Raise the Roof
Considering the stifling winter we all have to endure each year, Chicagoans are ravenous about their al fresco dining and drinking opportunities. From sidewalk patios to courtyards, there’s no shortage of outdoor dining to be had throughout the city, but in order to find a truly stunning experience, you’ll have to look up. Rooftop bars are absolute treasures, offering sprawling views with quenching cocktails and snackable plates. Here are a few to check out this year.
For chic and sceney with a side of greenery, try Kensington, the rooftop garden nestled above Parliament nightclub. The space looks like an English tea garden, albeit one with a vista of the Chicago skyline. And snacks from Mercadito Counter. And popsicles. Accessible through a private alley entrance or through Parliament via a glass elevator, Kensington has room for 150, including private seating areas. For drinks, Kensington offers a reserve menu, punch bowls, seasonal mules, mojitos, and more. Then there’s those cocktail popsicles, available in Piña Colada flavor or melon margarita.
One surprising newcomer to the rooftop scene this year comes by way of GRK Greek Kitchen, the fast-casual outlet with a few locations downtown. What sets this casual Greek spot apart from the rest is its new second-floor GRK BAR. Located near the Willis Tower and the rest of the financial district, GRK BAR is conveniently poised to lap up that after-work happy hour crowd, what with wine, craft beers, and cocktails. The space is rustic and inviting, accessed through a garage door with views of the El and refurbished Midwestern factory lighting, brick walls, and wood. Later this season, GRK BAR will add a small chef-driven menu with bar bites, salads, and other plates.
Another new rooftop space to peruse has landed atop the new Virgin Hotel in the Loop. Cerise, which means “cherry red” in French, is an alluring new bar on the 26th floor boasts views on three sides of the building, complete with two bars and a food menu inspired by Japanese izakayas. Drink-wise, get thirsty for summery quaffs like the Beach Betty made with rum, Giffard creme de banane, lime, grenadine, and coconut; and the Sakura Fizz with vodka, Bunny sparkling sake, Sakura syrup, lemon, and soda.
Kensington
324 W. Chicago Avenue, Chicago
(312) 380-0004
Website
GRK BAR
400 S. Wells Street, Chicago
(312) 955-0932
Website
Cerise
203 N. Wabash Avenue
(312) 940-4774
Website