Edition: Hot Town: Summer in the City
Nightlife: Up on the Roof
Author: Audarshia Townsend
Snagging a seat on a rooftop bar in Chicago is one of summer's highest points.
A tradition with sports fans as well as those looking for an alternative to the usual nightlife outing, Wrigleyville Rooftops offer guests a great view of the game--even though they're situated across the street. They also come with an all-inclusive package, so that means you'll never be without a cold beer in one hand and a hot dog in the other. Prices range from $90 to $200, depending on the popularity of the opponent. For reservations, call 773-248-7663. While the experience--and view--at Wrigleyville Rooftops is unique, you may be in the mood for something more upscale. These swanky rooftop lounges around town are certain to make you feel like you're on top of the world:
Chaise Lounge. Boasting a South Beach setting with flowy white drapes and roomy cabanas, the top level retreat overlooks busy North Avenue in Bucktown. A deejay spins solid beats on weekends, but weeknights the space is usually filled with couples munching on shareable plates of contemporary American fare.
Sushi Samba Rio. Year-round this festively decorated den caters to trendy young professionals with weekly parties and fashion shows. Small plates of Peruvian, Brazilian and Japanese cuisine are available in the lounge, but most come to settle in with cocktails.
Terrace. It's not by accident that Conrad Chicago's glamorous outdoor bar is reminiscent of a 1950s South Beach patio. In addition to sweeping cityscape views, guests get to relax in generous daybeds under umbrellas as they sip seasonal cocktails. The menu is composed of Staxx, or a variety of appetizers presented vertically. And those in the know head here for "Movies on the Terrace," every Sunday and Monday evening at sunset.
Citizen. The very neighborhood-friendly tavern hosts about 300 guests on its rooftop bar, which is the place to be seen in the summer. Full of fashionistas donning their most fabulous pairs of sunglasses, Citizen is also very popular for the after-work crowd.
NoMI Garden. Located on the seventh floor of the Park Hyatt, this sophisticated al fresco lounge, known for its towering exotic flowers and plants, attracts well-heeled, yet energetic patrons. But expect the energy to be taken up a notch or two as the bar introduces a signature line of caipirinhas this season.
ZED451. The 2,300-sq.-ft. bar on the top floor seats up to 100 comfortably in its cushy lounge setting. The full dinner menu may be ordered, but you're likely to find most guests noshing on lighter bites with their cocktails or glasses of wine. Expect infectious Latin music nightly.
Park Hyatt Chicago
800 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
One of the city's top hotels and with a commanding view of the Mag Mile, the Historic Chicago Water Tower, The Hershey's Store and much more. The restaurant here, NoMI, is consistently ranked as one of the best in town, especially for their coveted window seats.
