courtesy of Bridget Cicenia; Citizen Bar
Is the air conditioning in your apartment on the fritz, again? Have you spent the last two weeks curled up on the couch watching "Golden Girls" reruns? Come on now; it's (almost) summer. It's time you get out of the house and socialize at these rooftop bars, where the breeze is free and the brew comes with a view.
Chaise Lounge
Even though it feels like South Beach, don't expect your server to show up shirtless, sporting a hemp puka-shell necklace and linen pants. But do take advantage of its alfresco options: It not only boasts a rooftop patio but a sidewalk one, too. The drink list includes custom libations like the frozen Berry Spike ($7), a mix of Black Cherry Effen Vodka, mixed berries and yogurt. The rooftop, with its white booths and low tables tucked away by white curtains, creates the perfect setting for sipping.
Citizen Bar
Don't bother bringing your passport; everyone can claim citizenship at this River North bar, though the outdoor patios will make you want to take up residency. Enjoy the company of the city and take your glass of wine and three-cheese panini out onto the 2,000 square-foot patio or rooftop deck. Sunday through Thursday specials, like 50-cent appetizers and half-price bottles of Veuve Clicquot, sweeten the sight.
NoMI
Less intense than the main space, an upscale French restaurant at the Park Hyatt Chicago hotel, NoMI's rooftop lounge serves lighter, seasonal fare and a variety of NoMI's signature cocktails made with freshly squeezed juices. The 2,000-square-foot garden, with lush landscaping and sweeping city views, sits on the hotel's seventh floor.
Rock Bottom Brewery
Sure it's a chain, but this microbrewery's in-the-thick-of-it view of the Chicago skyline solidifies its status as a killer rooftop hangout. The vista's no well-kept secret, though; show up early as it gets crowded quickly. The rooftop has its own bar, making it easy to grab a cold Chicago Gold (pale ale) to cool down on hot days. As expected, the atmosphere and decor feel corporate, but to score refreshing brews and reasonably priced pub grub, you could do worse than hitting Rock Bottom.
Sidetrack
As Chicago's biggest and most popular gay bar, Sidetrack has become a mainstay of the Halsted scene. Indulge in some fun, frozen drinks like the highly popular Ketel One Crush, a grape-flavored tart concoction, on its sleek rooftop deck, which has its own bar and seats 350. If you're looking for a place to meet that special someone or just hang out with friends, add this one to your summer roster.
SushiSamba Rio
A haven for chic Chicagoans, this clubby sushi bar offers a rooftop lounge perfect for people watching. Enjoy a mojito or one of SushiSamba's many signature drinks like the Lemon Samurai (Stoli Citros vodka, muddled lemon, sugar, apple liqueur, peach and guava juices), but make sure your 'do can stand the elements—you're sure to be the recipient of gratuitous ogling.
Twisted Spoke
It may not feel quite like cruising on a Harley, but visitors to the Twisted Spoke's rooftop patio can catch some rays while their hair blows in the breeze. With picnic tables and umbrellas to accommodate about 60, the casual second-floor patio at this biker-themed hangout is the perfect spot to waste away a beautiful day. The Fat Boy, a big honkin' half-pound burger topped with your choice of cheddar, swiss, grilled onions, bacon and barbecue sauce, holds court as the restaurant's most popular menu item. Bonus: It serves Jim Beam on-tap.
Vines on Clark
Round up the troops post-Cubs game and head on over to this outdoor anomaly: Vines rules as Wrigleyville's only rooftop dining venue (if you don't count the lucky fans grilling out on their squint-and-you-can-see-the-field roof decks). The patio can also be rented for private parties on non-game days, when Lakeview locals capitalize on the quiet time to enjoy a Honey Weiss or Willy Wonka Martini mixed with light and dark Godiva.
Zed 451
With a sweeping 2,300-square-foot rooftop, this carnivore's paradise is poised to become a popular new hang. With non-stop visits from chefs wielding large skewers of steaks, chicken and fish (for a fixed price), patrons are sure to get their fill while they bask in the sun and sip a seasonal cocktail. A large fireplace, grass, foliage and a copper-roofed clerestory add to roof deck's ambiance.
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