ZipPicks Awards
Best Rooftop Restaurants in Lincoln Square
Master Critic Review
Arriba Rooftop
7.6
A rooftop deck above Farm Bar that leans into margaritas, small Tex-Mex plates, and a hangout-first setup where the sunset does some of the heavy lifting. The experience is strongest when you treat it like drinks-and-snacks: pick one or two shareables, stay mobile, and let the roof be the point.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy margarita, Taco trio (barbacoa, carnitas, or chicken tinga), Elotes
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 6.3
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 7.3
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: A big, airy rooftop built for margaritas, snacks, and lingering at sunset.
Who should go: Cocktail crews and rooftop-first meetups
When to visit: Early evening for sunset and easier seating
What to order: Margaritas, tacos, elotes
Insider tip: Go with a snacks mindset—one round of shareables beats a full meal up top.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only in the surrounding Ravenswood blocks; availability drops in the evening and on weekends, so allow extra time.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; summer rooftop wear fits, with an emphasis on comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is easy earlier, but music and crowd noise rise after sunset.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak rooftop hours, especially in good weather.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very short waits; afternoons are the calmest.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable-forward small plates and taco options.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications, but not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some naturally gluten-free items, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if the goal is drinks and light bites rather than a sit-down dinner. The rooftop setting does a lot of the work, but it’s more social than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially if you’re flexible and arrive early. Prime sunset slots fill quickly on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really — the focus is cocktails and adult socializing, making it better suited to adults and older teens than young kids.
Best For
Better for: Casual rooftop drinks, margaritas, and a relaxed hangout where the view and atmosphere matter more than the food.
Skip if: You’re looking for a full Tex-Mex dinner or a quiet, conversation-focused rooftop experience.