River North’s New Japanese Rooftop Lounge Debuts Off the Mag Mile

What does Chicago get when the Conrad Chicago hotel combines a rooftop lounge with beautiful skyline views, strong cocktails, and sushi and Japanese skewers from celebrity chef Richard Sandoval? Find out this afternoon when Noyane officially opens to the public and gives River North a unique spot where sophistication comes without pretension.

The lack of pretension (it doesn’t take reservations either) is welcome as a visit to some rooftops feels like a dog and pony show with scenesters grazing around and blocking the beautiful sky views. Noyane’s cocktails are creative and will make it easy to ignore that crowd with potions like a sparkling sake sangria. For some reason, bottles of Sapporo—the Japanese lager—can come in a Chinese-style takeout box. That “cocktail” is called “The Basic,” and it comes with schnapps. If that doesn’t draw interest, there’s plenty of sake and six different types of sochu, the grain beverage that shouldn’t be confused with its older Korean cousin, soju.

The point is there’s a level of playfulness with Noyane’s menu. It features all the high-quality sashimi and sushi rolls patrons would expect from a top-notch Japanese restaurant. But that fun is underscored with the comic book form presentation.

While nightlife is the focus, don’t forget about summer Friday afternoons. It opens at noon to start the weekend off a little earlier. For now, venture up to the 21st floor starting today when Noyane opens.

Noyane, on the 21st floor of the Conrad Chicago hotel, 101 E. Erie St., (312) 667-9796, open 4 p.m. to midnight on Monday to Thursday; noon to midnight on Friday; 10 a.m. to midnight on Saturday and Sunday.