Fly over to a Bird's Eye view in the zoo

Nestled in the heart of Lincoln Park Zoo, Bird's Eye Bar & Grill has a lofty view to see the landscape of the city of Chicago. Located right above the gift shop in the zoo at 2200 N. Cannon Drive, store hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday with an extra hour at the end of Fridays and Saturdays.

To have a free zoo in the middle of the Windy City is something that locals don't always take advantage of during the warm summer months unfortunately. This iconic refuge for animals opened in 1968 and is the fourth oldest zoo in North America. Tons of tourists visit every day and donations keep the inhabitants alive and thriving.

The Kolver Lion House is walled off and blocks some of the view from the roof. It is currently under a $30 million renovation until October, but traffic will certainly pick up at the grill after that. Lincoln Park Zoo is a 35-acre park with over 1,100 animals to tend after. The area is always evolving and Bird's Eye had a different name as Cafe at Wild Things! before being shut down during the pandemic.

Currently, there's a new name and some delicious fast food to sample while people are out and about. This bar gives visitors a breath of fresh air with an open concept and retractable roof. It makes a great place to unwind and play outdoor games, such as foosball and Connect four.

The Levy-owned restaurant offers quick comfort cuisine such as a hamburger with fries or a beef brisket sandwich with kettle chips. There's a family-friendly environment that is more relaxed than The Patio at Cafe Brauer, that has a more upscale feeling to it.

Zoogoers can take a load off their feet, after climbing the steps, and chill out with a refreshing beverage in a 6,000 square foot space.

It is also available to rent as a private space to create a special celebration in a unique environment.

There are a lot of possibilities that this rooftop spot could have in the future with the right vision, but for right now, it's a little hidden gem for those that need a break of the crowds below.

Bird's Eye Bar & Grill is the perfect place for a pitstop when exploring the surrounding animal kingdom. Whether your spirit animal is a monkey, a giraffe or a panther, there is an exhibit for everyone with around 200 species living there.

Visit LincolnZoo.org today and start planning a trip today. Try Brews at the Zoo, a special monthly event, with craft beers, live music and much more!