Chicago Rooftop Bars Open Now

It’s been quite a while since Chicagoans could get together with friends and family to kick back and enjoy a drink since the COVID-19 shutdown. As the city enters Phase 4 of reopening, let’s take a look at some of the great rooftop bars open now in some of our favorite Chicago neighborhoods.

Head over to Lincoln Park to have a drink at J. Parker located at 1816 North Clark Street. Sitting atop the Hotel Lincoln, this rooftop bar provides 140 outside seats delivering postcard-worthy views of the city. Check ahead of time to see what their social distancing rules are and if reservations are required.

The Fountainhead at 1966 West Montrose in Lincoln Square features a selection of 1,000 whiskeys to choose from. Yea, you read that right. The rooftop garden and bar has a menu featuring 500 beers to try while enjoying the warm weather outside. Be sure to visit their website to reserve a table.

Fans of Wicker Park can check out etta, located at 1840 West North Avenue. The rooftop features a delicious Mediterranean-style brunch menu on the weekends between 10:30 am and 2 pm and plenty of your favorite drinks to enjoy, including mimosas, bloody mary’s, and their own “etta” rita featuring altos, Cointreau, and lime. If early mornings are not your thing, check out their pizza party & booze offerings between 2 pm to 4 pm.

Another Wicker Park hotspot now open for rooftop service is Whiskey Business, located at 1367 North Milwaukee Avenue. With a 3,000 square foot rooftop, Whiskey Business is in the business of creating a great atmosphere to enjoy a night outside in Chicago. Now thru September, every Thursday thru Sunday starting at 9 pm, Whiskey Business is providing a safe rooftop space to socially distance while sipping on drinks amid a music and light show featuring tunes from the 80s, 90s and today. 

Joy District, located at 112 West Hubbard Street in River North, is an iconic Chicago rooftop experience highlighted by its fantastic city views. Featuring lounge seating, lush greenery, and murals designed by artist P. Scott, the rooftop provides delicious culinary offerings, including their buttermilk boneless wings and Margherita pizza. Their frozen cocktails are worth the trip alone to highlight a great summer day. 

The West Loop is now home to the largest outdoor patio bar in the city, thanks to the reopening of Recess, located at 838 West Kinzie Street. Social distancing is a breeze at Recess due to its expansive 14,500 square-foot courtyard, which creates an inviting yet intimate atmosphere to enjoy the city’s views while having a drink. Currently, the bar menu is limited, but the drink offerings cover all the bases from wine and beer to cocktails with funny Chicago politics-inspired names. Reservations are open, but it is recommended to book ahead if you can. 

So check out some of these great rooftop and patio bars now open in Chicago. After the last few months, it will be great to have a drink and relax with smiling faces while adhering to social distancing measures. 

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO