London House Rooftop Bar
On the 22nd floor of the London House Chicago hotel is London House Rooftop Bar. It has an indoor-outdoor space with gorgeous Lake Michigan, Magnificent Mile, and Chicago River views. The bar serves creative and classic cocktails along with new-age American cuisine in the form of light bites and appetisers. The outdoor terrace is highly recommended to watch the sun set over the city of Chicago.
London House Rooftop Bar
Address: 85 East Wacker Drive At, N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
Website: London House Rooftop Bar
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 12am; Sat - Sun: 10am - 12am
10. Boleo
At this lounge-style rooftop bar, travel straight to South America with lively music, irresistible food, and free-flowing drinks. And the bonus is that its location 15 floors above The Kimpton Gray Hotel provides amazing views of the city. Enjoy Argentinian and Peruvian street food alongside great cocktails, spirits, beer, and wines. Their seasonal Pisco creations and a large-format punch bowl are must-try drinks here.
Boleo
Address: 122 W Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603, United States
Website: Boleo
Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 4:30pm - 12am; Fri: 4:30pm - 1am; Sat: 5:30pm - 1am (closed from Sun - Tue)
Raise the roof in West Loop, Chicago
The rooftop bar trend is a growing one in Chicago and thanks to the amazing number of highrises in the city, rooftop bars springing up left, right, and centre here! And nowhere does is this trend more evident than in the West Loop area of Chicago. To have the best time here, remember to consult our list of the best rooftop bars in West Loop, Chicago.