Nine Bar + Moon Palace Express

Nine Bar and Moon Palace Express in Chicago’s Chinatown, designed by Siren Betty Design, reimagines a beloved family restaurant into a bold two-part concept. The space preserves the spirit of Moon Palace’s 50-year legacy while introducing a cocktail bar that merges nostalgia, edge, and downtown energy.

Siren Betty Design collaborated with co-owners Lily and Joe Moy to reinvent a Chinatown institution for a new generation. The front functions as a fast-paced takeout counter, while the back transforms into Nine Bar, a sleek lounge with punk-inspired attitude. The design takes cues from the owners’ curated playlist, featuring artists like Siouxsie and the Banshees, David Bowie, Iggy Pop, and The Clash. Those influences appear through black ceramic tile, corrugated metal walls, chain curtains, and exposed Chicago brick uncovered during renovation. Chrome bar stools, snakeskin textures, and industrial lighting layer grit with style, creating a moody, irreverent space that honors the past while carving out something entirely new for Chicago’s Chinatown.

​Photos by Marisa Klug-Morataya

Nine Bar Chicago by Siren Betty Design, dramatic illuminated bar with backlit shelves, brick walls, and modern stools.
Cozy lounge seating at Nine Bar Chicago by Siren Betty Design, featuring tropical palms, dark walls, and ambient glow.
Sleek illuminated bar at Nine Bar Chicago by Siren Betty Design, showcasing backlit bottles and dramatic lighting.
Nine Bar Chicago by Siren Betty Design features a neon logo, signage, and a moody candlelit atmosphere.
Nine Bar Chicago by Siren Betty Design, full view of bar and lounge with soft lighting, dark tones, and industrial style.
Nine Bar Chicago by Siren Betty Design, DJ booth with white parasol ceiling, pink neon glow, and mirrored backdrop.
Industrial-inspired seating at Nine Bar Chicago by Siren Betty Design, with exposed brick, low lighting, and greenery.
Bartenders at Nine Bar Chicago by Siren Betty Design, mixing cocktails beneath metallic fan accent and brick backdrop.
Moon Palace Chicago by Siren Betty Design, front counter with tiled facade, red menu board, and vintage-inspired decor.
Moon Palace Chicago by Siren Betty Design, friendly front counter interaction with warm red accents and orchid decor.

Nine Bar - Moon Palace Express

216 W. Cermak, Chicago

ninebarchicago.com - moonpalacerestaurant.com

@ninebar - @moonpalaceexpress

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