There is no shortage of bars, lounges, or pubs in Chicago. There are also places to quench your thirst while sun bathing or gazing at the moon. Whether you’re searching for a new after-work spot, a weekend place to chill or a chance to enjoy the city’s summer skyline while drinking mojitos, Chicago has a bevy of rooftop bars that are pleasing to the eye and the appetite.

Photo: Wayne Cable

ROOF on the Wit

201 N. State St. Chicago
(312) 467-0200
http://www.thewithotel.com/the-attractions/roof.cfm

The 27th floor of the Wit hotel offers guests an Italian-inspired small plates menu, three bars, handcrafted cocktails, a double-sided fireplace and even a grand piano. The year-round rooftop lounge also includes live music and telescopes to get a closer look at the stars.

The Terrace at Conrad

521 North Rush Street, Chicago
(312) 645-1500
http://www.terraceatconrad.com/

Located five stories above the hustle and bustle of Michigan Ave., The Terrace at Conrad has a Latin-inspired menu, nutritional drink specials, and a state-of-the-art, 110-inch Stewart Film Screen and surround-sound system. Every Sunday at dusk, “Movies on the Terrace” presents Chicago-centric feature films.

C-View

166 East Superior Street, Chicago
(312) 523-0923
http://www.c-houserestaurant.com/

This rooftop lounge and terrace is one of the highlights of Chicago’s Affinia Hotel. This relaxed setting has reasonably-priced bar snacks and cocktails and is a great post-work getaway. If your stomach starts to growl just take the elevator to the lobby and dine at Top Chef Master Marcus Samuelsson’s C-House Restaurant.

NoMI Garden

800 N Michigan Ave., Chicago
(312) 239-4030
http://www.nomirestaurant.com/gallery/nomi/setting/garden.html

When it’s 100 degrees in the shade, try the seventh floor of the Park Hyatt Chicago to cool off. Not only is this an escape from the heat, but also from the busy streets. Enjoy small plates, tropical drinks and soft candlelight amid a lush landscape.

The Southern

1840 W. North Avenue, Chicago
(773) 342-1840
http://thesouthernchicago.com/

If you like southern fried chicken and hush-puppies Chicago may seem like the wrong part of the country, but if you like southern cuisine and mint juleps while relaxing on cabanas and big beds, then The Southern is the only place to go.