Selva Rooftop Lounge

A New Rooftop Bar in Fulton Market Highlights the Flavors of Mexico, Especially Corn | Eater Chicago

"Perched atop the Emily Hotel (formerly the Ace), this new rooftop bar channels the energy of Mexico at night with a sleek 2,800-square-foot dining room finished in marble, leather, and metal and a 1,600-square-foot patio that offers downtown views and sunsets; a separate downstairs daytime space is set to open next month. Corn and masa are the backbone of the kitchen, with the team obsessing over different heirloom corns and tortilla textures—sourcing from socially conscious vendors like Masienda and planning to grow Oaxacan green and Zuni Blue corn in a rooftop garden for use later in the season. Menu highlights showcase that focus in dishes such as a crispy-yet-chewy fried tortilla tuna tostada topped with chipotle aioli, root salad, and orange, four distinct tacos (duck carnitas with smoked pickled onions and habanero; buffalo chicken with garlic and cotija; lamb barbacoa with onion and cilantro; and a vegan tinga made from shiitake, maitake, oyster, and cremini mushrooms), freshly made chips with multiple salsas including a cape-berry–infused roasted-chile salsa, plus tortilla-less options like homemade chicharrón with melted cheese and jícama with lime and chile piquín. The cocktail program, led by Cristiana DeLucca, emphasizes mezcal and other artisanal Mexican spirits (including tequila and Michoacán’s charanda) with inventive cocktails such as a Batanga-style Charro Negro and the mezcal-forward Smoke Show, alongside a curated wine and beer list. The overall intent is to honor Mexican cooking techniques and traditions while offering a rotating, casual-spirited menu; the venue opens June 10 and will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to midnight with reservations available via Resy." - Brenda Storch