Rooftop Venues in Chicago captivate Chicago party planners for a good reason. As the old joke goes, “Chicago has two seasons: winter and construction.” It’s less funny if you actually live here. However, what the adage overlooks is the glory of a Chicago summer.
Rooftops in Chicago are legendary, and our riverwalk and lakefront spring to life with optimistic city-dwellers eager to celebrate the temperature edging above 50-degrees and the sun reliably shining.
We understand that festive feeling, and we’ve got your answer to the question of where to host your chic summer celebration — behold, our list of the best rooftops venues in Chicago. Whether its’ a milestone birthday party, a corporate event, or rooftop wedding Chicago-style, we’ve got the perfect spot for you (and some of them even offer retractable roofs for year-round hosting). Read on for the best views, the best cuisine, and the best places to party above it all.
*In no particular order…
LAKEVIEW
For the unbeatable backdrop of Wrigley Field paired with reliably-great fare…
- American Airlines Conference Center offers a hyper-local entertaining option in the shadow of Wrigley Field and across the street from Hotel Zachary (perfect for visiting attendees and guests)
- The venue’s Second Floor Outdoor Terrace is a flexible space off of the Home Plate Room, and offers the opportunity to be part of the thriving scene in Wrigleyville
- We appreciate that the space offers a range of catering options from Levy Restaurant group, as well as from the amazing on-site restaurants — meaning that your menu will be just as memorable as the cool locale
- American Airlines Conference Center features four events spaces that can be combined for varied types of events, accommodating from 50 to 190 guests
- Perfect for pre- or post-game cocktail parties, corporate networking or summer gatherings, and milestone birthday parties
LINCOLN PARK/OLD TOWN
For a lighthearted spot that’s big on fun and interaction…
- Utopian Tailgate, a rooftop space well-located in the Lincoln Park area, has been described as “a playground for adults”
- The Utopian team draws rave reviews for their attentive service and friendliness
- Utopian Tailgate‘s tailgate theming, including games and party-perfect drinks, creates a vibrant celebratory atmosphere
- The rooftop spot offers private and semi-private spaces with indoor and outdoor options that can accommodate up to 175 guests for every type of celebration
For an expansive view without weather or wind worries…
- The J. Parker sits atop The Hotel Lincoln situated in near Lincoln Park (perfect for a reception after a park wedding) & North Avenue Beach
- We are wowed by The J. Parker’s spectacular, unobstructed water and Chicago skyline views, as well as its fully-retractable glass atrium — perfectly positioning the beautiful space for year-round gatherings
- The spot draws raves for its wonderful staff and ability to work within budget to produce beautiful celebrations as well as its seasonal cuisine and specialty cocktails
- The J. Parker can accommodate groups up to 225 guests
- Perfect for weddings, corporate events, cocktail parties, and birthday celebrations
For a close-to-home setting with casual charm…
- Joe’s on Weed St. is a warehouse-style venue that hosts popular concerts as well as private celebrations
- We appreciate how The Rooftop space features an easy-to-access bar, festive string lighting, and space heaters as needed for the fickle Chicago weather
- Sports and music-lovers alike enjoy this spot, conveniently located in Lincoln Park with a wide range of approachable fare
- Joe’s on Weed St. has five private party spaces, each with a different vibe, and can accommodate groups of varying sizes with up to 800 guests
- Perfect for company gatherings, birthday parties, and wedding welcome parties
WICKER PARK
For a hip, eclectic space that brings Art Deco-style to the high speed, 21st century…
- The Robey Chicago soars in Art Deco glory above the intersections of Damen, Milwaukee and North Avenues and features hip, eclectic furnishings that bring out the inner artist in us all
- Cabana Club is rooftop pool and bar with full a/v capacities and hip décor that inspires innovation and creativity
- We appreciate how The Robey Chicago offers a variety of indoor and outdoor expenses — making this unique hotel the perfect year-round venue…even during the blustery winter months
- Perfect for baby showers, intimate gatherings, cocktail hours, corporate parties, and milestone birthdays
For river views like you’ve never seen before…
- LondonHouse Chicago is a full-service, luxury lifestyle hotel perfectly located at the intersection of Chicago’s thorough-fares Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive
- LH Tri-Level Rooftop features multiple spaces with a rooftop bar, north and south spaces, and an intimate cupola spot — all boasting astounding river and skyscraper views
- With more than a dozen event spaces to choose from, LondonHouse Chicago offers a wonderful variety for gatherings of all kinds
- Perfect for weddings, company gatherings, networking events, galas, and Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations
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WEST TOWN
For a cozy, secret rooftop spot…
- Homestead On The Roof is a hidden gem with a natural style that’s perfect for special gatherings
- The spot features an indoor space as well as the Homestead Rooftop which offers lush gardens, dreamy string lights, and charming brick elements
- Hosts love the phenomenal service and delectable food as well as how seamlessly every little detail is handled
- See how this vibrant summer wedding made use of the sunny space as a backdrop for warm-weather nuptials
- Perfect for weddings, rehearsal dinners, baby and wedding showers, milestone birthday gatherings, and more, the rooftop space can accommodate up to 120 guests
GOLD COAST
For poolside glamour and sweeping views of Chicago’s Gold Coast…
- On the 18th floor of Viceroy Chicago, Devereaux from Boka Restaurant Group offers an intimate spot with small plates by Chef Lee Wolen
- A Full Buyout at Devereaux offers access to its impossibly chic indoor space, filled with swanky cream décor and mixed metals, as well as its poolside roofdeck
- Devereaux can accommodate groups up to 150 guests
- Perfect for cocktail parties, wedding welcome parties, bachelorette parties, and birthday dinners
STREETERVILLE
For a big celebration on America’s largest rooftop bar…
- Offshore Rooftop & Bar, the nation’s largest rooftop bar, is well-located in the heart of the city and right on the lake on Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier
- We love how this space offers both panoramic views as well as a weather-safe solution for the city’s fickle seasons
- See how this pop art-themed 50th birthday party decked out the space with bright hues and dramatic lighting for an epic celebration that ended with fireworks against the city skyline
- The space is perfect for epic celebrations, from weddings and Bar and Bat Mitzvah parties to milestone birthdays and corporate events for up to 750 guests
For a lush rooftop space that offers Gold Coast luxury in one of Chicago’s most renowned hotels…
- The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago reinvents luxury in Gold Coast Chicago with state-of-the-art equipment, five-star amenities, and opulent architectural details
- The Rooftop at Torali combines modern and rustic elements for a cozy (yet sophisticated) soirée where guests can savor craft cocktails and small bites
- We appreciate how this rooftop space evokes a secret garden vibe with a rustic wooden canopy and lush floral arrangements for much-needed escape from bustling city life
- The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago boasts seven events spaces that include an awe-inspiring ballroom with unique architectural details and greenhouse-style café with accommodations for up to 150 guests
- Perfect for summer weddings in Chicago, cocktail hours, milestone birthdays, and baby showers
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RIVER NORTH
For vibrant Peruvian fare under the city sky or retractable awning…
- The Rooftop Terrace at Tanta Cucina Peruana offers swanky city style, a skylight island, and a retractable awning for guest comfort (as well as additional indoor space in case of inclement weather)
- The sunny spot features the flavorful Peruvian cuisine that Tanta has become known for, with fresh ceviches, empanadas, and more served up alongside creative cocktails
- Party hosts love the friendly service and unique menu
- See how this glamorous pink wedding focused on the fantastic fare with its memorable menu
- The Rooftop Terrace at Tanta Cucina Peruana is perfect for milestone birthday celebrations, corporate dinners, anniversary parties, and more for up to 120 of your family and friends
For a reliably-amazing meal in a stunning space with a view…
- Gibsons Italia is a modern Italian steakhouse that follows in the grand traditions of both Chicago’s iconic Gibsons Bar and Steakhouse, and offers customizable menus for events and celebrations
- The Rooftop provides panoramic views of the riverfront and skyline and offers a retractable roof — meaning a built-in rain plan and usage past the summer season — as well as a dedicated event staff
- Gibsons Italia offers three options for events: The Rooftop, The Boardroom for intimate gatherings, and full-buyout for up to 750 guests
- Perfect for milestone birthday, rehearsal dinners, wedding welcoming parties, and corporate dinners and networking events
For a lush garden paradise amidst an urban atmosphere…
- Celeste is a unique spot in Chicago, offering four floors of experiences, with the entire décor, vibe, and speciality changing with every flight of stairs
- This lush Rooftop Garden is a standout in our list as it features a clear, plexi-glass enclosed roof — meaning guests will remain comfortable year-round, while also enjoying an additional, intimate fully-outdoor section
- With four spaces, Celeste offers disco, deco, and pub theming to choose from, accommodating up to a maximum of 130 guests
- Perfect for cocktail parties (note their innovative cocktail program), birthday dinners, weddings, and wedding welcome parties
For large gatherings against Chicago’s skyline that won’t ever feel crowded…
- Well-located in the bustling River North neighborhood, I|O Godfrey, offers a boutique experience in a modern, well-appointed space
- I|O Godfrey is a massive 4th-floor space boasting 10,000 square feet of gathering space that includes a fire pit, a water feature, a video wall, and a retractable roof — meaning that it offers indoor and outdoor space — the feature it is aptly named for
- The Godfrey Hotel Chicago has two event spaces including I|O which accommodates up to 795 guests; the other is meant for intimate gatherings up to 40
- Perfect for corporate events, wedding welcome parties, and large milestone celebrations
For a sophisticated rooftop space that makes glamour look laid back and relaxing (and fur babies are welcome)…
- The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Chicago puts Chicago on the map as a destination spot for luxury and sophistication with state-of-the-art amenities, glamorous Art Deco architecture, and historic details
- Upstairs at The Gwen Terrace turns a cocktail hour or social celebration into a memorable experience with cozy firepits, sleek furnishings, and vibrant city views that turn into a jeweled dreamscape coming evening
- We appreciate how this outdoor space creates a laid back (yet elevated) retreat high above the bustle of the city where guests can indulge in artfully crafted cocktails and delicious shared bites
- The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel offers multiple event spaces for events, including two luxe ballrooms with accommodations for up to 200 seated guests
- Perfect for cocktail hours, milestone birthday parties, corporate gatherings, and intimate dinner parties
For a luxury rooftop experience where East meets West…
- The Peninsula Chicago is a world-renowned, five-star luxury hotel with architecture inspired by their flagship hotel property in Hong Kong and boasts unique details such as a two-story sky lobby and an entrance marked by Chinese marble lions
- Z Bar at The Peninsula Chicago is a world-famous rooftop bar with sleek furnishings, hand-crafted cocktails, and dazzling views of the iconic Magnificent Mile
- We appreciate how this luxe hotel also offers guests an opportunity to indulge in the unique cultural activities that Chicago has to offer, with their exclusive Peninsula Academy programs
- Event spaces include The Spa where guests can indulge in treatment and fitness activities (perfect for corporate events), a variety of opulent ballrooms, and three premier restaurants that include Z Bar with a capacity for intimate events for a full-restaurant buyout
- Perfect for cocktail parties, social celebrations, and intimate dinner parties with close friends and family
For a trendy, outdoor terrace garden space with an adjacent herb garden and dramatic skyscraper views…
- Park Hyatt Chicago, located on Chicago’s glamorous Magnificent Mile, features multiple sophisticated event spaces, elevated cuisine, and gorgeous artwork that offers one remarkable photo op after another
- Nomi Garden at Park Hyatt Chicago features a chic lounge area, luxe restaurant, and rooftop bar and garden with breathtaking views and trendy atmosphere
- We appreciate how this rooftop space has its own menu where guests can indulge in hand-crafted cocktails, extravagant seafood towers, and so much more
- Park Hyatt Chicago features six event spaces, including a grand salon ballroom, art gallery, drawing room for intimate and more vibrant celebrations
- Perfect for weddings, corporate events, cocktail parties, dinner parties, and other social milestone celebrations
For stunning river and bridge views amidst lush greenery…
- Chicago’s East Bank Club is mainstay of the fitness and overall health scene, with its two-city-blocks of premier health club facilities and amenities — but the spot also boast great spaces for events
- Its Sun Deck features 60,000 square feet of landscaped outdoor space, four stories high with river and city views that stun
- We love how the Sun Deck has multiple spaces so that your event can move from cocktails to dinner against the skyline, nestled in the spot’s beautiful greenery
- East Bank Club plays host to six events spaces for chic indoor and outdoor events for up to 1,000 guests
- Perfect for weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations, kids birthday parties and summer corporate gatherings
For a stunning space dedicated to memorable events and weddings…
- Chicago Winery is an urban winery in a historic space perfectly placed in the heart of the city
- Event hosts especially appreciate this venue’s helpful coordinators and broad portfolio of wines
- The winery’s All Season Outdoor Terrace boasts more than 2,000 square feet of dedicated event space and is available to book in combination with their chic indoor space
- The terrace features lush greenery, chic string lighting, flexible seating, and delectable in-house catering
- Chicago Winery can accommodate weddings, birthday gatherings, corporate events, and more for up to 350 guests
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DOWNTOWN/LOOP
For lovers of beauty and art, nestled in the beating heart of the city’s skyscrapers…
- The Art Institute of Chicago is an iconic space featuring even more iconic art — the perfect spot for Chicagoans who appreciate history and beauty all in one place
- Located on the third floor of the museum’s modern wing, Bluhm Family Terrace offers sweeping views of the city’s skyline and Millennium Park
- We can’t get enough of the glassed-in space and its expansive feel that requires little in the way of adornment for a luxe affair
- Perfect for weddings, summer corporate gatherings, and milestone celebrations
For modern design in a historic spot boasting lake and city views…
- The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel is a centrally-located, historic space that boasts a variety of city experiences, from couture cocktails to a luxe game room
- Located on the 13th floor of the hotel, Cindy’s Rooftop features a private dining room with a fireplace and an open-air terrace overlooking Chicago icons like Cloud Gate and The Art Institute, as well as the lake
- We love the rooftop’s mix of indoor and outdoor spaces and views that show the best Chicago has to offer
- With eight event spaces to choose from, The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel offers variety with its architecturally-interesting ballrooms, luxurious game room, and more
- Perfect for wedding welcome parties, bridal and baby showers, company cocktails, and dinners of all kinds
For river views in hip, eclectic setting…
- Raised | An Urban Rooftop Bar is a year-round space boasting an industrial, eclectic vibe that’s hard to find in a rooftop space
- Urban’s Outdoor Patio/Terrace is an indoor and outdoor bar with an open roof deck featuring sweeping views of the Chicago River and Chicago’s sparkling skyline
- Raised | An Urban Rooftop Bar offers three event spaces and can accommodate up to 175 guests in its largest space
- Perfect for wedding rehearsal dinners, birthdays, small wedding receptions and corporate gatherings, proposals, anniversaries, and graduation parties
For a choice between modern rooftop spaces with stunning views…
- VU Rooftop Bar boasts not one, but two, stunning rooftop spaces along with five more chic event spaces that occupy a full city block
- We love this venue’s modern vibe, private bars, and alfresco spaces with comforts like fire pits and clear wind-blocking glass that doesn’t stand in the way of the epic views
- VU’s unique beverage program is locally-driven and features fresh ingredients to wow your guests
- Both the West Terrace and East Terrace boast beautiful views and are connected to sleek indoor spaces
- Each terrace can accommodate up to 60 guests for birthday parties, corporate cocktails, and more; VU Rooftop Bar features a total of seven spaces for up to 500 guests
For Pendry service and style, 24 stories up…
- Pendry Chicago is a luxurious Chicago Loop hotel set in the stunning Art Deco Carbide & Carbon Building; the space pairs the glamour of the 20s with modern amenities and all-new interiors
- The hotel’s Chateau Carbide rooftop terrace features 3,000+ square feet of combined indoor and outdoor space 24 floors up, which makes for stunning skyline views amid a lush environment
- See how PartySlate’s very own chic summer soirée utilized the terrace and worked with the Pendry team for an effortless corporate cocktail event on the terrace
- Chateau Carbide can host up to 150 guests; Pendry Chicago offers six additional spaces for a weekend-long celebration that never uses the same spot twice
For a chic wrap-around with a fun vibe and on-trend details…
- Virgin Hotel Chicago is bold, modern, and full of fun details that make it perfect for celebrating life’s biggest milestones
- The hotel’s Cerise Rooftop is a unique, party-perfect space that winds around two corners of the historic building
- The rooftop is outfitted with on-trend décor, the perfect perch from which you and your guests can enjoy stunning skyline views, curated cocktails, and a festive environment
- Virgin Hotel Chicago offers four event spaces of which Cerise Rooftop is the largest with the ability to accommodate up to 250 of your friends and family for any kind of dinner, cocktails, or milestone party
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WEST LOOP/FULTON MARKET
For a multi-level space that offers the opportunity for a roving celebration…
- Morgan’s on Fulton, located in Chicago’s historic Fulton Market District, features a historic facade paired with modern party-perfect amenities
- The Rooftop & Penthouse offers the best of both worlds with space that flows in an out of doors, including a sleek indoor bar and lush boxes of greenery offering additional ambiance
- Morgan’s on Fulton offers four event spaces, from two studios and a gallery to the rooftop and penthouse, accommodating up to 250 guests
- Perfect for weddings, corporate events, and milestone celebrations
For artistically-plated Mediterranean cuisine in a lush garden space in the heart of the city…
- Aba, meaning ‘father’ in Hebrew, delights guests with artistically presented, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, wine, and spirits — while also satisfying the visual sense with sophisticated décor and dynamic city views
- The rooftop patio at Aba offers a spacious event space that’s perfect for mingling and relaxing over cocktails and small bites; guests love the elegant and comfortable lounge furnishings and cozy fire pits
- We appreciate the thought and artistry that goes into the stunning cuisine — as well as the patio’s lush foliage that turns the bustling Fulton Market District into a tranquil garden oasis
- Perfect for employee outings, cocktail hours, and milestone celebrations
For a West Loop spot that offers a beautifully customizable space…
- Loft Lucia, conveniently located in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, offers a lofted raw space rich in detail like wood floors, exposed brick, luxe marble bars, and a commercial kitchen
- The Outdoor Patio space is adjacent to the Top Floor space, allowing guests to flow seamlessly in an out of doors, and also allows for a backup rain plan
- We love how easy this team makes planning an event, with really beautiful rentals and bars included and a BYOB policy
- Loft Lucia has three event spaces and can accommodate 35 to 190 guests
- Perfect for weddings, luncheons and dinner parties, birthday gatherings, and corporate events
For lovers of beauty, art, and a cityscape view…
- Ignite Glass Studios is a working glass studio as well as an industrial loft event space with doors that open to an urban garden
- The Studios’ sprawling Rooftop Deck features dramatic skyline views and chic wood slat flooring
- Ignite Glass Studios is host to three event spaces and can accommodate up to 400 guests
- Perfect for weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations, milestone birthdays, cocktail parties, and corporate events
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PILSEN
For sports fans who also adore astounding city views…
- National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame is perfectly located in the heart of Chicago’s Little Italy neighborhood
- Located at the top floor of the museum, the Rooftop Terrace is the perfect spot for gathering intimate groups up to 100 against the backdrop of its sprawling city view — nights are particularly impressive — for intimate events up to 100
- National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame boast three event spaces to choose from, including a Grand Piazza and an exhibit space, accommodating up to 300 guests
- Perfect for weddings, cocktail parties, milestone celebrations, and all kinds of corporate events
For 5,000 square feet of open space, hand-crafted details, and charming café lighting…
- Lacuna Events by LM Gallery, situated in the artsy Pilsen neighbourhood, makes its home in a historic 1897 building that once housed the world’s largest macaroni factory — and still features original vintage building materials
- Skydeck offers an outdoor rooftop ceremony or cocktail hour space with lattice-trellis work, café lighting, and hand-crafted bench seating for a charming event space that accommodates any aesthetic — making it one of our favorite wedding venues in Chicago
- We appreciate how how this unique event space offers catering services by their in-house caterer LM Catering & Events who builds custom menus using fresh, seasonal ingredients
- Lacuna Events by LM Gallery offers three event spaces: The Reverie Gallery, Blank Cavas Gallery, and Skydeck that can accommodate up to 150 seated guests
- Perfect for weddings, summer cocktail hours, and networking events that require an open floor plan
HYDE PARK
32. Rooftop Terrace at The Penthouse Hyde Park
For a bird’s eye view of downtown Chicago from a historic hotel rooftop…
- The Penthouse Hyde Park, situated in the historic Hyde Park neighborhood, rests above the former Piccadilly Hotel and boasts a modern Art Deco design that pairs contemporary amenities with vintage grandeur
- The rooftop terrace wows with expansive views of Lake Michigan, greenery, and the downtown Chicago skyline
- We appreciate how this opulent venue also offers a two-story VIP Suite (included in all ballroom reservations) for offsite meetings, small social gatherings, or pre-wedding suite
- The Penthouse Hyde Park features the sweeping rooftop terrace, VIP Suite, a magnificent ballrooms space with 20′ arched windows that accommodates up to 200 guests
- Perfect for weddings, gala, fundraisers, Bar and Bat Mitzvah parties, and corporate or social events
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STORYBOOK WEDDINGS & EVENTS
Storybook Weddings & Events tailors their planning process to each individual couple, ensuring every wedding is a one-of-a-kind and personalized celebration. photography: Laura Ann Miller Photography