Rooftop Aba in Chicago

Aba: the Mediterranean on a Fulton Market rooftop

A leafy terrace above the West Loop

Fulton Market, in the West Loop, has become one of Chicago's liveliest areas and is home to many of the city's buzziest restaurants. Aba, from the Lettuce Entertain You group, occupies the 3rd floor of a building on Green Street: an elevator takes you up to a spacious dining room with two bars, which opens onto a rooftop terrace filled with plants, umbrellas and banquettes, with fire pits for cool evenings. The view stays at neighborhood level, taking in the area's brick facades and newer towers, but the vibe, very laid-back with a touch of see-and-be-seen, is what makes the place a hit.

Hummus, mezze and Mediterranean cocktails

The menu is made for sharing: smoked garlic hummus or hummus with pulled beef, whipped feta with pistachios, Greek salad, falafel, kefta skewers, raw fish and grilled dishes. At the bar, the cocktails, around $16 to $17, draw on southern flavors: mezcal, aloe and jalapeño for the Aloe? It's Me, pisco or fruity spritzes, which can be ordered as a round of eight glasses. The wine list highlights Greece, Lebanon, Cyprus and Israel. On weekends, brunch is served, and there's a kids' menu.

The restaurant also welcomes groups, with a semi-private chef's table for about a dozen guests.

Practical information

Lunch Monday through Friday from 11am to 4pm; dinner from 4pm on weekdays and from 3pm on weekends, until 10pm (11pm on Friday and Saturday); brunch Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 3pm. The terrace is weather-dependent, with the dining room taking over the rest of the time. Online reservations are recommended. Paid valet parking from $22. Morgan station (Green and Pink Lines on the “L”) is about 300 meters away.