Drink under the stars at these 6 rooftop bars
Chicago may be known for its iconic skyline views from rooftop bars and restaurants, but venture beyond the city limits and you’ll discover more sky-high hangouts.
While not perched atop skyscrapers, these suburban bars and restaurants provide gorgeous views without the hustle and bustle of Chicago traffic.
Whether you’re craving a casual after-work drink with friends or an upscale romantic evening under the stars, these suburban rooftops cater to every mood.
Here are six to consider:
BOLD American Fare
Enjoy BOLD American Fare’s comfort food in the historic Main Street building’s rooftop bar. The atmosphere and view are perfect for a casual night with friends or a romantic date night. Select a wine from the curated list or a signature cocktail mixed with homemade purees. Begin your evening with mussels, scallops, tuna crudo or garlic crab claws from the small plates menu. Other menu choices include a variety of steak and seafood entrées, salads, burgers and sandwiches, chicken and pasta dishes. It’s at 8 S. Main St., Algonquin, boldamericanfare.com/.
Empire Burgers + Brew
Drink and dine under the stars in downtown Naperville. Empire has the area’s only retractable rooftop bar in the region, so you can enjoy the view any time of the year. Empire is known for its certified Angus beef half-pound burgers, served on a pretzel bun. Other menu options include burger cigars, poutine fries, salads, chicken sandwiches, barbecue brisket sandwiches and more. A wide variety of craft beers and ciders are available on tap or in cans, as well as several signature cocktails. It’s at 48 W. Chicago Ave., Naperville, empireburgerbar.com/.
MVP Sports Bar
Watch the sunset over downtown Sycamore at MVP Sports Bar’s rooftop bar, the only one in DeKalb County. Grab a drink from the rooftop tiki bar and enjoy a meal from the vast menu at one of the rooftop’s high-top tables or relax on the cozy couches. MVP also has a large, covered patio with fire pits, as well as an indoor area on the main floor with several big-screen TVs. It’s at 124 S. California St., Sycamore, mvpsportsbar.com/.
RH Rooftop Restaurant
This upscale restaurant is on the third floor of RH Oak Brook, a 60,000-square-foot retail design gallery. Guests will dine among trickling fountains, chandeliers and olive trees in a year-round skylit garden. There are both indoor and outdoor dining areas. The menu features charcuterie, burgers, seafood, steaks, salads and more. Pair your meal with a domestic or European curated wine. The restaurant is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, and reservations are recommended. It’s at 1300 22nd St., Oak Brook, rh.com/us/en/oakbrook/restaurant.
Santo Cielo
Bien Trucha Group’s downtown Naperville restaurant Santo Cielo is on the fifth floor of Hotel Indigo in the Water Street District, offering gorgeous views of the DuPage River and downtown Naperville. Santo Cielo is a “Latino Moderno” restaurant, offering dishes with locally sourced ingredients with a global influence, from Latin American to Asian to European cuisines. The extensive wine list matches the food menu’s international influence, but also features wines from California. Santo Cielo is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday and brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. It’s at 123 Water St., suite 509, Naperville, stcielo.com/.
Sogno
Sogno in downtown Wheaton is a family-owned and operated Italian restaurant that offers lovely views of downtown Wheaton from its rooftop terrace. The decor is both classic and modern, with flowers and lush greenery on the terrace. The menu features classic Italian dishes, with appetizers like calamari, meatballs, baked clams and more. Entrées include chicken Marsala, veal parmigiana and steaks, as well as pasta dishes. Sogno has Italian-inspired cocktails, beer and a variety of international wines. It’s at 100 N. Hale St., Wheaton, sognowheaton.com/.