John Dabney, portrait. Courtesy The Valentine, Richmond, VA.
VOL. VI · NO. 1865
PORTRAIT · COURTESY
THE VALENTINE · RICHMOND
— THE NAMESAKE —

JOHN DABNEY

1824 — 1900

He served a country that wouldn't serve him — and he served it better than anyone.

Born into slavery in Richmond, Virginia, 1824. The bar was the only ground he was allowed to claim — and he made it his. By the 1850s, statesmen crossed counties for his juleps. He catered Virginia's grandest tables and ran rooms that wouldn't seat him — without ever raising his voice.

He saved every tip and bought himself, his wife, and his children out of another man's claim. When Emancipation voided the remaining balance in 1865, Dabney paid it anyway — to the dollar.

The arrangement was unjust. His word was not. We are named for the standard he kept when the country wouldn't extend one to him.

— WHAT WE INHERITED —
LIBERATION
— THROUGH SPIRITS —

We serve in their name.

Southern hospitality, liberated.

The American cocktail bar and the Southern table were built by Black hands — bartenders, caterers, hostesses, and the grandmothers who ran the kitchen. The work outlived the names. John Dabney's survived. Most did not.

We call that ethic liberation through spirits. They built Southern hospitality in rooms that wouldn't seat them. This bar carries his name; we mean it to carry theirs.

Honor shows up in two places: at the pour, and at the door. "Welcome to Dabney & Co." is the work, said out loud. You're home before you've ordered.
— DABNEY & CO. · MMXXIV —
VOL. VI · NO. 1865— FROM THE KITCHEN —
FROM THE PASS · DABNEY & CO.
— THE KITCHEN —

SOUTHERN
CONTEMPORARY.

The South's pantry, cooked with conviction.
FROM THE PASS · DABNEY & CO.
04DABNEY & CO.
VOL. VI · NO. 1865— APPETIZERS · SALADS —

APPETIZERS

Black Eyed Pea HummusWSeCreamy black-eyed pea hummus, served with warm pita. A Southern spin on a classic.
8
Grandma's Collard Green DipWMCreamy mozzarella and cream cheese folded with collard greens, served with warm pita. A tribute to family, plated.
10
Spiced Maple Chicken & CornbreadWEMSpice-rubbed fried chicken on jalapeño cornbread, finished with maple. Loud enough to start a conversation.
10
Jalapeño Cornbread With Smoked BaconWEMPkFluffy jalapeño cornbread, drizzled with maple, finished with smoky, crispy bacon. Sweet heat done right.
8
Collard Green Pesto FlatbreadWMCrisp flatbread with collard-infused pesto, house tomato jam, and fresh mozzarella. Italy with a Southern accent.
11
Smoked Bacon Apricot FlatbreadWMPkSmoky bacon, melted mozzarella, sweet apricot, tender collards. Balsamic glaze. Sweet and smoky, distinctly Southern.
11
Sweet Heat Fried Chicken FlatbreadWMFried chicken, melted mozzarella, red onion, spicy maple drizzle on crisp flatbread. The hot song on the menu.
11

SALADS

Harvest Soul SaladMPkMixed greens, chopped turkey, aged cheddar, smoky bacon, cranberries, red onion. Creamy dill dressing.
12
Honey Lemon Pepper Fried Chicken SaladWMSpicy fried chicken, fresh greens, sharp cheddar, cherry tomatoes, red onion. Honey-lemon-pepper dressing.
12
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY, LIBERATED05
VOL. VI · NO. 1865— SANDWICHES · SIDES · DESSERTS —

GOURMET SANDWICHES

Dabney Steakhouse SandwichWMThin-sliced roast beef with mixed greens, tomato, tomato jam, Swiss, and horseradish cream on artisan bread. Served with rosemary chips. The steakhouse, after-hours.Add brown sugar bacon +2·Trade chips for house fries +3
13
Fried Green Tomato BLTWEPkFried green tomato, brown sugar bacon, mixed greens, and garlic aioli on ciabatta. Served with rosemary chips. The BLT, raised down South.Add brown sugar bacon +2·Trade chips for house fries +3
13
Sunday Dinner SandwichWMRoasted turkey with cranberry, collards, and sharp cheddar on ciabatta. Served with rosemary chips. Thanksgiving, between two slices.Add brown sugar bacon +2·Trade chips for house fries +3
13

SIDES

Fried Green TomatoesWECrispy panko-breaded tomato slices, served with house-made remoulade. Southern starter, properly executed.
7
Rosemary ChipsECrisp potato chips tossed with rosemary and sea salt, served with sweet tomato garlic aioli. House chips, dressed up.
6

DESSERTS

Lemon Blueberry CornbreadEMSoft cornbread baked with Michigan blueberries and bright lemon. A simple slice of home.
8
Peach Cobbler CornbreadWEMSweet cornbread topped with warm peach cobbler and cream cheese icing. Dessert with a Southern backbone.
8
06DABNEY & CO.
VOL. VI · NO. 1865— FROM THE BAR —
FROM THE BAR · DABNEY & CO.
— THE COCKTAILS —

DABNEY
ORIGINALS

Standards we built, signatures we sign.
FROM THE BAR · DABNEY & CO.
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY, LIBERATED07
VOL. VI · NO. 1865— DABNEY ORIGINALS —

DABNEY ORIGINALS

Our Signature Mint JulepRumCrushed ice over rich rum, fresh mint pressed cold. The pour that built the room — John Dabney's drink, and how he bought freedom.
12
Freedom SummerCognacA salute to the heroes of '64 who made America listen. Hennessy depth, peach, citrus, a lift of basil. History, remembered.
15
Sweet JulyTequilaSun-warmed fruit, slow laughter, days that ask you to stay. Tequila, citrus, gentle herbs. A tribute to Black joy in bloom.
13
No More DramaVodkaMary J. taught us peace is priceless. Raspberry and peach rest on silky amaretto for a calm, confident finish.
13
R.E.S.P.E.C.TGinAward WinningSpicyGin sharpened with yuzu and a flicker of jalapeño. Bright, clean, and never quiet — named for the voice that demanded the word back.
15
My PrerogativeVodkaAward WinningBobby Brown did what he wanted; so does this glass. Vanilla vodka, lychee, ube — and a sparkling rosé flute on the side. Two pours, one prerogative.
17
Make a WishTequilaBright and hopeful. Reposado meets strawberry and ginger warmth—smooth, refreshing, full of quiet celebration.
14
08DABNEY & CO.
VOL. VI · NO. 1865— DABNEY ORIGINALS —

MORE FROM THE HOUSE

French KissGinSoft and seductive, this one doesn’t rush—it lingers. Raspberry and rose glide over botanical gin in a romantic finish made to remember.
12
Heaven Can WaitVodkaMichael Jackson's quiet grace in a glass. Peach mango, basil, plum bitters—smooth, layered, unforgettable as the King.
14
Smooth OperatorVodkaCool as Sade on stage—silky raspberry and cotton candy ease into velvet vodka softness. Effortless charm in liquid form.
12
Mango Habanero MuleWhiskeySpicyTropical sweetness meets fearless spice. Mango cools, habanero kicks, ginger snaps—balanced heat that keeps you coming back.
13
Raspberry MojitoRumSugarcane rhythm with a fresh twist. Mint, lime, and ripe raspberry dance over smooth rum—bright and dangerously drinkable.
13
Idlewild Long BeachFive SpiritsAn ode to Idlewild—Michigan's Black Eden. Four spirits, smooth precision. Strong energy. Clean finish.Make it premium spirits +2
16
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY, LIBERATED09
VOL. VI · NO. 1865— ZERO PROOF —
ZERO PROOF · DABNEY & CO.
— ZERO PROOF —

MOCKTAILS

Lower-proof, same craft.
ZERO PROOF · DABNEY & CO.
10DABNEY & CO.
VOL. VI · NO. 1865— MOCKTAILS —

ZERO PROOF

HoneydripperWatermelon and cucumber muddled with mint, shaken cold over Almave NA tequila. Joe Liggins '45 — 18 weeks #1. Honeydripper.
11
Midnight TrainApple butter and citrus stirred into spiced cider, ginger beer to lengthen. Gladys Knight's '73 #1 — bound for Georgia.
11
Motown PhillyA basil-strawberry smash, zero-proof. Boyz II Men's '91 debut single off Cooleyhighharmony — Philly four-part harmony, East Coast swing. Back again.
11
No HangoverLavender shaken with raspberry and cranberry — soft, tart, slow. A sober-curious nightcap, ritual intact, morning still clear. No Hangover.
11
Quiet StormPear stirred with elderflower, yuzu, ginger heat. Smokey named it in '75; Howard's WHUR built the late-night slow-jam format. Quiet Storm.
11
Ruby DeeHibiscus steeped deep with strawberry, peach, and vanilla. Raisin in the Sun, Do the Right Thing, 56 years with Ossie. Ruby Dee.
11
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY, LIBERATED11
VOL. VI · NO. 1865— THE BAR —
THE BAR · DABNEY & CO.
— POUR DECISIONS —

THE
BAR.

The long pour begins here.
THE BAR · DABNEY & CO.
12DABNEY & CO.
VOL. VI · NO. 1865— WHISKEY —

WHISKEY

BOURBON
Basil Hayden 10 Year
16
Basil Hayden Bourbon
12
Bulleit
11
Buzzard's Roost
15
Detroit City Butcher’s Cut Bourbon
13
Duke & Dame Whiskey
12
Elijah Craig Small Batch
12
Four Roses
9
Frisky Whiskey
13
Jack Daniel's
9
Knob Creek Single Barrel
21
Maker's Mark
9
Town Branch Overproof
13
Uncle Nearest 1856
16
Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch
18
Willett Pot Still Reserve
15
Woodford Reserve
12
Woodford Reserve Double Oak
14
RYE
Bulleit Rye
12
Old Forester Rye
10
Pikesville Rye
18
Uncle Nearest Rye
17
SCOTCH
Caol Ila – 12 Yr
26
Glenfarclas – 12 Yr
26
Glengoyne – 12 Yr
18
Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban
19
Johnnie Walker Black Label
12
Johnnie Walker Red Label
10
Macallan – 12 Yr
28
IRISH & BLENDED
Crown Royal
10
Crown Royal Apple
10
Jameson
9
Ole Smoky Mango Habanero Whiskey
9
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY, LIBERATED13
VOL. VI · NO. 1865— TEQUILA · MEZCAL —

TEQUILA + MEZCAL

Adictivo Anejo
22
Casamigos Anejo
19
Casamigos Blanco
14
Don Julio Blanco
15
Don Julio Rosado
21
Milagro Reposado
10
Milagro Silver
10
Patron Anejo
18
Patron Cristalino
28
Patron Reposado
18
Patron Silver
16
Tequila Ocho Reposado
20
Teremana Anejo
12
Teremana Blanco
10
MEZCAL
Del Maguey Vida
12
Ilegal Mezcal Joven
13
Vago Elote Mezcal
16
ZERO-PROOF AGAVE
Almave Blanco Tequila (NA)Blue Weber agave from Jalisco — mineral, citrus, agave-true. Lewis Hamilton + Casa Lumbre's 2024 zero-proof flagship. Almave Blanco.
10
Almave Ámbar Tequila (NA)Aged Blue Weber agave from Jalisco — caramel, soft oak, agave-deep. Lewis Hamilton + Casa Lumbre's 2024 zero-proof reposado. Almave Ámbar.
12
14DABNEY & CO.
VOL. VI · NO. 1865— GIN · VODKA —

GIN

Bombay Sapphire
9
Condesa Gin
12
Hendrick's
12
Roku Gin
12
Tanqueray
10

VODKA

Absolut Citron
8
Absolut Raspberri
9
Islandjon Apple Gwayav
9
Islandjon Mango Peach
9
Islandjon Vodka
9
Ketel One
12
House practice — pours measured to the count, not the line. Neat, rocks, or built into your call. Ask the bar for an off-menu martini; we'll meet you there.
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY, LIBERATED15
VOL. VI · NO. 1865— RUM · COGNAC · LIQUEURS —

RUM

Appleton Estate 8 Year Reserve
12
Bacardi Superior
9
Bumbu
11
Burl & Sprig Esencia
10
Flor de Cana Anejo
9

COGNAC

D'Usse VSOP
14
Hennessy Pure White
21
Hennessy V.S.
12
Hennessy V.S.O.P.
17
Remy Martin 1738
18
16DABNEY & CO.
VOL. VI · NO. 1865— THE CELLAR —
THE CELLAR · DABNEY & CO.
— WINE & BEER —

THE
CELLAR.

Cellar to glass.
THE CELLAR · DABNEY & CO.
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY, LIBERATED17
VOL. VI · NO. 1865— RED WINES —

REDS — DRY

5 oz.|9 oz.|btl.
Angels Ink Pinot NoirCentral Coast, California.Seven months in oak. Strawberry, cherry, supple finish.
11|17|—
Gen5 Cabernet SauvignonLodi, California.Fifth-generation, sustainably farmed. Blackberry, plum, mocha.
9|15|—
House of Brown Red BlendBrother-and-sister, Black-owned California. Light body, crisp acidity, lush fruit, long finish.
9|15|30

REDS — SWEET

5 oz.|9 oz.|btl.
Roche Collection Strawberry Watermelon MoscatoMichigan's first licensed Black woman winemaker. Sweet strawberry, watermelon, silky finish.
8|14|—
Reserve list — ask your server for tonight's open bottle: a red we've pulled for the room, sold by the glass until the bottle is gone.
18DABNEY & CO.
VOL. VI · NO. 1865— WHITE WINES —

WHITES — DRY

5 oz.|9 oz.|btl.
Gio Pinot GrigioDelle Venezie DOC, Italy.Crisp, snappy. Green apple, sea-spray minerality.
9|15|—
Giuliano Rosati Pinot GrigioCrisp Italian Pinot Grigio — lemon, pear, green apple finish.
11|17|—
House of Brown ChardonnayBrother-and-sister, Black-owned California. Honeydew, limestone, saline, medium body.
8|14|28
Miha Sauvignon BlancMarlborough, New Zealand.Coastal estate. Bright, citrus, white-peach.
10|16|—

WHITES — SWEET

5 oz.|9 oz.|btl.
Roche Collection Green Apple Sangria MoscatoMichigan's first licensed Black woman winemaker. Green apple sangria, crisp Moscato.
8|14|—
Roche Collection Peach Mango MoscatoMichigan's first licensed Black woman winemaker. Sweet peach, tropical mango.
8|14|—
Salt of the Earth Flor de MoscatoSweet, fizzy Moscato — peach, orange blossom. Dessert wine.
10|16|34
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY, LIBERATED19
VOL. VI · NO. 1865— BUBBLES · BEER · SOFT —

BUBBLES

5 oz.|9 oz.|btl.
Bervini ProseccoVeneto, Italy.Time-honored grapes. Crisp, peach, apple, honey.
8|14|28
Mistinguett Cava RoséCava, Spain.Vibrant, fresh, fruit-forward. An aperitif pour.
8|14|28

BEER · ALE · SELTZER

Corona Extra4.6% ABV
7
Hazy Little Thing IPA – Sierra Nevada Brewing CO.6.7% ABVSierra Nevada's hazy NEIPA — juicy, soft-bittered. The Chico-CA pioneer.
7
Miller Lite4.2% ABV
6
Modelo Especial4.4% ABV
7
Run Wild IPA – (non-alcoholic) Athletic Brewing CO.<0.5% ABVAthletic Brewing's craft NA flagship — Citra + Mosaic hops, citrus-forward.
6
Stella Artois5.0% ABV
8
Two Hearted Ale – Bell’s Brewery7.0% ABVKalamazoo's own Bell's — Centennial-hopped American IPA. Five-time best in America.
7
White Claw – Blackberry5.0% ABV
6

SOFT · SPARKLING

Ginger Beer
4
Red Bull
4
San Pellegrino – Limonata
5
San Pellegrino – Melagrano & Arancia
5
20DABNEY & CO.
VOL. VI · NO. 1865— BOTTLE SERVICE —
B.B. KING ROOM · DABNEY & CO.
— THE RESERVE —

BY THE
BOTTLE

Premium bottles for occasions worth marking. Twenty-four hour notice appreciated.
B.B. KING ROOM · DABNEY & CO.
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY, LIBERATED21
VOL. VI · NO. 1865— BOTTLE SERVICE —

BY THE BOTTLE

Casamigos Anejo14 months in American oak — caramel, vanilla, soft toasted finish. Top of the Casamigos line, built for sipping. Casamigos Añejo.
250
Casamigos BlancoJaliscan highland agave, slow-roasted 72 hours — vanilla and citrus, smooth neat or shaken. Clooney's house tequila. Casamigos Blanco.
210
D'Ussé VSOPJay-Z's cognac — minimum 4.5 years in Limousin oak, aged in the Château de Cognac cellars. Cinnamon, honey, full-bodied finish. D'Ussé V.S.O.P.
245
Don Julio BlancoEstate-grown Blue Weber, double-distilled — bright citrus, black pepper, peppery agave finish. The reference blanco since 1942. Don Julio Blanco.
225
Hennessy V.S.Cognac's most-poured VS — Ugni Blanc from Charente, 2+ years in toasted oak, ripe fruit, warm spice. The pour that shaped rap's love of cognac. Hennessy V.S.
210
Hennessy V.S.O.P.Eaux-de-vie aged 4–10 years in French oak — apricot, vanilla, soft spice, polished finish. The original Privilège recipe since 1817. Hennessy V.S.O.P.
240
Ketel OneDutch wheat vodka, copper-pot finished — clean, silky, citrus-soft. Eleven generations of Nolet since 1691. Ketel One.
175
Patron Silver100% Weber Blue Agave from Jalisco, handcrafted small batch — bright citrus, fresh pepper, smooth neat or built. Patrón Silver.
195
Remy Martin 1738Fine Champagne cognac aged in toasted oak — jammy fruit, cocoa, brioche depth. Named for Louis XV's 1738 accord with Rémy. Rémy Martin 1738.
250
Teremana AnejoAged 14+ months in American whiskey casks — caramel, vanilla, mellow agave depth. The Rock's reserve pour. Teremana Añejo.
210
Teremana BlancoDwayne Johnson's Highland tequila — Jalisco agave, brick-oven cooked, bright and clean. Smooth start to the night. Teremana Blanco.
175
Service note — bottles arrive with house glassware, fresh ice, and a mixer caddy for the table. Available for parties of four or more. Twenty-four hour notice appreciated for reserve pulls.
22DABNEY & CO.
VOL. VI · NO. 1865— LIVE MUSIC —
EVERY FRIDAY · ALWAYS SOMETHING
— LIVE MUSIC —

SOMETHING'S
ALWAYS
PLAYING.

The room is the stage.
EVERY FRIDAY · ALWAYS SOMETHING
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY, LIBERATED23
VOL. VI · NO. 1865— PRIVATE EVENTS —
A ROOM OF YOUR OWN · DABNEY & CO.
— PRIVATE EVENTS —

HOST YOUR
EVENT
WITH US.

Birthdays, rehearsals, milestones, brand nights — the room bends to whatever you're celebrating.
A ROOM OF YOUR OWN · DABNEY & CO.
24DABNEY & CO.
VOL. VI · NO. 1865— PRIVATE EVENTS —

THE ROOM
IS YOURS.

Our dining room, a class behind the rail, or the whole night to yourselves.
Every booking opens our dining room to you — with a menu shaped to the toast you're making.

Dining ReserveOur dining room held for your group, with a menu shaped to your guests.
THE DINING ROOM
Cocktail ClassThree signature builds in your hands, behind our rail. Bachelorettes, team nights, anniversaries.
UP TO 12
Full Buy-OutThe whole room. The whole bar. The whole evening — start to last call.
UP TO 100
Off-Site BarWe pack the program and bring it to your wedding, gala, or brand night.
BY REQUEST

INQUIRE · EVENTS@DRINKSWITHDABNEY.COM

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY, LIBERATED25
VOL. VI · NO. 1865— FROM THE ARCHIVES —
CHICAGO LOUNGE, c.1977 · LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, AFC
CHICAGO LOUNGE, c.1977 · LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, AFC
26DABNEY & CO.
Dabney & Co.
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY,
LIBERATED.

— VISIT —

344 N Rose Street
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007
(269) 475-9965

— HOURS —

TUE — THU · 4 PM → 10 PM
FRI — SAT · 4 PM → 12:30 AM
RESERVE A TABLE
LIVE MUSIC · CRAFT COCKTAILS · SOUTHERN CONTEMPORARY KITCHEN
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