The Best Rooftop Bars in Chicago, from Hotel Lounges to Beer Gardens

First impression? One Off Hospitality fans who understand the cult following behind Avec, the West Loop’s quaint, small plates staple, understand why its second location—a River North rooftop, no less—is a big deal. Nearly two decades since that opening, the nine-time James Beard Award-winning restaurant group debuts this 8th floor haven, where the team showcases the same dedication to service and to the seaside flavors of Spain and Portugal. Replete with communal picnic tables, ample flora, and striking skyline views, consider it Avec l’original’s big-kid sister.

How’s the crowd? The same kind of folks who frequent this crew’s other spots (from Big Star and Publican to Violet Hour and Blackbird, RIP): in-the-know and seasoned in their eating and drinking itineraries, both locally and globally. Find them in two-tops and groups—especially those hosting and impressing out-of-towners.

How are the drinks? Bar manager Kate Smith leads the cocktail list, a collection of Spanish and Portuguese-inspired drams like the Vinho Verde (with cucumber mint CH Vodka, basil, and lemon) or the Fresa Frio Daiquiri (with rum, rhubarb liqueur, and sherry). Travel overseas with the Gigantesco G&T, a whopping wine glass of London dry gin, saffron liqueur, and tonic that serves as a nod to chef Paul Kahan’s days of drinking goblet-sized G&Ts on the Spanish coast.

If there’s food, is it worth ordering something to eat? Look for simple food driven by Spanish cuisine—specifically, the many al fresco opportunities found along the country’s southern coast and in the seaside diners throughout. Case in point with items like wild halibut a la plancha and tuna crudo with fermented chili and artichokes, which are spotted on the menu alongside several avec classics (hello, bacon-wrapped chorizo-stuffed dates and salt cod brandade).

Did the staff do you right? Expect the same kind of award-winning hospitality you’ll find at any of this group’s ventures: low-key, welcoming, and impeccably on-point.

Wrap it up: what are we coming here for? When they opened Blackbird in 1997, One Off Hospitality helped to catapult Chicago to the internationally acclaimed dining city it is today, setting into motion a wave of restaurant openings that followed suit. Coming here is the chance to get a taste of one of the city’s premier hospitality groups, then and now—and to see why the fresh air is instrumental to their ocean-inspired work