1308 Chicago

1308 is a “SpeakEatery” located in the new Salt District touting a dining experience with a fresh twist on new American cuisine. With an ownership team made up of local entrepreneurs from backgrounds of all types, 1308 is a melting pot of ideas and experiences. What started as an idea to help serve the employees that the owner, Kimberly Moore, has for her other venture also on site, KDM Engineering, morphed into an experience for all. In July, Moore opened 1308 Chicago, a Black- and woman-owned full-service restaurant and bar channeling speakeasy vibes. Restaurants, and especially bars, owned by Black women remain few and far between on the city’s North Side, and Moore may be part of a sea change.
With a menu from Chef Brooks Hart, formerly of Stephanie Izard’s retro-style Little Goat Diner, the menu highlights both protein and vegetarian dishes for every foodie to enjoy. Moore and team has dubbed 1308 Chicago a “speakeatery” – a term they coined to invoke elements of a Prohibition-era drinking den intertwined with an intimate dining spot, complete with a Cotton Club-esque soundtrack.
While the intimate craft cocktail menu, derives options commonly seen during the era such as their take on the French75, Negroni’s, and the old fashioned, the food menu departs from the realm of the 20’s and 30’s, with a jaunt to the American South. Options include Hart’s version of corn ribs, carrots and grits, and a butter burger that Moore claims will give many Chicago burger spots a run for their money!