Streeterville Social

455 N. Park Drive 877-868-8232

We've got three words to describe the rooftop at the new Loews Hotel in Streeterville: really, really big. "We've been calling it the largest rooftop in Chicago, and no one has refuted us yet," food and beverage director Nathaniel Brethold said of the 9,000-square-foot space. After cruising up on the dedicated elevator to the third floor and stepping up to the host stand, you'll have the choice of heading to Streeterville Social Bistro on one side and Streeterville Social Terrace on the other. The more intimate bistro—which has views of the NBC Tower and Ogden Plaza—will cater to the downtown lunch crowd with summery dishes such as compressed watermelon, pistachios and goat cheese from chef Mark Payne. On the other side, the terrace opens at 4 p.m. with a menu of street food-inspired bites (think crispy lamb belly with tzatziki or chicken wings with kimchi), a walk-up bar and views of Navy Pier and Tribune Tower. The centerpiece is a sprawling lawn of real grass where you can kick off your shoes and play giant Jenga or petanque (kind of like the French version of bocce). We're especially intrigued by the reported investment (to the tune of a cool half-mil, per Brethold) in custom-made furniture from Barcelona-based brand Kettal, which will feature sofas and even a few bird cage-inspired swings. "It's ultra-casual, come-as-you-are," Brethold said of both the bistro and the terrace, which seat about 80 and 200, respectively. "No sparklers in your face or loud music."

ETA: Late June

We're picturing: Reminding ourselves first-hand the difference between caipirinhas and caipiroskas