Ace Hotel Chicago Opens New Rooftop Bar

Last month, the Ace Hotel Chicago opened its rooftop bar, the final portion of the hotel to open since it began welcoming travelers in mid-July.

The bar’s name is Waydown, and stems from a song by Illinois native John Prine. The fresh and urban interior has an industrial and somewhat dark feel to match the strong drinks and great views of the city skyline. The casual vibe matches the rest of the hotel, making it an easy spot to stop by on just about any evening, regardless of what you’re up to, from bar-hopping to concerts to sporting events.

The bar is large, with room for 250, and a smaller patio that fits a little more than a dozen. Waydown won’t have trouble filling the seats with its relatively affordable menu — cocktails starting a little lower than what is typical for the area, about $12. As far as bar food, expect a wide array of culturally inspired treats perfect enough to soak up the extra alcohol, but still refined enough to intrigue your palate.

Keep in mind, the Ace Hotel Chicago in the West Loop, is not situated for walking to the main tourist activities in Chicago. However, if you’ve been to the city multiple times, and are looking for a new neighborhood to enjoy, this hotel may just be right up your alley — close enough to the main attractions for a cheap Uber ride, but far enough away to provide a fresh experience, and just steps from cool and eclectic dining and drinks.