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Z Bar
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Z Bar
8.3
Perched atop The Peninsula Chicago, Z Bar is a polished rooftop lounge where inventive cocktails, daikon fries, and warm beignets meet a terrace facing the Magnificent Mile. Service and execution are stronger and more refined than many rooftops, making it a go-to for upscale drinks with real food and serious views.
Must-Try Dishes:
Daikon fries, Warm vanilla bean beignets, Chef-driven bar snacks to share
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A hotel rooftop lounge pairing skyline-facing terraces with some of the city’s most polished cocktails and snacks.
Who should go: Cocktail-focused diners wanting upscale rooftop energy and comfort.
When to visit: Golden hour into evening for terrace light and city glow.
What to order: Signature cocktail, daikon fries, warm vanilla bean beignets.
Insider tip: Request terrace seating facing Michigan Avenue on clear nights for the best Peninsula-and-skyline sightlines.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel valet at The Peninsula (typically premium-priced); nearby garages along Michigan Ave — street parking is scarce and limited.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — polished outfits, jeans ok if styled up; athletic wear and beachwear may feel out of place.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively in the evening — conversation is possible inside; terrace can be breezy and louder when busy.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for terrace seats without a reservation; interior lounge tables are usually easier.
Weekday lunch: Often minimal wait during daytime/early afternoon when crowds are lighter (service hours may vary seasonally).
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several snack and small-plate options; staff can help steer toward veg-friendly items.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be adapted, but expect 1–2 viable choices at most.
Gluten-free options: Select plates and many cocktails are gluten-free friendly; ask staff to confirm prep and potential cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the terrace views, refined cocktails, and polished service make it a strong choice for an elevated, conversation-friendly first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes for indoor lounge seating; terrace seating is first to fill on clear evenings, so arrive early or expect a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally better for adults — it functions as a cocktail-forward lounge with limited space for strollers and few child-oriented offerings.
Best For
Better for: Upscale cocktails with attentive hotel-level service, comfortable terrace seating, and a more refined rooftop experience than many party-centric venues.
Skip if: You want a loud, budget-friendly rooftop party scene, prefer large entrées over shareable plates, or need a highly vegan-focused menu.
Z Bar
8.5
Perched atop The Peninsula, Z Bar is a luxury rooftop lounge pairing inventive small plates with one of the strongest cocktail programs and terraces overlooking Michigan Avenue. It’s used as much for special-occasion drinks as for light dinners where skyline views are non-negotiable.
Must-Try Dishes:
Foie Gras Bon Bons, Bone Marrow Poppers, Signature Craft Cocktails
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Peninsula rooftop lounge marrying global tapas with skyline views.
Who should go: Cocktail lovers splurging on design-forward drinks and bites.
When to visit: Clear nights for terrace seating and Magnificent Mile views.
What to order: Foie Gras Bon Bons, Bone Marrow Poppers, signature cocktails.
Insider tip: Walk through the hotel lobby for an impressive arrival.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel valet via The Peninsula; pricing is premium and nearby garages are more realistic — street parking is scarce in this area.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — elevated attire fits the room; polished denim acceptable, athleisure and beachwear feel out of place.
Noise level: Moderate to lively indoors; terrace seating is conversational but can be breezy and louder when crowded.
Weekend wait: Expect a wait or bar hold without a reservation — 30–60 minutes during peak evenings.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, but terrace seats may be limited on sunny days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several small plates and snacks skew vegetable-forward, but offerings change seasonally.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be modified; best to confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Some options available and servers are used to requests, though cross-contact is possible in a lounge kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the terrace views and polished cocktails create a memorable setting, especially for a celebratory or upscale first date. It’s better for drinks-plus-snacks than a long, multi-course meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins are seated at the bar or lounge when space allows, but prime terrace tables usually go to reservations. Arrive early or on weeknights for the best chance.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal — it functions primarily as a cocktail lounge with a refined crowd. Older teens may be fine earlier in the evening, but it’s not geared toward young children.
Best For
Better for: High-design cocktails, polished hotel service, and one of the strongest rooftop terrace views overlooking Michigan Avenue.
Skip if: You want a hearty dinner, casual pricing, or a low-key environment — or if wind, weather, or terrace availability are deal-breakers.
Z Bar
8.0
Perched above Michigan Avenue atop the Peninsula, Z Bar is a cocktail-driven lounge with skyline views, plush seating, and a menu of globally inspired bites. It’s more about inventive drinks and people-watching than full dinners, but the food is dialed in enough to make a night of it.
Must-Try Dishes:
Z Burger Sliders, Salmon on Crispy Rice Cake, Mini Wagyu Cheesesteak
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A luxury hotel rooftop lounge pairing skyline views with polished cocktails and shareable plates.
Who should go: Cocktail lovers wanting a view-forward, design-minded night out.
When to visit: Golden hour into early night for sunset views and manageable crowds.
What to order: Z Burger Sliders, Salmon on Crispy Rice Cake, Mini Wagyu Cheesesteak.
Insider tip: Time your reservation around sunset and request terrace-side seating for the fullest skyline effect.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel valet at The Peninsula (premium pricing); nearby garages along Michigan Ave are the most reliable; street parking is scarce and limited at night.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — cocktail attire fits the room; stylish jeans acceptable but athleisure and beachwear may be turned away.
Noise level: Lively to loud during peak evenings — conversation is doable at lounge tables, tougher near the bar and terrace.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for walk-ins at peak hours; bar seating fills quickly after 8pm.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service — venue opens later in the day.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several small plates and snacks can be made or ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — expect 1–2 options with modifications; confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Several items are naturally gluten-leaning; kitchen can accommodate on request but there is no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it works well for an impressive, view-forward first date if you’re comfortable with a lively, scene-driven environment. Choose a lounge table or terrace seating for easier conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins are accepted, but waits are common on weekends and after sunset. Arriving early evening or right at opening gives you the best chance at seating without a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal — this is an adult-oriented cocktail lounge with late-night energy. Teens may be fine earlier in the evening, but it’s not suited for young children.
Best For
Better for: Craft cocktails, skyline views, design-forward seating, and a polished lounge atmosphere where drinks and scene take priority over full-meal dining.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, large hearty entrées, or budget-friendly pricing — a traditional restaurant or casual rooftop will be a better fit.