Chicago is home to some fantastic views, from the iconic skyline to Millennium Park and Lake Michigan. There are plenty of rooftop bars and restaurants that provide excellent views of these landmarks. Unfortunately, most require you to be over 21 to enter.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the rooftop restaurants which do allow those under 21 to enter. Most have strict rules about when under 21s can enter which we’ll address, and link out to where you can read more about the restaurant’s FAQs and rules.
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Rooftop Restaurants in Chicago That Allow Under 21s
1. Cindy’s Rooftop
The FAQ page on their website states that guests of all ages are welcome at any time and are able to enjoy non-alcoholic beverages at any time.
Cindy’s Rooftop is a popular rooftop restaurant located in the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel building in Chicago, Illinois. The bar is situated on the 13th floor of the building under a glass atrium and boasts breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, Millennium Park, and the iconic skyline of Chicago.
The bar features a spacious outdoor seating area with comfortable seating arrangements and a range of food options.
Cindy’s Rooftop is open 7 days a week and year-round, but is particularly famous during the summer months when you can experience Chicago’s beautiful weather while enjoying a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage.
Overall, Cindy’s Rooftop is a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike who are looking to experience the best of Chicago’s nightlife scene and stunning skyline views.
Nearby hotels with 18+ check-in:
- Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago – 0.4 miles
- River Hotel – 0.5 miles
- The Palmer House Hilton – 0.5 miles
2. VU Rooftop Bar
According to their FAQ page, guests under 21 are allowed in the venue until 9 PM, at which point it is 21+ only.
VU Rooftop Bar is a popular rooftop bar located in the South Loop area of Chicago, Illinois. It offers stunning views of downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan.
The bar is situated on the 22nd floor next to McCormick Place and features a sleek and modern design. The indoor area is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows that provide unobstructed views of the city. There is also a spacious outdoor terrace with plenty of seating options and heating lamps for cooler evenings.
The rooftop bar is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, particularly in the summer months when the weather is warm and the outdoor terrace is open. However, it can get quite busy, so reservations are recommended.
Nearby hotels with 18+ check-in:
- Hilton Chicago – 1.4 miles
- Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago – 1.6 miles
- The Palmer House Hilton – 2 miles
3. Offshore Rooftop
On their reservations page, Offshore Rooftop states their venue to be 21+ after 9 PM daily.
Located at the far east end of Chicago’s Navy Pier, Offshore Rooftop is open 7 days a week and offers unencumbered views of Lake Michigan and the city’s famed skyline.
Offshore Rooftop is officially the world’s largest rooftop bar measuring in at 4,859.78 square meters.
Nearby hotels with 18+ check-in:
- Fairfield Inn and Suites Chicago Downtown/ Magnificent Mile – 1.3 miles
- Warwick Allerton Chicago – 1.4 miles
- Hyatt Regency Chicago – 1.5 miles
4. Cerise Rooftop
This thread on Tripadvisor suggests 21s are welcome before 8 PM.
Cerise Rooftop is a rooftop bar located on the 26th floor of the Virgin Hotels Chicago in downtown Chicago. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering stunning views of the city skyline, including iconic landmarks such as the Willis Tower.
The atmosphere is trendy and upscale, with modern decor and comfortable seating both indoors and outdoors on the rooftop terrace.
Cerise Rooftop is open 7 days a week. In addition to its regular hours, Cerise Rooftop hosts special events throughout the year, including live music, themed parties, and private gatherings.
Overall, Cerise Rooftop offers a unique and memorable experience for anyone looking to enjoy great views and delicious drinks while soaking up the atmosphere of downtown Chicago.
Nearby hotels with 18+ check-in:
- Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago, an IHG Hotel – <0.1 mile
- River Hotel – 0.1 mile
- Hyatt Regency Chicago – 0.3 miles
More Things to Do in Chicago for Under 21s
- Catch some live music – For live music, we’ve found some venues that allow under 21s to attend, at least for certain shows.
- Enjoy some jazz – If you’re specifically into jazz, these clubs have suitable events you can attend under 21.
- Have a karaoke night – You can hire a private karaoke room in one of these bars under the age of 21.
- Attend a drag show – Enjoy a drag show with your meal at Lips Chicago which allows those under 21 to attend.