Our Favorite Roofs & Patios

1 Finks

Late last summer this East Side bar finished transforming an old parking lot into an intimate 700-square-foot patio/ deck with multiple styles of seating, and a gas fire pit. Parent company Mojofuco (which also owns the BelAir Cantinas) hired Rinka Chung Architecture to do the job. This summer they’ve added a projector screen and various outdoor games for a distraction other than the cocktails, which range from Manhattans to specialties such as the Dirty Sprite. (1875 N. Humboldt Ave.)

2 The Outsider (Kimpton Journeyman Hotel)

The rooftop of this nine-floor Third Ward hotel is as lush as you can imagine – umbrella-shaded cushioned furniture, a panoply of flora and a full-service bar. If the view isn’t distraction enough, various games such as a shuffleboard court may lure you in. No wonder there’s usually a line outside the lobby elevator. The Outsider has its own “sips and snacks” menu of deviled eggs, braised shortrib sliders, pork belly tacos and signature cocktails. Chinchin! (310 E. Chicago St.)

3 Harbor House

This lakefront seafood restaurant offers the most spectacular patio view of Lake Michigan you’ll find in MKE. A sunshade made of sails covers the white patio furniture. The waves and wing-like Burke Brise Soleil offer a lulling tranquility that’s helped along by something shaken and stirred. Come during weekday happy hour (Mon-Fri 4-6 p.m.), when specialty cocktails (a cranberry orange Manhattan!) are $6 and appetizers like tuna tartare and spicy shrimp skewers are under $10. (550 N. Harbor Dr.)