VU Rooftop, the 13,000-square-foot restaurant and bar perched on the 22nd floor above McCormick Place, is quietly getting a new look and feel under fresh management. Atomic Hospitality took over operation and management in November and has already tinkered with the lighting, music, furniture, and menus as a first step toward a bigger reset. The idea is to steer the space away from being known mainly as an events venue and turn it into more of a go-to neighborhood hangout and date-night spot.
As reported by Crain's Chicago Business, Atomic COO Joe Manna said the goal is to better serve people who live nearby or are staying at the hotel, while still honoring the existing event calendar. Manna told the outlet that Atomic has "spruced up the food and drink menus" and shifted seating and ambience to make walk-ins feel more welcome. The company is managing the rooftop on behalf of Hilton rather than owning the space, according to the report.
Chef With A Résumé
To sharpen the culinary point of view, Atomic has brought in James Beard award‑winner Debbie Gold to run the kitchen. Gold took home the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef: Midwest award and has cooked at The American and Charlie Trotter’s, and she has appeared on Bravo’s Top Chef Masters, according to Eater Chicago. Atomic says pairing a chef‑driven menu with strong event capability fits its usual playbook. Its portfolio, listed by Atomic Hospitality, includes concepts such as Untitled Supper Club and Recess.
What’s Next For The Rooftop
Looking ahead, Atomic told Crain's Chicago Business that a more substantial overhaul and likely a full rebrand are in the cards. Heavy construction is not expected until late 2026, in part because the operator first has to honor private events already on the books. The previous team leaned hard on private bookings, which Atomic estimates brought in about 70 percent of revenue, so the rooftop will keep hosting groups even as it shifts toward more nightly service. For now, the upgrades are deliberately low-key, from seasoning tweaks and minor menu edits to a different vibe created through new lighting and music.
Where To Find It
VU Rooftop sits on the 22nd floor of the Hilton Garden Inn Chicago McCormick Place at 133 E. Cermak Road and offers both indoor and outdoor patios with skyline and lake views, according to the hotel's dining page, Hilton Garden Inn Chicago McCormick Place. The rooftop remains available for private bookings while Atomic tests out the refreshed menu, and event and reservation details are listed on the hotel’s dining information as well as on the events pages maintained by Atomic Hospitality.
