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RIVER NORTH. It's jazz, jazz, jazz at this Hubbard Street entertainment venue. Andy's has live acts playing at noon, five, and nine. So, no matter what time of day, you get in the mood to hear true Chicago jazz. The menu here is quite extensive and goes beyond the typical bar food offerings. A wide array of groups perform, but most play traditional bebop and swing.
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B.L.U.E.S.
2519 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614 · 773-528-1012
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LINCOLN PARK. It's tiny, a bit dingy, smoky, and crowded – in other words, the perfect place to see live blues. The club features both obscure and well-known local artists (think Otis Clay and Magic Slim). Testing your blues trivia here would really be a test because the slightly older crowd consists almost exclusively of aficionados. Shows are highly interactive, and CDs of nightly and past performers are for sale.
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RIVER NORTH. Blue Chicago at Ohio mainly showcases female vocalists who really know how to sing the blues. The mellow and soulful sounds that emanate from this spot are legendary. The room is long and tavernesque with a stage at one end. A small dance floor is located near the stage for those who can't resist. A full bar is on premises, allowing for a drink or two with the show. Smart casual dress.
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SOUTH LOOP. Attempts to appear seedy only partially veil this club's polished interior, and yuppies and tourists often show up. The mellow blues joint offers jam sessions on Monday nights, and local acts perform Sunday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday, then, showcase national artists. A plethora of memorabilia fills the cavernous room, and pool tables and a Southern kitchen that's open till midnight keep patrons satisfied. Despite its touristy reputation, the club is a great place to see live blues in comfort.
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Students, tourists, locals, and die-hard fans make the pilgrimage to this Southside blues venue. One word of caution – you may want to take a cab to this spot because the neighborhood is not as welcoming as the Checkerboard is. Established in 1972, Junior Wells calls the lounge home. Offering card games during the week and live blues nightly, this spot is not to be missed if you want an authentic experience.
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Big Band
Blues
Funk
Jazz
Latin
Salsa
Swing |
| Dress: |
CC: Casual
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BUCKTOWN. This elegant ballroom, attached to a lovely international seafood restaurant, draws a slightly older crowd. The sound system was recently upgraded to accentuate the fabulous jazz (bop to electric fusion) performed here. Swing, Latin, and funk/acid jazz are also offered. Rich woods, dark colors, comfy seating areas, and a large dance floor make this a diverse experience. Acts are occasionally performed on the outdoor terrace that overlooks the Chicago River. Cigars are sold as well.
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Green Mill
4802 N Broadway Ave, Chicago, IL 60640 · 773-878-5552
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UPTOWN. Trendy folks and jazz aficionados regularly flock to this cool joint. Once a hangout of Al Capone, Charlie Chaplin, and Gloria Swanson, the place has tons of character. It was also a speakeasy during Prohibition, meaning that Green Mill retains a past-days air of the Roaring '20s. Swing music is offered Tuesday and Thursday, jazz crops up almost nightly, and Sunday features poetry slams – lively evenings of music and stand-up poetry readings.
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LINCOLN PARK. This spot's mantra ("Hear the music, drink booze, and talk loud") is strictly enforced. With two stages and the only 4am-liquor license among Chicago's blues clubs, Kingston Mines is packed nightly. Local blues and jazz artists often stop by here after their sets at other clubs. With over 30 years of operation, the club recently expanded and now includes three storefronts and a late night kitchen. If you enjoy loud, riotous entertainment, this is the joint.
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RIVER NORTH. This long-lived live music club and champagne bar (25-plus years!) is a city mainstay, now relocated from its original Lake View neighborhood. A sleek, stylish bar lets patrons sip and mingle, while a downstairs lounge envelops folks in intimate surroundings and terrific live jazz. The shop sells sparkling wines and offers lunchtime and light evening fare, including scrumptious housemade desserts. A raw bar and caviars are included in the upscale offerings, and more than 125 champagnes are available. Jazz sets begin at 9pm.
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GOLD COAST. Established in 1989, this tiny venue is open 365 days a year, and Lonie Walker, who founded the place, still plays three nights a week. Live music is offered nightly to an incredibly eclectic group of patrons. Jazz and blues are the main focus, but acoustic guitar and piano music are often featured, as are friends who hop on the makeshift stage. The limited size allows performances to be very interactive. Ordering or bringing in carryout food is acceptable. Truly a classic.
These nightlife options provide readers with the best places in Chicago to unwind, kick back, and leave the day behind. Our editors and local contacts have searched Chicago's neighborhoods for quiet venues, uncovered hip bars, and experienced the Chicago club scene. We've hit the best Bars, Cocktail Lounges, Dance Clubs, Jazz & Blues Clubs, Live Music, Pubs, and Sports Bars in Chicago, Illinois ... Choose your diversion, and then let us direct your energies.
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