With cold and windy weather and even snow being a norm in many US city forecasts right now, there are not many seasons for people to get excited about. BUT there is one season in particular that everyone agrees to love and that is… ROOFTOP AND AL FRESCO DINING SEASON! From developing signature craft cocktail menus to boasting some of the best views of their respective cities, rooftops and al fresco dining venues are a hot commodity and we have rounded up some of the best ones to visit for this upcoming season.
Shore Club
Shore Club, located at 1603 N Lakeshore Drive, offers an unparalleled hospitality experience on Chicago’s famous North Avenue Beach. Guests will enjoy unobstructed views of Lake Michigan while dining in the restaurant, sitting in the outdoor patio or relaxing in a cabana on the Oasis. Shore Club’s elevated food menu is inspired by Mediterranean cuisine and beautiful beaches around the world. The Restaurant at Shore Club features floor to ceiling glass windows in a covered, open air space that is one-of-a-kind in Chicago. For those wanting a more casual environment, the full menu is also available on The Patio at Shore Club at a first-come, first-serve basis. Guests looking for a semi-private VIP experience can reserve a Cabana, Daybed or Sun Bed in The Oasis at Shore Club. The Oasis offers table-side service and of course high- end champagne. In its first full season, Shore Club will be providing additional offerings this season that include:
- The Patio at Shore Club will add an additional bar, and offer grab and go options including coffee, bottled tea, cold pressed juices and food items starting at 7:30 a.m. every morning for those on the lakefront trail.
- The Oasis at Shore Club will now offer morning workout classes on the beach through a partnership with Equinox, as well as cold towel service and an added cold misting system for guests to enjoy comfortably on hot days.
- The Restaurant at Shore Club will roll out a new, fun frozen drink menu including Frose All Day, Frozignon Blanc, Cold Fashioned, Strawberry Daiquiri, Gold Coast Colada, and Beach Body Margarita.
L27
L27 Rooftop Lounge, Nashville’s highest rooftop lounge, with breathtaking views of the city’s skyline. Located on the 27th floor of The Westin Nashville, the lounge recently unveiled a stunning new interior transformation, as well as an exciting seasonal menu with innovative cocktail programming. We hope you might consider including should you do any future national rooftop roundups. The perfect upscale escape from the hustle and bustle of Broadway, L27 features a contemporary and refined indoor lounge, as well as an outdoor terrace offering an idyllic space to unwind and lounge poolside. A refined design, woven together by Louisa Pierce and Emily Ward of Pierce & Ward design, features an artful sophistication and elegance. Incorporating elements of Asian Fusion decor, the lounge flaunts a large square shaped bar, velvet couches, round copper tables, leather banquettes, and a variety of elegant copper touches throughout. Chic daybeds positioned around the terrace line a glass-enclosed dipping pool, while a stairwell leading up to the intimate 28th floor space is adorned with an eclectic hand-painted mural. Other statement pieces include ornate Art Deco-era chandeliers, vintage wall coverings and mosaic tile flooring.
Raised
Raised, located at 1 W. Wacker Drive, provides a stunning view of the skyline and Chicago River, with an outdoor area that features fresh flowers, fire pits, cabanas, couches and an outdoor bar with a decidedly urban feel. Under the direction of Chef Timothy Powles, the regular menu at Raised features American bar food with a twist, highlighting sharable plates – ideal for mixing and mingling while soaking up the summer. Chef Powles focuses on all things local, sourcing his menu ingredients within 200 miles of Raised. The beverage program at Raised is curated by William Nykaza and features an array of wines on tap, an extensive offering of local craft beers on draft and by the bottle, and specialty cocktails served by the glass or in a shareable decanter. The creative libations with seasonal, fresh ingredients encourage guests to sample and share. Raised was designed by The Gettys Group, fusing an industrial aesthetic with eclectic style and raw finishes.
AIRE
AIRE, one of the Chicago’s hottest and most sensational rooftop decks, located at 100 W. Monroe on the 24th floor of Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago, provides an unmatched urban atmosphere is at the peak of summer downtown destinations. With its central location, dramatic 360-degree view and contemporary décor, guests can escape their busy offices for an open-air hiatus or city visitors wanting to relax after a long day of exploring can unwind in luxury with friends over artisan drinks and small bites. Taking into account Chicago’s unpredictable weather, AIRE features open fireplaces for cool nights spent high above the city streets, and umbrellas for shade on sunny summer days. AIRE is also available for private events.
ROOF on theWit
A glamorous escape set 27 stories above the hustle and bustle of the vibrant city streets, ROOF on theWit, located at 201 N State, has proven itself as the hottest nightlife destination in Chicago. With a panoramic skyline and breathtaking views, ROOF on theWit has earned international praise for its stunning design, private event spaces and entertainment programming. Rated one of the “Top 3 Rooftop Bars in the World” by Travel+Leisure, ROOF continues to excite guests with world-renowned DJs, acoustic music series and live runway shows. The 7,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor venue features a retractable ROOF and a space that is climate controlled, making the destination accessible all year-round. In addition to sweeping views of Millennium Park, the Chicago River and spectacular architectural icons, guests can enjoy a large outdoor projection screen, floor-to-ceiling windows and a high-quality telescope that can see for miles, all while sipping on handcrafted cocktails and enjoying savory small plates from ROOF’s full-service kitchen.
