You’re standing on Michigan Avenue, looking up at that massive, X-braced dark tower. Everyone still calls it the John Hancock Center, even though the signs officially say 875 North Michigan Avenue. You want a drink. You want that view. But if you haven't been here in a year or two, the "John Hancock Center bar" situation is probably going to confuse you.
Honestly, the most famous spot is gone.
For decades, if you wanted a cocktail with a side of vertigo, you went to the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor. It was the ultimate "take your parents here" spot. Then, in late 2023, it vanished. No warning, just a sign on the door about "economic hardship." It felt like a gut punch to the city's tourism scene. But here is the thing: the building didn't stop serving drinks. It just changed the floor number and the vibe entirely.
The New Reality: CloudBar is the John Hancock Center Bar Now
If you walk into the building today looking for the old 96th-floor lounge, you’ll find the elevators for those floors are blocked off. The space is currently undergoing a massive $2 million+ renovation by the original architects, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). They are turning the 95th and 96th floors into a "multi-story observation experience." It's slated to reopen sometime in 2026, but for now, it’s a construction zone.
So where do you go? CloudBar.
Located on the 94th floor inside the 360 CHICAGO observation deck, CloudBar is the current holder of the "highest bar in the building" title. It is a completely different animal than the old Signature Lounge. Where the old spot felt like a 1990s hotel lobby with dark wood and hushed tones, CloudBar is sleek, mirrored, and very "Instagram-era."
You've got mirrored ceilings that make it feel like you’re literally floating. It’s intentional. They worked with The Gettys Group to create this "European-chic" aesthetic. It’s less "steakhouse bar" and more "modern lounge."
The Entry Fee Factor
Here is the part that trips people up: You have to pay to get in.
Back in the day, the "pro tip" for the Hancock was to skip the $30 observation deck ticket and just go to the 96th floor. You’d spend $20 on a martini, but the view was technically "free."
That loophole is mostly closed. To get to CloudBar, you generally need a ticket to 360 CHICAGO.
- General Admission: Usually starts around $30-$40.
- Sip & View: This is the ticket most people should get. It includes your entry and one drink (cocktail, beer, or wine).
- The TILT Experience: If you want to lean out over the edge of the building at a 30-degree angle, that’s extra.
Is it worth it? If you’re a tourist, probably. If you’re a local, you’re probably missing the days when you could just zip up for one drink without a timed entry ticket. But once you’re up there, the view hasn't changed. It’s still the best in the city because you’re looking down at the rest of the skyline, including the Willis (Sears) Tower.
What’s Actually on the Menu?
CloudBar isn't trying to be a five-star restaurant. If you’re looking for a full dinner, you’re in the wrong place. They do small plates. Think local. They’ve actually done a decent job of sourcing stuff from Chicago neighborhoods instead of just serving generic frozen appetizers.
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They’ve got Garrett Popcorn—which is a Chicago law to eat at least once a trip—and snacks from local artisans. The cocktail list is surprisingly creative. They have drinks inspired by the "77 neighborhoods" of Chicago.
I’d recommend the Orange Line (Koval vodka based) or anything they’ve collaborated on with Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club. They also usually have Moody Tongue on tap, which is a high-end local brewery that fits the "elevated" theme perfectly.
Why Everyone Still Talks About the Ladies' Room
We have to talk about it. The legendary "best view in Chicago" wasn't actually from the bar—it was from the women’s restroom in the old Signature Lounge.
It had floor-to-ceiling windows right next to the stalls. People would literally go in there just to take photos of the skyline. With that floor closed for renovation, that specific "secret" is currently unavailable. However, the 94th floor has plenty of floor-to-ceiling glass, so you won't feel cheated. It just lacks that weird "I'm looking at the Sears Tower while washing my hands" novelty.
The 2026 Outlook: What’s Coming Next?
The building's owners, Magnicity, bought the 95th and 96th floors in 2024. They knew they couldn't just let the most iconic real estate in Chicago sit empty.
The plan is to integrate those top two floors into the 360 CHICAGO experience. We’re talking about a massive three-floor vertical attraction. While they haven't released the full cocktail menu for the 2026 reopening yet, the word is that it will be much more "experience-based." Expect more glass, more "thrill" elements, and likely a very premium price tag for the "John Hancock Center bar" experience on the 96th floor.
Practical Advice for Your Visit
- Timing is everything. If you go at 2:00 PM on a Tuesday, you’ll have the place to yourself. If you go at sunset on a Saturday, be prepared for crowds. The "Golden Hour" is beautiful but chaotic.
- No Dress Code. Unlike the old Signature Room which had a "business casual" vibe, CloudBar is very "come as you are." You’ll see people in suits next to people in North Face parkas and sneakers.
- The "Hidden" Floor. Most people don't realize there’s an open-air mesh section on the 94th floor. You can actually feel the wind and hear the city 1,000 feet below. It’s not the bar area, but it’s worth the walk around the perimeter.
- Check the Weather. Seriously. If it’s a "Sock-In" day where the clouds are low, you will see literally nothing. Just white mist. The bar doesn't give refunds for low visibility. Check the "SkyCam" on their website before you buy a ticket.
The John Hancock Center bar experience has evolved. It’s less of a quiet, romantic hideaway and more of a high-energy, high-altitude lounge. It’s shiny, it’s expensive, and the elevators still make your ears pop in 40 seconds flat.
If you want the classic Chicago skyscraper experience right now, CloudBar is your only option in this building. Just make sure you book the "Sip & View" ticket online in advance to save a few bucks compared to the walk-up price. Keep an eye on the 95th floor updates as 2026 approaches—that’s when the real "Big John" comeback happens.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Visibility: Before heading out, visit the 360 CHICAGO website to view their live webcam. If the clouds are below 1,000 feet, save your money for another day.
- Book the "Sip & View": Purchase this specific ticket category online. It’s the most cost-effective way to get both the observation deck entry and your first drink at CloudBar.
- Arrive 30 Minutes Early: Even with a timed ticket, the security line at 875 N Michigan can get backed up, especially during peak tourist season.