Rooftop bar season is year-round in Chicago. These seasonal spaces are the perfect place to cure your cabin fever while still staying warm and cozy. Sip festive cocktails, roast marshmallows over the fire, or even work up a sweat with a curling match. Just make sure to get a reservation — these winter rooftops will disappear when the weather warms up.
Winter Wonderland at I/O Godfrey
I|O Godfrey, the year-round rooftop bar atop The Godfrey Hotel in River North, is hosting its annual Winter Wonderland event. The ultra-festive space features their popular heated igloos, where guests can stay cozy no matter the weather. Guests can enjoy winter-y cocktails while admiring the twinkling lights and sweeping city view. Small igloos can fit up to six people, and the large igloo holds up to 10. Reserve your igloo now through Feb. 17, 2024.
Curling & Cocktails at The Gwen
The Gwen’s winter terrace is back, this time with a special Willy Wonka theme. The fifth-floor rooftop features an iceless curling rink, where guests can play for up to 50 minutes while enjoying a signature curling cocktails and sweets. The rooftop terrace is also decked out with fire pits where diners can cozy up and enjoy The Gwen’s bar food and drink menu. Make your curling reservations now through Feb. 12, 2024.
Winter Garden at Château Carbide
Château Carbide, the rooftop lounge and bar at the Pendry Chicago atop the iconic Carbide and Carbon Building in the Loop, will be transforming into a Winter Garden through the end of the year. Guests will find private lodges built for up to six, each outfitted with cozy blankets and a personal fireplace. Enjoy a winter menu of small bites and absinthe-inspired seasonal cocktails, all served with a side of snowy city views. Make your reservations through Dec. 31.
Stone’s Throw Curling at The Emily
The Emily Hotel in the West Loop is bringing back their popular rooftop curling destination, Stone’s Throw. The outdoor experience will feature four curling courts, along with a curated menu of winter snacks and holiday beverages like cocktails, wine, and beer. Reservations are available for groups of two or four for one hour. Court reservations are now available through March 17, 2024.
Winter Igloos at The Kennedy
A popular rooftop spot in Wicker Park, The Kennedy is known for its dramatic skyline views from atop the Hyatt Place Chicago/Wicker Park. This winter, reserve an igloo for an unforgettable holiday celebration or a top-tier night out on the town. Choose between two bottle service options, the Wine Lover’s Package, or order off the a la carte menu. Igloos can hold up to six people. Reservations are available through March 31, 2024.
Offshore Rooftop & Bar
Located on Navy Pier, Offshore is the largest rooftop bar in the world — and this year, it’s transforming into the world’s largest snow globe. The glass all-weather space will be decked out in twinkling lights and serving up seasonal food specials and warm cocktails. It’s the perfect spot to look out at the snow-dusted waters of Lake Michigan and enjoy an incredible view of Navy Pier’s new winter fireworks display.
Make your reservations from Nov. 29 through Feb. 29.
The J. Parker
The J. Parker, the all-seasons rooftop atop Hotel Lincoln, offers sweeping views of a frosty Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan. Their outdoor seating features a glass retractable roof and floor-to-ceiling windows, so you’ll feel like you’re inside a sky-high snow globe. Indulge in festive libations and enjoy fun events like the Boozy Brunch with Bad Santa in December. Make your reservations today.
