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Unless otherwise stated all venues are open daily, charge admission, and have DA.
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Kingston Mines The
largest of Chicago’s blues joints, Kingston Mines packs its Lincoln
Park locale with students, young professionals, and a broader spectrum
of tourists. Two stages provide non-stop musical entertainment from 8pm
to near 4am (5am on Saturdays). Acts range from homegrown house bands to
national touring headliners. The kitchen serves up beer-sopping
barbecue. 2548 N. Halsted St. 1 773 477 4647
Kingston Mines
Buddy Guy’s Legends A
legend himself, bluesman Buddy Guy operates perhaps the best blues club
in the city. The South Loop destination draws a mix of students,
tourists, and local fans, particularly when Guy himself headlines. The
place gets so packed that aisles are marked on the flooring and
monitored by bouncers who make sure standing-room-only patrons keep them
clear . 754 S. Wabash Ave. 312 427 1190
Buddy Guy’s Legends
B.L.U.E.S. Among
Chicago’s many blues clubs, B.L.U.E.S feels the most like a Southern
juke joint. Chalk it up to the narrow confines, loud sounds, and sweaty
dancers. The club is across the street from the popular Kingston Mines,
but it’s a better choice for older, more musically versed blues fans.
Better yet, why not stop into both! 2519 N. Halsted St. 1 773 528 1012
Green Mill Cocktail Lounge A
former Prohibition era speakeasy, Uptown’s landmark Green Mill is a
vintage treasure with a sweeping curved bar, vinyl booths, fading
murals, and an authentic air of Chicago’s gangster past. The city’s
premier jazz talents like Kurt Elling and Patricia Barber regularly play
gigs here and Uptown Poetry Slam feature every Sunday. It’s out of the
way but every cabbie knows how to get there. 4802 N. Broadway 1 773 878 5552 Limited DA
Green Mill Cocktail Lounge
House of Blues Folk
art and exotic architectural remnants festoon the funky House of Blues.
The vast 1500-seat concert hall presents a variety of national touring
acts from hard rock to hip hop in addition to blues. The Sunday gospel
brunch with seatings from 9:30am to noon is a must. 329 N. Dearborn St. 312 923 2000
The Velvet Lounge The
new location for Chicago saxophonist Fred Anderson’s Velvet Lounge
offers a less worn-down atmosphere than its former home on S. Indiana
Ave., where a wide range of jazz greats played since 1982. However, some
of the old features have been retained, such as the chandeliers. Now
regulars and an increasing array of new fans populate the club. Sunday
nights see regular jam sessions . Rosa’s Though
off-the-beaten club path, the family-owned Rosa’s is beloved citywide
for its support of local artists such as blues harpist Sugar Blue and
the genuine welcome by its owners, Tony Mangiullo and his mother Rosa.
The latter sometimes cooks for the patrons of this simple tavern. Green Dolphin St. This
slick Northside jazz club offers some of the city’s best sightlines.
Named for a jazz standard, Green Dolphin encompasses both a separate
fine dining restaurant and an equally spacious showroom that also serves
casual café fare. On the musical bill expect the sorts of ensembles
that can audibly fill the space, such as big bands and Latin groups. Blue Chicago Popular
with tourists, Blue Chicago in River North operates two clubs located
two blocks apart. Seats at both venues are few and far between, so come
early if you need one, or be prepared to dance. The admission charge
covers both clubs, which encourages bar hopping. Andy’s Jazz Club With
its musical programming that begins at lunchtime and continues into the
evening, Andy’s fills a void for those jazz fans who can’t hold out for
the late-night headliners. Prime perches are much sought after at the
horseshoe-shaped bar in the no-fuss River North club. 11 E. Hubbard St. 312 642 6805
Andy’s Jazz Club
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