Places to see the city from?? (Chicago, Evanston: rent, rooftop, live in)

[Stillers]

Weird question (kind of), but I'm looking for a place that has a great view of the city that's kind of off the beaten path. Hyde Park beach (if that's what it's called) is sort of what I'm talking about, but it's kind of far. Obviously, I know about the Skydeck, but I'm looking for something a bit more secluded.

I'm from a place where there are a BUNCH of little nooks around the city that you can pour a glass of wine and enjoy the view of the city. I know Chicago has these areas! Any help??

[marothisu]

If you want a view of downtown, but not in downtown, then I'd look at areas west of the downtown area, say in like the West Loop (across from the freeway though), Wicker Park, Ukrainian Village/East Village/Noble Square area for example. There are some areas north and also south of that.

Two that I can think of off the top of my head would be Market's rooftop in the West Loop area and J. Parker's rooftop in Lincoln Park. Also, Citizen Bar in River North is far enough west where, at least as I remember it last time I was there (2 years ago), you could get a kind of unobstructed view of the skyline looking east and only less than a half mile away from where they densely are.

Otherwise, it definitely pays to know someone who owns or rents a place in these areas with access to either their roof for low rise or a balcony or roof for high rise.

[8loody]

The best view of the city is from the shore line between the Shed Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium

[chet everett]

Originally Posted by Stillers

Weird question (kind of), but I'm looking for a place that has a great view of the city that's kind of off the beaten path. Hyde Park beach (if that's what it's called) is sort of what I'm talking about, but it's kind of far. Obviously, I know about the Skydeck, but I'm looking for something a bit more secluded.

I'm from a place where there are a BUNCH of little nooks around the city that you can pour a glass of wine and enjoy the view of the city. I know Chicago has these areas! Any help??

Hmm, towns like Pittsburgh have dramatic changes in elevation along the three rivers that come together so that lots of majestic views are possible from many different areas. In contrast Chicago has extremely limited variations in grade so it is all but impossible to get any kind of "vista" except when situatated in an area where the waterfront serves as a low foreground to frame a view.

The Park District does rent out a few facilities on the southern lakefront to catering / resturant firms but the degree to which these are places to enjoy is largely a function of season -- not a whole lot of activity outside of summer.

Of course since the OP knows Chicago has these spots not really sure what help is needed ...

[squirrels]

If you take Fullerton and follow it all the way to the lake, there's some park benches in a little grassy area. With the angle of the viewing area you can see the city lights over the lake, it's really beautiful on a good night. I live in that area, it's one of the nicest views I've seen.

[marothisu]

For non business places, Montrose Beach/Harbor has a small view of the north side of the skyline. You can get a closer one from North Ave beach too.

[Attrill]

Yeah, for easy to get to views the areas around either the Adler or Montrose beach are your best bets. Any booze cruise out of Navy Pier will work as well.

[Stillers]

Originally Posted by chet everett

Hmm, towns like Pittsburgh have dramatic changes in elevation along the three rivers that come together so that lots of majestic views are possible from many different areas. In contrast Chicago has extremely limited variations in grade so it is all but impossible to get any kind of "vista" except when situatated in an area where the waterfront serves as a low foreground to frame a view.

The Park District does rent out a few facilities on the southern lakefront to catering / resturant firms but the degree to which these are places to enjoy is largely a function of season -- not a whole lot of activity outside of summer.

Of course since the OP knows Chicago has these spots not really sure what help is needed ...

Haha, you know what I mean. I'm sure I've been missing out. Looks like I have. And you're right about the changes in elevation in Pittsburgh, I didn't take that into account............

[Stillers]

Thanks everyone who chimed in. It sounds like I have a few places to start with..

[Maintainschaos]

If you go up to Evanston and head east on the NU campus near the lagoon/lakefill area, there's a beautiful North-South vista of the city. It's especially nice to take in on a clear day and sit on the rocks by the lake. Unfortunately, if it's hazy, it can be much harder to see.

Also, there's this nice little cafe on Granville called the Waterfront Cafe. The have live music, food, and drinks all summer long as well as outdoor seating. You can get the same sort of vista (although not as good) as you would get in Evanston, and you can have a drink while doing it . Of course, these are just the narrow North-South vistas, so you don't get the dramatic effect of the full skyline.