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Blue Chicago

4.2 (316 reviews)
ModerateJazz & Blues, Bars
Closed • 8:00 pm - 2:30 am (Next day)
Updated 2 months ago

Blue Chicago Photos

BLUE CHICAGO ATMOSPHERE

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

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Recommended Reviews - Blue Chicago

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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!

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!

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.

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!

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.

Band

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

Outside sign

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Reviews are largely positive. People highlight the live music performances and lively, intimate atmosphere. Drinks are also reasonably priced.

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11 years ago

Had so much fun here! Place is small, but has a great atmosphere and music is good. Bought the T shirt!

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11 years ago

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10 years ago

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14 years ago

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14 years ago

My favorite place in Chicago to listen to live Blues Bands

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13 years ago

Quaint little place! Here on a sunday at 930 having a great time! International patrons!

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13 years ago

I wanted to go somewhere with live music that I couldn't find in Philly or Boston. This was perfect.

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13 years ago

Enjoyable evening for a line tourist on a business trip. Snow be damned. The pours here thawed me out.

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13 years ago

Love love love the place!! Live band is awesome!! Bartender was great and had a great time!!

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12 years ago

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11 years ago

Great experience. Great music. We had a blast. I will without a doubt return. A really cool part of Chicago.

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11 years ago

Cheap cover, great music. Expect standing room only if you get there late.

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11 years ago

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8 years ago

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9 years ago

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13 years ago

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12 years ago

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11 years ago

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10 years ago

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15 years ago

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14 years ago

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13 years ago

Fine place for the blues. Charlie Love and the band are entertaining, solid, and tight.

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12 years ago

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11 years ago

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11 years ago

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11 years ago

On site band is cool, weekend night will have several live shows, charge 12 dollars entry fee

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8 years ago

Great dive bar! Old school Blues cheap drinks, diverse crowd, bring your date, bring your friends...can't go wrong!

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16 years ago

Music is perfect. You should try this place. I'm sure you would like it if you like jazz and blues.

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14 years ago

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13 years ago

The music was good! I enjoyed it. It's a little hole in the wall

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Page 7 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.

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Review Highlights - Blue Chicago

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

Mentioned in 4 reviews

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We loved our experience at Andy's Jazz Club!…read more We went to the first seating & were seated very close to the big jazz band in the front of house. The service was attentive and swift! We had some nice nicely executed cocktails (I love a good dirty martini) and some scrumptious crabcakes to start! Burgers were the entrée of the evening and they were cooked to perfection. The band was outstanding the night we were there - there had to be 16 to 18 people, playing together with perfect, experienced execution of every song. The singers they brought on really stole the show - the blonde gal in the black satin evening gown (who was absolutely incredible) and one of the gentlemen (who was also playing an instrument) did a really great job of playing off of each other (but she was an absolute 15 on a 10 scale - from the outfit, to the spectacular voice, to the whole vibe of being the lead singer with a big jazz band - we agreed we would definitely love to see HER again). Highly recommended you go and experience this lovely jazz club! We had a five star experience!

We had a great time at Andy's Jazz Club! We didn't eat, but we had a few drinks and the cocktails…read morewere really good. The music was fantastic, and the ambiance made the whole experience feel very special and authentically Chicago. The service was good, and it's definitely a great place to enjoy live jazz and have a few drinks. I would have loved to see a little more variety in the performance, like a saxophone or a vocalist, but overall, we really enjoyed the experience. Definitely a great spot for a night of jazz, drinks, and a nice atmosphere!

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Green Mill - Hearts & Minds trio 6/20

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3.6(1.2k reviews)
5.5 mi•Uptown
•$$

A Chicago classic and a definite highlight of my trip. The Green Mill's preserved interior,…read morelighting, and old-school atmosphere make you feel like you've stepped back in time. The live jazz was excellent, with incredibly talented musicians. We came mainly for the music and ambiance and enjoyed a few drinks while taking it all in. Service was okay, but the history and live music make it worth visiting. Keep in mind it's cash only, has a cover charge, and doesn't take reservations, so come early if you want a good seat. If you're lucky enough to get a booth or table, they do have wait staff for drink orders.

This place was definitely a highlight during my visit to Chicago. I loved that this place is rich…read morein history and made me feel like I was transported back to the roaring 20's. The interior retains its original 1930s woodwork, booths, and romantic, moody lighting. This was one of Al Capone's favorite place to watch live music. Place has old school acoustics and sound system. I was told that musicians who play there are world class and have to be masterful with their instruments for it to sound good in the venue. I mainly came for live music and ambience, but I did get a cocktail to have something to sip on as I watched jazz musicians play. The service can be a hit or miss depending on who is your bartender. This place attracts a unique crowd and great place for people watching. I would definitely recommend this place if you're ever in Chicago's uptown neighborhood!

Photos
Green Mill - The calm before the storm of great music.

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Green Mill - Awesome wooden frame from the Capone days

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Interior

Blue Chicago - jazzandblues - Updated October 2026

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