So long sweet Summer! Saying goodbye to the warm weather is sad but this year it comes with even sadder news, fewer options to socialize safely during Covid19. This coupled with the most recent restrictions our Governor has placed on non-essential businesses and dining, the options are dwindling. At Fulton Grace, we know it’s important to follow safety guidelines, we trust our city officials to make the right choices for our betterment. But we also know that Chicago’s weather isn’t always bearable, and so, while it is, we need to take advantage of it. We’ve done some research and found a handful of local haunts that have outdoor seating available. Of course, they are all well supplied with heating lamps, fire pits, and warm blankets. Enjoy the outdoor dining season for as long as you can, and do it safely!
London House’s rooftop downtown has new rules but is still offering great entertainment, sometimes with an important meaning. Jennifer Hudson recently performed a tribute show to honor John Lewis. If you do want to catch a show on the rooftop keep in mind, you’ll have to make a reservation and will only have a time allotment of two hours.
The Laurel Room above Pacific standard time in River North has a California inspired menu and cocktail list such as alcoholic slushies. The rooftop is enclosed and will remain open until weather permits.
Aba in the west loop is still extremely busy despite it being a pandemic. Perhaps in part to winning The Chicago Tribune’s Reader’s Choice Dining Award’s ‘Best New Restaurant’ award. The menu is extremely popular for showcasing rare Mediterranean-inspired wines and spirits. The food items are meant to be shared. Preferably, with someone you’ve either quarantined with. Aba has taken very strict guidelines for social distancing and ensuring the restaurant’s capacity is not overwhelmed.
The Kennedy Rooftop above the newly opened Hyatt in Wicker Park attempts to capture the city’s skyline and also the convenience of the location while still being a little unexpected.
Whiskey Business in Wicker Park offers more than just drinks, a fun food menu, and a caring team dedicated to sanitation. WB also offers a movie night every Tuesday. There’s also a surprisingly huge patio for Wicker Park. A rooftop concert series takes place on Wednesdays. If you’re into a fun Miami Vice type vibe mixed in with Paradise Park, look no further. Whiskey Business is your new favorite spot!
Rooftop at Nobu Hotel is finally open after a long wait. The plans for this restaurant started in 2015 and went through many issues before finally opening. The rooftop is taking every precaution possible to ensure the safety of its parsons and staff. This attention to detail allows you to be able to focus on other fun things, like the beautiful atmosphere and delicious menu at Nobu.
The Vu rooftop bar in the South Loop has also taken safety steps and comfort to the next level by creating retractable windows and firepits. There’s also a 13,000 square foot rooftop patio to space out on, so that helps. Workout classes are also offered on the rooftop with a wide array of activities to choose from. Have a cocktail and scope out the location for your next favorite workout class.
Tanta in River North offers not only a beautiful view of the city but also the most delicious Peruvian food and drinks. Be warned now that once you taste the chaufa aeropuerto and have a pisco sour you will crave them all the time. They’re both very specific flavors and will be hard to recreate at home. Luckily for everyone that Tanta offers delivery!
If you feel safe enough to venture out onto the rooftops this season, please keep in mind the social distancing guidelines and stay home if you’re not feeling well!
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