5 Rooftop Lounges That Take Chicago Events to New Heights
By: Jen Brock, Director of Sales, Chicago
Sometimes, you’ve got to reach for the stars! One of Chicago’s many rooftop retreats can give your next event a leg up with sweeping views, exciting entertainment, and epic eats. Best of all, many of these top spots are open year-round. We’ve breezed through the Windy City to find the best Chicago rooftop lounges for corporate groups and buyouts.
#1. Aba
If you want to immerse your group in Mediterranean culture and flavor, look no further than Aba. Signature shareable dishes like smoky garlic hummus and whipped feta spread invite conversation while appealing to all palates. Their bar program includes fresh, seasonal cocktails and rare, Mediterranean-inspired wines classified by grape, region, and historical significance. There’s plenty of space to mix and mingle for larger groups, while family table seating is available for more intimate gatherings. The space embraces the elegance of the great outdoors with verdant potted plants and trees. The patio is covered during colder months so attendees can still enjoy this urban Eden.
- Guest Count: 6 to 500
- Cool Weather Friendly: Yes!
#2. Bar Avec
This River North rooftop is part of the prestigious, James Beard award-winning restaurant group, One Off Hospitality. The oceanic flavors of Spain and Portugal are sure to delight with seasonally-inspired plates crafted by Bar Avec’s highly talented executive chef and chef de cuisine. Your attendees will love gazing at Chicago’s gorgeous downtown skyline amidst quaint picnic tables and verdant plantings. The flexible spaces make hosting an array of event types a breeze, with full and semi-private buyout options available.
- Guest Count: 126 seated, 150 standing
- Cool Weather Friendly: No, open April – October.
#3. Offshore
This Navy Pier rooftop bar is truly the best of both worlds, offering infinitely Instagrammable views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline. Attendees can spread out and enjoy this Guinness World Record holding hotspot. Yep, Offshore is officially the world’s largest rooftop. Their world-class menu boasts savory shareables and surf-and-turf-inspired mains. If you’re planning a daytime event, they also serve a robust brunch, complete with bottomless mimosas and other classics.
- Guest Count: 15-275 for semi-private events, 350 seated, 750 cocktail style
- Cool Weather Friendly: Yes! Open year round.
#4. Lonesome Rose
The same team from Parson’s Chicken & Fish is behind this Logan Square hangout, which means fans can expect crowd-pleasing food and an epic patio scene. If you’re looking to add a little Tex-Mex spice to your next event, Lonesome Rose is the place to be. Amidst bright, Southern California vibes, your guests can dine on burritos, tacos, and southwest starters (don’t miss the fried chicken, an ode to the team’s specialty at Parson’s). Margaritas, including non-alcoholic versions, are also a must! Stop by and see why Chicagoans flock to this trendy rooftop patio as soon as it’s warm enough to do so.
- Guest Count: 8 to 100
- Cool Weather Friendly: No, open Mid-April – October.
#5. Utopian Tailgate
Bring out your attendee’s inner child at this quirky, playful Chicago rooftop bar in Old Town. Set against incredible city views, Utopian Tailgate offers elevated tailgate fare and fun with games and activities like super-sized Jenga, drinking games, and disco dance parties. It’s the perfect place to reenergize, unwind, and build camaraderie, especially after a long conference or in place of a dine-around.
- Guest Count: 20-150
- Cool Weather Friendly: As weather allows, but the indoor space is almost as good!
We hope you think this list is the tops! The popularity of sky-high bars and restaurants has soared in recent years, and with the amazing rooftop lounges in Chicago alone, it’s no surprise. Reach out to our Chi-Town team any time, and we can design a program that will help you shine like the star that you are!
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