Chicago is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the US, and for good reason: the skyline along Lake Michigan is a stunning sight, both day and night. But Chicago’s frosty winter weather can make it challenging to stand outside and soak in the sights.
Fortunately, there is a fun, and warm, solution: see-through igloos have popped up on rooftops across the city. These gastro-greenhouses are the perfect venue for sipping on cocktails with friends or a romantic night out with a special someone while taking in the skyline at night.
Here are some of our favorite winter cabanas and igloos to visit during the Chicago winter:
LH Rooftop Bar
LondonHouse Chicago
LondonHouse Chicago occupies one of Chicago’s historic buildings, built in 1923 along the famous Chicago River. From the hotel’s rooftop lounge, guests can enjoy the dazzling, sweeping winter views of the Magnificent Mile, the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, and the Chicago River’s beautiful bridges.
LH Rooftop is open from 11 am to midnight, so it is also a great spot for a daytime get-together. Check Tock for reservations and prices, or email LH Rooftop directly at rsvp@londonhouse.com. These igloos are very popular, so reservations in advance are required.
Devereaux
The Viceroy Chicago
Atop the beautiful Viceroy Chicago, one block west of the “Magnificent Mile” of Michigan Ave., Devereaux features rooftop “chalets” that seat up to 6 people comfortably, with miniature firepits, complimentary blankets, and portable blue tooth speakers inside. Reservations include food and beverage services: try the ‘Sparks Fly’ experience, with a hot chocolate and s’mores kit. Reservations and prices are on Tock, and again, the chalets are very popular so reservations are a must.
I|O GODFREY
The Godfrey Hotel Chicago
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The Godfrey Hotel is nestled in Chicago’s trendy River North neighborhood, which provides beautiful panoramic views of the city’s skyline. Guests can reserve either small or large igloos, which are heated inside and are furnished with The Godfrey’s trademark modern design. The rooftop lounge also offers nibbles to accompany those delicious swanky cocktails. Make reservations on Tock.
Fun fact: After an afternoon or evening of high style and glamour at The Godfrey, take a walk over to Second Story Bar, one of Chicago’s most historic hole-in-the-wall gay bars. As stylish as The Godfrey is, Second Story Bar is not–but the drinks are big and the bartenders are friendly. Bring cash, because they don’t accept credit cards.
Related: Check out Chicago’s legendary bar scene
Barcocina
Closer to the nightlife of Boystown in the Lakeview neighborhood, Barcocina is a Mexican restaurant with a collection of igloos for outdoor drinks and dining. At $75 per person for 2 hours, with bottomless drinks and a full family-style meal, this is also the best deal in town. (Kids under 10 are free.)
Barcocina’s igloos are not on the roof, so they do not have sweeping views of the Chicago skyline, but they are on this list because the ambiance is adorable:
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Raised
Renaissance Chicago Downtown
The Raised greenhouses are available to reserve for a maximum party of 6 guests, with a food and beverage minimum for a two-hour reservation. Reservations for the Winter Greenhouses become available each Thursday for the next week and can be made through Tock.
While you’re there, perhaps you’ll catch a marriage proposal:
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…and for a truly one-of-a-kind event:
The Gwen Glamping Experience
The Gwen Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Chicago
The Gwen Glamping Experience features an outdoor tent that is reserved overnight, like a hotel room, but out on Gwen’s expansive rooftop patio. The glamping tents are 16 feet across and can accommodate up to six guests for cocktails, and overnight guests will revel in the sheets of one of the Luxury Collection’s famous Pearl beds, which are like sleeping on a cloud in the sky. These tents are available for stays only between May through December, and reservations can be made on the hotel’s website, so plan ahead (and save your money for the room rate).
RELATED: Nobody’s Darling – Chicago’s new inclusive lesbian bar
