Rooftop bar season is year-round in Chicago. These seasonal spaces are the perfect place to cure your cabin fever with a healthy dose of the outdoors. Sip festive cocktails, roast marshmallows over the fire, or even work up a sweat with a curling match. Just make sure to get a reservation before the weather warms up.
Winter Wonderland at I/O Godfrey
Photo by Kailley Lindman
I|O Godfrey, the year-round rooftop bar atop The Godfrey Hotel, has launched its annual Winter Wonderland. The ultra-festive space features their popular heated igloos, where guests can stay cozy no matter the weather. Groups of up to six people can roast s’mores over the fire pits, order hot craft cocktails, and enjoy sweeping city view. Reserve your igloo today.
Curling & Cocktails at The Gwen
The Gwen’s winter terrace is back. The fifth-floor rooftop features an iceless curling rink, where guests can play for up to 45 minutes while enjoying a signature curling cocktail. The rooftop terrace is also decked out with fire pits, where diners can cozy up and enjoy Upstairs at The Gwen’s full food and drink menu. Make your curling reservations.
Joy District
This River North hot spot is offering a cool and cozy rooftop retreat this winter. Grab a high top table under the tented and socially distanced bar area, filled with holiday decor and space heaters. Or make a reservation for the festive Lodge or one of the private Igloos, where you can enjoy seasonal cocktails and snacks. Contact Joy District directly to make a reservation.
The Kennedy
A popular rooftop spot in Wicker Park, The Kennedy offers a variety of ways to stay warm this winter. Cozy up by a firepit while soaking in the panoramic views of the city skyline. Or order bottle service from your private covered igloo that will protect you from the elements. There’s also a socially distant curling experience if you’re looking to try your hand at the popular winter sport.
Whiskey Business
The popular winter rooftop at Whiskey Business is back. The Wicker Park bar features an outdoor curling rink, where bar-goers can test their skills at the winter sport while enjoying an array of seasonal cocktails. Or warm up inside one of the heated, ski chalets houses decked out with holiday decor and faux fireplaces. Reserve your spot now.
Offshore Rooftop & Bar
Photo by Heidi Harris
Located on Navy Pier, Offshore is the largest rooftop bar in the world. The all-seasons, all-weather space offers stunning views of the surrounding water and skyline, often dusted with snow in the wintertime. Grab a spot in the glass atrium or on the outdoor terrace near one of the cozy firepits. Make your reservation.
J Parker
The J. Parker, the all-seasons rooftop atop Hotel Lincoln, offers sweeping views of a frosty Lincoln Park Zoo and Lake Michigan. Their outdoor seating now features a glass retractable roof and floor-to-ceiling windows. If you’re looking for wintery cocktails, their seasonal selection include a variety of hot toddies, hot mulled wines, and ciders.