ZipPicks Awards
Best Trendy Restaurants in Chinatown & Bridgeport
Best Happy Hour in Chinatown & Bridgeport
Master Critic Review
Nine Bar
8.1
Hidden behind Moon Palace Express, Nine Bar is Chinatown’s first dedicated craft cocktail bar, pairing a moody, neon-heavy speakeasy room with a tight menu of Chinese American bar snacks. Since opening in 2022, it’s become a nightlife anchor where cocktails referencing Asian flavors share space with katsu sandwiches and mapo-spiced fries.
Must-Try Dishes:
McKatsu sandwich, Mapo hot fries, Shrimp toast
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Chinatown’s first craft cocktail speakeasy, blending neon-lit drinks with snacky Chinese American plates.
Who should go: Cocktail-focused groups wanting Chinatown drinks with real food.
When to visit: Later evenings for full bar energy without peak-line chaos.
What to order: Signature cocktail of the night, McKatsu sandwich, mapo hot fries.
Insider tip: Enter through Moon Palace Express and linger after dinner; bar seats go first on weekends.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on and around Cermak and Wentworth; availability tight after 7pm, with a few nearby paid lots as backup.
Dress code: Smart casual with a trendy lean — jeans are fine, but most guests dress up a bit for night-out vibes.
Noise level: Lively and loud during peak hours — conversation is possible in small groups, but not ideal for quiet talks.
Weekend wait: 20–45 minutes for bar or table seats during peak 9–11pm waves (walk-in system, no formal reservations).
Weekday lunch: N/A — the bar opens evenings only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options — snack menu includes a few vegetarian-friendly plates and sides.
Vegan options: Limited — most dishes include dairy, egg, or breading; cocktails are fine.
Gluten-free options: Partial — cocktails are broadly accessible, but many bar snacks contain wheat or breading; ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a moody, neon-lit cocktail bar with energy — great for a fun, casual date, but conversation can be tough during late peak hours.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it operates primarily as walk-in; arrive early evening for the best chance at bar seats, or expect a short wait on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? No — it’s a cocktail-focused nightlife venue and best suited for adults (effectively 21+).
Best For
Better for: Creative Asian-influenced cocktails, late-night Chinatown drinks, and a stylish speakeasy vibe with legit bar snacks.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, a full entrée-style meal, large-group seating, or a family-friendly environment.