(Image courtsey: Whiskey Business Chicago)

It’s time to raise a glass because Chicago’s bars are reopening for outdoor seating. That means you can soak up the summer sun at your favorite rooftop bar, beer garden, or patio with a cold drink in hand, of course.

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Keep in mind there are a few restrictions. Chicago bars may open their outdoor patios, rooftops, rooms with retractable roofs, and indoor spaces where 50 percent or more of a wall can be removed. Customers will be limited to two-hour stays and must wear masks when they aren’t seated.

Check out some of the open bars in Chicago offering outdoor seating.

The Violet Hour

A pioneer in Chicago’s craft cocktail community, The Violet Hour serves seasonally-driven, pre-prohibition style libations to cocktail enthusiasts across Chicago. The James Beard Award-winning bar program is critically-acclaimed for its artisanal selection of approachable and highly-sought-after spirits. Light bites are prepared by Chef de Cuisine Justin Kaialoa in the same seasonal cadence.

Image: Facebook/The Violet Hour

Chicago River Floating rooftop

There’s a new place to drink on the Chicago Riverwalk. Step aboard this floating rooftop bar atop the anchored Chicago’s First Lady to enjoy cocktails and waterfront views. The bar is open from Friday to Sunday, admission is first come first served.

Cerise

Cerise is Modern, familiar, spontaneous, and playful, this cozy panorama of delights offers a mix of well-crafted drinks and culinary creations.Slip outside and find yourself 26 floors up overlooking the Chicago cityscape. Rendezvous inside and experience a whole new world of eclectic and savory satisfaction from day tonight.

Sidetrack

This massive Boystown bar is open for business, including their popular events like Musical Mondays and Drag Race viewing parties. Have a great night out at Sidetrack, where the unique music video mix of comedy, pop, retro and show tunes pairs with a wealth of rooms and ambiances to create a nationally-recognized scene. Sidetrack was a finalist in Logo TV’s 2009 “Best Gay Bar in the World” competition.

Offshore rooftop and bar

The largest rooftop bar in the country is a perfect place for social distance. Enjoy cocktails with sweeping views of Lake Michigan. Offshore is the nation’s largest rooftop venue that sits on the third floor of Navy Pier’s Festival Hall at 1000 East Grand and offers panoramic, unmatched views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline, a completely unique perspective not found anywhere else. 

Image: Facebook/Offshore

Whiskey Business

The Wicker Park bar is debuting a completely new floor plan inside and on their spacious rooftop, complete with social distancing lifeguards. Whiskey Business is a Restaurant, Bar & Rooftop in Wicker Park! Mixing 80s & 90s nostalgia with over 115 different whiskeys.

Image: Facebook/whiskey business

Island Party Hut

This riverfront bar offers major tiki vibes, from the drinks to the decor to the party games. Island Party is a one of a kind Island Experience in Chicago. Located on the Chicago Riverwalk they offer live music, great food/drink, and private to semi-private boat charters on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.

Reggies

Reggies is a laidback rooftop in the South Loop is open for business.No reservations all tables are first come, first served.

The Village Tap

In Roscoe Village, this neighborhood tavern is ready to welcome back regulars and newcomers alike. Tables may be subject to a timeline when busy. Opened in June of 1990. Their 26 rotating drafts have an emphasis on local and domestic craft beers. The VillageTap frequently hosts special events featuring a unique selection of specialty beers that carefully collect for such annual events.

Three Dots and Dash

Get your tiki fix at Three Dots and a Dash, which is now serving their iconic drinks outside. Table reservations are limited to 90 minutes. Chicago’s premier tropical tiki bar and craft cocktail destination hidden below the bustling streets of River North.The secret hideaway named one of The World’s 50 Best Bars by Drinks International – is led by cocktail expert Kevin Beary.

Image: Facebook/Three dots and Dash