Casino Rooftop Bar Gold Coast
Warmer(ish) weather means it’s time to take happy hour to the next level with the best rooftop bars and patios in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood.
Any Gold Coast rooftop bar with views like those at The Burleigh Pavilion is destined for greatness. Poised over the southern corner of Burleigh Beach, The Pav’s alfresco terrace bar gazes out over the Pacific Ocean, Burleigh Beach and Broadbeach’s skyline. The Collective, Palm Beach: The Collective’s rooftop bar is armed with one of the most comprehensive cocktail menus on the coast, so you’ll always find something new and intriguing to sip. It’s an ideal spot to soak up the afternoon warmth and watch the sun go down with a tipple in hand. Find Gold Coast Hotel & Casino restaurants in the Westside area and other. Make restaurant reservations and read reviews.
We’ve put together a list of hot spots to check out this season because there’s nothing quite like sipping a chilled drink while taking in the sunset or the humming bustle of the city. Check out our 7 favorites (3 of which also happened to make our Best Bars in Gold Coast Part 2 list.) See one we missed? Let us know your favorite spots in the comments!
You can never go wrong with a margarita (frozen or on the rocks, we don’t judge) and chips and salsa when it comes to happy hour staples. Blue Agave is the spot to cover these creature comforts and take in the pulse of the Rush Street scene patio-side.
No matter if you’re in the mood for snacks or steaks, Del Frisco’s is quite the hidden gem. In addition to the 3 floors it occupies of the historic Esquire Theater, Del Frisco’s boasts a fabulous patio/rooftop bar overlooking the luxe boutiques of Oak Street. Add the 1,200+ wine options and you’re set!
A tried and true Gold Coast watering hole, Pippin’s is somewhere you can go where everybody knows your name… in Chicago. Head to this Rush Street bar of over 40 years for a pint and a great place to people watch.
When it comes to rooftop bars, this hot spot works as both a destination and a stopover – Freds is perched on the top floor of Barneys New York at the crossroads of Oak and Rush. Head upstairs for some respite during your shopping escapades, or meet up with friends for rosé brunch – all with a killer view of Lake Michigan.
Related:in the area and want to swing by? Try us out for free!
While this spot might not fulfill your need to imbibe, it definitely should not be overlooked as far as outdoor hangouts go. A quaint greenhouse-like building nestled in the middle of a small park lets you enjoy the simple things (like nature and freshly brewed tea) in the middle of the concrete jungle.
If you’re in search for the perfect balance of Gold Coast essence and late-night revelry, LuxBar should be your go-to. The street-side patio gives you a front-row view of all the glittering traffic rolling down Rush and Bellevue, while the 2nd floor seats next to the open windows offer a little more of an observation vantage point. LuxBar doesn’t take itself too seriously either – it’s also a great place to catch a game near the bar with a burger.
While most of our list resides on or around the Rush Street area, Drumbar takes you across Michigan Avenue for a different Gold Coast experience. Situated on the rooftop of the Rafaello Hotel, the speakeasy-inspired bar is a great place to stop after a shopping trip or before a night out on the town.
Can’t get enough of the Gold Coast neighborhood (or rooftop bars, in general?!) You can also check out our past Best Bars in Chicago’s Gold Coast installment!
With an average of 300 days of sunshine a year—a scorching summer, delightful autumn, mild winter and stunning spring—it’s no wonder we love to wine and dine in the great outdoors.
Alfresco is our signature style, so we’ve rounded up the best spots on the Gold Coast to eat, drink, breathe in the fresh air and bask in the sunshine.
Here are the best rooftop bars on the Gold Coast.
The Island Rooftop
Surfers Paradise
Plonked in the middle of Surfers Paradise atop a boutique hotel, The Island Rooftop is a drop of nectar amidst the glitter strip. It’s a setting that resembles Hawaiian luxe and New York sophistication with a killer cocktail list. This might just be your new island haven that you’ll never want to leave. You actually don’t have to, book a room at The Island and make it a staycation!
Justin Lane Rooftop
Burleigh Heads
As if the truffle oil and chilli margaritas weren’t enough to drag us back time and time again, Justin Lane went ahead and graced us with a rooftop bar. Complete with a misting system for the summer months and DJ booth, this special Italian rooftop has your Sunday afternoon sorted. If you're looking for one of the very best rooftop bars on the Gold Coast, you've found it.
Burleigh Pavilion
Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Pavilion, the Coast’s first beach club, was always going to be a game changer for locals and visitors alike, but one step inside and you’ll agree it lives up to the hype. Boasting sweeping views of Burleigh Beach and north to Surfers Paradise’s iconic skyline, plus enough room for 600 people, beachside cocktails just got a whole lot better. Design wise, it’s an Instagram dream. Think terrazzo tables, fairy lights, exposed timber rafters, four-metre ceiling heights, splashes of pastel pink and lots of crisp white, makes Burleigh Pavilion a standout among the coolest Gold Coast rooftop bars for drinks in the sunshine.
The Collective Rooftop
Palm Beach
All hail The Collective and the genius idea to combine five different restaurants under one (retractable) roof. Open for lunch and dinner seven days, there is plenty of time to get cosy on their sunny rooftop and sip on colourful cocktails; because it’s always a good idea to extend that boozy brunch well into the afternoon.
Nineteen At The Star
Broadbeach
Ladies, don your kaftan and get your puckered up pout ready and gents, dig out that collared shirt, ready for some freshly-shucked oysters. Nineteen at the Star is here to remind us of the Gold Coast’s glitzy heritage. Complete with floating VIP booths, day beds and an infinity pool, you’ll feel both literally and figuratively sky high sitting here on the 19th level.
Moxy’s Rooftop Bar
Coolangatta
Moxy’s Rooftop Bar is the latest addition to the Gold Coast’s rooftop bar scene. Creating a space that fits nicely between a thumping nightclub and a formal restaurant, it’s a place to come together, enjoy some drinks, have a nibble, and take in live music and DJ sets. Located on Griffith Street, it’s an easy walk from the sands of Coolangatta Beach (post-surf beer, anyone?).
Frida Sol
Palm Beach
Inspired by Mexico and the legendary Frida Khalo, this Palm Beach outdoor bar is the perfect place to enjoy a taco and margarita in the sunshine. With tiki-style umbrellas, amble outdoor seating and a delicious cocktail list with delights like the Mama Cass (vodka, passionfruit, pineapple juice, elderflower liqueur and mint) and the Troppo Locco (strawberries, vodka, citrus and lemonade) you can't go wrong at Frida Sol.
Mr P.P’s Deli And Rooftop
Southport
Mr P.P.’s serves a collection of cocktails on their rooftop that scream summer. If you’re after something refreshing, opt for The Seaside—vodka, soho lychee and passionfruit. More of a fruity drinker? Then the Summer Lovin is for you—Bacardi Blanca, Malibu, lime, pineapple, agave and egg white. This multi-level venue is the perfect spot to watch the summer sun go down behind Southport’s impressive skyline and is a buzzing Gold Coast rooftop bar if you find yourself on the northern end of town.
Surfers Paradise Beer Garden
Surfers Paradise
Re-opening after a multi-million-dollar renovation, Surfers Paradise Beer Garden is taking full advantage of its prime location. From the retractable roof inviting the gorgeous sunshine and salty breezes to come flooding inside, to the on-trend white and wood paneling, nautical accents, festoon lights and picnic tables donning umbrellas, you’ll love this Gold Coast rooftop bar. The Birdwatchers Bar lives on via a wraparound deck, with sinkable couches and tables overlooking the palm trees and Cavill Avenue—the perfect position for people-watching.
Casino Rooftop Bar Gold Coast Florida
Aviary Rooftop Bar
Southport
Another top choice for northerners among the best Gold Coast rooftop bars to hit, The Aviary hosts a Sunday soiree from 2pm every week. Listen to live acoustics while enjoying sweeping views of the skyline and inhaling a wood-fired pizza. If you’re trying to keep it clean(ish), opt for one of their healthier cocktails made with kombucha.
Made your way around the best rooftop bars on the Gold Coast? You might want to plan your way around the Gold Coast’s best cafes for breakfast next.
Casino Rooftop Bar Gold Coast Chicago
Image credit: Kaitlin Maree and Hayley Williamson for Urban List