Cocktails and the best view in town

Tipple of choice: Sip one of the Signature’s ‘Chicago’s Best’ Sidecar Martinis, made with Hennessey VSOP cognac and fresh lime juice, and enjoy the view.

You can pay the USD 17 to see Chicago from the John Hancock Observatory, or spend the same amount on a cocktail at the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor and enjoy the best views in town, sans crowds.

The cocktails and food here inevitably suffer from the location – they’re perfectly adequate, but pale in comparison to the feast for the eyes freely available from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Make the Signature a quick stop rather than an all-nighter.