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VU Rooftop
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
VU Rooftop
8.3
VU Rooftop is a 22nd-floor lounge above McCormick Place, combining skyline views with a shareable menu of small plates, flatbreads, and cocktails. Guests lean on it for sunset drinks, hotel-adjacent dinners, and pre- or post-event hangs in the South Loop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mushroom Tostadas, Voodoo Popcorn Shrimp, Guanciale & Arugula Flatbread
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: 22nd-floor rooftop next to McCormick Place with skyline views and shareable plates.
Who should go: Convention guests and locals chasing cocktails with city views.
When to visit: Golden hour before Wintrust events or clear summer evenings.
What to order: Mushroom Tostadas, Voodoo Popcorn Shrimp, Guanciale & Arugula Flatbread.
Insider tip: Ask about terrace availability; private events can limit outdoor seating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Garage parking is typically available in the McCormick Place / attached hotel garages; rates vary by event and can spike during conventions. Street parking nearby is limited and time-restricted — rideshare is common on busy evenings.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; jeans and clean sneakers are fine, but most guests trend polished (blazers, dresses, elevated casual).
Noise level: Lively lounge energy indoors with music; conversation is manageable at lounge tables and easier on the terrace earlier in the evening.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for walk-ins on warm weekends or event nights; reservations are strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait when daytime hours are offered, but hours can be seasonal — check ahead.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several small plates and flatbreads are suitable or easily modified; staff can guide substitutions.
Vegan options: Limited — expect 1–2 workable options with modifications; clarify ingredients with the kitchen.
Gluten-free options: Some items are naturally gluten-free or can be adjusted; cross-contact is possible, so request guidance if sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the skyline views, cocktails, and lounge seating work well for a relaxed, slightly upscale first date, especially around sunset when the vibe is energetic but not overly loud.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins are often accommodated at the bar or lounge tables, but on warm nights or major event weekends availability is limited and waits can be significant.
Is it kid-friendly? More adult-oriented — suitable for older teens earlier in the evening, but there’s no kids’ menu and the late-night lounge atmosphere isn’t ideal for small children.
Best For
Better for: Skyline views near McCormick Place, pre- and post-event cocktails, and flexible indoor/terrace seating in the South Loop.
Skip if: You want a quiet, sit-down dinner with full entrées, need guaranteed outdoor seating in bad weather, or prefer a low-key neighborhood bar vibe.
VU Rooftop
8.1
Perched above McCormick Place, VU Rooftop spans multiple indoor-outdoor spaces with skyline views, cocktails, and shareable plates. Convention-goers and South Loop residents use it for sunset drinks, small plates, and late-night hangs that feel more like a lounge than a traditional restaurant.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Double Smash Burger, Sausage Flatbread, Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Belgian Waffle
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: High-floor rooftop bar with multiple patios and convention-adjacent views.
Who should go: Groups wanting cocktails, skyline views, and shareable plates.
When to visit: Golden hour for sunsets before late-night lounge energy builds.
What to order: Double Smash Burger, Sausage Flatbread, fried chicken and waffles.
Insider tip: Reserve outside and bring layers; wind and temps shift quickly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Garage parking at McCormick Place and nearby hotels; limited street parking in Motor Row, expect event-night surcharges and heavier congestion during conventions
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jeans are fine but most guests opt for polished, night-out attire
Noise level: Moderate early evening; shifts to loud lounge-style energy later, conversation can be difficult near the bar and DJ areas
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer during conventions or good-weather evenings
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait when daytime service is offered; hours vary by season and events
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several shareables and flatbreads can be made or ordered vegetarian
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of snacks/sides may work with modifications
Gluten-free options: Some items are or can be prepared gluten-free; confirm with staff because menus change seasonally
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a fun, scenic first date — especially at sunset on the patio — but it becomes louder and more lounge-like later in the evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays or early evenings, but reservations are recommended on weekends and during convention nights; outdoor seating is weather-dependent.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids — it skews adult, cocktail-driven, and late-night; teens may be fine earlier in the evening with supervision.
Best For
Better for: Skyline views, stylish indoor-outdoor spaces, and cocktails in a lounge-forward rooftop environment near McCormick Place
Skip if: You want a quiet sit-down dinner, budget pricing, or guaranteed indoor seating during peak weather nights