Photo via Tanta
With Labor Day weekend upon us, now is the time to take advantage of the remnants of the summer sun. Chicago has no shortage of top-notch patios and rooftops, so we rounded up a few of our favorites where you can sip, snack, and relax in the summer sun. Cheers!
ROOFTOPS
Tanta {118 West Grand Avenue, Chicago; 312.222.9700}
At Tanta, guests can experience all of the flavors of Peru without ever leaving the city. Thanks to chef and Peruvian cuisine ambassador Gastón Acurio, Tanta showcases a wealth of Peruvian classics, including made-to-order pisco cocktails and vibrant cebiches, which can be enjoyed on the sleek yet approachable rooftop. Rooftop weather and pisco sours? At Tanta, you have it made.
Photo via Noyanne
Noyane at Conrad CHICAGO {101 East Erie Street, Chicago}
Noyane, which means “hidden roof” in Japanese, fittingly features contemporary Japanese cuisine set against a backdrop of Chicago’s stunning skyline. Unveiled this spring, the seasonal rooftop features sushi, nigiri, and steamed buns plus shareable plates courtesy of world-renowned chef and restaurateur Richard Sandoval. To quench their thirst, guests can sample international libations such as Japanese whiskies, sakes, beers, and a lineup of creative craft cocktails.
Streeterville Social at Loews Chicago Hotel {455 North Park Drive, Chicago; 312.840.6600}
Streeterville Social may not be the highest rooftop patio in Chicago, but with a massive outdoor area, it certainly is a must-stop for the summer. The sun-bathed outdoor space combines two separate experiences—The Bistro, which offers a sit-down dining experience in view of the Chicago skyline; and The Event Terrace, a private event space with lounge-style seating ready for outdoor fun. Intimate and casual while sublime and simple, Streeterville Social is a must.
Photo via the Ivy Hotel
Ivy Sky Terrace at The Ivy Boutique Hotel {233 East Ontario Street, Chicago; 312.335.5444}
Just two blocks off the Magnificent Mile sits the perfect semi-private rooftop of the Ivy Boutique Hotel. Perched on the 16th floor, the rooftop doubles as a mid-afternoon getaway—complete with plush couches and umbrellas—or a destination for a midnight nightcap christened and embraced by skyscraper lights. Ivy Sky Terrace offers a state-of-the-art, modern, and tropical feel.
52Eighty at The Cambria Chicago {166 East Superior Street, Chicago, 312.787.6000}
Billed as the Magnificent Mile’s premier rooftop, 52Eighty offers some of the best skyline views in the city. No matter the weather, guests at 52Eighty can indulge in rooftop vibes thanks to high glass walls that shield revelers from the blustery Lake Michigan winds. With daily happy hour deals and elevated fare—think Charcuterie Boards and Burrata—life is good at the top.
I|O Godfrey at The Godfrey Hotel Chicago {127 West Huron Street, Chicago; 312.374.1830}
Boasting one of the largest roofscapes in Chicago, I|O Godfrey offers unparalleled views of the southern cityscape. The aptly named venue—I|O stands for indoor-outdoor—the modern lounge serves as a luxe dining spot, with indoor features such as plush banquettes and outdoor highlights like roaring fire pits and a 360-degree bar. Fuel your experience with a selection of small plates, plus an extravagant weekend brunch.
ZED451 {739 North Clark Street, Chicago; 312.266.6691}
A modern day churrascaria, ZED451 dishes out the best of Brazilian fire-grilled fare. But the capstone of this destination concept is arguably the rooftop, where pergolas cap wood-backed booths and revelers linger with cocktails under the glow of Edison-style lights. Have a leisurely drink or a bite—but when the weather is sublime, there’s no better place to be.
PATIOS
The Kitchen {316 North Clark Street; 312.836.1300}
With a menu of classic American bistro fare, The Kitchen is on the fast track to becoming an icon. Based on a philosophy of creating community through food, the restaurant (which has locations in Colorado and Tennessee) sources its produce and meats from local purveyors and serves up fresh real food plates ranging from Pasta Bolognese to Roasted Half Chicken.
Blue Door Kitchen & Garden {52 West Elm Street; 312.573.4000}
Chef Art Smith’s celebrated farm-to-table restaurant is an oasis in the heart of the Gold Coast. With a philosophy rooted in fresh, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients from local farms and farmers’ markets, including its eponymous Blue Door Farm, Blue Door Kitchen has become something of a culinary destination.
Photo via Topo Gigio
Topo Gigio Ristorante {1516 North Wells Street; 312.266.9355}
A little slice of Tuscany in Chicago, family-owned Topo Gigio brings robust central Italian flavor to Old Town. A favorite of locals for almost 30 years, Topo Gigio makes guests feel right at home with a menu of typical Italian favorites, from Calamari to Eggplant Parmigiana, Spaghetti to Saltimbocca.
Riccardo Enoteca {2116 North Clark Street; 773.549.5010}
With flavors reminiscent of authentic Milanese cooking, Riccardo Enoteca is the more casual sister to fine-dining Riccardo Trattoria. Intimate and cozy, it’s a wine-lover’s haven, sourcing wines from all over the world to complement a menu of classic Italian food from Veal Parmigiana to freshly made pastas galore.
Tortoise Supper Club {350 North State Street; 312.755.1700}
One of River North’s most stylish eateries is peppered with the artwork and family heirlooms of Owners Keene and Megan Addington, both of whom have deep roots in the Windy City. The elegant supper club is both contemporary and classic, serving Chef Aaron Browning’s modern riffs on traditional steakhouse fare.
By Rebecca Treon and Morgan Carter
The post Chicago’s Best Sips and Sights for Summer appeared first on DiningOut Chicago.