Blue Suede Cocktails and Coffee - Port Byron, Illinois

Joe K.

A good cocktail and a relaxing evening are wonderful things. What makes them even better is when you discover you can get both on the way home from work. This was my experience on the way home from work as I detoured into Main Street in Port Byron and discovered Blue Suede.

I'd had food at a few of the other places on Main Street, as well as cocktails during most of those visits. Each of the places I've been in Port Byron have had their own charms so far. Tuggers and Rams Roadhouse both are solid bar restaurants with great food, and Peacocks is as fun a dive bar as any. I was fully unprepared, however, for the experience I found at Blue Suede on this Friday after work.

Their storefront is as unassuming as any. A few metal signs out front with the business name upon them, store hours on the glass door at the entry, standard stuff. The inside quickly opens up to the bar area, however, which is as modern and clean in architecture and visual aesthetics as any new place around the area. There's a long blue flame fireplace feature with fancy geometry metal frame drop lights, as well as a sharp looking granite bar. The floor throughout is a polished concrete surface, punctuated by various plush chairs and area rugs, none identical to the last. The space wraps around in a U shape to reveal more lounging space, with dark wood doors and a stylish wine and glass storage area. Most of the lighting is recessed fixtures in the solid black colored plaster ceiling, otherwise only punctuated by the HVAC ducts running throughout the space.

All of this description I include here to otherwise express that I LOVE this place! The lighting is low, really easy on the eyes. The entire time I was here they played 1920s/30s light jazz, such as that one might expect to find in a speakeasy or lounge of the same era. The chair I found to lounge in was comfy, and the Tin Can Lemonade (made with the whiskey of the same name) was a refreshing riff on a traditional whiskey sour.

Even if you're not from the area, if you like a nice lounge to sip a nice cocktail and relax with some friends, you should come out to Port Byron to check this out. I'm coming back again, for sure. I can envision getting some dinner, then lounging here with a cocktail for another hour or two. Like many of the other places here, I really want to come back for some patio time by the river when it gets warmer. Thanks Blue Suede!

Tyler H.

Last night I stopped in to blue suede for some live music. It was a great experience. This place is located right on the river and has an incredible view. I had a cocktail and a charcuterie board. They were both excellent. The staff is wonderful and very helpful. You bet I will be back. Thank you!

Gravy T.

Cool little place, but no food. Had a 3 piece band playing that was good. Side room offers comfy chairs & couches/lounge vibe. Outdoor seating w/ fireplaces. Nice river view.

Benjamin W.

This place is amazing. The design is stylish and beautiful---and the Elvis memorabilia is fantastic! Best lounge/bar I've been to in ages.

And friendly service and a variety of drinks. Can't say enough about Blue Suede.

Rachel R.

Love this place! Fun bartenders and amazing drinks. Cool patio by the Mississippi and a neat Air BnB above. Oh, and obviously LOVE the Elvis theme! Down to the bathroom, this place is fancy as can be! I have a whole video on my youtube of my experience here. Blue Suede will not disappoint, I assure you! A MUST SEE if you're in the Port Byron area, even if you don't drink, this place is worth the stop! They even have a baby grand piano! 🥰🥰🥰

Mudinyeri

Wonderful views of the Mississippi River. Great bourbon selection and a good cuppa Joe in the morning. Friendly staff. Cool decor.

SJ M.

Love the atmosphere,decorating and location 9n the water. Patio is wonderful and waitresses are on top of it. Can't wait to go back.

Kim P.

My family and I will NOT be back…1st off hours on their door said 9-12 on a Saturday. They wouldn’t open the door until 9:30. (We waited outside among with others for 10 minutes.) Sign on their door said no under 21. We had to leave because we had our 14 month old granddaughter with us. The lady behind the counter made it quite clear that we had to get our drinks to GO! Very rude (All of this and we hadn’t ordered yet!) so unfortunately we paid $24 no tip for to go two coffees and two bloody Mary’s. This is supposed to be A Fun time! Visiting our beautiful granddaughter and she gets kicked out!! No way to run a business, sadly and disappointed!!