VU Rooftop Bar

"Vu is a rooftop bar on the 22nd floor of the McCormick Place Hilton, and since it has both firepits and retractable windows, it works for the occasional April snowstorm and/or autumn. There’s an eclectic menu of dishes like corn fritters, flatbread with soppressata and ricotta, green curry mussels, and a surprisingly decent burger. It’s all fine, but our favorite activity here is to drink and wonder how the Morningstar Investment Conference is going." - veda kilaru, adrian kane, john ringor

"Now operated by Fifty/50 Restaurant Group, this rooftop bar offers great views outdoors and a modern lounge that’s great for groups. There’s plenty of large format drinks, a friendly staff, and the food isn’t an afterthought. Burgers, chicken sandwiches, and more are quality." - Ashok Selvam

"Fire tables and heat lamps ensure that VU Rooftop Bar can keep offering views of Lake Michigan and South Loop skyline sunsets even when the temperatures dip. Visit for an all-you-can-eat buffet brunch or late-night snacks like popcorn shrimp and corn fritters with a mezcal negroni or an old fashioned. There’s also plenty of space inside the spot on the 22nd floor if it does get too chilly. Make a reservation through OpenTable." - Samantha Nelson

"Vu is a rooftop bar on the 22nd floor of a building near the McCormick Center. And since it has both firepits and retractable windows, it’s good for the occasional 53-degree Chicago summer day. There’s a long menu of small plates, with dishes like popcorn shrimp, crab dip, and flatbreads. It’s all fine, but our favorite activity here is to drink, take in the sweeping views of the lake, skyline, sun setting over the relatively flat sprawl southwest of the city, and be glad we’re not going to the Morningstar Investment Conference this year." - veda kilaru

"Vu is a rooftop bar on the 22nd floor of a building near the McCormick Place convention center. And since it has both firepits and retractable windows, it’s good for the occasional 53-degree Chicago summer day. There’s a long menu of small plates, with dishes like popcorn shrimp, chicken thighs, and salmon succotash. It’s all fine, but our favorite activity here is to drink and be glad we’re not going to the Morningstar Investment Conference this year." - adrian kane, veda kilaru