Rooftop bars and restaurants are gaining popularity in neighborhoods from Wrigleyville to River North, offering city views and party-ready spaces. Here are four spots to check out for groups or business entertaining.
1. Tucked just around the corner from Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, the rooftop lounge at Zed451 opened in April and offers a bird's-eye view of the area's surrounding skyscrapers. Highlights of the contemporary outdoor space include a dual-sided fireplace and a large patch of real grass. In addition to its full service bar, Zed451’s “Liquid Market” drink list features eight to 10 specialty cocktails each season, many of which are made with house-infused spirits. The restaurant offers specialty menus, including a selection of artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, fondues, and skewered meats. A full menu from the downstairs kitchen can also be served buffet style. Zed451’s rooftop lounge is 2,300 square feet and holds as many as 100 guests. Full buyouts are available.2. With 3,400 square feet of space, NV Penthouse Lounge is one of Chicago’s more spacious rooftop decks with views of the bustling River North neighborhood. The venue sits on the eighth floor of a building designed by local firm Studio Modernista and holds as many as 280 guests. The bold decor is decked out in black and white with a few illuminated accents. Curtained cabanas provide semi-private seating, while towering heaters serve as inviting mingling spots during the chillier months. NV Penthouse Lounge’s signature cocktails are inspired by the seven deadly sins. The bar also offers food menus that can be tailored for events. NV Penthouse Lounge, which opened in October, is available for full buyouts.
3. Sushi Samba Rio’s River North locale blends Brazilian, Japanese, and Peruvian influences in its enclosed rooftop garden. Large windows open to views of River North buildings and beyond, while upbeat music streams from the sound system. Vibrant ottomans and sofas provide lounge seating, while plush black stools line the sleek black-top bar. In addition to shochu-based cocktails, Sushi Samba Rio’s drink menu features nearly 300 wine and sake selections. The restaurant’s cultural influences also shine in the food, which focuses on sushi rolls like the signature lobster tempura with peanut curry sauce, leafy greens, cucumber, and lobster-claw tempura. The 2,700-square-foot, temperature-controlled space, which is open year round, holds 150 guests reception style and seats as many as 100. Sushi Samba Rio's rooftop, which opened in 2006, is available for full buyouts.
4. Located directly across the street from Wrigley Field, Vines on Clark’s rooftop deck offers one of the best views of the stadium without actually buying a ticket. The space, which was renovated last spring, seats up to 50 people and provides a simple, laid-back atmosphere with wood-paneled and latticed walls, slate-colored patio furniture, and colorful flower beds. Menus can be crafted from the restaurant’s regular offerings or pulled straight from its catering list. Specialty items include classic Italian dishes like baked rigatoni, wild mushroom ravioli, and fettuccine alfredo. A selection of pizzas and party appetizers are also available. Drink packages range from the “Wish You Well,” which includes well liquor, domestic bottles, and drafts, and house wine, to “The Ultimate Vineyard,” with premium liquor, domestic and imported bottles, and specialty wine. Full buyouts of the rooftop deck are available.
1. Tucked just around the corner from Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, the rooftop lounge at Zed451 opened in April and offers a bird's-eye view of the area's surrounding skyscrapers. Highlights of the contemporary outdoor space include a dual-sided fireplace and a large patch of real grass. In addition to its full service bar, Zed451’s “Liquid Market” drink list features eight to 10 specialty cocktails each season, many of which are made with house-infused spirits. The restaurant offers specialty menus, including a selection of artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, fondues, and skewered meats. A full menu from the downstairs kitchen can also be served buffet style. Zed451’s rooftop lounge is 2,300 square feet and holds as many as 100 guests. Full buyouts are available.2. With 3,400 square feet of space, NV Penthouse Lounge is one of Chicago’s more spacious rooftop decks with views of the bustling River North neighborhood. The venue sits on the eighth floor of a building designed by local firm Studio Modernista and holds as many as 280 guests. The bold decor is decked out in black and white with a few illuminated accents. Curtained cabanas provide semi-private seating, while towering heaters serve as inviting mingling spots during the chillier months. NV Penthouse Lounge’s signature cocktails are inspired by the seven deadly sins. The bar also offers food menus that can be tailored for events. NV Penthouse Lounge, which opened in October, is available for full buyouts.
3. Sushi Samba Rio’s River North locale blends Brazilian, Japanese, and Peruvian influences in its enclosed rooftop garden. Large windows open to views of River North buildings and beyond, while upbeat music streams from the sound system. Vibrant ottomans and sofas provide lounge seating, while plush black stools line the sleek black-top bar. In addition to shochu-based cocktails, Sushi Samba Rio’s drink menu features nearly 300 wine and sake selections. The restaurant’s cultural influences also shine in the food, which focuses on sushi rolls like the signature lobster tempura with peanut curry sauce, leafy greens, cucumber, and lobster-claw tempura. The 2,700-square-foot, temperature-controlled space, which is open year round, holds 150 guests reception style and seats as many as 100. Sushi Samba Rio's rooftop, which opened in 2006, is available for full buyouts.
4. Located directly across the street from Wrigley Field, Vines on Clark’s rooftop deck offers one of the best views of the stadium without actually buying a ticket. The space, which was renovated last spring, seats up to 50 people and provides a simple, laid-back atmosphere with wood-paneled and latticed walls, slate-colored patio furniture, and colorful flower beds. Menus can be crafted from the restaurant’s regular offerings or pulled straight from its catering list. Specialty items include classic Italian dishes like baked rigatoni, wild mushroom ravioli, and fettuccine alfredo. A selection of pizzas and party appetizers are also available. Drink packages range from the “Wish You Well,” which includes well liquor, domestic bottles, and drafts, and house wine, to “The Ultimate Vineyard,” with premium liquor, domestic and imported bottles, and specialty wine. Full buyouts of the rooftop deck are available.
Sushi Samba Rio's rooftop bar
Photo: Courtesy of Sushi Samba Rio
NV Penthouse Lounge features an eighth-floor vantage point overlooking the city skyline. Curtained cabanas provide intimate nooks.
Photo: Courtesy of NV Penthouse Lounge
Vibrant colors and music make Sushi Samba Rio's rooftop an exotic destination.
Photo: Courtesy of Sushi Samba Rio
Sleek elements such as long wooden benches and a dual-sided fireplace give Zed451's rooftop lounge a streamlined look.
Photo: Courtesy of Zed451
Vines on Clark's rooftop bar is a baseball's throw from Wrigley Field. Simple lattice walls, beer signs, and flower pots evoke a backyard barbecue feel.
Photo: BizBash
