4 Chicago Rooftop Bars Make Annual Ranking Of World's 50 Best

CHICAGO — Chicago is the top city in the United States and one of the best cities in the world for rooftop bars, according to annual rankings released this week.

Four Chicago bars were included in this year's rankings of the top 50 produced by Mondoe Media, an Australian digital signage company that analyzed 200 rooftop bars and used data on how many patrons shared the businesses on social media and what percentage of people "rated them as excellent."

Bangkok was the only city in the world with more locations on this year's list, with its five rooftop spots including the No. 2 and No. 4 ranked locations.

Chicago tied with London for second in the number of top-ranked bars, with four rooftop bars among the top 50.

While American bars comprise nearly half of the rankings, the only other cities in the USA with more than one that made the list are New York, with three, and Denver, with two.

Here are the Chicago rooftop bars to make the 2024 best rooftop bar in the world rankings:

1. I|O Godfrey Rooftop Lounge (No. 15) - The upscale lounge in the Godfrey Hotel at 127 W. Huron St. offers inventive cocktails amid its blend of luxury and comfort.
2. Upstairs at the Gwen (No. 16) - Situated atop the Gwen Hotel on the 5th floor of 521 N. Rush St. the rooftop retreat is known for an Art Deco-inspired décor with sophisticated ambiance and creative drink menu.
3. Z Bar (No. 3) - Found on The Peninsula Chicago at 108 E. Superior St., Chicago, Z Bar has an internationally inspired cocktail menu alongside views of Michigan Avenue.
4. Cerise Rooftop (No. 33): Located on the 26th floor of the Virgin Hotels Chicago, 203 N. Wabash St., Cerise offers a vibrant atmosphere with lively music, an eclectic drinks menu and sweeping downtown views.