Chicago summers are legendary, and nothing captures that energy quite like a rooftop bar with sweeping skyline views, a cold drink in hand, and the city buzzing below you. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’ve called Chicago home for years, the rooftop bar scene here genuinely delivers. Locals know which spots to hit depending on the vibe they’re after, and this guide shares the best of them. Here is a curated list of the best rooftop bars in Chicago, according to the locals who live there.
LH Rooftop at LondonHouse Chicago
Chicago’s only tri-level rooftop bar, LH Rooftop, sits atop LondonHouse Chicago and offers cuisine, cocktails, and city views across three distinct levels with an indoor lounge on the 21st floor, an open-air terrace on the 22nd floor, and an exclusive cupola on the 23rd floor. Located right by the Michigan Avenue bridge and the Chicago River, it draws a crowd of locals and visitors who come for the views and stay for the vibrant, lively atmosphere. Reservations are highly recommended. From Arlo Chicago, LH Rooftop is about a 5-minute rideshare or a 6-minute walk along the river.
Cindy’s
Locals consistently rank Cindy’s among their favorite rooftop bars in downtown Chicago, and it earns that reputation. Situated atop the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel on Michigan Avenue, Cindy’s overlooks Millennium Park and the lake with an effortless elegance that doesn’t feel stuffy. The menu leans seasonal and thoughtful, and the outdoor terrace fills up fast on warm evenings. Plan for about a 2-minute ride-share or a brisk 6-minute walk from Arlo Chicago.
Raised
Raised at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel brings a sleek, modern energy to the rooftop bar conversation. It sits above the Chicago River, and on a clear night, the reflections off the water make the whole experience feel a little surreal. The cocktail program is strong, the staff knows their stuff, and the crowd tends to be a mix of locals unwinding after work and visitors who did their research. Arlo Chicago guests can reach Raised in about four minutes by rideshare or a 5-minute walk along the river.
Celeste
Housed in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, Celeste spans four distinct levels: a Whiskey Bar, Deco Supper Club, Disco, and Garden. The fourth-floor Garden offers a year-round rooftop experience thanks to a retractable glass roof, with interiors decorated with floral-print Victorian furniture, tropical greenery, and vine-covered brick walls.
It’s a favorite among locals who want a rooftop that can flex from relaxed evening drinks to a full night out without ever changing venues. If you prefer a quieter experience, arriving before 11 pm keeps things more laid-back before the energy shifts toward a livelier club atmosphere. From Arlo Chicago, Celeste is about a 6-minute ride-share or a 16-minute walk through River North.
ROOF on theWit
ROOF on theWit offers a lively, high-energy rooftop experience right in the heart of downtown Chicago. Located atop the theWit Hotel, it’s known for its sweeping skyline views, strong DJ lineup, and a crowd that leans social and upbeat, especially on weekends. The space transitions seamlessly from daytime drinks to a full nightlife atmosphere, making it a go-to for locals who want a rooftop that feels like an event without leaving the Loop. From Arlo Chicago, expect about a 3-minute ride-share or a 5-minute walk northeast.
IO Godfrey Rooftop
IO Godfrey at the Godfrey Hotel on West Huron Street brings a social, high-energy atmosphere that locals embrace from the first warm weekend of spring straight through fall. The expansive outdoor space accommodates a crowd without ever feeling chaotic, and the drinks menu keeps pace with the energy. It’s particularly popular during Chicago’s festival season when the city is at its most alive. Arlo Chicago guests can walk there in about 23 minutes or grab a quick 8-minute rideshare.
Offshore
When locals want sheer scale combined with great views, they head to Offshore at Navy Pier. This massive rooftop venue stretches along the pier with panoramic lake views that are genuinely hard to top. It’s lively, open-air, and operates as both a bar and a casual dining destination. The Navy Pier location means it draws a mixed crowd of residents and visitors, all there for the same reason: the view is worth it. From Arlo Chicago, Offshore is about eight to ten minutes by rideshare.
Plan Your Stay
Chicago’s rooftop bar scene rewards those who explore it, and with so many excellent options just minutes away, your evenings here can be as memorable as your days.
Book your stay at Arlo Chicago and step out each night into one of the best rooftop cities in the country.
