7 Chicago Restaurants and Rooftops to Visit

7 Chicago Restaurants and Rooftops to Visit – Sharing new restaurants and long time favorites in Chicago’s exciting and ever evolving restaurant world.

Summer in the city is fast moving when you live in a four season climate. We take advantage of every moment of warmth, sunshine and opportunity to enjoy the outdoors without having to be dressed in a heavy coat and snow boots. I have been to so many great places this summer that I want to share them all with you. So, gather your friends and stop by some of the delicious restaurants and rooftops in and around the city.

7 Chicago Restaurants and Rooftops to Visit

Gino’s East

When you think of food in Chicago, what do you think of first? Pizza, of course! And it is all about tradition so it must be Gino’s East Pizza! While it is the food you will go for, you must check out their rooftop patio. Filled with comfy chairs and sofas, it’s the place to relax with your friends especially if you visit during their Happy Hour.

Special offerings and cocktails along with their main menu are available during the Monday through Friday, 3-6 PM timeframe. Some suggested favorites for you to consider include this Italian Pink Lemonade cocktail, Hummus Platter, Mini Deep Dish Nachos, Famous Chicken Wings, Mozzarella Stick Cheese Pizza or Artichoke and Garlic pizza. They even make their own mozzarella sticks from scratch at this location!

Stop by Chicago’s own, Gino’s East, next time you are craving a taste of Chicago. And don’t miss out on this Chocolate Brownie Sundae served warm out of the oven!

Roof Tops

Noyane Japanese Restaurant

Located on the 21^st floor of the Conrad Hotel, this large and comfortable rooftop deck offers creative cocktails, sake and sushi as well as fire pits to relax and enjoy the view. Whether you are staying at the hotel or not, you are welcome to enjoy the space and menu. 

Cabana Club

Located atop the Hollander Hotel, sister to adjacent Robey Hotel on the border of Wicker Park and Bucktown, this rooftop offers a beautiful 360 degree view of Chicago from City to surrounding communities. A triangular shaped pool available to hotel guests and those visiting the Cabana Club (purchase required) offers comfortable seating with an indoor space as well. Easy and comfortable neighborhood spot makes this just where I want to be on a warm summer day. And night! The menu is spot on for this beautiful space including my favorite Ahi Tuna Tostada. Amazing!

Apogee

In the Dana Hotel, you will find a rooftop with a highly acclaimed Mixologist, Benjamin Schiller, creating unique and oh so delicious cocktails for guests.

The views are terrific whether you are inside or out. Sit on the outdoor couches staring into the fireplace and gaze at the architectural view going down State Street. This is a more upscale rooftop experience than the others mentioned in this article so dress appropriately. It’s totally worth grabbing your friends to take advantage of the talent found behind the bar as they create these memorable drinks.

Restaurants

The Lifeway Kefir Shop

Sometimes treating yourself to a frozen dessert is just what you need. Doesn’t matter if it’s a Tuesday in the winter or a warm, sunny day. But no one wants the guilt that comes with that decadent scoop which is why stopping by Lifeway Kefir Shop (several locations around Chicago) will be your new go to dessert solution. Frozen Kefir has 10 probiotics (meaning good for your digestive system), is gluten-free and 99 percent lactose free. But you won’t realize how good it is for you as it tastes so delicious. Whether you choose a scoop of frozen kefir and top it with fruit, candy, nuts or other creative options, or get a smoothie or fresh juice, you will leave feeling good about your choice. By the way, you can buy Lifeway Kefir in numerous formats to eat as you would yogurt or use it as an ingredient in recipes like this Tropical Kefir Chia Pudding with Mango and Coconut.

Blue Door Farm Stand

In this comfortable and beautifully decorated space in Lincoln Park, you will find a restaurant with a mission to buy ingredients and prepare dishes that use local food from farms in the area that are based on the season’s availability. The bonus is that you can actually see which farms are growing the food you are eating on the chalkboard proudly displayed in the stairwell under the skylight. Previously located a few blocks down as a takeout spot, the opportunity to feed more guests whether take out (you can still get it at the bar in the restaurant) or dine in became the goal.

Some dishes you should try include their Brussels and Kale Salad, Roasted Beet and Farro Salad, Fried Chicken Sliders, Fried Cheese Curds and Carrot Cake. Fresh is definitely the word here. Stop by for breakfast, lunch or dinner. You will not only enjoy a fantastic meal but know you are supporting local farmers.

The Kennison

Newly opened in the Hotel Lincoln across from Chicago’s Lincoln Park, this contemporary feeling restaurant with a beautiful view is a gathering spot for creative drinks and delicious recipes. Chef Walker’s menu is an innovative play on familiar flavors and dishes. He works with local farmers to create ingredient driven dishes that revolve around both seasonality and sustainability. The Deviled Eggs, Meatballs, Kennison Burger, Maryland Blue Crab Fritters and Tuna Tartare are just a few starting points for you to choose from. But, you must have the cookies for dessert. My personal favorite are the molasses cookies. Reminds me of my childhood. Soft and chewy and yet not too sweet. So good!

  The restaurant world in Chicago expands every week it seems. There are so many ultra talented chefs and mixologists in this City that would love to share their creations with you. To stay on top of the latest food experiences, please follow Inspiring Kitchen on Instagram.

Thanks for stopping by!