Hotel rooftops feature food, fun, great views
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Don't worry, this isn't a nightclub. Although the DJ and the couches might give you that impression. Cerise is the name of the rooftop perched high above the new Virgin Hotel in the Loop. The British import's first foray into the U.S. offers stunning, eye-level views in three directions, including the Jeweler's Building and the Trump. The snacks are just o.k., but it's certainly a fine place to hang out for a cocktail, take in the views, and then head off somewhere else for the night.
One of those destinations might be the new Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. Three eating options here, on the ground floor, the second floor and the roof, also known as Cindy's, where the menu leans heavily on shareable platters.
"Up here, this is our take on the Lake Michigan, Great Lakes beach house. Lots of picnic tables, platter-style dining which feeds two, three, sometimes four people. Great cocktails, large-format cocktails as well," said Michael Mason, Director of Restaurants and Bars at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel.
The Eastern-facing view of Millennium Park is drop-dead gorgeous. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Gary. But the food will distract your attention: consider hefty meatballs with Sunday gravy, grana padano and polenta bread, or massive shellfish platters with the usual suspects - chilled - or alternatively, a hot frogmore stew with many of those same species boiled with andouille sausage, corn and potatoes.
"Kind of like you're going out and eating at your beach house and spending a great meal with your friends and family," said Mason.
And you'd think a rooftop this magnificent would be closing down early during the week, but that's not the case. They're open until 2 a.m. during the week and until 3 a.m. on Saturdays.
Cerise (at the Virgin Hotel)
203 N. Wabash
(312) 940-4774
https://virginhotels.com/dine-and-drink/cerise/
Cindy's (at The Chicago Athletic Association)
12 S. Michigan Ave.
(312) 940-3552
