Best view for dinner or cocktails in Chicago?

[Bay Gelldawg]

Do any of the skyscrapers have restaurants or bars on top?

I would also like a great place to watch the sunset while eating dinner or having a drink.

Thanks.

[masha]

Everest is the exception to the rule that restaurants with great views have mediocre food. The food there is excellent but pricey. It is also a fine location for watching the sunset because of its location on the west side of the Loop. (Lake Michigan is to the east of downtown so a view of the lake does not give you a view of sunset.)

[ferret]

The food at Everest is pricey and, for me, at least, disappointing. But a lot of people love it.

[chicgail]

Just to be my usual contrary self, I think the food at Everest is extraordinary. However, I have found the service to be spotty - at best.

[HoosierFoodie]

Agree with Chicgail.... re: food and service at Everest.

[danimalarkey]

There's Roof at the Wit hotel, too. I think it's more of a place to see and be scene than it is a worthy dining/drinking destination, but still - rooftop.

The Plymouth, towards the South Loop, has a nice view of the surrounding skyscrapers in a much more relaxed setting. Still not going to get the best food or drinks, though.

[ferret]

Drinks are not bad at Roof, but they're very expensive.

[HoosierFoodie]

Hancock for a drink don't recommend dinner. Everest if you want a high end dinner.

[lbs]

The Trump Towers has a couple of options for eating and drinking with a view,

http://www.trumphotelcollection.com/chicago/downtown-chicago-restaurants.php

If you come in the summer time, you can eat at the rooftop of Pegasus in Greektown

http://www.pegasuschicago.com/veranda...

[aburkavage]

The bar at the Holiday Inn at the top of Merchandise Mart is surprisingly nice and has a great view.

[hill food]

the Hancock. maybe policy has changed but once (about 10 years ago) one could wait in a LONG line for the viewing floor and pay X amount for the privilege. or go to the bar floor for free (and even one higher! but I guess when one is is 80 floors up what is 81?) and have a drink for generally the same price as the other elevator ride yet with no wait (but then it was a Sunday evening). no idea about the food.

[chicgail]

Have a drink there. Enjoy the view. Then go for dinner somewhere else.

[ferret]

The SIgnature Room has a new chef, for what it's worth.

http://chicago.eater.com/archives/201...

Whether than translates into less mediocre food is anyone's guess. I was strong-armed into a Sunday brunch there a year or so ago and while the view was indeed spectacular, the food was cruise-ship cuisine.

[chicgail]

The likelihood is that the restaurant continues to be selling a spectacular view for tourists, rather than fine cuisine for foodies.

[weinstein5]

I think you are referring to the signature room - http://www.signatureroom.com/

[hill food]

that's it - so ok it's the 96th floor (and my rule of thumb is: a good view = ehh food. but it is a cool space for a coupla $$ drinks)