Citizen Bar Restaurant / Rooftop Bar

River North, Chicago –

A swanky exposed brick hideout in the winter, the upscale Citizen Bar gets into full swing in the warmer months when it opens a massive five-thousand-square-foot rooftop deck, making it a popular River North summer hotspot.

Wealthy finance types and local residents appropriate the venue during the week, commandeering dozens of red leather stools and high-backed benches to discuss work or catch the game on the flat-screen TVs, while trendy couples out for a hot night on the town stop in on Fridays and Saturdays for a round of Grey Goose cocktails before hitting the clubs.

Despite a warm and modern vibe, frequent DJ parties, and ample floor space for mingling inside, the bar’s biggest draw is undoubtedly the rooftop deck and lower patio, both usually packed with a mix of sports fans downing pints and boisterous, gussied-up guys and dolls enjoying the fresh air and flirting over top-shelf drinks.

Although the space fills up early, easy access to two additional drinking stations keeps the rounds flowing long into the night, making Citizen Bar a prime spot for sports lovers, upscale club-goers, and young couples looking to relax over cocktails and conversation (almost) any time of year.