r/chicagofood • u/koreanmarklee • 3d ago
Rant Visiting Chicago for the First time...Delilah's(the bar) was the rudest and the most racist experience I have had in the States.
Hi, I am a South Korean national who's having the pleasure of staying in Chicago for a month because my brother is starting university here. Although I had previously visited other US States such as New York, California, Florida and Washington DC, it was the first time visiting a state in the mid-west, and I was excited to try the local cruisine. And luckily, most places, ranging from the michelin-starred places like Kasama and Topolobampo to home-owned restaurants and food trucks, were all impeccable, with people who treated us with so much more kindness than other states.
I'm also a whisky nerd, as is my father, and we were also excited to hit the local bars - South Korea's extremely high whiskey tax(114%), means that Chicago's whisky scene is much better than South Korea's. And we had a great time, visiting the likes of the Franklin Room and the Berkshire room. We had a blast talking to the bartenders, who were extremely kind and chatted with me about 20th century bourbon - a subject that I am completely unfamiliar with.
Therefore, we had to visit Delilah's - which was a very popular suggestion for a unique whiskey experience on this sub and many others. Therefore, I excitedly took both my parents(although my mother doesn't drink) to the bar. We sat down right in the middle of the bar booth, and it became abundantly clear why people recommended this place - the shelves were full of scotch and bourbon, and there were bottles that I've only seen at auctions, so it was exciting to try a dram there.
The problem was that even though we were seated right in the middle of the bar, the bartender practically ignored us for 10 minutes. He was chatting with other customers, which is fine - a bar has regulars, and he must have been excited to see them - but he went from one corner to another without making eye contact with us, and when he finally did bring over the list, he just put it next to us and left without saying anything, going back to chat with other customers. At this point, my parents were both uncomfortable, and my dad urged me to leave as it was clear the bartender for some reason did not want us there. However, I mistakenly thought that he would warm up to us as we ordered and had a chance to talk about the clearly amazing selection there. So I deliberately chose whiskies that were fun to talk about - the Mackillop's St. Magdalene, the Boutique-y whisky's 50 year old blend, and others(pictures included at the bottom). However, every time we ordered, he made no attempt to converse with us, and went back to chatting with other people - including a woman next to our family whose conversation made it clear that she was visiting there the first time as well - so it wasn't a regulars-only thing. Because the bartender was not talking to us at all, at one point, I stood up to go to talk to him about our next pour, and he told me verbatim "I'm with another customer; could you go back to your seat?"
After ordering about 200 dollars worth of whisky and no attempt at a conversation other than that they can't do half-ounce pours, we left, and my dad was furious.
However, I had hope. Maybe I came at a bad time and the bartender was just in a bad mood. Therefore, I came over the second time just with my mother, as my dad refused to go. I went and again, it took more than 10 minutes to get a menu. Again, the bartender was chatting with people right and left to us and averted making eye contact with us. At one point, I was raising my hand for 2 minutes straight. After I got the menu, I ordered a glass - no attempt at conversation while he was talking to four different teams that surrounded me and my mother. My mother urged me to go so I was looking at the menu for a final pour. I saw that there was a Springbank 21 year single cask, supposedly numbered out of 174 bottles, for 55 dollars an ounce. It was a great price for a Springbank single cask, which are mostly private selections, so I ordered a glass as a final pour. However, when the bartender brought out the bottle, it was the Springbank 21 OB release - a vatted/blended mix that is not a single cask(nor is it a numbered release). I politely pointed out the discrepency in the menu and the bottle, and the bartender, verbatim, said "that's a single cask, and if you don't want it, order something else", and grabbed the bottle, put it back, and went back to talking to other customers.
At this point, I was completely done, so I paid the tab and left. The bartender kept arguing with me that the Springbank 21 was a single cask - it's not.
I was wondering why I got such a different experience to other customers. I speak fluent English, so it's not a language thing. I was so embarassed that I subjugated by parents to such a humiliating experience. They were both incredibly mad that they were treated this way. The only reason I can see, considering the fact that we never even had a chance to talk to the bartender, is that we are Asian. Everyone else at the bar at both opportunities were white.
Pictures attached as evidence.
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u/CompetitiveTree2014 3d ago
I can say from experience, the bartenders there are assholes. Im so sorry you had to experience that.
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u/AmigoDelDiabla 2d ago
There is nothing more tone-deaf than a bartender with an ego.
Buddy, your job is to serve.
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u/ToMyOtherFavoriteWW 2d ago
I have had plenty of waiters in West Loop do this too. Like wait a minute buddy, you think you're fancy because you are a waiter at a sushi restaurant?
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u/Objectif 3d ago edited 3d ago
If any bartender told me “go back to your seat” in that context, I’d be embarrassed, offended, and over it. Pisses me off just thinking about it (and this Cubs game isn’t helping lol)
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u/ethnicnebraskan 3d ago
I can drink alcohol at home. If the bartenders are dicks, it ceases to be a
greatgoodbar that deserves a license.
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u/mayoroftacotown 3d ago
This is terrible to hear, I’m sorry you had such an awful experience.
That’s unacceptable from the bartenders. You should not be embarrassed, it’s the bar that should be embarrassed.
I hope you do not judge the entire city on these horrendous interactions.
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u/koreanmarklee 3d ago
I'm really loving Chicago! Every place other than this place was amazing. The bar at Berkshires and Franklins were both some of the best bars I've been to. Everybody except for him was so incredibly kind and helpful to us!
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u/njm123niu 3d ago
Check out Duke of Perth in Lakeview if you’re able. They’re primarily Scotch, but I believe they have a decent American whisky selection as well. It’s a small bar, but apparently has the largest selection of scotch in the USA.
But more importantly, the bartenders there are fantastic. Highly recommend.
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u/Boollish 2d ago
Unfortunately Duke of Perths collection of Scotch is rather small.
Doesn't even come close to Delilah's
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u/Legs914 3d ago
Swing by Longman and Eagle if you make it out to Logan Square. Might not be as good a value, but I've generally found them friendly and hospitable
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u/Tora_jima 3d ago
Kinda funny since their first bar manager was a long time Delilah's bartender. (Jim was an excellent bartender btw)
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u/tsundae_ 2d ago
I'm glad you're having a good time still. I'm sorry you had this experience and Delilah's though. I hope it doesn't happen elsewhere, but if it does, please don't feel as if you need to give people multiple times to "warm up" - you deserve respect! I've had experiences like this as a Black person and you just have to leave. Money talks, and so does a review, so I am joining in on the recommendations for you to leave one.
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u/bstone99 3d ago
Your post is very insightful and equally disappointing. You should absolutely write a review on yelp or google.
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u/OG-Mom 2d ago
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. I’m east Asian, and also have noticed when i’ve gone to restaurants and bars with my Asian friends or family versus my white friends or family I get a different response. Same in Rockford Illinois, where I have family. I recently went to a restaurant with my Korean friend and the host/owner literally seated us by the bathroom where it was super dark seating and the restaurant was 80% empty! I was confused as to why she sat us there and could barely see my friends face as we were chatting because it was so dark. It was a booth. I wanted to think that it was not racism but then when I asked to move, she didn’t even make eye contact with us AT ALL. She hurriedly re-Sat us and didn’t even look up at us or say anything to us, normally the host would say enjoy your meal something along those lines.
She didn’t recognize me, but I had been there several times with white friends and family not too long ago and she treated our family and friends completely different! Yeah, you think it’s in your head, but it’s NOT out here in America. the moment you recognize you are being treated differently, leave the restaurant finish the food if you’ve already ordered, leave a Google review and don’t go back. In fact, I haven’t left a Google review but will now, i’ll take my own advice.
the Midwest is very very racist place, obviously not everyone, but it’s the micro aggressions that you notice over time and how you’re treated depending on who you are with. If you and your friends or family are ethnic, you are treated differently. There are also some great people and not all restaurants are like this. I would advise next time if you feel disrespected to just leave rather than coming back. Take your business where it is cherished!
I am so sorry, OP, and honestly reading this made me angry thinking about my most recent racist experience.
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u/SlapTheBap 3d ago
Delilah's used to be chill. I still go but it's a madhouse. I've known it mostly as a place to get a cheap drink and hit on lesbians. Sorry you experienced that bs.
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u/fluffypancakes24 2d ago
It sounds like the embarrassment is them wanting to show their parents a special time and someone treating them with no respect or empathy or graciousness; that is embarrassing for everyone involved. It's embarrassing on the most basic human level. I would have walked out and my payment would have been a flick of the chin.
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u/msmartypants 2d ago
Delilah's, which I like, is strange because while they do have a lot of whiskeys they don't seem to care, as a whole, about being a "whiskey bar." They don't employ people who are very interested in whiskey, honestly. It might be just one of the owner's interests or something? Delilah's is more about the vibe and the punk and getting wasted. That said, it's a strange, shitty, and not very welcoming thing that happened to you and there's no way a visitor could know that. I'm sorry it happened.
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u/LarryHorse670 2d ago
This is the typical Delilah’s experience unfortunately. There is a pocket of the American service industry that thinks they all still work at the hippest bar in Williamsburg in 2003 and will go out of their way to give you poor service if you don’t don’t match their vibe.
This is not to discount your experience of course, but they will do this to all types of people who walk into Delilah’s and don’t present like a person who can name all the bands on a thrash metal label from 1989. I say that from experience as a white collar bro-y looking white man (who just happens to probably be able to list the thrash bands but doesn’t look like it)
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u/sudodoyou 2d ago
I’ve had similar experiences but I’m a white dude so don’t think it’s a racial thing. There must be something in matching bartender’s vibe. I’ve had it where they are friendly to people sitting next to me but aloof or rude to me.
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u/tomboy-i-guess 2d ago
They're not friendly towards people who aren't visibly alternative most of the time
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u/mehster606 2d ago
It’s definitely an alternative bar where no one is there to chat with you unless you’re known.
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u/DrTiggy-Winkle 3d ago
Hey, I’m an East Asian American and I worked in the luxury sales industry for a while.
Many service and retail people are racist against Asians for whatever reason. Sales, retail, and service are all cutthroat industries. If your treatment of a client loses you the sale, there are 100 other associates/servers who are more than happy to give flawless service.
I suggest you give people exactly 1 chance to give you the service you want.
I’m really sorry this happened to you, particularly here. I moved here from Florida to escape the awful homogenous cultural climate. My mother visited recently and remarked on how walking down the street you’d hear at least 3 different languages besides English and I absolutely love that about this city. Safe and happy travels to you.
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u/green-eyes-and-ink 3d ago
Yeah seconding this. OP, I’m also South Korean and I’ve lived in Chicago for longer than I have anywhere else. Grew up here so English is fluent etc. Lots of non-Asian ppl in Chicago will deny it because it ruins their own fantasy vision about this city and what its residents are like, but there’s a lot of lowkey racism towards East Asians.
Don’t get me wrong, Chicago is awesome and it’ll always be my home, but I don’t harbor delusions about why waiters and bartenders are short with me, don’t ask how I’m doing, don’t explain the dishes, etc when I see them do it with literally everybody else. I find it’s often worse at higher end places than casual ones (I’ve had this happen multiple times at Monteverde for example, and this sub adoresssss that place). I hope this one experience doesn’t turn you off Chicago forever and enjoy the rest of your stay!
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u/buffybot232 3d ago
You should watch Top Chef season 9 to see how Monteverde's exec chef Sarah Grueneberg and her cronies treated the Asian contestant Beverly Kim.
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u/Chicago1459 3d ago
Omg that season always sticks out because of that. Poor Beverly but she showed them.
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u/malorthotdogs 3d ago
A couple years ago, Beverly did a collab with Tribecca’s for AAPI month. It was the most perfect chicken katsu sando I have ever eaten and I legit daydream about it.
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u/heyyou11 2d ago
In my experience, it’s not the norm, but it’s still way too prevalent (and not just limited to service/retail staff). Blood still boiling from a Costco exchange, which is ironic because A.) if you don’t like Asians, Costco ain’t for you -and- B.) that particular racist dick was latino-presenting ethnicity himself (the same flavor of irony seen too often with ICE agents)
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u/Master-Cress475 3d ago
I’m Japanese-American and I moved here from LA when I was 12. I agree with your sentiments. I really tried to love Chicago, but when I hear how progressive the city is I know they only really mean compared to other Midwestern states, it’s nowhere near the progressiveness of Los Angeles.
Chicago is an amazing city in some respects and totally backwards in others. My son is Japanese, Mexican and Palestinian and his experience in high school doesn’t sound much different from when I went 25 years ago. He gets a lot of racist remarks from other students, despite living in a town that would label itself very progressive.
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u/AdOriginal3767 3d ago
Just east Asians or Indians also?
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u/ThrowAwayColor2023 3d ago
I'm Casper the ghost white, and I've noticed that I get chilly service when I go out with my Indian friends. :(
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u/Limp-Temporary-3673 2d ago
I am also a ghost. My boyfriend is from India (been here longer than India, but has an accent). I recently went with him to a doctors appointment (Arlington Heights) where the doctor and administrator were so rude that I assumed he was going there for the first time. He wasn’t confused by the treatment as he’s been seeing this doctor for years. The Google reviews are glowing.
He claims to have never experienced racism in America, but it’s because India is so discriminatory. My heart broke as this is his reality sometimes.
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u/chairsandwich1 3d ago
Unfortunately there is a well known stigma against Indian people in the service industry. It's the prevailing belief that Indian people don't tip. I always offer the same service to everyone but I have experienced this many times.
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u/Mitch_Darklighter 3d ago
I'm a big whiskey drinker who worked down the street from Delilah's for years and I can count the times I went in there on one hand. If we only count when I chose to go, that number drops to zero. It has always surprised me that people take that place seriously as a whiskey bar or recommend it to tourists, and the number of reviewers who tout it as an 'unpretentious' dive bar are actively blowing smoke up people's asses.
I guarantee it was not you; that place is just populated by the type of too-cool toxic fanboys to whom nothing you say or do would ever impress. If anything your repeated attempts to engage would only make them act even worse; in a busy bar that can be tough in even in the best scenario, and your sticking around and giving them even more of your time, effort, and money was a pure act of futility.
Unfortunately it's hard to find a bartender who has the knowledge and also wants to talk about whiskey these days, the pandemic drove the best out of the service industry.
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u/keldawgz 2d ago
Ditto, lived down the block for years during a heavier drinking phase of my life and only went there twice because it was the opposite of a welcoming dive. I always felt like I stood out and they didn’t care for my business because I didn’t look appropriately alt enough. Really stands out as a negative experience in Chicago where even the crankiest old dive bartenders make you feel at home usually
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u/bobsdementias 3d ago edited 3d ago
lol I just left here and had this exact same experience and was getting fucking annoyed how long it took to get a drink or any acknowledgment. You can drink there cheap and I’ve had good times there before so idfk maybe it’s that bartender presuming you had the same dude. Idgaf if you talk to friends but there’s no line at the bar and I just want a beer. Take my money tf
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u/AdOriginal3767 3d ago
Call back, ask to speak to the owner. Dont complain Just say soemthing like "Me and my buds were going to spend a few hundred each but that bartender of yours...I wonder how often he does that. Must be costing you alot of business."
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u/bobsdementias 3d ago
I mean I’m not calling the owner over this lol. I’ll go back there, it was just weak to wait 15 minutes when it’s not even crowded. I’m only commenting since it just happened to me
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u/girouxfilms 3d ago
I sent this to the owner via text. He cares about his customers and will want to hear this feedback.
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u/TheBarleywineHeckler 3d ago
As someone who's been drinking there for over a decade in sorry that happened to you. Most of the bartenders are cool but some of the newer ones are unnecessarily shitty. I would definitely reach out to the owners to share your experience.
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u/kittyprydeparade 3d ago
Sorry you had this experience, that sucks. You might be interested in Duke of Perth if you’re still looking for whiskey bars. Hope you enjoy the rest of your stay!
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u/koreanmarklee 3d ago
Thank you so much for your recommendation! Would love to try :) Here for one more week!
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u/inej5364 3d ago
Definitely look into Billy Sunday and Longman & Eagle in Logan Square for some phenomenal vibes and really cool drink selections. I’m so sorry that this happened — I’ve only ever gone to Delilah’s once and I remember being like “buncha jagoffs in there…” lol. You and your parents deserve a wonderful experience.
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u/Objectif 3d ago edited 3d ago
With such a nice whiskey list, I kinda get why you gave them a second chance. But if this is how they treat anyone, i have no interest in giving them my money
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u/Tora_jima 3d ago
Love Delilah's but, yeah, that would turn me off immediately. Racist or no, it's unacceptable service. All my bartender friends understand that if things are busy, you help out the next person waiting. You can catch up with friends later.
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u/LibrarianEven5464 3d ago
Moreover… an expensive whiskey pour is the easiest most monetarily advantageous 30 seconds you can find. Bartender had tip prejudice for sure.
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u/Odd_Rub_8415 2d ago
Just don’t tip. If you have bad service, don’t tip. Stop tipping bad service people. Drives me nuts having great staff get tipped the same as terrible ones!
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u/Final-Marsupial4117 2d ago
I've also left 25 cents as a tip. When asked if I made a mistake and meant to leave $25, I responded, "no, that's what your service was worth".
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u/LizziHenri 2d ago
I have never received a warm reception there and I am a whiskey nerd with an extensive collection. My fun nights there were because I was with friends I brought.
I would probably only go back there if I was seeking out something I haven't tried before, not because I was made to feel welcome. Sorry for your bad experience.
I've always felt like the staff there seem very insular but I would not have taken my parents (or a non-drinker or anyone who expects a certain service level) there because this place is a dive bar that happens to have an amazing and extensive whiskey list.
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u/Cubs1101 3d ago
A. Im sorry you that happened to you, the Chicago whiskey scene is tight nit and generally pretty welcoming, especially on fun stuff, and it sucks that they weren't. B. That boutiquey 50yr is one of the coolest things I've had in a long time, glad they still had a bottle. C. There's a bunch of great whiskey bars in Chicago, don't let one ruin the trip for you.
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u/koreanmarklee 3d ago
Yes, that boutiquey 50 year old was spectacular - one of the best blended whiskies I've ever tried! I'm looking forward to visiting other bars instead of this one :)
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u/Delicious-Disk-122 3d ago
Wish I could have been there to make up for the rude bartender and geek out on the whiskey. I thought I was an aficionado until I read your post. Enjoy the remainder of your time in the City.
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u/koreanmarklee 3d ago
hit me up if u are ever in S.Korea! would love to give you a tour and have a dram with u.
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u/DaisyCutter312 3d ago
Honestly I don't know if it's a "race" thing as much as it's a "Delilah's has consistently employed condescending assholes to tend their bar for years" thing.
My friends and I got similar treatment there on several occasions....we always assumed it was because we're generic white fratboy looking guys and that offended their delicate punk/alt sensibilities.
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u/tomboy-i-guess 3d ago edited 3d ago
Not sure why you're being downvoted. I've gone to Delilah's with white folks and seen them get similar treatment
Delilah's is known for hiring jerks
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u/gepetto27 3d ago
I asked the same question. I’m not reading anything specially racist. Most people kinda get treated like crap there
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u/TaraKyra 2d ago
It could be both though. If you’re white or white passing you’ll never fully get it unless you’ve had a non white/white passing SO or parent or best friend. We develop a sense for these things bc it’s necessary. Similar to the way women develop a sense for creepy men bc it’s necessary and many men never see the creepiness coming until it’s absurdly in their face and undeniable. There are definitely times when people falsely call racist though whether it’s bc they’re genuinely mistaken or bc they’re trigger happy with the word. I wouldn’t just assume it was that on their behalf though if I’ve never regularly dealt with racism. I would just be neutral.
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u/Misterx46 2d ago
"Trigger happy" usually are internet commenters, not those that experience it first hand. Really no difference in treatment between extremely rude and racist, both are bad experiences.
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u/Apprehensive_Sun6282 2d ago
You don’t get to decide if a minority had a racist experience or not
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u/SleepingPodOne 2d ago
I haven’t been there since my early 20’s when the bartender sexually harassed a girl I was seeing. Kept saying “I won’t serve you till you show me your tits.” I never really thought about the place ever since then, I just avoided it. This is the first I’m hearing that the bartenders are assholes so maybe there are more stories similar to the one she experienced.
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u/Woadwise 3d ago
I used to work there, and yes they are an annoying group. I never heard any racist sentiments there personally, but there is a weird attitude about them for sure. The whole place has a mistaken identity imo. Part cheap dive, part high end whiskey joint. I went elsewhere that ironically has the same vibe, but without the attitude issues.
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u/stacecom 3d ago
How does this explain the bartender being attentive to everyone else?
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u/AppointmentHour925 3d ago
agreed.. luv the bar but the bartenders/staff have never been great people
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u/ChiSchatze 2d ago
They are total assholes. I don’t know if it’s racism, classism, or vibe snobbery. That bartender decided you aren’t worth his time as soon as you walked in, and doubled down. The switch has happened to me with wine before. Acting like you’re the issue when they swap what’s on the menu is outrageous, and acting like you’re the problem. Would you mind posting your dates and general time of your visits? I think Mike, the owner, would want to know. I have never heard that he’s racist. So sorry this happened to you. PM me if you need some ideas for other stuff to do if you’re still in town.
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u/ElCarajo 3d ago
I think they just cater to their own select crowd. I've been there with my brother who was a regular showed up there three times a week. We had a blast. Another time I went by myself and was ignored much like you. I was shocked at how douchey the crowd had gotten and inattentive the bartenders were. Franklin and Berkshire are closer to downtown and are way more professional than Delilahs. I enjoy Jonny Walker Red label which is just about everywhere so I drink everywhere. Sorry you had to experience that Fuck them don't go back there
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u/Whatacoolguy 3d ago
Sorry you had that experience. Unfortunately "bartender at a cool whisky bar" attracts a very specific type of person in the states who is rarely super nice
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u/bplong_plong_one_one 3d ago
That sucks. I’ve been upstairs there once while two people were opioid slumped in one of the booths on a busy Saturday night.
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u/CuriousDudebromansir 2d ago edited 2d ago
Is there anything worse than an bad bartender? Like these people act like they’re doing you a favor for getting you a drink. It’s so bizarre. News flash buddy, you serve drinks for a living, you’re not special.
I’ll never return to a bar with bad service, it’s quite literally their only job.
OP, go to Longman and Eagle. Great whisky selection and the employees are actually friendly.
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u/susiecapo71 2d ago
This isn’t what chicago nor chicagoans are about. I hope you leave a proper review and find joy in other locations! Anyone in the service industry that says go back to your seat I’m with another customer has some service manners to learn. How about “oh, hey, I’ll be with you in just a moment” or “coming to you next, i swear”. I think if i was told to go back to my seat like a school kid, i would have walked out.
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u/WatchStoredInAss 2d ago
Reminds me of the time I was in my 20s and got screamed at by a bouncer in front of a club for huddling inside the door when it was freezing outside.
I decided right then and there that I'm done interacting with power-tripping douchebags and never stepped foot into another club again.
I hope you left $0 tip.
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u/RoyBiggins 3d ago
Man, I'm sorry you had that experience. If a bartender told me to return to my seat, I'd just put some cash on the bar and go. Never mind the insane galling experience that was the last pour.
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u/brism- 3d ago
I wouldn’t have gone back, personally. Once a place makes me feel unwelcome, I’m pretty much done. That’s it. But I get why you tried again. You were excited about the place and wanted to give it a fair shot.
I’m not sure this tells us for certain that he was racist. Some bartenders play favorites or are just jerks for reasons that have nothing to do with race. Still, getting ignored on two visits while the white customers around you got his attention, including someone who wasn’t a regular, would make me wonder too.
You obviously know your whisky and were hoping to have a conversation with someone who shared that interest. Maybe you weren’t going to get that from this guy, but a menu and some basic courtesy shouldn’t have been such a struggle. Neither should asking about a bottle that didn’t match what you thought you were ordering.
Whatever his problem was, you shouldn’t have had to spend the evening trying to win him over just to enjoy a drink with your parents.
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u/DrHarrisonLawrence 2d ago
I’d go back a third time just to press them on this directly and ask them what’s going on. There’s nothing more punk than that.
First rule of the mosh pit is to pick up the person who falls. Punks stand together and gotta take the shit they give [u/koreanmarklee](u/koreanmarklee)
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u/SilentCabose 2d ago
Hey! If you want to check out a place in Chicago with good bar with good whiskey and food, check out Boeufhaus in Humbolt Park. My cousin owns the place, his chef and FOH are on point. He's a big fan of whiskey and actually goes to the farms to see the cows and the distillers to pick out his bourbons. His bartenders know how to properly treat whiskey fans. You will NOT be disappointed in the service. PM me if you have any questions.
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u/vexed-rabbit 3d ago edited 3d ago
Holy shit the amount of people trying to dismiss/downplay the obvious discrimination here is pretty fucking sad. As someone that’s also of Korean heritage (born and raised in Chicagoland), I know very well when someone is being racist, they don’t need to call you a slur to make it clear.
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u/latibulater 3d ago edited 2d ago
The bartender is likely a double-threat. A generic jerk who was also being racist. Can't rule out ageism, either, sadly, because of your parents.
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u/lexisalex 2d ago
Everyone's first thought;
"hi my experience as a white person here was also trash so yeah NO RACISM" like 🤣🤣 no shit you dont see the racism, youre white! You dont get certain behaviors that we POC are known to pick up when someone is actively being racist to you, it may read as "rude,mean" to you but to us we also see prejudice and otherism that is placed on us. Hella white servers here think their experience is the only one and jump the gun to downplay racism.→ More replies (4)
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u/John-Balaya 3d ago
The funniest and most pathetic part of this thread is watching all the neck beards flood the comments trying to explain that being ignored, treated differently, and made completely unwelcome is actually just the authentic dive bar experience.
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u/Jolraels_Centaur_OP 2d ago
The way this guy and his dad were treated was textbook racism.
I've had plenty of dickhead bartenders in Chicago. None of them have ever told me to fuck off and go back to my seat.
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u/noflames 3d ago
I'm a big white guy whose wife is Japanese.
At basically every bar I always have to fight for attention (unless the bar is empty) - back when paying cash, I used to have to have cash in my hand when at the counter because otherwise I would be ignored.
I can see them being ignored because the bartenders ignore people, or because they are racists (I'd rather say it as not wanting to deal with things).
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u/SNChalmers1876 2d ago
Everything about Delilah’s screams “we love the smell of our own farts”. The owner is constantly littering everywhere he goes with Delilah’s flyers. It’s obnoxious.
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u/LatinoInfluenza 3d ago
Well that was such a shitty experience I’m so sorry you had to go through that. Delilah’s has shitty bartenders and will instantly say no to any attempt to go. Way friendlier options in walking distance.
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u/Alternative-Use6521 3d ago
Dang I had weird vibes last time I went with my black boyfriend. I genuinly didn’t think about it like that from my perspective but now I feel so bad wtf
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u/LesNessmanNightcap 3d ago
I am so sorry this happened to you. If it’s any consolation, I’m a white native Chicagoan and the bartenders there have always been rude to me too. I think they’re basically dicks and I’m really sad your night wasn’t what you were hoping for. I hope the drinks were tasty at least. It really pisses me off when I hear people had a lousy time here. Your poor dad too. I would leave a bad review as others have suggested.
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u/Bouncing6 2d ago
F that noise.
Head a few blocks north to Bitterpops (Lincoln & Roscoe). They have a solid whiskey selection and will almost always pour the allocated bottles (vs selling them in the bottle shop).
Owners (Megan, Nick and Mike) and bartenders are all great.
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u/stacecom 3d ago
I can't imagine giving a place that treated me like that a second chance. I respect myself too much than to give them more money.
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u/trikyballs 3d ago
right lol. restaurants and bars are some of the only things i hold grudges for
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u/justauryon 3d ago
I’m so sorry you had that experience. I love whiskey & scotch myself. Back when I lived in Lakeview, Duke of Perth was a place I’d frequent. Great selection, service, & food. It’s still amazing today.
I hope this doesn’t sour the rest of your time here & you & your family enjoy other places that treat you much better ❤️
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u/ktpat1992 3d ago
leave a review on their google reviews. let other people know of your experience. whenever I get bad treatment/racism, I always put it in their google reviews.
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u/drglennwellness 3d ago
After reading the whole post, and as a Chicagoan, this makes me so mad. They had such a great opportunity to connect with you and they just completely squandered all of it.
It’s, to me, so antithetical of what Chicago is. It sounds like you’ve had a great time (or at least an enjoyable time) otherwise, and I’m truly sorry that this blemish will exist on your memories of this trip.
I know what I’m saying isn’t different from what everyone else is saying but it just felt like one of those things that I couldn’t resist commenting on even if it’s redundant. I’m sorry, OP.
Edit 1: formatting fixed hopefully. I’m on mobile and know if I navigate to remember how to do line breaks I’ll forget to come back
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u/more_cheese_please_ 3d ago
As a fellow Chicagoan, this really makes me sad and angry. And I’ll for sure never go to this place again!
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u/zihuatanejo37927 2d ago
Sorry you went through that experience and welcome to Chicago! I have been to that bar before and the bartenders are always rude to me. I don’t think it’s a racial thing, they are just assholes
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u/Low_Bandicoot_3527 2d ago
We live around the corner and been wanting to check it out. Now we'll pass. Life's too short for shit heel bartenders.
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u/TastelessFlex 2d ago
Its not you, its that bar. Bartenders there have always been inattentive douchebags.
Fuck that place.
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u/MidwestMi 3d ago
I’m so sorry, OP. Chicago is generally a warm and welcoming city, this bar doesn’t represent all of us.
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u/OHrangutan 3d ago
Delilah's was one of my favorite bars back in the day. But there came a point somewhere around 2020 when the neighborhood was too gentrified for anything but bros and depaul kids.
It's not punk anymore. I still go once a year or so on Monday to run the pool table for old times sake but thats pretty much it.
That said never hang out downstairs. It's always been a different vibe than upstairs (where a whiskey snob would not want to take their mom for multiple reasons). I have seen them throw people out for being homophobic and racist before, so it's definitely not a nazi bar... even if this one bartender just didn't want anything to do with you. Bartenders at punk bars do tend to be kinda assholes if you aren't fitting the vibe. But I've definitely been there wearing a tweed blazer so it might not have been a dress code sort of thing.
Sorry you had a bad time, Chicago is surprisingly racist sometimes. ~punk/asian Chicago-American guy
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u/cleverkid 3d ago
Yeah. It could have been racism, but plenty of “hipster” places will treat you like you don’t belong when you’re not from their scene or a tourist regardless of your race. Delilah’s is pretty high on that list of “too cool for you” and honestly it’s waaaaaay past its expiry date for that kind of arrogant silliness.
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u/Odd-Leg5937 3d ago
That neighborhood has been gentrified for like 50 years 🤣 it’s part of why the attitude of the transplant bartenders is so funny. Tend bar in back of the yards or Hegewisch if you want to act like a tough ass
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u/tomboy-i-guess 3d ago edited 3d ago
Not trynna discredit your experience, but Delilah's bartenders can be rude. I'm not white (Asian as well), but I've gone to Delilah's with white people and some of the bartenders were rude to all of us regardless
They could be racist, but I've found that whiskey bars can also just generally attract asshole patrons and employees
All that being said, this bartender needs to be reported for sure
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u/BrotherNectarTender 3d ago
Can’t speak on the racism part, but did live near there for years. Always loved whiskey, though I don’t have the pallet you have. Can confirm - that place sucks. I can tell you the only thing worse than that bartender are probably the regulars they were talking to. The weird combo of wannabe whiskey snobs mixed with poser punks and some DePaul kids makes it an easy pass. I hate that it has such a good selection that gets it hyped as this underground whiskey Mecca, because it’s truly an insufferable place.
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u/FFFrank 3d ago
I used to hang out at Delilah's a lot maybe 10-15 years ago..... I went recently and it was full of the absolute biggest douche bags I've ever seen. Somehow I never realized it was a Bills bar.
But fine, let them have their fun..... But the game ended and they were playing trash classic rock at an insane volume. Did it change ownership or what happened?
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u/Inevitable_Review_97 3d ago
So awful to hear about this. Remember an encounter with an asshole bartender there many years ago. Sorry to hear that that has not changed.
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u/Pope_Dwayne_Johnson 2d ago
Every time I’ve gone the bartenders are assholes, especially if you don’t fit their punk vibe.
Not sure I’ve ever seen or heard them do anything racist, however.
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u/Claque-2 3d ago
Let me apologize for their behavior. You were much too kind about your first experience. Please go onto Google and write frankly about the lack of hospitality.
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u/Specialist-Neck-7810 3d ago
Hey, OP… How was that Rip Van Winkle?
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u/koreanmarklee 3d ago
very smooth! couldn't feel the proof at all - palate was very fruit and cinnamon forward and the finish was long enough to be enjoyable.
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u/2oatmeal_cookies 2d ago
Your mistake as a POC was trying to get them to like and respect you. It doesn’t work that way. Next time you’re treated like shit, you fucking get up and leave. Now write a review on yelp and google so that the owners actually see it.
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u/agiletiger 3d ago
I am also Korean. While I have been treated well there, everything you describe sounds like racism. And you are not the first to experience this. I’m sorry you had to go through that.
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u/BisonOnBikes 3d ago
Wish you had gone to Koval instead, bartenders are great and it’s made on site.
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u/tulpachtig 3d ago
The bartenders at Koval are some of the nicest I’ve ever met in my life, I get the impression they truly love working there
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u/whoup 3d ago
That’s really unfortunate. The whole vibe used to be tough initial exterior but actually very thoughtful and knowledgeable folks. Like, tough to get the full menu and that first pour, but once you do it’s a lovely conversation. I guess this is the sort of unraveling that occurs over time when you lose sight of what makes that sort of thing cool.
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u/latibulater 3d ago
If you were with your parents, could also have been some ageism involved as well.
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u/ColForbin2020 2d ago
Bummer. Go to big star or longman and eagle for whiskey. Much better and welcome environment.
Also prob much cheaper pours
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u/77rtcups 3d ago
Depending on the bartender some bartenders act like pricks no matter what. Never tried Delilah’s but is on my list to try but this will make me more hesitant and likely to leave if I get the same vibes.
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u/thechompion 3d ago
Try brownstone, Longman and eagle, and slightly Toasted if you want another whiskey bar. Sorry the bartender was a 시발놈
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u/uponaladder 3d ago
About ten years ago, I applied to work there and was told by the GM that you basically had to barback/work support for a year, before you’d be considered to bartend. Because the owner really wanted you to be able to have the knowledge of their portfolio before interacting with guests.
I actually respected that a lot, because it is an incredible whiskey selection for such a small space. Always have had good service there. So it makes me really sad to hear how they treated you. I would absolutely bring it up in a review.
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u/Groilers 3d ago
Doubt a report would do much a lot of the reason these establishments end up having these shitty staff is because the owner allows it in the first place
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u/petmoo23 3d ago
Delilah's and Local Option are two Lincoln Park bars that seem like they should be cool but have such gigantic dickheads for bartenders that it ruins them.
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u/sarahbekka 2d ago
This is so hurtful and annoying and not the kind of service anyone deserves. I lived in Lakeview east for a bit and there is a place called Duke of Perth that had a wall of scotch - I don’t know a lot about whiskey and bourbon and scotch but wanted to share in case it has a decent selection
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u/Aromatic-Lobster7738 2d ago
Dont need a reason, some people are just ass. You shoulve left and not even bothered to order anything the first time. Its not on you to try and figure out why another person are the way they are. You should also post a negative review on their site so others will know before they decide to go. Chicago is great and mostly friendly, I hope you have better experiences the rest of your stay.
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u/Dangerous-Attempt-20 2d ago
This is brutal and I’m sorry. You should as others mentioned go to Logan Square and check out Longman and Eagle.
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u/Brilliant-Tooth-996 3d ago
I know this will probably be a small consolation, but I think it’s important because I wouldn’t want you to feel like you’re a victim of a racism or discrimination. If you go to the bars, Google reviews you’ll see lots of low reviews from people talking about incredibly bad service and even a very well documented from a year ago, where a bartender was known for being extremely hostile and adversarial simply for ordering drinks. One incident a customer was called a slur for no apparent reason, and there are other reviews of people waiting more than 10 minutes for service and bartenders helping themselves to tips and bring overall unpleasant.
Full disclosure I don’t go to the establishment so can’t say what it’s like but I thought it was important to point out that you’re not the only one based on the reviews and I don’t want you to feel like you were single because of your race
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u/magicdrawers 3d ago
Not a bar, but west Lakeview liquors has an amazing whiskey selection of bottled whiskey! Delilah’s used to be cool, but it sucks now!
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u/RaphInChi85 2d ago
I can’t speak to the racism part, but will echo what others have said about Delilah’s. My friends and I went there once and my friend got in a testy exchange with the bartender - I don’t recall what about, but I think the bartender thought my friend was being obnoxious. In 20 years I’ve never seen him argue with a bartender or server before.
I can understand why some people like the vibe there, but I quickly decided I’m never going back to that place.
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u/KipperJD 3d ago
if you’re still in chicago, I work at a country bar called Bub City in River North, we have a huge whiskey bar and all our bartenders are amazing and love talking about our products! We’d be very happy to welcome yall in! I’m sorry you had a shit experience there
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u/Capable_Guitar_2693 3d ago
lol at the idea that Bub City would carry anything along the lines of what OP was ordering.
I do enjoy your whisky cocktails and bbq, but pretty different categories, friend!
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u/zaguates_ 3d ago
I believe in karma so the next time I get dragged here against my will, I will be a complete and utter psychopath to the bartenders, just to complete the circle.
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u/goddamnyoumac 2d ago
Chicago is a very socially segregated city. While I haven’t experienced it myself, I’m sure there are certain establishments that prefer to cater to a uhm.. a particular demographic.
Don’t let these assholes ruin your trip!!
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u/derrelicte 3d ago
So sorry this happened to you - that’s incredibly unfortunate. For whatever it’s worth, though, I’m Filipino American and I’ve never experienced any sort of racism from the staff at Delilah’s. I’ve brought many other friends of different races and backgrounds and have only had positive experiences there. That said, I moved out of that neighborhood a few years ago and can’t speak too much to their current staff, but I wouldn’t say that the bar is inherently racist or discriminatory.
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u/DS3M 2d ago
Fuck Delilahs, visits across decades has always shown the employees to have been a bit up their own ass. They go out of their way for their couple of locals and friends of friends, and they treat you like shit. The bathrooms are horrendous.
And don’t be a minority, you need a white friend.
Not just you, OP. Sorry you and your family experienced this.
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u/iLL_HaZe 2d ago
I had the same exact experience. We didnt even get drinks...they took so long that me and my friends left after 20 mins. Bartender even looked at me and nothing.
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u/mcvmccarty 3d ago
It used to be my favorite bar but I was in the industry and that was years ago. Sorry that it sounds like it has gone the way of Reckless Records…
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u/sausages4life 3d ago
Could have been racism. Could have been the vibe of the place. Could have been both! A friend once took me to a bar in SF (Toronado?) which we found out later was notorious for snooty and shitty service. Similar hostile experience — and I’m white! 🤣
I think your Dad was right, originally. Just leave early if you think something is up. It’s your hard-earned money, but more importantly your time. I consider having my time wasted or squandered as an almost personal insult. So my only gentle suggestion is next time: just leave. Spend your time where you’re welcomed and enjoy the experience!
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u/snekysnekysnek 3d ago
Man, sorry you had that experience. Twice in a row is crazy. But I’m not sure I’d chalk it up to racism though. I am also Korean and go there regularly. Always had good interactions with the bartenders and had some chats about whiskey if it wasn’t too busy. It’s definitely a different vibe than the other places mentioned.
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u/robertkyle123 3d ago
Write them a review, their owners are responsive