Blues and Jazz Clubs in Chicago

Blues and jazz have long been a part of the musical landscape in Chicago and even today, blues and jazz clubs are among the most popular in the city. If you’re looking for a place to hear some live music, check out one of these blues or jazz venues.

Blues

Buddy Guy’s Legends
The legendary Buddy’s Guys is bit of a tourist trap, but it’s also a spot to hear some of the best blue in Chicago. National and regional acts prevail, though sometimes Buddy himself, or even special surprise guests (like John Mayer) have been known to stop by. Cover is $15 Sunday through Thursday and $25 on Fridays and Saturdays, and the club is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

House of Blues
Though the House of Blues often play hosts to big name national acts of the rock and hip-hop persuasion,  the Back Porch stage in its restaurant hosts live blues nightly.

Kingston Mines
Lincoln Park’s Kingston Mines hosts blues on two stages Thursday through Saturday nights. Cover is $15 on Thursdays and $20 on Fridays and Saturdays. Come early or be prepared to wait on Friday and Saturday nights though, especially when bigger name acts are performing. If you’d like a more low key experience, come on a Thursday.

Rosa’s Lounge
For blues on a smaller budget, head to Rosa’s  Lounge, where covers usually run lower than at the bigger clubs. Rosa’s is closed Sundays and Mondays.

Jazz

Green Mill
Jazz is serious business at the Green Mill. It’s a Chicago institution that’s been around since 1907 and seen the likes of Frank Sinatra and Al Capone in it’s booths. Cover charges vary by act, and if you talk during the performance you will be “shushed” by your fellow patrons. But, if you are a true jazz lover, there’s no batter place in the city to hear it.

Andy’s Jazz Club
Andy’s is a little more low-key than Green Mill, a little less known among the tourists, and little more “divey.” Cover averages about $20 and they offer a full menu, so you can eat while you enjoy the show.

Photo by rebecca anne