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Wed / Apr 14
Party Earth Review Set atop the 27th floor of a trendy boutique hotel in the heart of downtown, ROOF on theWit boasts an expansive view of Chicago’s glittering skyscrapers – not to mention a good sampling of its see-and-be-seen crowd as... ... read full review
theWit Hotel
201 North State Street
Chicago, IL 60601
Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple Express Lines: State/Lake; Red Line: Lake
312-239-9501
M–Tu 4pm–midnight, W 4pm–2am, Th–Sa 2pm–2am, Su 11am–midnight
The Loop, Chicago –
Set atop the 27th floor of a trendy boutique hotel in the heart of downtown, ROOF on theWit boasts an expansive view of Chicago’s glittering skyscrapers – not to mention a good sampling of its see-and-be-seen crowd as well.
A dedicated elevator opens into a sprawling main room filled with clusters of low-slung chairs and couches, where gaggles of trendy girlfriends sip hibiscus liqueur garnished with edible orchids as socialites on brunch duty power through a few $15 Bloody Marys.
Aside from a pair of contemporary stainless steel fireplaces flickering in the corners and a large bar down one side, the furnishing are kept at a minimum, perhaps to put the focus on the massive floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Chicago River and beyond.
Open-air patios flank both sides of the main room, including a coveted small dining area that hangs precariously over the side of the building, seemingly unsupported.
Midday shoppers and lunching business people take over the long granite table on the other patio – which features a line of actual flames burning down its center – while modern wooden booths and brightly-lit futuristic umbrellas highlight the rest of the spacious room.
A more casual vibe during the day transforms into a swankier scene in the evenings when a crowd of gussied-up ladies and gents shows up hoping to snag one of the prime patio tables reserved for thousand-dollar bottle service, or to groove to a DJ and live music.
Whether filled with trendy partiers at night or quieter upscale tourists and professionals during the day…the roof, the roof, the ROOF is on fire.
Mix of upscale tourists, high-end shoppers, hotel guests, trendy club types, fashionistas, celebratory groups, and socialites, 20s to 30s+.
Nightly DJ spins mostly hip-hop, house, and R&B. Live music two or three times a month.
Limited Italian menu featuring finger foods including pizza and goat cheese crostini.
Cover charge $10–$20/F–Sa after 9pm, otherwise no cover charge. Brunch menu $10–$20, small plates $9–$15. Beer $7, wine $10–$20/glass or $40–$125/bottle, cocktails $15, shots $8, champagne $13–$50/glass or $125–$1000/bottle, bottle service $300–$600. Valet $15–$26.
Business attire, dressy, and club wear: Hampton’s chic sundresses and linens, jeans paired with dress shirts, suits, slinky tops, dresses, and sport coats. Dress code: No ball caps, flip-flops, torn or baggy jeans, or tank tops.
Any evening with great weather for the best outdoor patio experience, usually May through October; Saturday and Sunday afternoons for a mellow brunch; and Friday and Saturday nights for bigger crowds and the most popular DJs.
The Phoenix Lounge (201 North State Street), on the second floor of theWit, serves cocktails in a similarly sleek space without the table wait on busier nights.
ROOF on theWit User Reviews