Black Barrel Tavern

1061 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
+1 773-280-5500
$$$ American restaurant , Bar
(703 Reviews)

Welcome to Black Barrel Tavern, a gem nestled in the heart of Chicago, Illinois. This American restaurant not only celebrates classic comfort food but also elevates it with innovative twists, making each visit a fragrant invitation to indulge your senses.

As you step through the doors, you’re greeted by a warm, cozy atmosphere accentuated by rustic decor that invites you to sit back and enjoy great company and even better food. Whether you’re grabbing a casual lunch with friends or enjoying a leisurely brunch, Black Barrel Tavern has something to cater to all palate preferences.

Start your meal with their mouthwatering Buffalo Shrimp—four jumbo prawns grilled to perfection and tossed in their homemade buffalo sauce, finished with tasty bacon bits and rich bleu cheese crumbles. These tantalizing bites are just the beginning of a culinary journey that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

For your main course, the restaurant truly shines with its House Burger, praised for its juicy texture and enhanced with a medley of toppings. Locals also rave about the Nashville Chicken Sandwich, featuring crispy fried chicken slathered in amped-up Nashville hot sauce, perfectly complemented by creamy coleslaw and pickles. There’s also an exquisite vegetarian option available, the Plant-Based Burger, which has left many satisfied diners equally impressed.

Pair your meal with the tantalizing Handhelds menu items like the Filet Mignon Sliders, served on parmesan-crusted baby buns with a secret chef sauce, or the delightful Tuna Club. Each option elegantly fuses bold flavors and textures, all designed to make your taste buds dance with joy.

But don't just take our word for it—real diners have shared stellar reviews about their experiences! One visitor highlighted the Black Barrel Burger as “delicious and juicy,” while another praised the restaurant’s clean ambiance and friendly service. From the crispy, homemade French fries to the creative pastas and sides, every aspect of the dining experience is crafted with a touch of love and attention to detail.

For those who prefer a lighter bite, the extensive Soups & Sides section offers everything from rich Tomato Bisque to savory Brussels Sprouts, providing plenty of options to round out your meal.

In short, Black Barrel Tavern combines a warm ambiance with an impressive menu full of flavorful delights and exceptional service. Whether you’re a local or just passing through Chicago, this restaurant is a must-visit. Bring your appetite, and prepare for a dining experience that celebrates the heart and soul of American cuisine!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Good for watching sport
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves late-night food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Paid street parking
Somewhat difficult to find a space
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours

Monday

11:00 AM - 1:00 AM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 1:00 AM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 2:00 AM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 2:00 AM

Friday

11:00 AM - 2:00 AM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 3:00 AM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 12:00 AM

703 Reviews
Sameet Sapra

24 Sep 2025

Solid brunch with many options. The breakfast tacos and burrito weren’t that extraordinary but I enjoyed our meal overall. Corn tortillas weren’t fresh, it could’ve used more seasoning overall, but I liked the guacamole. I liked the atmosphere especially, but was annoyed that the servers kept trying to take away our food and plates prematurely. I think if I were to come back I’d get the lunch food over the breakfast food, it looks more appetizing.

Jamie Tate

16 Sep 2025

No complaints here! We came in for a late lunch and the food was great!! Had the tacos and southwest egg-rolls as an app. The tacos are amazing!! I had the steak with a side of green beans which were both great… cooked perfectly and the green beans had great flavor. I can see why they are known for their burger …. GREAT BURGER!!! Cocktails were good!! Will definitely go again when back in the area!!

Vinnie Venugopal

20 Aug 2025

Don't get me wrong, I definitely miss beer bistro. But the place has great food and great service!

Ryan Miller

11 Aug 2025

From the moment we walked in this place, You could tell these people put love in their food. The bathrooms were super clean , and the wait staff were really friendly; Some of the best Homemade French Fries I’ve ever had… you could really notice that they were made from scratch! The House Burger was amazing! My girlfriend is vegetarian, and she Really loved her plant based burger as well. Highly recommend this place.

Stephanie W.

08 Jul 2025

Great selection of casual American food, including burgers, pastas, meats, salads, and more! The service was great and both outdoor/indoor seating. The black barrel burger was delicious and juicy. Ahi tuna club sandwich was a unique blend of turmeric and cumin seasonings. Overall would highly recommend for a casual, quick meal!

Brandon C

04 Jun 2025

Great food, service, and cozy atmosphere. Will be back next time. The classic burger was great, and the pickles were sweet, which I like.

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