The atmosphere is awesome the service is decent, the jazz is usually excellent. One should know you are going to see a fine arts recital like an opera or Broadway show but it's $20 cover per person in a packed facility where you are lucky if you find a seat and you listen to 75% -80% jazz and 25% - 20% of the staff saying "shhh" to everyone constantly. For a little bit coming out of covid they took it easy with the "shhhhh" but it's back and in full force lol... I mean I was not alive one-hundred years ago but I am willing to bet the staff wasn't running around "shhhhhhh" to everyone around you (except themselves of course) or charging $20 per person to walk into the door lol read more

Great drinks and reasonably priced. Just remember it's cash only. But the main reason to go is the great jazz music. We all really enjoyed this historic joint. One pro-tip is to get there early so you can get seats either at the bar or in the front section. read more

Green Mill - Fun times. - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Great service, fine ambience. And for sure a great show A little crowd Need more table space

Great music. Bartender's Service is unfriendly-at best and the Guinness comes out room temperature. I heard someone else complain about their beer being room temperature as well read more

I love this place. The staff is great, the cocktails are yummy, they are checking vaccination records, the music is always amazing. Got to see Joel Patterson on a resent Monday night and he is fabulous. Had to take away a star though because I saw the staff coats and purses thrown all over the floor by the piano, and bar rags and other accoutrement tucked up in the beautiful decor like it was a utility shelf. Have some respect for this place. It is a historic icon!! read more

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I wish that I could give this place zero stars. I was quite excited to enjoy some jazz in the city and had hoped this place with its extended history would give me a great experience. I couldn't be more wrong. The staff in this place leave the worst taste in your mouth. They are just as ugly on the inside as they are on the outside, especially the one with gauge septum piercing. He was rude from the moment we got there and continued to be so the entire time. Beware of this place if you are actually looking for a good time. read more

It's such a historic bar that is worth visiting. It would've been better if the bartenders weren't so rude.

Came here Sat November 8th at 10pm. Somewhere Ive wanted to visit a long time. I recommend this place all the time to my guests in my section bc I know its a staple in Chicago, but that will never happen again. We left at 11pm, never heard a single song. Immediately insulted by the door guy, then the male bartender with glasses asked if Ive ever been to a bar before because I asked what he had for tequila to offer(they were not displayed on the front bar). Ive been in the service industry for 18 years. He was so rude to every guest he interacted with. Muttered under his breath "f*g". This is abysmal. I give so much of my good energy to guests all day long, and to be not only treated poorly, I was discriminated against. I will never recommend this place again, nor return. I paid $20 to a door man and never heard a song, I asked this door man for the bartenders name and he said Im not telling you, ask him. At this point I never wanted to speak to this man again because of his derogatory remark. This place recently shut down, and I can see why. they are staffed by horrible people. Good luck, find genuine people who enjoy what they do, or your sad establishment will crash and burn again. You should be grateful people are going to this area in general, let alone treat them poorly. You catch more bees with honey. read more

Bars like this are about as classic as you can get, full of stories and characters. If anyone is looking for serious Chicago history, they'll find it when they come here. Green Mill has been around for a long time, since the days of Capone. Hang out on the same seats as gangsters. They make good drinks, and there's always some entertainment whether it's comedy or music, but bring cash because it's cash only keeping it old school. After hearing about the history of this place, I had to come here. It basically looks a lot the same as it was when it opened. The inside is dimly lit, adding kind of a spookiness. It first opened in the 1920s and was owned by one of Capone's associates. Of course it was Prohibition, but also of course their activities were illegal. A macabre but interesting fact is the house singer left for a job at another bar. After this, the gangsters then had him killed. Show business is cut throat literally. As for the drinks, they're good, especially the classics. Recommended drink by many is a sidecar. It's about $11 for an expertly crafted one. The last one of these I got here had the perfect blend of tanginess from the lemon and sweetness from the rim of sugar. Also people come for the entertainment. There's popular comedy and haas shows on Saturday. Often they have a cover. The place gets crowded and you can't even get a drink with it so crazy inside. For sure check this out if you like old bars. It's among the oldest in the city and sure feels and looks like it. This is also cash only just like back in the day so be sure to put some bills in the purse or wallet. read more

Green Mill - Inside - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Ok, for a Tuesday night in Chicago, this was a big step to see if it would be worth a crap or not. We walked in and halfway in we were almost bum rushed by a guy asking if we were here to see the band and it was a $10 each cover. We showed IDs and paid and came in. Not too friendly. We then sat at the bar and ordered drinks. "How's it going?", I asked. "Alright". Short and quip. Anyway, we got our drinks and they're fine. Band is warming up and it's cool. The guy I made small talk with said the band plays the same era of music as the age of the building. Still here and the band was really good! 1930's to 40's jazz and very good! A great time!!! read more

Green Mill - Bar side with an oldies vibe. - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I went last night for the first time. Had been on my list for a while. I'm a pretty big jazz fan.. They are cash only. Paid $10 as a cover and if it helps support Jazz in Chicago can't be too upset. Ordered a white lady cocktail+ Brandy Alexander. They have an old rotary phone that still works. There were.people swing dancing by the band. The bar is one of the older bars in Chicago lots of history. There were a few phone calls to the bar while I was sitting at the bar and one of the bartenders clarified yes we are cash only. Don't know if its an every night thing but the bartenders were wearing ties. I appreciated the touch. Looks professional without being ostentatious and like it's a special occasion. read more

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SERVICE: 5 FOOD QUALITY: 5 DRINK QUALITY: 3 ORDER TIME: 5 AESTHETICS: 5 NOISE LEVEL: 5 MENU SELECTION: 5 OVERALL EXPERIENCE: 4.71 What to say, what to say! Was only visiting the Chicago area, but wanted to go see some live jazz. This place is known for some of the best live jazz in the city so naturally I wanted to go. Due to covid we sat outside waiting, for a table for 3, for an hour. Once we were finally inside we got such an amazing night of jazz. The drinks were subpar and a little over priced for what they were, but if you are going for the drinks, and not the music then there is a problem with your priorities. Go get drinks before or after if you're looking for a professionally made craft cocktail. Wish we had something comparable to this where I live. read more

Green Mill - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Such a vibe! I brought some friends from out of town to it! It was so alive even though it was a Monday night! read more

Green Mill - Such a vibe! Took some friends from out of town to it. Cover was reasonable and it was still so alive even though it was a Monday night! - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

They have complementary comedy / music shows several days of the week, and these get crowded fast. Sometimes, there is standing room only. There is a wide selection of drinks - wine, beer, cocktails - and I went with the Blue Ribbon Michigan beer that was on draft. It was a pretty standard tasting beer. They take cash only. The entertainers were varying in level of skill and charisma, but they were overall enjoyable to watch / listen to! read more

Green Mill - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The Green Mill is a Chicago institution. Now, is it the most user friendly place in the city? No. But it has it's plusses and minuses. In the minus column are the cover charge - usually $10-15 depending on the day and time. Not a huge deal, but be aware. The other is cash only. Again, not a huge deal - they have an ATM on site and there is a Bank of America across the street, so you can deal with it. That's it. On the plus side is first and foremost the music. Amazing jazz and occasionally some swing and blues. Seriously talented performers. The venue is similarly awesome with a long bar, small tables and a few booths. No, you're not going to come here with 14 of your best friends. But you and your date or another couple will definitely find a place here. The bar is fully stocked and the prices are reasonable for Chicago. No food - this is a cocktail and music venue alone. Very classy, quiet (you will get told to shut the fuck up if you are too loud) and entertaining. If you have not been to the Green Mill, you need to go! read more

This place needs to be protected at all cost. Amazing music and the bar staff is all business ;if you talk during a show). Love the old small booths. Great place to visit when friends are in town! A must!! read more

We loved the band and were excited to experience a classic Chicago landmark. However, it was very crowded as there were few tables and people crammed in to stand very close together. The website said there was a parking lot, but when I asked the attendant, he pointed vaguely across the street where we only saw parking for a tire shop. Make sure you find street parking or prepay for a parking lot as many lots nearby do not have open parking. Beware of hidden towing signs. read more

Went here with my girlfriend and her family. Venue itself is beautiful and that's the old reason it gets 2 stars. For starters, it's cash only which is wild in 2024. There's very little seating and no food. The drinks are expensive but that's just Chicago. The two biggest issues I had both revolve around the staff. The bar tender with the septum piercing is just a miserable person. My girlfriend was standing up and ordered a drink from a server and then a spot opened up at the bar so she sat down. The bartender berated her for ordering from a server instead. When we left and still gave a tip that was more than deserved, he threw it back at us. The other issue is sound. You're going for live music. What's one thing that goes hand in hand with live music? Singing and having a good time. Not here though. Everyone says "SSSSSSH" every 30 seconds. It's worse than a library. Unless you REALLY want to see the band that's performing live, you should absolutely avoid this place. Edit: I forgot to mention one other positive. The waitress with the single tattoo on her wrist was phenomenal. Super sweet. If everyone at the establishment was even 10% as great as her, they wouldn't have nearly 200 1 star reviews read more

This place hs gone straight to Sh**. Literally the bar tenders are shushing people during performances. Hard core wait staff has no appreciation to the history and tradition of this establishment. Doesn't look like any of the staff had worked there more than a few years. You are killing a Chicago institution!!!!! read more

I'm not from Chicago, so perhaps there's something cultural that I'm missing but I'd expect any place that has live music to want its customers to ACTUALLY SEE the performers!Especially so if they got there an hour before the show to get a seat. Apparently, getting a seat means you get the privilege of avoiding the mad squeeze to the front to see the performers. In short, nothing to ride home about. Would not recommend. read more

Personally, I had a really enjoyable experience here with my parents visiting from out of town. My dad absolutely loves jazz, and the night we came they were doing Latin jazz which we all really like. They had several sets, and this guy from Italy who was really lively and energetic with the crowd. Glad we came that night because we were rushing to make it on time, walked in, paid the cover, and someone asked if we were looking for a seat who worked there. We were and had a party of four, in which they took us directly to the front at the only available table left which was right in front of the band. I liked it a lot because although we weren't in a booth a bit further away, it felt very intimate being so close. This place is cash only unfortunately, so just keep that in mind before coming. Our server wasn't overly friendly or anything, but kept coming back to grab us more drinks. Also, you pay the drinks as you go which I found a bit odd, but I guess it's because this place has dance nights so they probably don't want people stiffing them. I live extremely close to this place now, so I'll be sure to walk over here with some friends visiting from out of town again! read more

*** Please report to BBB if you have a similar experience, this needs to stop! https://www.bbb.org/us/il/chicago/profile/bar/green-mill-0654-88292826/customer-reviews I recently had an incredibly disheartening experience at The Green Mill, which left me deeply troubled by the blatant profiling and discriminatory behavior I encountered. My visit to this establishment was marred by a series of incidents that I believe warrant a serious examination of their practices. From the moment I walked in, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being singled out based on my race. The hostess accused me of being "too loud," a claim that was entirely unfounded and inconsistent with the treatment of other Caucasian patrons who were not subjected to such scrutiny. It was clear that I was being unfairly targeted. The situation escalated when we were harassed at our table by the hostess, who, shockingly, turned out to be the manager. She not only displayed an overtly biased attitude but also kept eavesdropping on our group's conversation and heckling us each time she walked by. This intrusive behavior only exacerbated the discomfort we were experiencing. When I tried to express my concerns and frustrations to someone higher up, I was repeatedly referred back to this same rude manager. It felt like there was no recourse for addressing the injustices we were experiencing. In an attempt to seek a resolution, I took it upon myself to find out who the owner was and discovered that he was on the premises. It was baffling that no one had mentioned his presence earlier. However, when I politely approached the owner, * google the owner of the Green Mill and you will find his name, to discuss our concerns, he immediately shut me down without allowing me to speak. He declared that he would side with his hostess, regardless of the evidence to the contrary. What followed was a shocking tirade of insults and beratement directed towards me and my group. This type of behavior is absolutely unacceptable. Furthermore, I would like to request a refund for the $30 cover charge and the cost of the drinks purchased during our visit. Paying for such an unpleasant experience is deeply unsatisfying, and it would be a small gesture of goodwill on the part of The Green Mill to acknowledge the grievances we've endured. The staff does not want to be bothered by any Al Capone questions, so please don't ask- they will tell you to shut up. The door man even told us that Al Capone would have shot loud people, was that a threat? I think so. Upon further research, I've noticed a disturbing trend in online reviews, both on Yelp and Google, where many other customers, especially minorities, have shared similar complaints about being treated poorly at The Green Mill. This pattern is deeply concerning and must not be ignored. Discrimination and racial profiling have no place in our society, let alone in a business establishment. I implore, the owner of The Green Mill, to seriously reflect on these issues and take immediate steps to rectify them. Treating customers differently based on their race is not only unethical but also illegal. This behavior needs to stop, and I hope my review serves as a call to action for change. All members of the staff, from the doorman to the waiters, hostess, bartender, and owners, treated us unfairly and intrusively, and it is essential that these issues are addressed and rectified promptly. They are ruining the history of this place and i warn you do not go ! read more

If the bartender that looks like Jimmy Fallon is working don't plan on drinking much. Especially if there is a football game on the tv above the door. If his eyes aren't on the tv they're on his phone. Otherwise the place is cool. read more

The place is very small. tables are way to close and it is hard to walk to the bar or the toilet. Staff has very little regard for any customer comforts or service. I was mostly bothered by the "cash only" policy which often mean the company is cheating on taxes. The overall ethos of cheat, demean and rudeness is a real turn off. read more

Located in The Uptown neighborhood of Chicago, Green Mill is a legendary bar of Chicago with live Jazz performances daily. This bar was once owned by Al Capone. Cash only bar. Open late daily. 5 out of 5 stars. read more

Don't waste your money at this place. The bartenders and servers are the rudest people I've ever met. Spend your money elsewhere I sure will ! read more

Oh my! I have been wanting to go to a Jazz Bar from a long time and this was an absolute favorite. The vibe and the music was fantastic. We did not get a table but you can stand if you can find a place. Some of the amazing bands play over here and you have good space to dance. We enjoyed the music with Gin and tonic. They have some good cocktails and folks are super friendly m. read more

Green Mill - Inside - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This place is one of my favorite places in Chicago. I go there every time I visit. It has a cool vibe and every show there is top notch. Make sure you bring cash because it is cash only. There is an ATM but it can get busy. If you can, try to see Paper Machete. It's a free music and comedy show with top performers. It won't disappoint. read more

Barely Ok. Unimpressed by the staff. Pushy, not very friendly. I had heard it was such a cool place - lots of hole in the wall joints are way better. Seriously, employees are just jerks and ruined the experience. I am in no rush to go back. read more

Amy was incredibly friendly and made me want to come back here each time I visit Chicago. Show was packed, acoustics were great, and the entire club was having a good time. Drinks were reasonably priced. This is establishment is cash only - Venmo for tipping the band only. read more

I was so excited to come here with my friends however I have never been treated so rudely in my life. From the security guard to the waitress everyone seemed to hate their lives and take it out on customers. I would never recommend this place to anybody because of how awful they were. The band played great but it's not worth it when you feel like a burden to everyone who works here. The waitress were super mean and the security guard was a straight up dick. Never coming back read more

I had...expectations...prior to visiting and it was a huge disappointment the moment I stepped inside. It is a dive bar, to say the least, with jazz...music. read more

If you like jazz, this is one of the few venues in the city. It's cash only, which fits with the whole vintage vibe. The downside here is that old musty smell that smacks you in the face when you enter. It stinks, but you get used to after listening to the music. The plus...get there early and claim a seat for any number of music sets. If you're not up close, there's no chance to see the stage with the crowd standing. Nice experience, but I'm still undecided on a second visit. read more

Green Mill - The green candle holder. - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Wow! Chicago's most disappointing attraction. I was so excited as part of my "Capone " tour to visit this bar. The owner and bartender (the only two other people in the bar) had the tv up so loud and were more interested in Jeopardy than greeting or talking to me. Tried to talk to the rather gruff woman bartender about the history of the bar and it was clear she had no clue about it. Not only had no clue... but told me I had no clue. She must be related to the owner as this is the only plausible explanation for her continued employment. Drinks are over priced and the bar is in dire need of a good cleaning (despite the 409 bottle on display in the front window). I honestly didn't know if the bar was open anymore based on curb appearance. Since emerging from covid, it seems the owner has thrown in the towel, which is a shame given the history of the place. read more

Really planned on a great night but thanks to Jason, it was ruined. My friends took me from out of town to visit such an iconic spot that they love and frequent. We had bought drinks, were enjoying ourselves for about 45min and an employee named Jason was asking us for cover charge (which ny friends said it was $10) only for it to be $20 a piece. So my friends inquired about it being double the amount and he said "on a weekend it's $20" which we were there on a weekday, and were in the middle of pulling out cash but looked confused and he goes in a rude tone, "you don't have to stay" and walks away right after. It's not the amount - we would have paid that happily if the customer service wasn't so poor when we asked a simple question. I really was looking forward to this and was enjoying myself and have paid even more for a cover charge and would have gladly paid if not met with such disdain from a worker. We were left so disappointed and my friends were looking forward to showing me such a sweet spot. We decided to take our business elsewhere and on our way out, Jason says a rude "bye!" as the security guard kindly said goodbye. Really wish tonight was great, but it was not. But unfortunately Jason was rude :-) read more

Rude bouncer. We came in at 7pm. Sign outside and website clearly said 8pm show $10 cover fee. We explained we were coming in for a shot and he just repeated "$10 cover fee." At 7pm? Okay. So we left. Not coming back. read more

GO FOR THE MUSIC! This place is unparalleled in terms of jazz and ambiance. It is true Chicago and still authentic, despite it's worldwide fame. However, everyone, to a person, is a raving jerk. It's almost as if they delight in treating people rudely and unkindly. From the doorman to the bartenders to the folks waiting tables--they are a-holes. It's not just that they are setting boundaries; it's almost as if they hire only angry people who are waiting for the chance to snap at people and treat them like they have done something awful. Stand in the wrong place, order a drink incorrectly, ask folks to be quiet around you, ask a question that they don't like, look at them the wrong way ... and they will bite your head off and treat you like you don't belong. The music and the room are amazing; they make it worth while. But, if you're looking to be treated with basic kindness, this is not the place for you. You have to be tough and almost enjoy being beat up! read more

Jazz musicians were amazing. Service was not. WAY too many people being let in when clearly there is not enough space. Crowd control was also nonexistent so the entire time my group and I were being pushed and squeezed by people going in and out of the walkways to the bathroom until we finally sniped a table. My friend paid for a drink, tipped in cash at the bar, then sat down with the rest of us, when suddenly an older white lady bartender came up to us yelling "why did you bring drinks to the table, this is how I make rent". Wtf does she mean... they paid for their $10 drink AND tipped $5. Is there some unspoken rule that you're not allowed to drink at a table? Was the 50% tip not enough? I saw other people drinking at tables too so idfk. Also cover was $20 pp which we all also paid in cash. After this chaotic experience I would not feel like coming again. read more

Every time the red line stops at Lawrence I see this legendary Chicago hot spot and now I have finally tried it! The Great Gatsby vibe, the lively crowd, the Jazz music, and the drinks were great! However, there were a couple of things that irked me. First, it's cash only. I know this goes with the whole mafia/Al Capone theme but I didn't appreciate my waitress giving annoyed glances when I struggled with the cash in my purse I never touch. Secondly, I understand some establishments do not want you to order at the bar when you have a table, but unfortunately, the waitress was taking way too long so I went up to the bar to order as it was so close and the bartender was free. When she finally came by ten minutes later she was very offended and asked multiple times if she had offended me. This bothered me and made my friends and I confused. She had not done anything specific to offend us, we just simply wanted a drink and the bar was convenient and quick. Overall, it's a cozy, dimly lit romantic bar steeped in Chicago history. I'm glad I went, but for now I don't feel the need to run back read more

Green Mill - Sidecar - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The wonderful Green Mill! A Chicago classic! They've got 5 whopping stars in my heart, but my opinion might be skewed, since every time I've been it's for THE ONE, THE ONLY... PAPER MACHETE! This "live magazine" is quite the journey, with performances ranging from comedy to music to storytelling and more. It's a great way to cram a wide variety of entertainment into your Saturday afternoon and to discover talented local artists, all while sippin' cheap cocktails with your pals in a dimly lit bar. The Green Mill itself is a great, old school venue- previously known to be a gangster hangout and speakeasy during the Prohibition, its character runs deep! Seating is first-come first-serve, so get to shows early (Paper Machete starts at 3 so best to get there by 2 to get a good spot, especially if going with a group!). It's cash only, but they have an ATM on site. They don't sell event tickets, but there are cover charges at the door that vary depending on the act. I really want to go for a jazz performance or one of the Sunday poetry slams- be sure to check those out too! read more