What better way to take your dining experience to the next level than taking in grand skyline views in the city that invented the skyscraper?
Indulge in Chicago’s finest cuisine while admiring the city from a new perspective you don’t see daily.
From upscale rooftop restaurants to chill lounges, Chicago has a lot of options to cater to everyone’s mood.
With that said, here are the 10 best rooftop restaurants in Chicago for a filling rooftop dining experience!
1. LH Rooftop
LH Rooftop is the talk of the town when it comes to rooftop restaurants and rooftop bars in Chicago. This stylish and chic tri-level spot will give you the best view of the Chicago skyline.
Whether you’re looking to impress a date or a fancy get-together with a friend, LH Rooftop is a memorable dining experience you won’t forget.
Do you want to be in two places at the same time? LH Rooftop’s Loco Moco will bring you to Hawaii with its authentic flavor while you admire the stunning views of Chicago!
The runny yolk sitting on top of the rice will remind you of Hawaii’s sunsets.
The King Crab Benedict in this spot is wonderful on all levels. It is loaded with fresh crab meat, and the hollandaise sauce makes this dish god-tier. The bread it comes with is soft and easy to chew.
What to order: Loco Moco – “Hawaiian Grinds,” King Crab Benedict, LH Classic Burger
Address: 85 E Wacker Dr 22nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60601
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2. Cindy’s Rooftop
Cindy’s Rooftop is a must-visit rooftop restaurant in Chicago that offers a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan and Millenium Park.
The place boasts a hip and eclectic atmosphere, perfect for a night out with friends. Cindy’s is where you want to be if you’re looking for an unforgettable rooftop dining experience.
Cindy’s Rooftop Oysters on the Half Shell are the freshest oysters you can taste while you’re high up in the sky. These oysters taste crazily good; you wish you could finish the whole platter on your own.
Cindy’s Sweet Potato Rigatoni is so lush that the thought of not being able to cook it at home will make you sad. The sweet potato particularly elevates the dish, completing the flavor profile.
What to order: Oysters on the Half Shell, Sweet Potato Rigatoni
Address: 12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
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3. VU Rooftop Bar
A hidden gem situated in the South Loop of Chicago, VU Rooftop Bar sets a new standard for rooftop dining with their delectable selections of New American fare.
The modern and stylish decor complements the city’s stunning views you can see from the huge floor-to-ceiling windows. If you want to take eating and hanging out with friends to another level, VU Rooftop Bar is your best bet.
Sausage, provolone, and giardiniera peppers fused into a delicious Omelet, VU Rooftop Bar’s South Loop Omelet will have you wishing you could have breakfast here every day. The egg’s fluffiness is unlike any place you’ve ever been to.
Did we mention VU is home to one of the best Chicken Thighs in town? Tender and well-seasoned, this chicken has the perfect kick to wake your taste buds up. It has just the right amount of crunch that is a delight to hear when you take a bite.
What to order: South Loop Omelet, Chicken Thighs
Address: 133 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
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4. WoodWind
WoodWind is easily everyone’s favorite rooftop restaurant in the city. Offering a beautiful view of the sunset behind the skyline, it’s no wonder this spot captured the hearts of many!
From the moment you step inside, you’ll be transported to a place, unlike anywhere in Chicago.
Tender and melt-in-your-mouth good, WoodWind’s Grilled Short Rib is truly out of this world.
Wrapped in scallion pancakes and bursting with flavor— this one pairs nicely with the acidic radish or carrot slaw.
Perfectly crispy pork belly wrapped in the most delicious tortilla, the Pork Belly “Al Pastor” Tacos are among the highlights of their menu. The pineapple salsa makes this dish pop and pairs well with the meat’s juiciness.
What to order: Grilled Short Rib, Pork Belly “Al Pastor” Tacos
Address: 259 E Erie St 18th floor, Chicago, IL 60611
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5. Shanghai Terrace
Shanghai Terrace is a sleek, modern restaurant serving authentic and high-end Chinese cuisine on a terrace with picturesque views of the city in the Peninsula Hotel.
With sophisticated and expensive 30s-inspired decor, this restaurant will take you on a mind-blowing culinary journey to China.
Famous for their Traditional Peking Duck, you’ll find this dish served at tables near you. This dish may have originated from China, but Shanghai Terrace makes it feel like they invented it. If you can order only one food here, get this one.
Kung Pao Chicken made fancy, anyone? Perfectly cooked and spiced, this one tastes, unlike any other Kung Pao Chicken. The combination of ingredients is just phenomenal.
What to order: Traditional Peking Duck, Kung Pao Chicken, Lobster and Chicken Dumpling with Black Truffle
Address: 108 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
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6. Boleo
A chic and vibrant rooftop restaurant and cocktail lounge in one, Boleo sits atop the Kimpton Gray Hotel. With a retractable roof, enjoy the breathtaking views of the city all year.
If you’re looking for a place to have a fun date night or happy hour with friends, Boleo is the place to be.
Boleo’s Arroz Chaufa is a Peruvian take on no-fuss fried rice. Made with shrimp, mushrooms, peppers, and scallion, this fried rice will blow your mind away. It also has bits of sweet potato that make it even more succulent.
Crispy yucca fries with rocoto aioli, the Yaquitas is the perfect pairing to any drink when it’s happy hour! Light and chewy, this one has a slightly nutty flavor that you will love if you’re already a potato fries fan.
What to order: Arroz Chaufa, Yaquitas
Address: 122 W Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603
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7. Cabra
Cabra is the perfect place for a special occasion or a fun get-together with friends. The vibrant atmosphere and stunning views of the city perfectly set the mood.
Offering a Peruvian-inspired menu, expect bold and exciting flavors you won’t find anywhere else.
If it’s your first time here, Cabra’s Goat Empanadas are a must-have. These have a puff pastry texture that is very traditional with a twist.
The goat is grounded and seasoned very well; you don’t even need to dip it in the sauce!
What better way to enjoy the night than with delicious chicken skewers? Cabra’s Chicken Thigh Anticucho will take you to another dimension. Each bite you take is packed with irresistible flavors. This dish is simply too good to be true.
What to order: Goat Empanadas, Chicken Thigh Anticucho
Address: 200 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
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8. Château Carbide
Located atop the Carbide & Carbon building, Chateau Carbide is a charming and scenic indoor-outdoor cocktail lounge and sushi bar in one that boasts sweeping skyline views of Chicago.
The venue is filled with French Riviera-inspired decor with floor-to-ceiling windows and an eye-catching gold-clad main bar.
Calling all sushi enthusiasts! Chateau Carbide’s rolls are the best you can get in town.
The Wind City Roll and Crunchy Tuna Roll are the particular standouts on their menu. Watch the sushi chef make your rolls and get ready to drool at the sight.
What to order: Wind City Roll, Crunchy Tuna Roll
Address: 230 N Michigan Ave 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601
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9. Selva
Situated on the 7th-floor rooftop of The Emily Hotel, Selva is a cocktail bar with a stylish and vibrant atmosphere.
Their elevated list of handcrafted cocktails and casual fare aims to transport you to paradise. Inspired by the energy of Mexico by night, this is the spot to be when you want to have some fun.
Selva’s Chips comes with three dips that you can choose from: chile con queso, salsa rojo, and guacamole. All three are awesome, but our heart belongs to the classic guacamole. Incredibly tasty, this dish is the perfect snack before you dance the night away.
If you’re a little bit more hungry, the Tacos de Castacan might be more to your liking. Crispy pork belly inside equally crispy tortillas, the satisfying crunch as you take a bite is enough to make you full.
What to order: Chips, Tacos de Castacan
Address: 311 N Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60607
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10. Taxim
A cozy and welcoming Greek restaurant, Taxim offers a variety of delicious Greek dishes that will delight your taste buds. With an all-Greek wine list and a full bar filled with stylish decor, you know they mean serious business here.
You can’t come to Taxim without ordering their Duck Gyro. You’re doing yourself a disservice if you do. This spit-roasted duck breast and leg is a dish that came down from heaven— it tastes absolutely divine!
If you’ve never had the chance to try Grilled Octopus, the ones at Taxim’s will change your life. This one will have you thinking about its flavor 24/7, with your mouth salivating each time.
Is this the best Grilled Octopus to exist? We don’t know, but it’s hands down the best in the city!
What to order: Duck Gyro, Htapodaki Sti Sgara (Grilled Octopus)
Address: 1558 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
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Chicago’s skyline views are not the only ones that will take your breath away. If you’re hungry for more recommendations, check out our list of the best restaurants on the Chicago Riverwalk.