7 Best Black-Owned Bars in Chicago, IL
In Honor of Black History Month, it’s time to talk about the incredible Black-owned bars in Chicago that are currently making history! These spots deliver curated menus with craft cocktails and inspired, rich cuisine. Check out our list of the seven best Black-owned bars in Chicago, IL.
Daisy’s PO-Boy and Tavern
5215 South Harper Avenue, Chicago, IL
(773) 675-8767
Get ready to blame it on the Mardi Gras punch! This Hyde Park spot offers rich Cajun cuisine and cocktails. At happy hour, the Louisiana sliders, hot honey sliders, and wings are trotted out for just a few bucks each. Happy hour also means margaritas, Mardi Gras punch, and draft beers for half price. There’s also a full dinner menu offering burgers, fried shrimp, catfish, alligator, Cajun slaw, and much more. Daisy’s is a tribute to all things New Orleans that was inspired by the late aunt of Chef Erick William. Many of the Cajun and Creole flavors served up here were inspired by Aunt Daisy’s signature recipes!
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Chesa’s Bistro and Bar
3235 West Addison Street, Chicago, IL
(773) 754-8523
Chesa’s Bistro and Bar does something extremely interesting with its menu. In addition to being one of the best spots to grab a drink in Chicago, Chesa’s is also a Cajun eatery and gluten-free breakfast spot. The only bad thing about Chesa’s is picking between brunch and happy hour! The wine and beer lists here can be described as neat and classic. Patrons can also enjoy a menu of curated cocktails that includes the Pineapple Petite made with Malibu coconut rum, the Peach Cobbler made with cinnamon-flavored vodka and heavy cream, and an unforgettable raspberry mojito made with raspberry and fresh mint. Definitely come hungry to be able to enjoy your drink with lamb meatballs, sweet and sour fried cauliflower, lobster bisque, crawfish cornbread, collard green oysters, or the five cheese alligator dip.
Soulé
3615 West Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL
(773) 696-9485
Soulé’s sleek and modern interior will make you glad you dressed up for a night out! The sharp cocktail menu here revolves around the signature Soulè Punch made with Grey Goose. There’s also a nonalcoholic cocktail menu featuring Soulè Punch and other classics. While soaking up the chill-meets-sophisticated atmosphere inside Soulé with a punch in your hand, don’t miss the opportunity to nibble from the incredible appetizer menu featuring jerk shrimp, New Orleans BBQ shrimp, fried green tomatoes, and creamy garlic shrimp.
1308 Chicago
1308 North Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL
(773) 658-3139
This speakeasy-style spot is a Black and women owned restaurant and bar offering an intimate setting with an amazing craft cocktail menu. Travel back to a time when one sip could land you in the slammer with the prohibition-inspired 1308 Old Fashioned made with Redemption rye, burnt caramel, and orange bitters. While all of the cocktails here really bring out the imagination, it’s the classy and posh wine list that just might make this your go-to spot for a refined night out on the town. 1308 Chicago also has a great menu of appetizers and full plates. A good hack to know is that most items on the menu can be made vegan upon request!
Virtue
1462 East 53rd Street, Chicago, IL
(773) 947-8831
Virtue brings together American Southern cuisine and funky cocktails as part of a beautifully curated menu. If you’re in the mood for something classic, the spirit list and wines by the glass will be just perfect. There’s also a cocktail list for happy hour that mixes vodka and rye with bitters and fizz. The food here is made with a simplicity that allows flavors to shine through. Be sure to check out the blackened catfish, scallops, or buttered grits.
M Lounge
1520 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL
(312) 447-0201
If you’re looking for a cool place to hang out in Chicago, M Lounge is acclaimed for its fun energy and welcoming vibes. This is a great spot if you simply want a night out with cold cocktails and music that warms your bones. There’s always a live DJ spinning on the weekends. Just grab a seat at the bar’s famous 28-foot walnut bar to order one of the artisan cocktails from the ultra-elite drink menu here. The martini menu is the best place to start if you want the true M Lounge experience. If you’re coming with a group, it’s more than recommended that you call ahead to make a reservation!
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Revolver
1270 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL
(773) 360-7491
With its speakeasy vibes and movie-quality setting, this dramatically beautiful bar is going to make you fall in love! Consider this Chicago’s definitive whiskey bar for people with good taste. People love Revolver because there’s no better spot for intimate conversation over an amaretto sour or dirty martini. Drinks here are just a few bucks during happy hour. Revolver is our pick as the best spot for a date night on this list!
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Chicago page, here!
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