When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
ROOF on theWit
Why ROOF on theWit is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
ROOF on theWit is a spectacular rooftop lounge situated 27 stories above downtown Chicago, offering an unparalleled destination for friends to gather and soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Known for its stunning panoramic views of Chicago’s iconic skyline, this award-winning venue combines elegant design, a lively yet intimate ambiance, and a menu crafted by acclaimed chefs, making it a perfect setting for both casual meetups and special occasions. The retractable roof and climate-controlled environment ensure a comfortable experience year-round, whether guests prefer the fresh air of the outdoors or the coziness indoors. The culinary offerings range from fresh sushi and wood-fired pizzas to creative vegetable bowls and prime cuts, designed with shareability and bold, fresh flavors in mind. Complementing the food is an inventive cocktail program featuring hand-crafted drinks and a selection of premium wines and spirits. The venue’s sophisticated soundtrack curated by global DJs enhances the atmosphere, blending urban energy with a cool, coastal vibe. Recognized as one of the Top 3 Rooftop Bars in the World by Travel + Leisure and awarded Hotel Bar of the Year by Nightclub & Bar Awards, ROOF on theWit boasts both local charm and international acclaim, making it a destination that elevates any social occasion.
Here's what people think of ROOF on theWit
As of recent, ROOF on theWit holds a 4.2-star rating based on 2121 reviews.
Reviews from patrons highlight ROOF on theWit as a must-visit spot in Chicago for breathtaking views and quality drinks, noting the unique experience of enjoying the cityscape 27 floors above the ground. Many guests praise the venue for its romantic and festive atmosphere, deeming it ideal for dates, celebrations, and events. Positive remarks commonly focus on the excellent service, with attentive and friendly staff members making guests feel welcomed and cared for, as well as the impressive, well-crafted cocktails and the tasty, shareable food options like pizzas and sushi. The indoor/outdoor flexibility and climate-controlled design receive appreciation for ensuring comfort regardless of weather. Conversely, some reviews mention that the drink prices are on the higher side, reflecting the upscale nature of the venue. A few guests have noted that the music volume can be quite loud, which might detract from quieter conversations for those seeking a more relaxed vibe. Additionally, while service is generally praised, there are occasional mentions of slower timing during less busy hours. On balance, the overall impression is that ROOF on theWit successfully delivers a premium rooftop experience with stunning views and excellent service, making it worth the premium pricing and lively atmosphere for most visitors.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Joon Park
This is a cool rooftop bar with a lively party vibe in the heart of Chicago. The drinks are excellent, and the service is outstanding. The bartenders and servers are super friendly. The music is loud and energizing, so if you're looking to stay hyped, this is the place to be. In addition to the main bar area with a retractable roof, there's also a lounge-style section where you can relax and enjoy your food and drinks. This area also offers better views. Highly recommend for a fun night out!
Jen Rountree
Came here to enjoy an after work happy hour and loved it! We were a pretty big group but we were able to be seated fairly easily which was much appreciated. The drinks were really great! Had a wide variety and you’ll instantly earn cool points for having a Penicillin on the menu. Service was good too and this spot is absolutely beautiful - I walked in and was so amazed. I can’t speak to the food as we only tried the pizza which was good. Overall I’d definitely come back for drinks if I lived in the area.
Rajesh Ramchandani
Absolutely loved our evening at theWit Rooftop Bar! The food was delicious – the Thai chicken pizza, in particular, was a standout and full of bold, unforgettable flavor. The cocktails were top-notch, expertly mixed and beautifully presented. The ambiance was vibrant yet relaxing, with a perfect mix of energy and elegance. Service was flawless – attentive, friendly, and professional. And of course, the views of downtown Chicago were absolutely stunning. It's the perfect spot to unwind, take in the skyline, and enjoy a memorable night out. Highly recommend!
Christina H
What a great spot for a rooftop restaurant!! There is both a lounge/sofa area and tables. We got a table by a window for a great view of the city. When making a reservation, you can choose which one to sit at. The website emphasized a dress code to the point where you could get kicked out, so we went dressed to the 9's, only to go in and see a lot of people dressed down and not being addressed about it, so that was disappointing. I would have worn more comfortable shoes 😂 I found the menu is limited, I just got the potatoes which were great but that was all I could eat. This place is clearly a highlight for the ambiance and view!! Service/our waitress was also great, my friend didn't like her drink and she took care of us.
Jessica Peng
We came here for our Fourth of July dinner with family, and the experience was memorable in many ways. Located on the 27th floor of the hotel, the restaurant boasts a gorgeous and spacious setting with stunning views. The menu offered an impressive variety of cuisines — from pizza and seafood to sushi rolls, sashimi, and sliders. The food was overall quite good. I especially enjoyed the Spicy Salmon Roll, which had a lovely tenderness and a subtle hint of yuzu, and the Black Angus Sliders, which were incredibly juicy and complemented by flavorful sauces. However, I wouldn’t recommend the vegetable bowls; we tried the broccolini and mushrooms, but they were dry, overly charred, and not what we expected from a vegetable bowl. There was also a DJ playing some great mixes, which added a lively energy to the space. That said, the music was quite loud in the main dining area, with speakers positioned above each booth. At times, the bass caused our seats to vibrate, and we could barely hear despite sitting right next to each other, making it difficult to hold a conversation (this was for dinner ~7pm). This venue might be better suited for drinks and a vibrant pregame atmosphere rather than a quiet sit-down meal with family.
How to reach ROOF on theWit
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Why ROOF on theWit may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at ROOF on theWit with your friends?
ROOF on theWit offers a remarkable spot to gather with friends and enjoy an unforgettable social experience high above the bustle of downtown Chicago. Situated on the 27th floor of the Hilton Hotel theWit, it provides magical panoramic views of the city’s iconic skyline, including glimpses of the famous "Bean" sculpture at Millennium Park and the Chicago River. This rooftop venue combines an upscale atmosphere with a versatile design, making it perfect for different times of day—whether you want a laid-back brunch, an evening dinner, or a late-night party. Its stylish and chic décor—featuring long community tables and private lounge cabanas—sets the tone for both intimate group gatherings and lively social scenes. What makes ROOF on theWit a great place for your meetup is the blend of scenery, ambiance, and culinary offerings, which provide ample opportunities to relax, mingle, and create memories. The venue's year-round use is guaranteed by an adjustable roof and heating system, ensuring comfort regardless of the weather. Plus, the vibrant music and DJ performances add a dynamic energy, keeping spirits high. So, rallying here means experiencing stunning views, excellent drinks, good food, and a great vibe all in one spot—a must for any group looking to enjoy quality time together with a Chicago cityscape backdrop.
What activities are available to enjoy at ROOF on theWit?
ROOF on theWit offers a variety of activities that cater to friends and family groups looking to unwind or celebrate. First, you can indulge in their brunch offerings featuring playful cocktails like flavored mimosas beyond the typical orange and peach juice blends, providing a fresh twist to daytime gatherings. The food menu includes crowd-pleasers like steak and eggs, French toast, and chicken and biscuits, each thoughtfully crafted with unique flavor profiles, perfect for sharing and discussing over a relaxing brunch setting. As the day transitions into the evening, the rooftop transforms into an elevated dining destination with Mediterranean-influenced dishes, including specialties like Neapolitan-style pizzas baked in a hearth oven. This culinary journey provides a delightful experience, appealing to diverse tastes within your group.
Beyond food and drink, the vibrant music scene is a standout feature. A live DJ spins an eclectic mix of music that enhances the atmosphere—ideal for those looking to vibe with friends, dance, or simply enjoy a lively soundtrack while taking in breathtaking city views. The rooftop’s flexible design supports a variety of social activities, from casual conversations on plush lounge couches to more energetic moments around long community tables or the dance floor later in the night. The combination of entertainment, quality eats, and drinks creates a multifaceted experience suitable for reunion meetups, birthday celebrations, or just spontaneous group outings. Whether you are looking to lounge and chat over handcrafted cocktails or dance the night away with a top-tier DJ, ROOF offers something for every mood and preference.
Why is ROOF on theWit perfect for group meetups?
ROOF on theWit stands out as an ideal venue for group meetups for several key reasons. The venue’s spacious layout is thoughtfully designed to accommodate groups of varying sizes, from intimate friend circles to larger gatherings. Seating options range from cozy booths to central couches and expansive community tables. This versatility ensures everyone in your party can find a comfortable spot that suits their social style while staying connected to the group. Many guests have noted the chic décor and atmospheric setting as great backdrops for meaningful conversations and memorable photos.
The rooftop’s year-round climate control makes it reliable for planning regardless of season or weather, with the adjustable roof and infrared heaters allowing for indoor comfort with outdoor ambiance. This means groups won’t need to scramble for alternative plans due to rain or cold weather, ensuring your meetup can go on uninterrupted. The location within the Hilton Hotel theWit also adds convenience for guests arriving from different parts of the city or staying overnight.
Entertainment is curated to keep energy levels just right — relaxed during brunch or dinner, then progressively upbeat with world-class DJ sets that inject a vibrant, Las Vegas-style nightlife vibe into the venue. This fluidity in mood caters to groups that want to evolve through different social stages in one location. Although some reviews have mentioned moments of slower service, many guests appreciate the effort and personal attention from servers who aim to accommodate large groups and keep the experience enjoyable. Overall, the blend of stunning views, adaptable seating, great food, and curated music made ROOF on theWit a trusted and celebrated destination for group socializing.
How does the food and drink menu enhance group experiences at ROOF?
The food and drink offerings at ROOF on theWit play a fundamental role in elevating the group experience. The culinary menu is crafted to complement the sophisticated rooftop setting, balancing familiar comfort foods with innovative twists that spark conversation and sharing. Brunch patrons delight in a range of options like creatively flavored mimosas offering novel tastes beyond the usual classics, catering to a variety of palates and making each drink a point of interest among friends. The inclusion of both sweet and savory dishes—from French toast to steak and eggs, and uniquely seasoned gravies—provides enough diversity that groups can enjoy personalized flavors while sampling each other’s plates, creating an interactive dining experience.
During dinner hours, the Mediterranean-inspired menu offers items like Neapolitan pizzas made fresh in a hearth oven, giving groups the ability to enjoy casual yet elegant meals that pair wonderfully with rooftop cocktails. The expertly crafted cocktails and extensive beverage list emphasize quality and accessibility, perfect for toasting and social bonding. Sharing drinks and dishes in this open-air environment enhances the convivial atmosphere, allowing groups to relax and enjoy extended conversations over multi-course meals or light bites.
This carefully curated menu supports a leisurely pace, ideal for lingering and catching up with friends or family without feeling rushed. It also encourages a communal dining vibe, reinforcing the social purpose of the meetup. Whether it’s a daytime brunch or a night of cocktails and dancing, the food and drink selections at ROOF anchor the meetup in comfort and style.
What kind of ambiance and setting can groups expect at ROOF on theWit?
Groups visiting ROOF on theWit can expect an ambiance that deftly blends sophistication with laid-back comfort, making it a versatile setting for a wide range of social occasions. Located 27 floors above the busy streets, the rooftop offers an exclusive feeling of escape while still being centrally located downtown. The décor is modern and chic, featuring stylish furniture choices that include intimate lounge cabanas for privacy, long communal tables that encourage mingling, and cozy couches where groups can easily gather and chat.
The venue’s open design creates a seamless indoor-outdoor environment, thanks to its adjustable roof and infrared heaters that allow for year-round enjoyment regardless of weather conditions. Whether you arrive in the afternoon for a sunny brunch with gentle floral vibes and a DJ spinning chill music or come back at night to see the city lights come alive under the stars, the atmosphere adapts beautifully to set the mood.
The lighting design and the spectacular panoramic views of Chicago’s skyline contribute to a captivating visual experience, perfect for mingling, photo-ops, and marking special occasions. Music plays a vital role in the overall vibe; relaxing during early hours and intensifying with high-energy DJ sets at night, it creates a dynamic that elevates social engagement without overwhelming conversation. This balance of design, comfort, and entertainment makes ROOF on theWit a compelling and stylish venue to host your next group meetup.
How accessible and convenient is ROOF on theWit for social gatherings?
ROOF on theWit benefits from a prime location in the heart of Chicago’s theater and business district, making it highly accessible for both locals and visitors. Situated within the Hilton Hotel theWit, the venue is easy to find and offers convenient indoor access from the building’s lobby, ideal for groups coming together from different parts of the city or those attending nearby events such as concerts or theater shows. This central downtown location is well served by public transportation, rideshare, and parking options, simplifying arrival and departure for all members of your group.
The hotel’s amenities add an extra layer of convenience by providing nearby accommodations for out-of-town guests or those who wish to extend their evening without worrying about travel. The rooftop’s ability to operate year-round, thanks to its adjustable roof, infrared heaters, and climate control, means you have flexible planning options regardless of the season or weather conditions. The layout’s capacity to handle large groups without feeling cramped enhances comfort and ensures that socializing can proceed smoothly whether you’re catching up over cocktails or celebrating a special event.
Despite some reports of inconsistent service speed, the venue generally strives to offer attentive and professional staff, including event coordinators who help manage reservations or special requests, ensuring a smoother experience for groups. All of these factors combine to make ROOF on theWit a convenient and accessible choice to host your next meetup in a sophisticated and memorable setting.