Chicago’s hottest new rooftop bar, RAISED, officially opens May 13

Chicago's hottest new rooftop bar, RAISED, officially opens May 13 1 Raised, An Urban Rooftop Bar, Chicago’s most anticipated and buzzed about rooftop destination, opens on Friday, May 13 on the third floor at One West Wacker, overlooking the Chicago River, featuring a panoramic view of the downtown skyline. With a unique menu crafted by Chef Daniel Perez and an innovative beverage program from William Nykaza, the chic new rooftop bar puts a spin on the city’s booming rooftop terrace scene, and is sure to become Chicago’s hottest destination for alfresco dining and cocktails. The bar has officially been raised for rooftop season in Chicago with Raised.

Raised, An Urban Rooftop Bar, Chicago’s most anticipated and buzzed about rooftop destination, opens on Friday, May 13 on the third floor at One West Wacker, overlooking the Chicago River, featuring a panoramic view of the downtown skyline. With a unique menu crafted by Chef Daniel Perez and an innovative beverage program from William Nykaza, the chic new rooftop bar puts a spin on the city’s booming rooftop terrace scene, and is sure to become Chicago’s hottest destination for alfresco dining and cocktails. The bar has officially been raised for rooftop season in Chicago with Raised.

The Menu

With a menu created by Executive Chef Daniel Perez, Raised features American bar food with a twist, highlighting sharable plates – ideal for mixing and mingling while soaking up the summer. Chef Perez focuses on all things local, sourcing his menu ingredients within 200 miles of Raised. His bar-focused classics are presented with surprising twists that will delight every palate.

The Beverages

Designed to complement Chef Perez’s American cuisine, the beverage program at Raised is curated byWilliam Nykaza, and features an array of wine, beer and cocktails. Local breweries are the highlight, featuring six rotating draft beers together with over 40 beers by the bottle from breweries located throughout the neighborhoods of Chicago, including Off Color Brewing from Logan Square, Local Option from Lincoln Park, and more. With eight wines on tap, guests have the option of ordering wine by the glass, or they may enjoy more than 35 wines by the bottle, ranging from champagne, old-and new-world reds and whites, as well as a selection of summery rosés. The cocktail program includes offerings both by the glass and/or decanters for groups; served in Raised’s collection of rare, interesting glassware. The creative libations with seasonal, fresh ingredients encourage guests to sample and share.

The Design

Raised was designed by The Gettys Group, fusing an industrial aesthetic with eclectic style and raw finishes. With a glass wall that lends to a stunning view of the skyline and Chicago River, the outdoor area features fresh flowers, as well as fire pits, cabanas, couches and an outdoor bar with a decidedly urban feel. Raised’s unique design features elements of glass, iron, greenery, fire pits, and reclaimed wood, with outdoor couches which comfortably seats 50 indoor, and 200 throughout the overall indoor/outdoor space. The bar’s additional event space, Urban Blue, is the perfect location for private events.

The Concept

Inspired by the Main Stem river district location, the name Raised refers to many conceptual layers, including the iconic bascule drawbridges that line the Chicago River, the locks that raise the water for passing boats, and the rooftop’s elevated location. Raised is also inspired by the urban gardener – the hop grower, brew master, or vine maker – with the notion of raised garden beds, hop plants and grape vines.

The hours of operation for Raised are Monday – Thursday 4 p.m. – 12 a.m., Friday and Saturday 2 p.m. – 1 a.m. (12 a.m. for terrace) and Sunday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. For more information about Raised, An Urban Rooftop Bar, visit www.RaisedBarChicago.com or call 312.372.7200.