Black Barrel Tavern

Our food came out quickly. I'm glad we ate outside (pretty loud indoors). All the wait-staff, bartenders, and hostesses were very friendly. Both of us ordered the chicken panini - we agreed we could have split one (so much chicken/large size sandwiches). The flavor of the truffle fries was interesting...

Fun atmosphere and gives a great upscale meets dive bar vibe. I dig it. I had the filet minion sliders and my bf had the chicken parm sandwich. Both were great and fine. I think that's why I gave this place 4 stars, the food was just fine. Like nothing really was like: wow! Service was wonderful, I believe Lindsey was her name, lovely!! Would come back and try something else but overall just nothing was like: this is a go-to place.

Menu options plentiful! Fork and knife options, plenty of handhelds and salads. Service was super nice (Athena, you were gorgeous and efficient!) Bathrooms are clean, which is appreciated. Cocktails were really the standout here! Not necessarily original, but well done and thoughtful. Easy to book for dinner before a Blackhawks game. We shared a caprese salad and burger. Definitely enough food. Would for sure come again!

As a self proclaimed Black Barrel regular- this was actually our first time sitting inside! It was incredibly loud (to be expected for a Saturday night), but the staff was as friendly and accommodating as they always are! The drinks are incredibly pricey. I get that it's West Loop, but WOW! My cocktail was $16! This has never bothered me before, because I feel like I typically pay for the outdoor ambience as much as I do my drink. Yet, inside, I just felt like I was in a regular bar! All in all, I will still continue to support Black Barrel, as I have nothing but good times here!

I came here on a Friday night around 9 pm. The place was bustling at the bar. We were here for more than drinks, though! So, we sat at a table to order food. We were promptly greeted by the waitress. Placed our orders. The food arrived within 10 minutes. But, while waiting, we enjoyed the bread and butter! That creamy cranberry butter was amazing. When speaking to one of the waitresses, come to find out, the kitchen rotates different butters, such as Cinnamon Honey, Raspberry, and even a Cherry Butter. For my meal, I had the Fish & Chips. Much to my surprise, the fish was very meaty. They were lightly breaded and generously seasoned. They were served with tartar sauce, vinegar, and catsup. My preference was for a hot sauce, and when requested, the waitress offered Tabasco, Chalula, or buffalo sauce. Overall, the Fish & Chips were good, except the potato wedges were a little dried out. We also had the Baked Meatballs. The serving consists of 2 very large meatballs floating in marinara sauce, with 4 slices of garlic bread on the side. This can be served as an appetizer, but it is also a filling item for one! Ambiance was cool. Service was fast and friendly. Drinks were great. Food was good. Hands down, the butter was the highlight of my night! Oh, and the waitress, Megan, was excellent and attentive!

Swung in after an event a few blocks away to put some recovery food down and I'm always sold when a place has tavern in the name. Saturday night, place was bumping, probably had about a 20 minute wait so not crazy. It was packed but I guess I arrived during end of early dinner pre dinner dinner? And got lucky. No complaints. My server and other staff supporting were on it. Extremely attentive and the right frequency of check in. Atmosphere is like an upscale version of a local bar you'd hit after college, or for a casual but classy first date. Trendy, hip, but not over the top. I went with the Black Barrel Burger which is smash burger esque. Double 4oz patties that were pleasantly juicy, cheese (you have a choice I went White American), caramelized onions, lettuce, tomatoes & house secret spread. Really solid stuff and would easily do again. Fries had a really nice crispness and well seasoned. Overall, really solid experience, pricing was more than fair, service solid. Recommend.

Cool nice lil spot in the west loop. I just landed and my favorite person in the world took me for a quick bite & drinks. It's a quaint little intimate bar, that has low lighting. Cool lil place for couples or date night. I was told this place is well known for all the beautiful people who work here, I can see that. We had a really cool & knowledgeable bartender whom made some great drinks. I started the late night off my typical IPA. Next I moved on to one of the best cocktails I've ever had; "One Night in Miami." This drink was everything I love, nice subtle smokiness of Mezcal & Ginger Beer. We got there a little late so we never got to eat, but that's cool we will definitely be back. Fyi kitchen closes at 11pm. The rest of the night was filled w/ great drinks & convo in this cool imitate spot.