Stumbled across this neighborhood bar while burning time waiting for my bestie who had an appointment a few doors down the block. It's a bar that serves both coffee and cocktails, so they have you covered on all fronts. I ordered a (couple!) "Hold My Mule" drinks from their cocktail menu which were fantastic! Never had or ordered a mule but the ingredients sounded good and Peggy hooked it up. The place was pretty busy for a Friday afternoon but she was holding her own, slight wait due to working solo but once she got to my order it was very fast. They allow dogs and I saw some cute pups inside. A couple people were working on laptops and there are outlets aplenty, plus a couple large screen TVs were on for those w/o company or their own entertainment. My drinks came in at under $30 (w/o tip) and I had no complaints in service. Wish I lived near, I'd definitely be a regular. read more

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This is a quaint, diverse neighborhood bar - what you see is what you get. They specialize in bartending--and they do it well. Their old-fashioned might be the best in town--strong and perfectly balanced (no watered-down, sweet mess here). The staff is super friendly, and so are the neighbors. You see everyone from business professionals to students studying. It's BYOB if you want to bring food in. This place feels safe and familiar, and I love that. read more

So this is a cool little bar/lounge that my friend recommended to me for my birthday. It was perfect for what I was going for since I wanted something simple and intimate with my close friends. The music was loud enough so you can hear and enjoy it but low enough so you can talk to your friends without yelling. I think the bartender's name was Jay. He took good care of my friends and I. I'm not too much of drinker but I do like beer. There was a black owned IPA that I really enjoyed. I'd def go again. Only giving a four since there's no food BUT you can bring outside food in. They also do a happy hour during the week. read more

Friday nights this is the place to be! This neighborhood bar holds a special place in my heart. It's like stepping into the modern-day Cheers, where locals gather for great conversations and even better drinks. Friday nights, in particular, are a highlight for me because Josh, the master mixologist, is behind the bar, whipping up incredible concoctions at reasonable prices. While they don't serve food regularly, they do occasionally have a popcorn machine available, and guests are welcome to bring their own food. It's also a pet-friendly spot during the day, making it a versatile hangout for both work and leisure. With ample outlets for plugging in devices, it's a perfect daytime workspace that seamlessly transitions into a lively evening spot. Plus, they sometimes host food trucks/caters, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. As the saying goes, sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name, and this bar certainly delivers on that front. It's my favorite place to unwind and connect with the community.. 4 stars because sometimes only 1 bathroom is in service. read more

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Super cute and intimate neighborhood bar. They have great local artwork on the walls. The bar is pretty well stocked with spirits. They have a few frozen drinks too. There is not food; however, you can bring food in from elsewhere or order DoorDash. I've done both in the past. They also have an assortment of coffee based drinks. I've been at least 5 times and am looking forward to visiting more often. read more

Stopped by this morning for a coffee and had the best experience! Kiwi was the barista and she was so friendly and helpful. She recommended their iced brown sugar latte with chocolate nitro - AMAZING! She did an excellent job of describing all of the coffee options and they also serve alcoholic beverages later in the day as well. I'll definitely be back to check out their daily happy hour from 4-7. I highly recommend! read more

16th Street Bar - Interior art work. - Lounges Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I stopped by during the day while on a walk. My iced horchata was delicious and the service was excellent! Even the present clientele were very sweet. I don't drink, but if I did, I would be a regular here. Although it looks dark from the outside, there is a warm and friendly atmosphere once you enter. read more

A nice hidden gem! Bar and Coffee House! With Frosé. I searched a lot to find a chill good vibe bar with out being in a fancy hotel lounge. This is it. If u find urself in the area, check it out. There is no food, but welcomed to bring food in. If you want breakfast there is a dunkin donut kiddy corner. read more

16th Street Bar - bar counter with a bowl of candy - Lounges Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Good drinks, attentive bartenders, limited drink menu and sometimes unfriendly clientele. This one is a hit or miss for me. I've had both fun and unfortunate nights here. I will try again but will have a back up plan ready. read more

By far my favorite bar in South Loop, with a very intimate location with the most knowledgeable and creative staff I've ever seen. I had the Bloody Mary and a Diet Coke and price was extremely reasonable! The cocktails aren't your typical bar drinks, as each one is crafted with an extra flair by the bartender to make the drinks unique and personal. The location also offers coffee, making it the perfect post up spot for working remote or catching up with a friend. This bar has some of the best bartenders in the city working here. That isn't just hyperbole, bartender here named Josh actually won Bartender competitions and is a world renowned bartender. He's there Friday nights and it's packed! On Friday nights and Saturday nights, the energy in the bar feels like you're in NYC. It's standing room only and definitely offers an exciting atmosphere to have a wonderful exciting night. The bar just started offering themed nights during the week, which has really brought a different flavor to the bar during the week nights. Please stop in and have a drink and some popcorn and get to know the bartenders and locals! read more

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Very cool way to end the week. Jay is a well-versed bartender. Mia and Nicole always remember who you are and where you're from. This place has the potential to be a Cheers! Be sure to say hi to Li'l Man! read more

Great atmosphere and great drinks. Krystal and Jay took good care of us. Will definitely be back.

Loved this place that we stumbled into. Very cool vibe and amazing artwork on the walls. Jay, the bartender/barista was super friendly and funny. It was such a comfortable and cool place to be with delicious drinks. Definitely recommend!! read more

i absolutely love this bar. All the bar tenders are excellent! The vibe is always dope and the drinks are always flowing!

Excellent coffee, tea and cocktails. Great vibe. Jay was awesome. True detail to service. Cheers!

This hidden gem, which is probably large enough to hold about 30-50 people comfortably, is a very gay-friendly, Black-owned bar that gives you a nice "For the 30 and Over" vibe to it. Came here on a Sunday evening for cocktails with friends. A female DJ was off in the corner playing hits from the '80s and 90s, but not so loud that you couldn't hold a conversation. The U-shape bar has seating for about 10-15, a few tables and chairs up front by the door and window, and some lounge-type couches in the back. Although only one bartender (I heard he's also the owner?), he was attentive, appreciative, and poured a great vodka gimlet! This might be my new "spot" for cocktails in the city. read more

This is a nice hidden gem. It's a low key spot where the drinks are strong and staff are friendly. I came here on a Thursday night to help my friend find a engagement party location. They were able to quote comparable prices and and the vibes seemed good. They had street parking available. They have only one staff for woman which was clean. I recommend and we'll see if the party is there, but for now they are one of the places at the top of the list. read more

16th Street Bar - Lounges Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Excellent neighborhood bar and lounge with awesome owners and camaraderie made a visit from Alaska and will come back again. Perfect Manhattan and very personable owner and bar man! Good conversation. read more

16th Street Bar - Picture of josh and visitors. - Lounges Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is the kind of establishment that Chicago needs! The staff are all super nice and knowledgeable (good looking people too) and the patrons are some of the coolest people in Chicago. Very down to earth and unpretentious. It's a good place to meet people you didn't even know you NEED to meet. This is the type of place you want to be a regular at. I also like that they can make ANYTHING. You tell them what kind of flavors you like and they will make you something great. read more

Quaint locale neatly couched between South Wabash and South Michigan on 16th. Upon entering, a distinguished gentlemen (like a scene from the Cotton Club in Harlam Nights) dressed to the nines complete with a trench coast, suit and tie with a stern yet welcoming demeanor said, "come in".... We did. The decor was fitting for SLoop types: clean and modern with a neighborhood feel. The "jury is still out on the service". There seemed to be a disconnect with the loud-ish, hipster personality type behind the bar and the sophisticated first impression of the gentlemen at the door and the pleasant decor. Still, as a 16th Steet resident, I will pop in from time to time. More importantly, I want to officially welcome The Bureau Bar to the SLoop and much success and prosperity! read more

16th Street Bar - Lounges Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Came over for a friend's bday last night. I was starving so I was hoping they served food here. I found out quick that they did not. They do allow you to order from a nearby Mexican restaurant that is pretty good. The place itself isn't that big, but it is quite nice. They have TVs as well as bookshelves that come equipped with books...lol The bartenders are pretty nice, personable people which is quite important. Decent chill spot! read more

I've came from not liking this place to liking it but it's still a work in progress to me. One positive is the people in the bar. They seems to always attract a nice crowd and they have games (life size Jenga) to keep folks interacting with each other. It's a small space and seating is limited but on the right night, it's just enough people to not feel overcrowded. Another plus is it's BYOF (Bring Your Own Food). Some days they provide a buffet bar (free of charge) but if not, you can order and have something delivered. Downside is drinks are little pricey for such a small place. I do appreciate they have Kentucky Bourbon Ale on tap though. 3 1/2 stars for me. read more

16th Street Bar - Birthday shots! Thanks Mikko! - Lounges Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I thought I was back in the NE corridor when I walked into this bar. It reminded me of those tiny spots in DC or MD that can only hold about 30 people comfortably. There are a few cushioned seats before you get to the bar which has about 10 seats. Behind the bar there's seating for about 4-5 people. The end. The bar itself is pretty oddly shaped and takes up, what could be more seating or even a place to complete more than 1 out of a 2 step dance routine. The drinks are overpriced for very little. We had a seat at the bar and from my vantage point, the pours weren't very consistent. Ummm. This is the perfect place for a small birthday party but for a regular Sat night, it was a bit cramped. I did, however, appreciate some of the R&B and Hip Hop being played. It definitely catered to a 30+ crowd. Soooo, go for the music I guess or just listen to it on your phone because that works too. read more

What a great find. We were just walking around and ran into it. We had a great time having some morning adult refreshments. LOL. The environment is very relaxed and had great conversation with auriel. Definitely will be a spot to return to whenever we visit again from San Diego. read more

Hmmm.... The South Loop is in desperate need of new bars, so I was hopeful when I heard about this place opening up. Unfortunately, unless they get their act together, not really going to add much. No drink menu? I get that you have only "just opened" a few weeks ago, but that seems like one of those things you get in order BEFORE you open. Instead, I was just pointed to a row of open wine bottles sitting on the bar top. And a shelf of liquor - the bartender, who was very nice and friendly, pointed in the direction and just said "I'll make whatever you see." Surprisingly small - very limited seating. Maybe two high tops, a few couches around a fireplace, and a small bar. Just a cramped layout. Tiny rocks glasses - I know you, old bartender trick. On a Friday night around 9, there were maybe a dozen patrons or so in there. Seems like a place that's ok if you just need a place to grab a drink and head elsewhere, but not gonna hold my breath on this one lasting. read more

I hope this review helps to clarify the context of some of the other reviews posted here for Bureau Bar. As a South Loop resident for a few years, there are a woefully few number of bars in the area, so it was exciting to see that a brand new bar would be opening up, literally across the street from my apartment. The Bureau is a cozy, intimate bar. The decor is retro-modern, with ornate incandescent bulbs, cozy furniture, and non-intrusive background music that really completes a pleasant atmosphere. There are two large TVs mounted in the bar as well. Yes, as some reviewers have pointed out, during their first couple of weeks in business, things were a bit rocky. Drink service was a bit slow with only one bartender, coupled with the fact that the venue was completely packed for the first few weeks (the new business rush). However, the timeliness was never a glaring issue, and the staff has been nothing but accommodating, polite, sociable, and competent. I went into the Bureau the first day they opened, and have been regularly returning since, and those 'growing pains' The Bureau experienced their first few weeks should not be held against them. A few months in, it has become my favorite neighborhood bar, not only because of the proximity and convenience, but the neighborhood feel of the establishment, their unique tap selection (Kentucky Bourbon Ale, extremely delicious), and the overall positive experience I have had every time I've been in. The proprietor is a very nice gentleman who constantly makes his rounds through the bar, interacting directly with customers, thanking them for their patronage, and just generally making them feel like their business is valued. If you gave the Bureau a chance after opening and had a bad experience, I would urge you to give them another shot. If you haven't been in before, don't let these reviews throw you, it's a great neighborhood bar, and considering how few of them we have in the South Loop, I think they deserve at least a chance. read more

3.5 Stars I had been meaning to check this place out and my friend was djing and told me to come through. The setting is small and very intimate. Most people appeared to be regulars. Lol. Not that you need this experience but I like the DJ room still allowed you to look out towards the bar and interact with the patrons. I can't speak to the drinks cause i wasn't having any after this weekend. Lol. I like that you can order food to be delivered. Only bad part of the night (which this had nothing to do with the bar) is when we placed an order for a pizza at Giordano's. Everyone was getting there order except us. When our friend called to check they said they thought our order was for the next day. WTF!?! Lol...all in all good place to mingle with friends and I met a couple cool new people. read more

I visited this bar last weekend and I can say that it is very small with limited seating. I approached the bar and waited patiently but the bartender never asked to help me. She just stared and tossed her dirty hair weave and waved to the men as they entered... So I can definitely say it was poor service! After a while , my friend and I found a seat and the waiter came over. He made us 2 weak, watered down drinks and he had a terrible attitude as well. 10 dollars for watered down drinks and bad attitudes .... No thanks! read more

The Bureau Bar is one of my favorite South Loop hangout because it is intimate, warm and and comfortable like meeting at a good friend's house. A perfect place to meet up for drinks with a small group or even for a date. The staff is very friendly and service oriented. There are TVs on-site so the bartenders will take request if there is something specific you want to watch. Some nights there is a DJ to add to the ambiance. The Bureau is NOT a place to go for specialty mixed cocktails. They have bartenders, not mixologists. So only order basic cocktails or the speciality cocktails that are on their menu. The owner is great and is always welcoming and accommodating should you have special requests or groups coming in. read more

Really frustrated we ordered the happy hour wine which should have been $7. Upon getting our check it was significantly higher than expected and upon asking they said they ran out of the happy hour wine so charged us $15 a glass. Very unprofessional and absurd if I knew I was paying $15 for a wine I would have ordered something specific I wanted read more

Its small space that's conducive to intimate conversation for few people. That has its appeal and definite use. However that is very specific and limiting. Yhe drinks were on point. The staff were serviceable. I can't say they were great or poor because all I needed was a drink in my hand, which they provided. Also, the drink did its job! Not watered down or too much ice used. Prices are reasonable. You and a friend wanna chill? Need to ave a serious conversation? Don't wanna be seen? This is the spot to ho to!!! read more

Stopped in here for a drink with my husband on a gorgeous 70 degree day. The atmosphere is cozy and it feels like you're in a friends living room/ library. Then you turn your head to the left and there is a big painting with a gigantic 3-dimensional wang sticking out of it. The bartender was sweet but she was terrible at making drinks. Even my jack and coke was awful. We each tried a specialty cocktail. They were a little pricey which I don't mind, but I do mind this when they taste disgusting. We were the only patrons of the bar for most of the time that we were there. They had a small food menu but considering how terrible the drinks were we decided to pass on the food. I would really like to like this place, so clean up your act ok guys? read more

Having a party of 50 or less, this is the place to come. My guess is it's also a great place to go to have a quiet drink with a friend or two. Another reviewer called this place a hidden gem. I agree. I hosted a birthday party for my husband and was worried that the bar would be to small or worse the service wouldn't be good. I'd read some reviews and was hesitant, but so glad I gave this swank spot a chance. The most important factor that made the night was the bartender. She never missed a beat, there wasn't a long wait for a drink, she was knowledgeable and friendly. Kudo's to her and the man who kept things tidy. The events coordinator was pleasant. They don't serve food, but they let me bring it. When I got there to set up the bar had done exactly as it promised. It was set up with a 6 foot table and table cloth. I was able to put the food out with no problem. They allowed me to put the cake in a separate area away from people until it was time to be served. There was an free unmanned area that most people hung their coats. There was plenty of seating for this type of event; some people stood, others sat. It was never crowed. The drinks were good and very reasonably priced for the area. I didn't rent the bar for the entire night. About 10 people came in off the street and the place still didn't feel overcrowded or unwelcoming and the bartender kept up with the pace. Check it out. I doubt you'll be disappointed. read more

I want this bar to succeed. I anxiously anticipated its debut last fall, and I've walked by it countless times because I live down the block. I've peered in the window from before it opened until now. Yet I only went inside for the first time last night. Why? I think it's because I haven't been able to figure it out. At first I thought it was a lounge, and I guess to some degree it is, but they have TVs on the wall that almost always seem to be playing sports.The decor looks lounge-y and they have an excellent beer selection, yet the chalk sign on the street advertises macro beers. (Miller? Bud? Coors? Who remembers--I don't.) Right under the name, "The Bureau Bar," which once again connotes "lounge" to me. And it's very small and cozy, where I would expect people to be sipping something a little more special and more-profitable for the business. Inside, I did find it to be pretty comfy, though we only stayed for a drink. I think the trendy little stools would have made it difficult to stay for too long. The waitress we had was very friendly and attentive, though she mentioned up front that they didn't have a drink list. Very strange if they're going for a lounge feel. One big plus: mixed races and ethnicities, both clientele and staff. We need more of that in this otherwise great city, and some places in the South Loop are at least trying. In the end, I guess I thought of The Bureau Bar as being in its adolescence: it's at that awkward phase where it doesn't yet know exactly what it wants to be and is a little uncertain of itself. I plan to go back; but I hope it leans toward what I first expected--more of a lounge, even if they occasionally turn on the sports for a big game. (No problemo with the Hawks being on for the playoffs last night). read more

Stopped in here for two Manhattans before dinner at Acadia, next door. I showed up around 5:45 and the place was empty and stayed empty until the time I left at 6:15, aside from the owner, the burly bartender and his back. The Manhattans were OK but I shared a nice conversation with the bartender which made me feel at home. I explained that I showed up early for a dinner and found them on YELP and asked what kind of clientele they draw. The bartender said it was a mix of local residents, sport fans, club hoppers and "promoters." I'd go back for sure if I was in the area for a drink and I'm curious to see how it is during the later hours. Looking at previous reviews, it appears they had a rotten bartender. The big burley tatt'ed up guy they have now is quite pleasant so don't judge this place by their bartender now. read more

This cool cocktail lounge will have you feeling right at home - great vibes and good cocktails make this a spot worth checking out if you're in the neighborhood. Music can be a bit loud at times, but they are usually playing my favorite hip hop jams so I'm okay with that. read more

Hidden Gem in the south loop. Any review below 5 stars does it no justice. My glass never went empty...not Once! Mikko the bartender has impeccable timing when providing service. Love how she interacts with the patrons. Such a great place to listen to music and partake in a positive welcoming ambiance. read more

Very low key, cozy place with an urban feel to it. The drinks are okay; stick with simple mixes or choose a beer. The best thing about this place is that you are allowed to order in food. Be sure to check out what specials they have for the day. read more

My new favorite bar... Rarely can you find a place that is visually appealing, fun to go to, reasonably priced and not pretentious in a bar. I've found it. Bureau Bar meets all my requirements in a neighborhood watering hole. I recently went for Monday Night Football and enjoyed every minute. The people were all genuine and that's a rarity in the south loop nowadays. Being a brand new establishment, of course there a kinks to work out. They have been open around 3 or 4 weeks and I had no complaints. Matt was attentive and knowledgeable behind the bar. That's all I ever ask for in a bartender! The free food was a nice unexpected bonus for the football game. Also got to watch the Bulls game while MNF was on, so I was a happy camper... read more

I was In Chicago for the weekend and on my last night googled black owned bars and this venue came up. I was Intrigued by the hot alcoholic drinks on the menu ... and they were delicious- the staff was friendly, the atmosphere had the perfect vibe. Dimly lit and warm. I had the hot White Russian and a chai tea with alcohol in it... delightful!! Definitely recommend ... and they sell black owned beer... the brand is Moor- and it was good! read more