World’s largest rooftop bar opens in Chicago

More than 1,000 guests have gathered at the iconic Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois to celebrate the grand opening of the world’s largest rooftop bar, Offshore. 

Situated on top of Navy Pier’s Festival Hall, Offshore offers its visitors panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. 

Offshore owners were confident their venue housed the world’s largest rooftop bar and hoped to make it official with a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title. 

After submitting extensive evidence, it was confirmed that Offshore was in fact a record holder, measuring 4,859.78 sq m (52,310.29 sq ft).

While Offshore officially opened on 28 May 2019, venue owners wanted to host a formal grand opening, invite-only, celebration for VIP guests.

The event took place on 20 June and included real estate developers, hoteliers, politicians, celebrities, journalists, and social influencers.

To kick off the event, guests received a surprise record announcement from official Guinness World Records adjudicator, Christina Flounders-Conlon.

"After submitting substantial amounts of evidence to Guinness World Records for review and completing a full independent verification of the measurements, I am ready to announce the official results," Flounders-Conlon said.

"The required minimum to set this new record title is 35,520.90 square feet...With a confirmed area today of 52,310.29 square feet, you have set the Guinness World Record title for 'largest rooftop bar’”

Attendees cheered as event organizers accepted their official record holder certificate.

The event continued with a ribbon cutting to mark the opening of the historic venue.

For the remainder of the evening, guests mingled with one another over food, drinks, and entertainment while enjoying a special performance by Terisa Griffin along with the spacious rooftop and breathtaking scenery. 

The record-breaking event was featured across top media outlets like Food & Wine, Delish, and USA Today.