Up, up in the sky

The yearround Vertigo rooftop lounge is set to open in mid-September. (Photo: Dana Hotel)


I've been holding on to the generous gift card given to me at the Dana Hotel/ajasteak opening party simply because I've been waiting for the opening of their gorgeous rooftop lounge Vertigo.

Scheduled to open in mid-September, the 3,100-square-foot bar will have amazing views of State Street, with much of it covered so we can go play there yearround. And what'll really set it apart from the others is that Vertigo will have a deejay spinning sexy grooves, several bars (including a martini bar), a central fire pit, and those low-slung chairs and Ottomans certain to keep party people here for hours.

Since that opening's still a few weeks away, here's where to play today:

C-View: Located on the 29th floor of the Affinia Hotel, this former penthouse will make you feel like a rock star. A limited menu of shareable dishes from the first-floor C-House is available, and of course an awesome skyline view.

NoMI: Signature champagne cocktails NoMI Bloom (St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, Hisbiscus infused syrup) and Park Flower (with rose essence, Chambord, lychee puree) should be sipped on the elegant seventh-floor rooftop lounge adjacent to the restaurant.

Zed451: Ever since this River North hot spot extended its rooftop hours to 2:30pm (11:30am on weekends!), it's been even crazier to get onto. It's totally worth the wait, especially for light bites like the short rib sliders and fondue platter filled with meats, cheese and bread.