Alex De Milio began it all in 1939 and, through the years four generations of the De Milio family have been involved in its operation: Alex, his father; daughter and grandson.

During the 1940s and 1950s, Alex teamed up with a charming restaurateur, nicknamed Blackie, and together they attracted a clientele ranging from Glen Miller and Tommy Dorsey to the Harlem Globetrotters and Rocky Marciano to the Marx Brothers and the Three Stooges.

Blackie retired in the mid-1950s. The neighborhood seemed to do the same. With the closing of the Dearborn Train Station, the razing of the St. Peter's Church, and the relocating of many printing companies, the corner of Polk and Clark became indeed a bare spot.

Nonetheless, Alex stayed on and on until the 1970s when his grandson, Jeffery Thomas, became involved and responsible for introducing the rehabbed Blackie's to Printers Row.

Today, Blackie's represents the combined efforts of the DeMilio and Thomas families. Our commitment to the neighborhood to provide friendly atmosphere, free of snobbery and excessive prices.

Blackie’s, has been described as a boisterous South Loop bar/restaurant with great burgers and breakfast!   Blackie's has been here for 65 years -- long before Printer’s Row was an area. In those days, Chinatown extended to Van Buren.

We have a unique private party facility. We also have the best breakfast in Chicago. We serve a traditional American breakfast. Speaker of the House [U.S.] Denny Hastert comes from the middle of the state to have breakfast here. We’ve also had Mel Gibson and many other stars.