Chicago Guide » Nightlife » Live Music
Chicago NightlifeLive Music
About 10Best's recommendations for Chicago's Live Music:
The nightlife scene in Chicago is dynamic enough to suit just about everybody's taste. This is especially true in the case of bars and clubs specializing in live music. If you dig that kind of show – rock, blues, jazz, country, or R&B, it doesn't matter – do yourself a favor and check out the big-name acts and local bands scheduled to play at these spots.
Address: 1572 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
This large space features up-and-coming national and local talents. The sound system is excellent, and so is the beer selection. A wooden dance floor is available if the mood strikes you, and the downstairs Dirt Room offers pool tables and arcade games. The atmosphere is very casual, and sight lines are good. Enter...
Address: 2871 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
This live music venue features a wide range of music types, including alternative, reggae, world, rock, hip-hop, funk, acid jazz, R&B, and house. The bands that perform are both local and national. Live music can be found seven nights a week, and the acoustics are top-notch, making for a great experience. The drink...
Address: 1035 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
With atmosphere befitting a lounge or neighborhood pub, not to mention rock-bottom prices, this slightly dingy spot is a favorite with locals. Wednesday features avant-garde jazz, and Thursday through Saturday, local and national acts take over. Sunday is devoted to DJs. A small pool table and arcade area set behind...
Address: 3111 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
After partnering with Viaduct Theater the HotHouse show goes on and features an eclectic variety of live music, including folk, rock, and world ethnic. The intimate, mellow environment makes seeing a show here a relaxing pleasure. Viaduct-programmed theater performances share the venue with several transitions between...
Address: 329 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610
Although HOB features live blues every night at 10pm, it's far from being just a blues place. National, international, and local groups of all musical stylings show up to play in the intimate concert hall with great acoustics. The multi-floored complex is decorated in a funky juke joint-meets-the-opera house style...
Address: 3730 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613
Metro occupies an old theater and features loud local and international talents. Musical styles include ska, punk, house, hip-hop, rock, and R&B. Limited balcony seating is available, and the main floor's standing-room-only policy can result in an occasional mosh pit. A casual atmosphere suits the staff, who are known...
Address: 322 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
This intimate, dark theater has tiered seating surrounding the stage and is a wonderful small venue. Bars and cocktail service accommodate a diverse clientele, and a diminutive dance floor is available during some performances. Concerts feature big-name national and international acts, and musical styles vary widely,...
Address: 1565 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Live music and an incredible jukebox keep this Wicker Park favorite busy into the wee hours of the morning. Performers vary from alternative and hard rock to hip-hop rock and country rock. The Note's two bars serve everything a thirsty patron could hope for. Pool tables are located behind the stage. Stick around after...
Address: 3530 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
This Jamaican-owned and -operated spot proudly bills itself as the "Reggae Capital of America," and for good reason. Formerly the Wild Hare and Singing Armadillo Frog Sanctuary, the venue offers live reggae seven nights a week. The crowd, all enjoying Red Stripe and the signature rum punch, is very diversified. The...
Address: 3145 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Built in 1911, this theater-turned-music venue/movie hall offers an intimate experience for concert-goers. The main pit serves as standing room and dance floor space, and theater-style balcony seating is available. National acts (blues to rock, reggae to world ethnic) grace its stage, and three bars cater to a mixed...
