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

I am SO GLAD I found this bar when I was in Chicago! I got to witness their first live show back after the pandemic. The vibes are divey, drinks are cheap and strong ($5-6), and the cover fee was only $12! Cash only FYI. The crowd was a good mix of locals and visitors. And the band was INCREDIBLE! Super fun to dance and jam to the music. This place will 100000% be on my list when I return to Chicago. It may not look like much from the outside but trust - you need to be here. read more

Blue Chicago - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Small intimate venue that is truly a Blues Club! Great music and not a bad seat in the house. Don't go hungry because they do not serve food. read more

Good blues and drinks. Very entertaining! The band of 4 plus Arida who would come up stage and sing for a while, were all amazing. Arida was very entertaining and made a good connection with the crowd. One should arrive early for a seat read more

Blue Chicago - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Love Blue Chicago! Living in River North, this place became a staple for a weekend night out. They have fantastic bands and vocalists - never been disappointed any time I've visited. Also, drinks are cheap and they pour them STRONG! It's a small venue, so it gets packed pretty quickly on weekends and it's usually difficult to find a seat if you get tired of standing, but totally worth it. read more

A friend of mine was in town and we met here for some live music and drinks. I'm not a huge blues fan but I love good, live music and this place had it. I went on a Wednesday night. There was a $10 cover charge and a nice crowd there. Received prompt beverage service. Our server was very friendly and came back a few times to check on us. They dont have food so eat before you go. The place is not huge but not tiny either. Small stage for the band but they played well and were very entertaining and engaging with the audience. Would definitely come back to check out other bands. read more

We were looking for a place to listen to live blue music and went here based on what we heard from several people. We went right before they opened at 8pm and there was already a line. It's a small place so I suggest you go early. There is a cover charge of $12 and a 2 drink minimum. There is no food, just drinks and good music. The live music starts at 9pm and by that time it was standing room only. There ended up being a line throughout the night waiting to get in. The band was awesome and a must for anyone looking for true blue music! read more

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Such a fun, vibrant musical environment. Multiple cultures coming together to vibe out on blues. The band was outstanding and fun, interacting with the crowd. This is a must stop through. Come early to find street parking. Cash only. Charge at door. read more

This place almost never disappoints. Really good music and the crowd generally happy.. My go to bar...sometimes a bit touristy. read more

Blue Chicago - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Classic old blues joint. Small but part of the Chicago experience. 1 drink minimum and a cover but worth it. read more

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An intimate Chicago Blues bar just around the corner from the bustling centre of activity created by nearby Rock'n'Roll McDonalds, Portillio's and the many bus tours that depart from this area. It's long and narrow with a bar immediately upon entry on your left, a raised viewing/listing area to the rear left and the small stage up on the rear right. I wasn't sure if I liked Blues all that much but it was one of those "when in Rome" moments and I went with it. So glad that I did! The musicians were so incredibly talented, the drinks were very reasonable (I think we had about 8 between us for $35), and while the cover charge was $10 a head, it didn't really sting since there was going to be live music. It gets super crowded, even on a random Sunday night so be advised to get there early and grab a seat. They have a pretty strict rule about standing too close to the bar (with reason) and without a seat you're going to eb standing closer and closer to the stage. Good times though all around, definitely a fun touristy stop. read more

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What a great place! Thanks Chicago Elite Anthony M. for the head's up! Got there right when it opened to get good seats. We did! Scored the first table up front. The place is TINY. I would say no more than 10 bar tops and a couple of tables up front. There is also bar seating. They were a little limited on beer selection though. Prices were good and there was a two drink minimum if I recall correctly. People slowly trickled in until the place was elbow room only. The crowd was really mixed which I thought was interesting. The show started right on time. They seem to have their routine down packed. We saw the Alexander Blues Band play. They really played to the crowd and were fully interactive. Had such a great time! This place is not fancy at all. It is very laid back and casual. The bathroom is....a bathroom. A stall with a toilet and a tiny sink. Get in, get out, get back to jamming. We went before our late dinner reservations and it was absolutely the best decision. Will check them out again next time I am in town! read more

Blue Chicago - Waiting for the bluuuuues - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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

Great for live music!!!! I was really impressed with the band that was performing and the overall vibe of this place. You can tell that the people that perform at this venue as well as the clientele have a passion for the blues. I would definitely come back. read more

Blue Chicago - Great performance! - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The most fun I have had out in a long time. $15 cover at the door and the whole thing is cash only. Drinks were cheap (under $10 for cocktails) and strong. Venue is small but seating arrangements are efficient and they help you find a spot if there are only a few left. The music was incredible, it was seriously such a good time. We didn't want to leave but had an early morning the next day so we couldn't stay too late, even though we would have stayed until they kicked us out if we could. If you like Blues music even a little bit you will enjoy Blue Chicago. I will be recommending it to everyone I know who goes to Chicago and will be back whenever I'm in town. read more

My husband and I have long wanted to go to Chicago to listen to the blues, and this club was exactly what I had imagined the experience to be! The venue is intimate, good acoustics, and the waitress and bartender are amazing (service the entire club with efficiency, accuracy, and charm). Music was great and we were able to walk back to our hotel in the Chicago Loop. Don't miss this opportunity for Chicago blues! read more

It's a great atmosphere for blues.You must try Chicago local beer in there.Their price is also very low read more

Blue Chicago - The best bar for Blues - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I came here with my dad because he enjoys blues and jazz music, and he wanted to check out the local scene. Pros: (1) location in relation to our hotel; and (2) the staff is friendly (surprise, surprise at a bar). Con: This venue is on the smaller side. Tip: There is a cover charge to come see the band(s). Yelp Challenge: #62/100. read more

This place is known for the live music and it is worth it. It's been a long time since I was here and so glad that I was able to come back and bring friends to experience this awesome gem of Chicago. The band was great. The staff was super friendly and considering we went on a Monday night, I will be back to sleep in on Tuesday! Bring at least 1 friend but a huge crowd of peps will be hard to accommodate as the place is a bit small. The flip side of that, the band will feel as though they are singing to you and not just a crowd. read more

Blue Chicago - Such a fun time... I'll be back! - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great high energy music. Beautiful clean space. This spot is legit. The band played for 70 min, which was a bit short for me. The food and drinks are good too. read more

It was an awesome local bar that everyone knew and wanted to visit. I took to friends new to Chicago and they absolutely loved it. My only advice is too go a bit early then the show time so you can get good seats. We did this more on accident then design, but it worked out great. read more

What an amazingly fun little jazz bar! I was out with colleagues who are local to Chi-town and we decided to pop in to hear some live music on a Thursday evening. This little spot is tucked away, somewhat of a hole in the wall, and so, so fun! The band was phenomenal and they engaged with the audience to make the experience even more enjoyable. There's a little bit of space for a dancefloor in front of the band and we made the most of it. There was a cover charge of around $10/person at roughly 9pm on a Thursday so don't forget to bring cash. They also have a small bar and we happily drank a few Stellas while tapping along to the great tunes. Can't wait to come back next time we're in town! read more

Had an amazing night out with my girlfriend here. Great environment, music, and drinks. If you're looking for a more chill night out with the touch of some live music, this is definitely the place to go. read more

Great music and cheap beer (Bud/Bud Light $5 and Corona/Stella $6). This is a hole in the wall with a $10 cover charge. They open at 8pm and music starts at 9pm. The bartender is there to serve drinks, not socialize, so don't expect conversation if you show up early to get a seat. Too bad, I would have liked to hear about the history of the location. There are lots of restaurants in the area to get dinner before you come here for music. There is no food here, only drinks, so eat before you come in. read more

Blue Chicago - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I do not know if it was seeing live music after 20 months- or being in Chicago. But whatever the reason may be this is one place to visit. There is a cover charge- however the drinks and music are so worth it. read more

Walking around Chicago on a Friday night and we stumbled across this place. The live blues music brought us in. Cover was a little pricey- $12 a person. The bar was also a pricey- about $6 for a corona. The staff wasn't that friendly either. However, the music was incredible. We had a great time listening to the blues band- everyone in the bar was really captivated by it. Would return! read more

Came here for the first time. Small community bar with live music. BTS EXPRESS and LARETHA WEATHERSBY were on stage. They were both great but I truly enjoyed Ms. Laretha's vocals (the emotion in her voice). The drinks are all reasonably priced. I highly recommend this bar for a good time with live music. Also, I found out that this is one of the only blues bars in Chicago that have a FEMALE vocalist on stage every night they open. Another reason to support this bar. read more

3-1:2 stars...Great music but had some issues with the place. It's really a dive bar with music. $12 cover charge I'm ok with for the band. Two drink minimum, not so much. Drinks were what you would expect from a dive bar.. very average. Service was average and the bouncer that seats people was on the rude side. The seating configuration was awkward and for the amount of people on the place with and the drink minimum they could make some upgrades. It is still fun and great band, but go with dive bar expectations. read more

Blue Chicago - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Very few places that you'll visit actually feature music specific to their locale so when you visit someplace that does, by all means, take advantage of the opportunity. "Chicago blues" is a form of the blues indigenous to Chicago and evolved from classic blues. It's "urban blues", or blues pumped up with new blood and new perspectives. It's the blues music of the industrial city as opposed to that of the mule on the levee. Which is all my way of saying get yourself over to Blue Chicago on your next visit to the Windy City. Although I'd drawn up a list of 3 or 4 places at which to see/hear live Chicago blues when it got down to it I needed only one. Blue Chicago was such fun that I returned for a repeat visit a few evenings after my first. If you're looking for a fancy-pants environment in which to sip your $12 cocktail while experiencing live music Blue Chicago ain't for you. $12 is about what the admission price is; cocktails here come far, far cheaper ($6-$8). The doorman is a bit gruff and the space itself is perfunctory but you're not there to hobnob at the door or luxuriate in a leather booth. It's all about the live music and they serve that here, 7 nights a week. The club is small (but right-sized) with a good view of the stage from everywhere. Seating is backless barstools and tables are bar-height planks. You might toss back a few while sitting but once the music starts odds are that you'll not remain seated. One cocktail server somehow works the entire place successfully. The sound system is great, the performers are fantastic. My friend described the crowd - on both visits - as "not a local in the bunch" but everyone here seems out for a good time. With such a reasonable show price, people drop in for as little as one set and if that's all you have time for, why not? Doors open around 9 and shows start a bit later. If you get there when they open you're sure to have your pick of seating. Blue Chicago is a fun place, well priced, featuring great Chicago blues without a tad of pretension. Go out and have yourself some authentic fun. read more

Went here last night and had the best time. No bad seats in the house and excellent and friendly servers, serving yummy well priced drinks. We were only going to stay for the first set but ended up closing it down. Had to come back 2 nights later as it was so much fun the first time!! read more

Blue Chicago - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

-Great old-school place to see some Chicago blues downtown. -Opens at 8pm nightly and they have different blues bands each night. -Bar is gritty and no-frills, but perfect if you want to relax with a bourbon listening to the blues. -They do have waitresses serving the tables as well if you prefer. read more

This is what I was missing on my trip to Chicago. We did pitchfork, we ate our faces off, we stayed up into the wee hours drinking earl grey tea infused booze, we played bubble bobble, we sampled costa rican food and mexican karaoke, but it wasn't until I walked into Blue Chicago that I felt the heart of the city beating. We were moments early for a second set of Peaches Staten Blues Band. I'd never heard of them but they looked like they knew what they were doing - strumming and grinning and joking and breaking out some warm up tunes. They were damn good and we were all swooning with happiness. Then Peaches busted out on stage and she just added the perfect element of sultry bluesy gutteral goodness. They were clearly having a great time up there -- and soon the dance floor was full of folks going crazy, dancing, sweating, hootin' and ahollerin'. My buddy got pulled up to play the "fatwah" -- the washboard thing with spoons and couldn't have been happier. The whole deal was classic chicago blues, with a little bit of vodka and a lot of soul. Drop in here, don't mind the $8 cover charge and enjoy this shotgun bar full of the sound of the city. read more

Blue Chicago - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The tour guide we had recommended this place and so did Yelp! It is very much a whole in the wall type venue that offers some great live music. They have a cover charge and that night it was $8/person. The band that night had a great mix of music from jazz, blues and motown hits. The whole place is full of barstools and gets packed, so standing snd dancing had to do until some folks cleared out the room for us to sit. The drinks were average priced, but not as strong as I would've liked. When I knew I was going to Chicago one of the top things I had wanted to do was see live jazz music and this place certainly fulfilled that for me! read more

Blue Chicago - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

"Hida hey, Baby don't you want to go . . . . ." And so it began as we pushed open the door of Blue Chicago to get a little dose of the blues on a recent Saturday night. The cover is $10 but don't let that dissuade you as Blue Chicago is your evening destination with it's live music (usually female artists) and bartenders that keep the booze flowing all night. People are friendly enough, letting you share their tables and stools as this place gets packed. And because the space is long and narrow- the best sound is actually by the front windows as the sound blends and circulates the room (and if you stand there- you can easily get the bartender's attention!). Sure. There are plenty of tourists in the place, sent by local hotels. But who better to talk up our town than those of us who live here. So be prepared if you strike up a conversation with a stranger, to suggest other places that they may want to see during their visit that are a little less "touristy". Know also, that the "sister" club to this, once located just two blocks north is now closed. Always good to know that when I'm "jonesing" for some Blues, Blue Chicago is close by. Always a fun night out for locals and tourists alike. " . . . . .Back to that same old place, Sweet Home Chicago!" read more

Good place for Blues on a Fri night! Great live music and cheap drinks as most are $5 (beer & mixed) Awesome dive bar with good service Place gets pretty packed after around 9PM...luckily we got there around 8:30 and friends were holding seats for us. FYI...there is a $10 cover charge read more

Very authentic little blues club! It's tiny so you have to get here early to secure a seat. They open at eight, the band didn't go on until nine, they played for an hour and then took like a 40 minute break. It kind of broke the momentum for me but that was just the band so I can't really fault the club. Unimpressed with the alcohol selection. They offered no wine and even though I asked for a Gray Goose neat it tasted more like bargain vodka to me. 2 drink minimum that was hard to meet under these circumstances. Uncomfortable stools and the service left little to be desired. All that said, the band was great when they played and the place has an energy that is just plain fun. I would come back. read more

The music and entertainers were awesome. The club is a nice "hole in the wall" with great arts pieces on the walls. The only negative is their "cash only" policy. read more

Wow!! So this place is super divey/hole in the wall, but pretty awesome. Get there early or you'll have to stand. Luckily we arrived a bit before 8:30p (open at 8p) and were able to get a table/stools close to the stage. They don't serve food, but the bar was full service. My drink of choice wasn't good...the sprite had a very odd and disgusting taste. There was an odor, but it soon went away/wasn't pungent to the point of being annoying. Nillie Tiger Tyler was the artist who performed with her band. It was non stop clapping, dancing and and all around good time. The band ran through covers and some originals. We shared a table with a birthday girl and some of her friends. It was like a family reunion....just good times. Would have loved more of a juke joint feel, but that's my personal preference. I'll be back! read more

Blue Chicago - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Walked in last night at 10:30. So a Wednesday. 3 people in the bar. Band playing and door man wanted $10 to get in. Bummed. I hadn't been there in a long time and we wanted to stay just an hour. I was a bit surprised by the cover charge amount considering no one was there!. The bouncer was not cool. Basically said, "$10". I said, "did you say $10 cover?" He said nothing and looked at his phone. We just turned around and left. It was a strange exchange. But the door man was just bizarre. All the bars on Clark were packed by the way. Too bad. How do we see decent blues? read more

This was my favorite bar during our stay. A reasonable cover, easy to find location and attentive staff. The music is always good and tonight's group did not disappoint. The only thing better would be a local crowd. It was all pasty white guys in their 30's and 40's with a company credit card.....oh, wait....that fits me, too..... read more

Blue Chicago - Cajun Instrument. Frottoir...not a fat twat - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois