A meeting guide to Chicago’s rooftops and patios

While summer may not seem to last long in Chicago, the temperature for rooftop and patio events is typically ideal from early spring to late fall. To take advantage of the beautiful weather, here’s our guide to some of Chicago’s outdoor event spaces, guaranteed to be engaging, exciting and memorable for your clients and guests.

Rooftop bars

• Streeterville Social is located atop the Loews Hotel Chicago. The Streeterville Social Bistro is open from lunch through evening. Streeterville Social Terrace, a third-floor deck, offers drinks and lighter fare from 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.

• Cerise is the rooftop bar at the Virgin Hotel Chicago that boasts two bars that open to a three-sided outdoor patio. Inspired by izakayas (after-hours Japanese pubs), Cerise specializes in small plate cuisine and a rotating cocktail menu. The playful vibe of Cerise stays true to the whimsical hotel in which it’s housed.

• 52Eighty Rooftop Lounge at Hotel One Sixty-Six Magnificent Mile is an intimate, chic indoor/outdoor experience. Available for private events, guests can drink in the soaring views of Chicago’s skyline, Lake Michigan and The Magnificent Mile.

• Ignite Glass Studios has a serene Urban Garden, offering 2,400 square feet of outdoor space surrounded by an extensive collection of blown glass sculptures. You can also enjoy the 3,200-square -foot Rooftop Deck, with outstanding views of the skyline, perfect for photoshoots or intimate events.

• IO Urban Roofscape, named for its captivating indoor/outdoor ambiance, can be found on the fourth floor of The Godfrey Hotel Chicago. Encompassing approximately 15,000 square feet of space, with 10,000 square feet of lounge and event space, the IO Urban Roofscape features a fire pit, shimmering water elements, a video wall, a retractable roof, and stunning uninterrupted views of the Chicago skyline.

• Tanta Chicago features its own rooftop deck with an outdoor bar, giving guests spectacular downtown views. The rooftop deck is connected to the modern lounge by a floor-to-ceiling retractable window system, providing some added flexibility to the event space.

• Perched 12 stories above The Magnificent Mile, Rooftop at Torali is pure chic and sophistication, where sipping and savoring is taken to new heights. Set against amazing city views, Rooftop at Torali serves refreshing cocktails, casual snacks and an ever-rotating craft beer list, with room for up to 125 people for private events.

• The Kensington Roof Garden & Lounge, which sits atop exclusive club Parliament, has an unforgettable, bold aesthetic among panoramic views of Chicago. Flexible enough to host parties, intimate evenings, or after-work cocktails and other functions, The Kensington combines Old English class with American swag for events not to be missed.

Patios

• Pinstripes The popular bowling-bocce-bistro concept that occupies the River East Art Center building has a spectacular 80-seat waterfront patio perfect for any group. The gaming-inclined will be hard-pressed to find a more engaging venue than Pinstripes, with its seven bocce courts and 11 bowling lanes within 33,000 square feet of engaging space.

• The Duck Inn This Bridgeport bar and restaurant seats 45 people in a casual backyard setting, and adds 16-18 capacity on its porch, which is an extension of the intimate dining room. Organize your private event and enjoy duck-fat hot dogs while socializing in a friendly neighborhood hangout.

• Summer House Santa Monica / Stella Barra Pizzeria serve up fine artisan-style pizzas and other California-inspired fare to guests, inspired by the seasons. Enjoy these in the uncovered back patio, with seating for approximately 50 people.

• West Town’s The Dawson showcases a brick-lined patio with large handcrafted biergarten-style picnic tables, outdoor sofas and a bar, all surrounding a roaring fireplace.

Waterside venues

• Soak up the sun at Caffè Oliva, with its deck right on the sands of Ohio Street Beach. Party packages are available for 15 to 500 guests. Whether hosting a cocktail-themed party or a buffet-style luncheon, Caffè Oliva has flexible facilities and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.

• Castaways—North Avenue Beach Bar & Grill is a classic Chicago destination for any beachside event, available for private events of guests ranging from 50 to 500. Castaways is an ideal location for corporate events or special banquets looking to have some fun in the sun.

• Sleek yachts and charters will switch up the venue from landlocked to water bound, and is an easy way to bring life to the party. Check out Anita Dee Yacht Charters, Chicago’s First Lady or Odyssey Lake Michigan, offering multiple boat venues with different options for event rentals.

Local Chicago