Black Cat Lounge

I have tried this lounge several times (4-5), hoping it would get better because it has so much promise.  But, every time I visit, something's not quite right.  The crowd is usually decent, except that one time where it seemed like amateur night at Magic City. However, the crowd really isn't as friendly or social as other lounges.  The vibe is off.  One of the bartenders is inattentive until she decides to send the bouncer over to make you buy drinks. Maybe you should say hello and ask if I'd like a drink, instead of telling me I have to buy one. Some of the others are friendly but seem overly focused on the regulars. The positive is that the music is consistently good! I've never been there and not enjoyed the music although the vibe usually leads me to go elsewhere within an hour. The bouncers are also friendly which is nice.  I met the owner once (outside of the lounge) and he is cool, so I will give it yet another try because I like to support/hangout at local lounges.  But, it's getting tiring trying to like this place.

Over 30 crowd, nice atmosphere, good music, bbq spot right next door.  LOVE IT!

I have literally been at the Black Cat for drinks for the last 5 weeks straight.  One of my friends is the bartender there, and makes the world's greatest drinks, for which I don't have to lug my South Side ass all the way downtown and pay for parking.  That alone would give the Black Cat 4 stars, but I'm also a fan of the crowd.  It's a 35 and older crowd, and although I'm only 29, I much prefer the laid back setting of this place as opposed to some of the more trendy spots where you can't hear your conversation.

When I go for a drink, I'm going to have a drink.  I don't want to be hit on by some little boy or have to dress like I'm going on the stroll.  I want to put on some jeans and enjoy my drink of choice.  This is the perfect place for that, and I would recommend it to anyone.