Nine Bar
Cocktail bar · South Loop ·
Asian-inspired cocktails & snacks in a neon-lit speakeasy
Asian-inspired cocktails & snacks in a neon-lit speakeasy
"Nine Bar is special. Not only because it was the first cocktail bar in Chinatown, but because this speakeasy (hidden behind Moon Palace Express’ “kitchen door”) has fantastic Asian-inspired cocktails and delicious food. The dark space is cozy, with Tron-esque neon lights. Both the drink and food menus are short but full of hits, with things like a smoky rye cocktail with Chinese five spice and the crispy mapo hot fries. Weeknights are more low-key, perfect for a relaxed hang at the bar or on one of their comfy couches. But for a more hyped atmosphere, come by during a weekend DJ set." - adrian kane, john ringor
"Across America’s Chinatowns, tiki found a niche with Westerners conflating Asians and preferring the tropical flavors paired with Cantonese food. In Chicago, that led to the popularity of late-night karaoke lounges. However, there wasn’t a specialized tavern serving cocktails in Chinatown until Nine Bar made a splash in early 2022. Located behind Moon Palace Express and from the same family, this narrow bar is welcoming with fun drinks that honor the past and also new classics that use ingredients like Thai coconut milk, umami bitters, Japanese barley, and Chinese five spice. While the drinks are impressive, the food menu is already an all-time great. Even the fries, inspired by mapu tofu — topped with saucy pork, scallions, and more (a vegan option is also available) — are top notch." - Ashok Selvam
"Chinatown’s first cocktail lounge is a dim, moody hideaway with a serious beverage program and great bites to boot. Soak up the alcohol with mapo hot fries, wok-fired wings tossed in General Tso’s sauce, and a McKatsu sando that puts the Golden Arches to shame. Save some room for the brûléed milk bread toast, too." - Jeffy Mai
"Hidden behind Moon Palace Express" “kitchen door” is Nine Bar. It's Chinatown's first speakeasy and has a dark, neon-lit interior with lots of couches. This spot has a variety of great Asian-inspired drinks with ingredients like Chinese five spice or Thai basil. And if you want something to eat, their small food menu has great options like crispy hot mapo fries or a juicy fried pork sandwich with tangy tonkatsu sauce." - adrian kane, john ringor
"Open until 12am Sunday-Thursday, 1am Friday-Saturday This speakeasy in Chinatown is hidden inside Moon Palace Express, behind its kitchen door. The food menu is short, but does have some highlights, like zesty mapo fries and a pork cutlet sandwich with tonkatsu sauce—both of which go great with one of their unique cocktails, like a bold-flavored Old Fashioned made with Chinese five-spice. Upbeat hip-hop music makes the place feel energetic, but it’s still relaxed enough to chill at the bar or share snacks on their comfy couches without worrying about drunk table dancers." - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru
