Cindy's Rooftop
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We explored and went to the Bean/Millenium park. A visit to this city isn't complete without going to this area. While researching for restaurants this is one of the places we wanted to try out. I did not make a reservation because honestly this is one of those trips that I just want to relax and not be following a rigid schedule. This is a rooftop bar facing the park. Just follow the signs and go to the side entrance to get into Cindy's (go through the Chicago athletic association. We told the reception while checking in that we have no reservations so we were directed to the bar. We got here around 7:30 Monday night and were able to sit on bar and order drinks. I ordered Cha Cha Chicago and my son got a Kevin. Both drinks are superb - we left our bar seats to go to the terrace and were out there for 20 mins to enjoy the view. One of those spots you'll need to visit when you're in town. FYI to see the view - the terrace is SRO.
Great view of the lake and the bean. We came here before sunset, but it's not a good exposure for sunset. I think it might make more sense for brunch. We had chicken ceasar salad, arancini, oysters, espresso martini, whiskey sour, and white wine. All were delicious! The atmosphere is so cute! I loved the lighting. Doesn't make much sense to book a table for outside. A big portion of the balcony is for standing and sipping drinks by the view which is perfectly fine.
They are reservation based and found a table on OpenTable and had limited availability but managed to snag a table in the afternoon. 5/5 ambiance - indoors has an open air seating with a rooftop patio view. You can grab a drink and go outside for pics which tons of ol ppl were doing. 4/5 Wiener Circle spicy - like a spicy margarita with Mezcal. Strong but well flavored. 5/5 mushroom toast - flavorful, cheese was perfect and flavor was amazing. 5/5 crème brûlée was delicious! The sugar was light and the custard was perfect. Menu is limited but everything was very well prepared. We had a bday noted in the reservation and they brought a free bday dessert with a candle which was a nice touch.
After an afternoon of sightseeing (& sweating in the heat), we were very excited for a cold beverage on the rooftop. Cindy's has a large outdoor patio with standing room overlooking Millennium Park and the bean. Such a great location! The drinks were delicious & the service was great. We wished we had time to enjoy a second beverage but we will definitely be back!
Top tier place! The food was excellent and fresh. Servers were busy yet so attentive and spot on. The place was definitely a vibe , great atmosphere.
I love Cindy's!! I think this was my third time here. It's probably one of my favorite rooftop bars in Chicago. The service is always good, the vibes are fun, and the rooftop view is one of the best. If you come in the summer, the rooftop has a bar so you don't have to keep going in and out, but you're allowed to take your drinks from the inside bar to the rooftop. It gets a bit crowded out there and there are no seats or places to set your drink down. I prefer coming in the early evening so I can enjoy the clear view of millennium park. At night you can't see as much. I also prefer coming here in the winter because it's a lot less crowded and you'll basically have the rooftop to yourself. They also have cozy fires on the rooftop during the winter. We came here recently for a late night snack and dessert and drinks. As my drink, I ordered the Cha-Cha-Chicago, which was kinda like a pina colada with blueberry and super refreshing! For food, we ordered burrata, carrots, and the macchiato noir. The kitchen closes at 10pm (two hours before the bar closes). We got there around 9:30 and were able to order food no problem. The burrata was delicious and refreshing! The carrots were also good. We asked if dessert ended at 10pm too and couldn't really get a clear answer from anyone, but we ordered around 9:55. Although the bartender forgot to put our order in after we asked him, we still got our dessert after 10pm. We ordered the Macchiato Noir and it was so delicious and tasted like salted caramel and coffee. Our bartender offered us complimentary sips of Amaro (probably as a way to apologize for forgetting to put in our dessert), but that was really nice of him. We took them outside to enjoy on the rooftop.
I am giving a review for the location and service! Great views of the city and fun place to bring tourists. They can't really make modifications on the cocktails but they have lots of options!
Loved everything about our experience! The location is incredible- we had our lunch overlooking Millennium Park. We came here on a Friday for our 2pm reservation. We got seated outside. Our waiter was Ian, he was amazing at his job. He knew the menu extensively and describe everything well. He treated us like we were friends. The food was surprisingly delicious- we ordered the oysters, shrimp roll, and smash burgers! It was delicious. For dessert we tried the peach orchard- it was an interesting dessert, it had a lot going on. It was big, enough for two people, maybe three. It was an OK dessert, as soon as I ate I forgot about it. Overall, a great experience! I would love to come back for a girl's brunch or dinner!
I went here with my boyfriend and the atmosphere was incredible. Post-grad life has us balling on a budget, so we shared fries, mussels (SO tasty), and two cocktails. The environment is... bustling to say the least, but has an amazing, intimate feel with the right person. We were seated along a row of two-seat tables, which felt slightly awkward and cramped, but there was space to go outside, take pictures, and enjoy your beverage/the view from there! We had a reservation, but I saw a couple people come in without one and they seemed to have no problem entering in. To be safe, I'd definitely recommend making one.
This place is right across the street from Millennium Park. From the deck at Cindy's you can get a beautiful panoramic view of Chicago and Lake Michigan. Their Bloody Mary's are delicious and the bartenders are very attentive.
Love this location! Went for brunch (recommend a reservation if you have somewhere to be). Great view, service and cocktails!! Recommend for a view of the city.
I'll start off with the ambiance and that it's totally worth the visit just for the view alone! You take an elevator to the rooftop level of a tall building in downtown, and you get to experience a view of the lake, millennium park, and much more! You definitely want to come during a nice day and take pictures. The food was decent. I will say that I got the chilaquiles, and I was getting really tired of the flavor; it was a little salty when I got it, and the chips were so mushy at one point. The eggs benedict on the other hand was delicious! The English muffin paired so well with the ham and egg, and the potatoes were to die for! They were warm, crispy, and flavorful. The service was great; the waiter gave us recommendations and always made sure our waters were full. Additionally, he made sure to check in with us through the meal. I'd definitely recommend coming here as an experience, but I will say the price of the food is a pricey for what you get.
My sister and I went to Cindy's for breakfast and had drinks, an almond croissant, avocado toast, and the classic breakfast. Everything was delicious, but the almond croissant was my favorite. It had the perfect amount of almond flavor and was so good. The views were amazing too! Definitely make a reservation because it gets busy. We had a great time and would go back!
7 years ago
3 years ago
7 years ago
Couldn't think of a better spot to enjoy some fancy (though pricey) drinks, a delicious meal, and views that can't be beat. I came with a friend and we raved about the queso fundito and chicken shawarma. We also loved our cocktails- the prickly rose, Paloma, and one other that was a bit like a passion fruit margarita. Highly recommend coming here when in the area. read more
We came here for the views and ended up getting baked by the sun. The famous rooftop restaurant usually doesn't have any open reservations, but they do allow for walk-ins and open bar seating. My girlfriend and I came early during the lunch hour to get on the waiting list, around 11AM or so. One spot opened up shortly, but it was outdoors, which we will later find wasn't the best idea. I'm not going to lie, the views overlooking Millenium Park were pretty amazing, but the sun was also really hot that day and it was blazing on us the entire time. We started off with some drinks, I got the Roman Holiday and my girlfriend got the Grey Garden, both really great drinks, featuring different alcohols mixed with caffeine. For food, we shared the Smoked Fish Board, Lobster Roll and the Duck Confit. The smoked fish board came with salmon, great appetizer to share with a few people. Lobster roll wasn't anything too special, big chunks of lobster, the salt & pepper chips were a great complement. The duck confit was prepared nicely, but there were a lot of burned vegetables on the dish, not sure if that was the intent they were going for, but that made the dish a bit off-putting. Views and drinks were great. The food was alright, definitely room for improvement but it seems like most of the parties weren't really there to eat, but to hang out and chat. Worth checking out for some quick drinks and pictures, but I'd rather grab food elsewhere. read more
3 years ago
There is definitely a long wait when it comes to brunching on the weekend so be prepared to pass the time boozing away until you're called. (If you head over to their website, you can actually make reservations online ahead of time.) The drink of choice: Howl at the Jun. It's made of citadelle gin, 'jun' kombucha, graefruit, and sparkling rose. With the crushed ice, this drink was a life saver on a hot summer day. The drink is topped off with a candied ginger for sweet and spicy treat. Whether you're here for a meal or simply to grab a drink, the rooftop view is the main attraction here. Head out to the open terrace and enjoy the spectacular view of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan. read more
3 years ago
3 years ago
Was so looking forward to drinks and dinner in a place with the most amazing views, location and vibe. Sadly, many disappointments. Simple Vodka martinis took so long (not once, not twice, all three times) I swear they made them In Russia. The "table" was a bar top for supper in the CENTER of the bar... some of the food (we ordered all small plates) was GOOD, oysters were excellent, patatas bravas YES, striped bass was swimming in (house made) Mayo, radish salad was okay (and I LOVE radishes), mozzarella w pickled cherries was great. But the drinks took forever to come and around time for dessert, the BAR was filling up fast, so now we're surrounded at a bar top finishing a meal that cost over $300! Dessert took SO LONG, I was so pissed I didn't even want or eat it.... The waiter apologized and brought us a box to take it with us.... It was ICE CREAM! So.... Great location, plan to WAIT for your drinks, and SKIP eating there. read more
3 years ago
7 years ago
Family Brunch Made a reservation (which I would suggest) for brunch. We arrived and were seated immediately. We were greeted warmly and seated at a nice table. Diego was our server and he was fantastic and friendly. We ordered the chocolate babka (GET IT!!). It was so delicious. If we had ordered nothing else that would have been a success. We had a spicy Bloody Mary and a couple of mimosas, all delicious and brunch appropriate! Some of the entrees are large enough to share so we ended up with the pancakes, breakfast burrito and steak and eggs to compliment the babka - plenty of food, all hot, and all good. The view from the balcony is of Millennium Park and today was clear and cool. Our reservation (thanks Erica) was at 10:30 so we had the balcony to ourselves for a little while but honestly EVERYBODY there was friendly and there to have a good time so the entire experience was great. The seating area feels open with the glass ceiling. It did get semi-crowded at times but everything was managed well. I recommend Cindy's! read more
5 years ago
When polling locals where the best rooftop bars in Chicago were, I only got one answer - Cindy's. Jaw dropping views of the Chicago skyline, Millenium park and Lake Michigan. No wonder it's a popular city rooftop for locals and visitors! read more
3 years ago
I think this should maybe be a $$$ place? Or is everyone in Chicago just way richer than me? Anyway, came here for lunch and waited about 30 min to grab a seat outside. Make sure you wear sunscreen if you do, hahaha. I had the smoked salmon platter, banana split, and the blueberry charcoal drink. Overall, I think I came more for the view than the food. read more
2 years ago
5 years ago
One of the better restaurants right across from Millennium park! It is an absolute nightmare to get reservations here but it is definitely worth it. You also have to wait in line downstairs before getting let up into the elevator. Cindy's is always so booked up but the view is incredible! The staff was also very helpful and the inside is beautifully decorated. I loved the dish I ordered. The chicken katsu sandwich with pickles was DELICIOUS! I highly recommend this spot if you are taking visitors around the city and want to impress them with good food and a nice view! read more
2 years ago
4 years ago
Great vibe and the best view in town! We thought it would take about an hour to get seated when we went at a busy time, but they sat us down in less than 10 minutes. The food was amazing! Definitely one of the best places I've been in a while! read more
5 years ago
I take all my friends from Aruba there..... it a perfect place to introduce them to Chicago the view is amazing! The food is fantastic !!! And drinks are out of this world !!!! read more
3 years ago
This place is amazing! I love me a good roof top bar to have a cocktail or four at. This place is definitely a good choice! They have a huge indoor area where you're not playing musical chairs the entire time. I absolutely loved their decor from the space, to the set up, to the art on the walls. It has a very upscale but casual ambience. I'd advice dressing appropriate when coming to this establishment as yoga pants and paint stained jeans probably not your scene. Their view on their patio roof top is incredible, smaller than I'd have thought but not discouraged at all. I'm not from Chicago so I'd not be able to explain what you see but the major landmark I saw that Chicago is known for is the Bean.. so they should give you an idea of what to expect. Now don't quote me on this but that Saturday night (Labor Day weekend) there were fireworks that were going on. I don't know if it's initiated by the bar themselves or if the city of Chicago just does them spontaneously on certain weekend nights. You might have to do your research on that. Overall a great experience! Makes me wish I lived in the Chicago nearby neighborhoods for syes. read more
If you're from Chicago, you know about Cindy's & the amazing sustenance & views that it has to offer. If you're not, well there's your quick summary & you should go! Tricky thing is that it's popular so a reservation well in advance is necessary. Once you're seated, it's such a pleasant experience that I'm sure is memorable to most patrons. My coworkers & I had a social here to enjoy some good drink, food, & finally the warmer weather (in May). We enjoyed the local cheese & charcuterie, and queso fundido as appetizers. As entrees, the pork chop, chicken shawarma, and grilled fish hit the spot and some (everyone loves leftovers ;)! The green gold, tierra roja, & paloma colorada lifted the spirits. No complaints, would go again. read more
4 years ago
Amazing! Phenomenal views of Millennium Park. The food was fantastic! Definitely an experience. read more
3 years ago
4 years ago
3 years ago
4 years ago
Absolutely amazing the service was absolutely amazing Yammi,mark, Michelle,dj you guys did an amazing job and I understand why this place is amazing you guys make this place complete the owners must be proud to have employees like your self they made my daughter 18 birthday absolutely epic it's a must see and go food,service , atmosphere is perfect for a night out or a celebration thank you all for everything you guys do read more
3 years ago
5 years ago
I tried to get reservations for this rooftop bar a few weeks before our trip to Chicago, but they were unfortunately booked. However, we got engaged that night and decided to try to get in anyways, and all you had to do was wait in line for a few minutes if you didn't have reservations! We finally got upstairs to the bar area, and a sweet couple at the bar payed for our drinks since they noticed we were newly engaged. The bar had a very nice atmosphere, and the staff as well as the patrons were all very friendly. The view of downtown as well as of Lake Michigan was beautiful, and I'm so glad we decided to go here after we got engaged. We will be going back here the next time we are in Chicago for sure, and maybe we will even have a reservation! read more
You'll want to come here for the view and a cocktail or two. I wouldn't recommend getting brunch at Cindy's, but if you're looking to give visiting guests their next Instagram post, Cindy's hits the mark. Brunch reservations were made about two months in advance! I received a gift card and wanted to wait for warmer months to use it. We started our meal with drinks and Cindy's never disappoints with their interesting and specialty cocktails. My "No Bars" with vodka and grapefruit was summery and just brunch-y enough. For food, I ended up ordering the Lox and Bagel plate, and for $18 you get a surprising amount of smoked salmon! I always complain about "not enough lox" at restaurants, but I couldn't even finish mine after giving up on the bagel and going straight for the good stuff. The steak and eggs were a disappointment. According to my boyfriend, "it's a cheap cut of meat cooked poorly and the potatoes tasted like cardboard." For once, he liked my order better than his own! We wrapped up the meal with coffee cake and wished we would have started with that. It was delicious and the texture was perfect. If you're coming for a casual drink and snack, get the coffee cake! The odd ending to our meal: we paid our bill with a gift card and the waitress took it without any remarks. When she returned, she said they couldn't re-issue the remaining balance on the card and it couldn't be used to tip. "It's a one-swipe thing." Soooo where did the extra money go? And why didn't anyone tell us beforehand? Luckily, there wasn't enough left on the card to be upset about, but if our tab had been any smaller, would they have written off $20+ with no explanation? Besides the strange gift card policy, Cindy's brunch was enjoyable, but we won't be returning for food. This is strictly a one-drink, impress-your-out-of-town-friends spot. read more
3 years ago
The view is great and drinks are delicious, but everything is expensive! Very pricey for food/drinks/anything in general, not sure if it was worth the 1 month in advance reservation. Located above Chicago Athletic Association. read more
More info about Cindy's Rooftop
12 S Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60603
The Loop
Directions
(312) 792-3502
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Visit Website
https://www.cindysrooftop.com
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Ask the Community - Cindy's Rooftop
Do I need reservations just to have drinks at the terrace, not for dining?
I walked in without a reservation... Had a few beers on the terrace.
Is there a dress code?
No strict dress code. Attire runs the gambit. I went in the summer and folx had on shorts and tees, sundresses, jeans, and tees, etc... This was for brunch. I think snappy casual to business casual works for weekday lunch or dinner as well. It's a…
Lunch or Dinner for best views (sunset) and menu?
Cindy's faces east so no sunset...it is a pretty view all day long. Patio may be more pleasant in the evening on a warm day...
Do they accept walking?
They do! But come early - even if you get there before they open and go up the first elevator, you might have to wait at the bar. I've walked in twice during opening and been seated within 15 minutes.
Good place for dinner conversation? Or, super loud and you need to yell to be heard?
It is loud in the dining room, you can talk to the person next to you but have to talk loud or yell to heard on the other side of the table.
Are kids allowed?
I'd imagine so, but after 8:30 PM / 9 PM it might not be a "fit"...
What is the Attire. Can you come casual?
Yep, you can absolutely come casual. Not a formal place.
Are you able to sit outside? Trying to make a reservation but it says indoors only? Weird
No seating outside
Could I show up for just a drink or two on the patio without reservations? Hoping to go Friday afternoon to show my out of town sister the space.
I went about a week and a half ago and though it says you can't online, while I was there, they were allowing people to just show up and get a drink if there was space available.
Is the outdoor patio open?
Yes for viewing purposes only. You get like 15 min to look at the views.
Kid menu? Wondering if they have anything off menu for kids
Can't really say. I had the pleasure of dining only with other adults so didn't have to look for a grilled cheese or chicken nuggets. Although there were a surprising number of families with small children in attendance
What time is happy hour?
There isn't a happy hour, per se, but they do have a 'limited menu' from like 2:00-4:00 (or maybe 2:30-4:00) and it is just a couple of items/shareables. Even without a sunset view, it is well worth an afternoon visit, the lake view is amazing!
Yelpers! What would you recommend for solo diners?
There's a bar / countertop where a lot of people sit and hang out. Looked like a ton of fun. I almost got up from my table to go sit at the bar.
You have to pay $65 to get in?
Honestly though you can easily spend $65 when you leave there.
Do you have to have a reservation for brunch?
Yes, unless the popularity has fallen way off. I made a reservation three months out last summer.
Do I need reservations OR a table to hang out on their patio? I'm wondering if I can just grab a drink and take in the view and then leave :-)
You can just go hang out, no need for reservation!.
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