Patios and Rooftops to Hit for Summertime Chi

Summer in Chicago is pretty much perfect, in all ways but one. It’s just not long enough! There’s not enough time to hit every single patio, try every single fruity cocktail, or spend enough warm nights with your favorite people. You have to make the most of this fleeting time of sunshine, and that means making strategic decisions about the bars and restaurants you visit. If you can’t go everywhere, you at least HAVE to go to these rooftops and patios! They’ll give you the perfect Chicago summer experience, and help you make memories that will be perfect to hold on to once fall and winter come. For our favorite patio for every occasion, here’s our summer list…

For a happy hour that turns into dinner that turns into after-dinner cocktails: Bernie's Chicago {660 North Orleans Street, Chicago; 312.624.9892}

For when you want to impress guests from out of town: Z Bar at The Peninsula Chicago {108 East Superior Street, Chicago; 312.337.2888}

For when you want to be in the thick of things, but not surrounded by a crowd: Tanta {118 West Grand Avenue, Chicago; 312.222.9700}

For when you want to eat fancy, but still dress casual: Mott Street {1401 North Ashland, Chicago; 773.687.9977}

For when you want to have a fancy brunch, but for a group: NoMI Garden {800 Michigan Avenue, Seventh Floor, Chicago; 312.239.4030}

For a work happy hour that will impress the boss: AIRE | Chicago Rooftop Bar {Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago; 100 West Monroe Street, Chicago; 312.236.1234}

For when you want to gather with a big group of friends and family: Athena Greektown {212 South Halsted Street, Chicago; 312.655.000}

For your dream girls (or guys) night out: La Josie {740 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.929.2900}

For truly Insta-worthy cocktails and views: Cielo at Azul Mariscos {1177 North Elston, Chicago; 773.770.3766}

For a date night that will blow them away: Le Sud {2301 West Roscoe Street, Chicago; 773.857.1985}

By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor