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VU Rooftop
ZipPicks Awards
Best Rooftop Restaurants in Chinatown & Bridgeport
Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Chinatown & Bridgeport
Master Critic Review
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.