Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Blue Chicago

    4.2 (311 reviews)
    ModerateJazz & Blues, Bars
    Closed Closed

    Blue Chicago Photos

    BLUE CHICAGO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Casual
    Live music
    Good for dancing

    You might also consider

    More like Blue Chicago

    Recommended Reviews - Blue Chicago

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Heather M.

    Amazing! That's the word that comes to mind! This experience was definitely one to remember! The show was phenomenal, music was great and even the crowd interaction. This place was recommended by someone in the area and had nothing but great things to say! Blues Chicago is CASH ONLY! There is an ATM right at the main door for cover charge, needs at the bar and any merchandise. I truly enjoyed my experience here and will definitely be back during my next trip to the city! All I wanted was to listen to some great LIVE music and that is exactly what I got! Some amazing blues!

    Playing through the crowd
    Mark C.

    Absolutely one of the places to hear the Blues in Chicago. Great vibe with it not being that big...BUT great music!!! Get there early to get a seat but not a bad seat in the house. All cash but for $15 and a drink on a Wednesday night I had a great time. The music is what this place is all about.

    Sarah S.

    When I lived in Chicago, I loved to go to B.L.U.E.S. I was so disappointed to hear that it had closed, but wanted to take my wife to a blues club while we were in Chicago. I did some research and liked the vibe of this place. We looked at the calendar, did some more research, and decided to go on a night that Demetria Taylor was playing. Blue Chicago did not disappoint! I was surprised the initial crowd (for the first set) was pretty stoic and sitting still in their seats. Mike Wheeler and his band were so impressively talented! Luckily, as the night went on the vibe also improved. Demetria Taylor brought the house down and got the whole crowd involved - I'll definitely look out for any performances from her and/or Mike next time we're in the city!

    Band

    High light of our trip. Music was absolutely amazing. We had such a great night. Thanks for such an incredible experience.

    Zadia H.

    Blue Chicago gets amazing talent! It's an intimate space - like most good blues and jazz clubs. On Saturday, I was charged a $20 cover at the door. I don't know if they have a minimum drink requirement - you just go to the bar when you want something. Drink prices are very reasonable. I check them out every time I'm in town.

    Just a hole in the wall!!
    J. S.

    I've been to Chicago many times My first time here and will not be my last Get there before they open, there will be a line! Cash only Cash to get in (for a full night of music) Cash bar, bottles and mixed drinks. Heavy pour big drinks. We sat at the bar the sound system was not so great but it's plenty loud and if you need to see the artists, I mean SEE them, get there early and get to the front The restrooms are large and clean but you have to walk through the crowd to get there so plan ahead:) It's by far the best blues I've heard in a long time Nice old school spot nothin fancy casual to super casual was ok,, There is a cash machine with a hefty charge. Come prepared

    Ken Y.

    If you're a Blues fan, or even if you're not, Blue Chicago is a great place to check out. My lady friend made the suggestion, as we wanted the ultimate Chicago experience which included a Saturday night on the town. We arrived about 30 minutes before the band came on. Cover is cash-only and since it's a tightly packed venue, they strictly follow COVID compliance by requiring full vaccination before entry. Cheap drinks, good seating, great band , very memorable Chicago experience!

    Outside sign
    Natalie J.

    Decided to check out some live music after dinner ~10:30pm. Came across blue Chicago, and it did not disappoint. Cash only cover. Small space, they are strict on showing vaccination card and ID at the door. Talented artists and vocalists. A mix of local and tourists which makes for a great environment and music!

    Stage

    I love the blues, this place has an awesome vibe and the music never disappoints. Miss Shirley still rocks the house and the band is awesome

    See all

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 3

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Geetha R.
    265
    17
    0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of K K.
    2
    72
    88

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Not my first time here. Always a fare pour. Great bartender! Great music! Best music venue in Chicago!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of J. S.
    0
    74
    29

    3 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Denise F.
    11
    79
    26

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Great food and good vibes from beginning to end clean and delicious food good place for entertainment

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of L L.
    34
    949
    4699

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jeff H.
    62
    46
    2

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tee B.
    45
    27
    15

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kay O.
    0
    29
    0

    2 years ago

    Great music and great atmosphere definitely recommend. Very friendly vibe. Get there early for a great seat place is small. Also cash only

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 8

    Blue Chicago Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Blue Chicago

    Can I bring my 20 year old daughter?

    I dont think so. They check ID's at door.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Blue Chicago

    Laretha is the most fun and the best local entertainer I've seen in a while.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Jazz Showcase - The photos alone are worth the visit!

    Jazz Showcase

    (235 reviews)

    $$

    South Loop

    This place has a magical feel IF you're into jazz. If you aren't a jazz lover, you just may become…read moreone here. Well, I love jazz and it's a great place to be. I came here for the first time knowing my grandparents started coming here in the 50's for date night jazz. This place was founded in 1947 and you can see they've preserved this place to keep that same feel with all the greats from the past... Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, George Benson, Lonnie Liston Smith, Hugh Masekela, Dexter Gordon, etc. (those are my favorites!). I saw the Kyle Swan Quartet. They were absolutely amazing. You see young and seasoned musicians that are so talented. I usually go to Birdland in NYC but this place, Jazz Showcase, is better to me because it feels more welcoming and like home here versus a production at a theater. We interact with the artists here-- well, they interact with us and make us feel like we are at home and like we are supposed to be there with them, not a performance transaction. $25+ for a show and booking online was a breeze. It's comfortable here, chairs are good and there's sofas in reserved areas but the whole seating area has a great view of the stage no matter where you're sitting. The staff seems gracious and kind of everyone who visits and genuinely wants you to have a great time. They see very selective in their talent that performs here... but why wouldn't they when they've been here for so long and had the best artists perform here?! I came the night that The only downside that may be for some people is they don't have food... only drinks. Me personally, I ate before and don't come for food, I come for the jazz... but they've got beer, cocktails, and other spirits. Macallan and Laphroaig for those who need a good whiskey. Come here if you're ready to relax and listen to great jazz with artists who know their craft. I'm coming back with friends... or even alone. Yeah, it's cool like that. ***Side note: the GPS may take you to the Main Street and you may not see the sign right away and actually have to turn the corner on Plymouth and walk down that side street to get to the end of the block (where the dead end/no outlet is).

    Great time! The performance was really good and the venue was huge! Random comfortable seats in the…read moreform of chairs, sofas, couches, and loveseats. A little on the expensive side for a one hour show! Shocked that a complementary drink was not included in the fee.

    Green Mill - Hearts & Minds trio 6/20

    Green Mill

    (1.2k reviews)

    $$

    Uptown

    Ever since I came back from a trip to NOLA a couple years ago (and subsequently moved to Chicago),…read moreI've been looking for a place like Green Mill. A spot where someone could walk in, maybe order a drink, and listen to some music without first opening Ticketmaster and shelling out half your paycheck to their junk fees. Some of their performances are free, and some have a reasonable cover of $10-20. There are also performances every night, sometimes even in the afternoon. The vibe inside is dimly lit and very old-timey. Even the bathroom had a bar of soap! I haven't seen a bar outside of a private residence! For sure, the vibe fits the history. Green Mill used to be a spot visited by Big Al himself. Yes, there are still connected tunnels used by the mob, no, you cannot see them. In terms of the bar, do not expect anything special. Their menu is limited to the beers, wines, and champagnes they have. They have spirits, but no cocktail menu - while they *might* be able to mix something simple like a Manhattan, be prepared for basic drinks along the lines of a gin & tonic. The service was fine, but a little abrupt. Not the best welcoming or inviting, but gruff and surly in a way that is probably cute to regulars, but less so to newcomers like myself. Final verdict: Green Mill is a place one comes for the music and the vibe and to get away from life for a little bit. It appears to be a third place for many regulars. It's worth giving a shot, as long as one is ready for an experience that's a little rough around the edges, arguably by design.

    Live music for your ears and soul…read more Vibe is just right with some fun drinks to accompany. I got an old fashioned to get the mood right with great jazz music. Supposedly, this used to be a speakeasy back in the day. Extra pro tip is to get there early if you want a seat closer to the band.

    Blue Chicago - jazzandblues - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...