Consignment Lounge — Restaurant in Jefferson Township

Okay, where to begin!?

This place is honestly the single greatest spot in Chicago for the vibe that they're targeting. It's a beautifully lit, wonderfully designed dream project owned by two of the kindest, most welcoming folks you'll meet. If this place didn't exist, the neighborhood just wouldn't feel the same.

The staff, security, owners, and patrons all keep such a friendly atmosphere. I've never had issues talking to folks at the bar, even on busy nights. It's just the kind of place that puts you right into your social comfort zone, no matter how social you're feeling when you walk in the door.

It has a wonderfully upscale garage-sale/vintage store vibe of walking the space and finding sculptures, structures, furniture, art, lighting, decor, apparel, and various merch items all for sale. Almost literally anything not bolted down or used for service can be purchased!

You may notice there's so many superlatives in my review. It's that good. I travel to a lot of Chicago bars for work and when you factor in how much this bars means to every single person on staff, it elevates it to Chicago Elite status for me.

So visit early and often, bring friends from out of town, introduce new folks to this place.

Now stop scrolling through reviews and Uber/Lyft/bike/drive/walk/run/carry yourself...

AVOID THIS PLACE.

I came here because of a Meetup group.

The bartender was rude and impatient and immediately asked for my ID. I don't drink, but I showed it to him anyway. I have a baby face, so I get a lot of rude people like him.

I feel bad for the bartender. He was alone and there were a lot of people. Bro looked STRESSED. He probably was anxious. It hurt to see as someone who also struggles with anxiety.

I thought his coworker (Mark) would jump in to help, but I guess he doesn't do mixed drinks or cocktails. Good thing I didn't order any alcohol. I left because the atmosphere was unwelcoming.

Also, the guy (Mark) who closed out my tab charged me 15 DOLLARS for one can Laguintas Hoppy Refresher. Ridiculous price for a non-alcoholic drink. Guess he gave himself a tip. 🙄

Edit: The owner Mark reached out to me and said the fifteen dollars was a temporary hold on my card. As of today, the hold has been cleared; I was charged $6.63. The owner asked me to remove the bartender's name, so I did that. A small local bar can only accommodate so many people. The Meetup group was poorly organized, and I think it would be best to choose a larger bar for...

I don’t even know where to start. This place rules.

Walked in and thought, “huh, what is this?” It’s like a bar and a weird little shop had a baby, and then that baby grew up to be really cool. You can buy basically everything inside, and I did—left with a stone parrot from, I think, Panama?? It felt right.

The drinks are really good. I don’t know what all was in mine but it tasted fancy and strong in a good way. They’ve got stuff I’ve never heard of but it all just works. Even the soda water felt classy. It’s that kind of place.

The people are awesome. Tall, friendly, funny, chill. Like, you sit down and end up talking to someone and next thing you know it’s been three hours and you’ve somehow spent $90 and also made a new best friend. Or two.

The whole place is just cozy and full of random cool stuff—like someone’s basement, but the good kind. Not the creepy kind.

If you’re thinking about going—just go. Go now. Give them your money. They deserve it. You’ll probably end up leaving with a weird lamp or a ceramic pig or something and feel great about it.

One of the best bars I’ve been to in Chicago. And I don’t say...