Chicago has a thing for heights. It's basically in the city's DNA. If you’ve ever walked down Michigan Avenue and looked up, you’ve seen the "Big John"—the John Hancock Center with its iconic X-bracing. But for decades, the real draw wasn't just the architecture; it was the chance to grab a drink at the Tavern in the Sky. Formerly known to locals and tourists alike as the Signature Lounge on the 96th Floor, this spot has undergone a massive identity shift recently. It’s no longer just a place for a pricey martini and a view of Lake Michigan. It’s a piece of Chicago history that nearly vanished, only to be reborn under a name that feels a bit more "Old Chicago."
People often get confused about what's actually up there now. Is it a tourist trap? Maybe. Is it worth the elevator ride? Honestly, yeah, but only if you know how to play the game. You aren't just paying for the booze. You're paying for the fact that you're suspended 1,000 feet above the pavement while the wind whistles against the glass.
The Rebrand from Signature Lounge to Tavern in the Sky
For years, the 95th and 96th floors were occupied by the Signature Room and the Signature Lounge. They were the "fancy" spots. If you were proposing, you went to the 95th. If you were a college student trying to impress a date without buying a $60 steak, you went to the 96th for a drink. Then, in late 2023, the whole thing suddenly shuttered. It was a shock. People thought the era of high-altitude dining in the Hancock was over because of leasing disputes and the changing post-pandemic landscape of the Mag Mile.
But Chicago doesn't let floor space like that stay empty for long.
The new iteration, Tavern in the Sky, is an attempt to lean into a more approachable, albeit still upscale, vibe. It’s managed by 360 CHICAGO, the same group that runs the observation deck on the 94th floor. This shift is actually pretty smart. By rebranding as a "tavern," they’re nodding to the city’s blue-collar roots while maintaining that "wow" factor that only a skyscraper can provide. You’ve still got the floor-to-ceiling windows. You’ve still got the dizzying view of the Navy Pier fireworks. But the energy feels a little less "white tablecloth" and a little more "Chicago lounge."
What Most People Get Wrong About the View
Everyone talks about the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower). They want to go to the Skydeck. They want to stand on the Ledge. That’s fine. It’s cool. But here is the truth: the view from the Tavern in the Sky is better.
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Why? Because when you’re in the Willis Tower, you can’t see the Willis Tower. When you’re at the Hancock, you’re looking down the "canyon" of Michigan Avenue. You see the Wrigley Building, the Tribune Tower, and the massive expanse of the lake. It feels like you’re part of the skyline rather than just looking at it from the outside. Plus, the Tavern in the Sky sits on the 96th floor, which is actually higher than the observation decks in most other global cities.
Let’s talk about the "Ladies' Room" secret. It’s a cliché in Chicago travel circles because it’s true. The view from the women’s restroom on the 96th floor is arguably the most famous bathroom view in the world. It’s a panoramic shot of the north side and the lakefront that is literally unobstructed. Men usually have to settle for the view from the lounge area, which is still great, but there’s something funny about the fact that the best seat in the house is next to a sink.
Surviving the Tourist Rush: A Local's Perspective
If you show up at 7:00 PM on a Saturday in July, you’re going to have a bad time. You’ll be standing in a line that snakes around the lobby, waiting for an elevator that feels like a pressurized soda can.
The trick to enjoying Tavern in the Sky is timing.
Go on a Tuesday. Go at 3:00 PM when the light is hitting the city at a low angle and the shadows of the buildings are stretching out across the water. Or go late—like, right before closing late. The city lights at 11:00 PM are hauntingly beautiful. The clouds often roll in at that height, and you can literally watch the fog swallow the tops of the neighboring buildings. It’s eerie and quiet.
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The Cost of Admission
Let’s be real: the drinks are expensive. You’re looking at $18 to $25 for a cocktail. Some people complain about this, calling it a "scam."
I disagree.
Think about it this way: the 360 CHICAGO observation deck one floor below costs about $30 to $45 just to enter. If you go to Tavern in the Sky, there is no cover charge. You buy one drink, and you can sit there for an hour. You’re essentially getting a "free" observation deck experience with a side of gin. It’s the most cost-effective way to see the city from above, provided you don’t order five rounds.
The Design and the Vibe Shift
The architecture of the Hancock building itself influences the vibe inside the Tavern. Those massive steel X-beams are right there in your face. It gives the space an industrial, powerful feeling. The new management has leaned into this with darker tones and a more modern aesthetic than the old Signature Lounge, which was starting to look a bit like a 1990s hotel lobby.
It's not just about the booze, though. They’ve stepped up the small plates. You’re seeing more locally sourced ingredients and snacks that actually represent Chicago’s food scene—think elevated takes on classic pub fare. Is it Michelin-star dining? No. But it’s a massive step up from the generic appetizers of years past.
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The acoustics are also worth mentioning. Because the space is basically a giant circle around the elevator core, the sound carries in weird ways. It can get loud. If you’re looking for a quiet, whispered conversation, this might not be the spot during peak hours. But if you want to feel the pulse of the city, there’s nowhere better.
Realities of High-Altitude Hospitality
Running a bar at 1,000 feet isn't easy. Everything—every keg of beer, every lemon wedge, every bag of ice—has to come up those service elevators. This logistical nightmare is part of why the prices are what they are.
There’s also the weather factor. On a very windy day, you can actually feel the building sway. It’s subtle—a slight oscillation designed to keep the structure from snapping—but if you’re sensitive to motion, you might notice your martini doing a tiny dance in the glass. It’s a reminder that you are in a feat of engineering, not just a bar.
On "socked-in" days, the view disappears entirely. You’re just sitting in a white room of clouds. Some people hate this and feel cheated. Personally? I think it’s cool. It feels like being in a space station. But if you're only going for the photos, check the weather app and the cloud ceiling height before you commit to the trip.
How to Actually Get In
The entrance to Tavern in the Sky is separate from the main 360 CHICAGO entrance. Don’t get in the line for the observation deck tickets. Look for the signs specifically for the lounge/restaurant elevators. Usually, there’s a host stand in the lower lobby near the Cheesecake Factory entrance.
- Dress Code: It’s "smart casual." You don't need a suit, but maybe leave the sweatpants at the hotel.
- Reservations: They are generally more accessible now than they used to be, but for the best window seats, you still need to be early or lucky.
- The Elevator: It’s one of the fastest in North America. Your ears will pop. Brace yourself.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
To get the most out of your experience at the Hancock's newest crown jewel, follow these specific steps:
- Check the Visibility: Use a site like "Windy" or a local weather flyover to see if the cloud deck is below 1,000 feet. If it is, you'll be staring at a white wall.
- Aim for the "Blue Hour": Arrive about 20 minutes before sunset. You’ll get the daytime views, the orange glow of the sunset, and the "twinkle" of the city lights all in one sitting.
- Skip the Full Meal: Use the Tavern for what it is—a lounge. Have a drink and an app, then head down to the Gold Coast or River North for dinner. There are better steaks at sea level, but there are no better views.
- The North Side View: Most people gravitate toward the south view (the skyline). The north view, looking toward Lincoln Park and the curve of the lake, is much more peaceful and arguably prettier at night.
- Look for Local Brews: The Tavern has started carrying more Chicago-based craft beers. Ask the bartender what’s local; it’s often a better value than the mid-shelf spirits.
The Tavern in the Sky isn't just a replacement for an old favorite. It’s a necessary evolution of a Chicago landmark. It manages to feel both exclusive and accessible, providing a perspective on the city that reminds you why Chicago is one of the greatest architectural hubs on the planet. Whether you're a local who hasn't been up there in a decade or a first-timer, the view from the 96th floor remains the gold standard for "the city in a garden."