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This place has a magical feel IF you're into jazz. If you aren't a jazz lover, you just may become one 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 form 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.
Had a great time here listening to jazz performers and sipping on some Chardonnay. Very chill vibes. Friendly staff. We were a group celebrating a birthday and they were super accommodating to ensure we had a lovely time. The show tickets were $20-30 depending how you reserve/pay. It's $20 paid upfront in cash with a student discount, or I believe $25 or $30 standard when reserving online. Highly recommend checking them out for a lowkey night.
Until tonight, I'd never been to the Jazz Showcase, but now I can't wait to come back. Open seven days a week in the warmer months, you can come listen to live jazz in a cozy atmosphere. Come early and grab a couch. Enjoy an adult beverage from a friendly server.
Great music, friendly musicians, great acoustics, jazz decor, great drinks, fair price We suddenly had a rare open Saturday evening (Aug 2025), and I thought, Now's our opportunity to listen to some sweet Chicago jazz at the Jazz Showcase, the oldest jazz club in Chicago, founded in 1947 by the Joe Segal, the current-owner Wayne's father. It's a lone bright sign and entryway on Plymouth Ct across Polk south of Printers Row. It's south of The Loop, easy to get to: one block west of State Street busses, about 3 blocks from the Harrison Red-Line station on State, 4 blocks from the Pink Brown Orange and Purple-Line Harold Washington station on The Loop, and 6 blocks from The Metra's LaSalle Station. We arrived without reservations about 15min before an 8pm show, and we were very lucky there were still a few tickets for available. All were sold out a few minutes later. We ride-shared, but I saw a small $7 parking lot half a block south, nearby street-parking , and many paid lots within 4 blocks. Up a flight of stairs, it's a large room with limitless jazz memorabilia lining the walls. We'll get here early next time just to see all the photos of jazz greats! It has nearly 200 seats at tables with good views of the performers' raised-stage, a handful of reservable VIP front-row seats and high-tops, and a small bar in the back with and extra row of wall-seating. We chose tall bar-seats, and the acoustics were excellent, not to mention the attentive bartender, and flavorful drinks which are likely served throughout the room. We had a couple of strong Negronis, named for the Italian Count who added gin to make an American stronger(!), continuing from our dinner in Little Italy, and we had another bright beverage that I dont quite recall :-). The jazz musicians were brilliant, a Charlie-Parker-themed tribute led by world-touring saxophonist and composer Charles McPherson in an evening 4-piece band. Terrific ensembles and solos, interspersed with witty comments that made the large room feel like an intimate club. Mr. McPherson kindly greeted folks during the break and signed his latest CD. A thrilling fulfilling relaxing evening of deeply moving music in a large-yet-intimate easy-to-get-to venue.
If you love live jazz, this is a good spot. Very cozy setting and we just walked in on a Friday night 20 minutes before the show and we got a great spot on third row in front of the stage. The cover charge was $30 pp - can't beat that.
What a great night we had at the jazz showcase, following the jazz festival. Lots of great musicians. Good cocktail service and welcoming club manager.
What's to say other than a step back into a time no more. Where the artist came in a quaint setting and their skills where on display. Excellence personified. Not a lot of extra stuff, just the musician and their tool. Wow! Totally enjoyed my time here. Camille Thurman was worth the cost. Darnell Green and his quartet band was excellent!, the ambience was awesome. Come and enjoy jazz music as it should be heard
Always a great night at the Jazz Showcase featuring live jazz, seven nights a week in the heart of Chicago. The Jazz Showcase is a Chicago treasure and institution going back 75 years. It is a listening room so you can be sure people who go there come to listen and not converse during the performance. I highly recommend this iconic venue to anyone. It remains a main jazz club in Chicago, and they welcome young adults, kids and children. Sunday matinee kids are free. Parking behind the club is reasonable. The ambience in the Jazz Showcase is spectacular. It's like walking into a jazz museum. The staff works hard and they are friendly.
Must go to joint for all travelers and locals! Crucial part of Chicago's music history, always has awesome music, and the bartenders make stiff drinks. Love it here and highly recommend.
It has been a few years since I visited. I'm as impressed as I was when I first saw all the old photos on the wall of the great Chicago jazz musicians. It is pretty casual and lay back. We attended the early 8pm show on Thursday, but the show didn't start till 8:30pm. Get a drink and chill and it gets you more relaxed for jazz. I just realized that they have shows 7 days a week, so very accessible. The microphone near the piano didn't work for 5mins so that was a little disruptive. It might be time for some new sound system updates.
We opted for this place last minute after dinner and I'm glad we found it! My mom was in town and wanted to stop by. They have 2 shows and I recommend going to the early show, as it might run over into the second set. Which means you'll be out a little longer than expected unless you leave early. Full bar but it'll take you a bit to figure out who is the wait staff. Took a bit for them to clean a table for us to be seated comfortably. FYI- Set was instrumental only, no singers. Check their website for artists and schedule.
Haven't been to a Jazz club in ages!!!! The setting was nice, relaxed and pretty chill all around. The seating is spacious and is good for individuals, or a small group. The music was vibrant, alive and pretty amazing. I was looking for a trumpet lead performance and this was it. Exactly what I was looking for. They have different performers on different days, which, this was pretty awesome to see, with a nice mix. They also have a pretty good drink selection and non-alcoholic drinks as well. Come check this place out and listen to some great music, while there.
I am originally from Chicago and was in town and decided to stop by. Went to the Sunday afternoon set after July 4th and it was standing room only. So go on-line and reserve your spot if you're planning to attend. We saw a local talent, (singer Tammy McCann) and she was excellent. The space is a cool vibe -- it has a bar, couches, tables and chairs, high tops (pics attached). I didn't have any food so can't speak to that. I highly recommend this spot. I've been coming for years The cost of admission is budget friendly and they do a great job of featuring famous musicians as well as local talent. read more
I love this jazz club! Established in 1947, it's the oldest jazz club in Chicago and the second oldest in the country. As soon as I walked in, I could feel I was somewhere truly special. The dark lighting and swanky vibe creates a lovely ambiance. A variety of seating options, including sofas. Attentive service and excellent cocktails and mocktails. The musicians are incredible! read more
I had a great time here, I haven't been to a jazz since I was way younger but this one was so fun while being in Chicago. My husband and I went and got hip seating. They let us choose between two different seating arrangements which was really sweet and nice. The drinks were super yummy. read more
This place has a magical feel IF you're into jazz. If you aren't a jazz lover, you just may become one 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). read more
Great time! The performance was really good and the venue was huge! Random comfortable seats in the form 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. read more
8 months ago
Had a great time here listening to jazz performers and sipping on some Chardonnay. Very chill vibes. Friendly staff. We were a group celebrating a birthday and they were super accommodating to ensure we had a lovely time. The show tickets were $20-30 depending how you reserve/pay. It's $20 paid upfront in cash with a student discount, or I believe $25 or $30 standard when reserving online. Highly recommend checking them out for a lowkey night. read more
Until tonight, I'd never been to the Jazz Showcase, but now I can't wait to come back. Open seven days a week in the warmer months, you can come listen to live jazz in a cozy atmosphere. Come early and grab a couch. Enjoy an adult beverage from a friendly server. read more
Great music, friendly musicians, great acoustics, jazz decor, great drinks, fair price We suddenly had a rare open Saturday evening (Aug 2025), and I thought, Now's our opportunity to listen to some sweet Chicago jazz at the Jazz Showcase, the oldest jazz club in Chicago, founded in 1947 by the Joe Segal, the current-owner Wayne's father. It's a lone bright sign and entryway on Plymouth Ct across Polk south of Printers Row. It's south of The Loop, easy to get to: one block west of State Street busses, about 3 blocks from the Harrison Red-Line station on State, 4 blocks from the Pink Brown Orange and Purple-Line Harold Washington station on The Loop, and 6 blocks from The Metra's LaSalle Station. We arrived without reservations about 15min before an 8pm show, and we were very lucky there were still a few tickets for available. All were sold out a few minutes later. We ride-shared, but I saw a small $7 parking lot half a block south, nearby street-parking , and many paid lots within 4 blocks. Up a flight of stairs, it's a large room with limitless jazz memorabilia lining the walls. We'll get here early next time just to see all the photos of jazz greats! It has nearly 200 seats at tables with good views of the performers' raised-stage, a handful of reservable VIP front-row seats and high-tops, and a small bar in the back with and extra row of wall-seating. We chose tall bar-seats, and the acoustics were excellent, not to mention the attentive bartender, and flavorful drinks which are likely served throughout the room. We had a couple of strong Negronis, named for the Italian Count who added gin to make an American stronger(!), continuing from our dinner in Little Italy, and we had another bright beverage that I dont quite recall :-). The jazz musicians were brilliant, a Charlie-Parker-themed tribute led by world-touring saxophonist and composer Charles McPherson in an evening 4-piece band. Terrific ensembles and solos, interspersed with witty comments that made the large room feel like an intimate club. Mr. McPherson kindly greeted folks during the break and signed his latest CD. A thrilling fulfilling relaxing evening of deeply moving music in a large-yet-intimate easy-to-get-to venue. read more
1 year ago
If you love live jazz, this is a good spot. Very cozy setting and we just walked in on a Friday night 20 minutes before the show and we got a great spot on third row in front of the stage. The cover charge was $30 pp - can't beat that. read more
1 year ago
What a great night we had at the jazz showcase, following the jazz festival. Lots of great musicians. Good cocktail service and welcoming club manager. read more
What's to say other than a step back into a time no more. Where the artist came in a quaint setting and their skills where on display. Excellence personified. Not a lot of extra stuff, just the musician and their tool. Wow! Totally enjoyed my time here. Camille Thurman was worth the cost. Darnell Green and his quartet band was excellent!, the ambience was awesome. Come and enjoy jazz music as it should be heard read more
2 months ago
Always a great night at the Jazz Showcase featuring live jazz, seven nights a week in the heart of Chicago. The Jazz Showcase is a Chicago treasure and institution going back 75 years. It is a listening room so you can be sure people who go there come to listen and not converse during the performance. I highly recommend this iconic venue to anyone. It remains a main jazz club in Chicago, and they welcome young adults, kids and children. Sunday matinee kids are free. Parking behind the club is reasonable. The ambience in the Jazz Showcase is spectacular. It's like walking into a jazz museum. The staff works hard and they are friendly. read more
1 year ago
Must go to joint for all travelers and locals! Crucial part of Chicago's music history, always has awesome music, and the bartenders make stiff drinks. Love it here and highly recommend. read more
1 year ago
It has been a few years since I visited. I'm as impressed as I was when I first saw all the old photos on the wall of the great Chicago jazz musicians. It is pretty casual and lay back. We attended the early 8pm show on Thursday, but the show didn't start till 8:30pm. Get a drink and chill and it gets you more relaxed for jazz. I just realized that they have shows 7 days a week, so very accessible. The microphone near the piano didn't work for 5mins so that was a little disruptive. It might be time for some new sound system updates. read more
We opted for this place last minute after dinner and I'm glad we found it! My mom was in town and wanted to stop by. They have 2 shows and I recommend going to the early show, as it might run over into the second set. Which means you'll be out a little longer than expected unless you leave early. Full bar but it'll take you a bit to figure out who is the wait staff. Took a bit for them to clean a table for us to be seated comfortably. FYI- Set was instrumental only, no singers. Check their website for artists and schedule. read more
Haven't been to a Jazz club in ages!!!! The setting was nice, relaxed and pretty chill all around. The seating is spacious and is good for individuals, or a small group. The music was vibrant, alive and pretty amazing. I was looking for a trumpet lead performance and this was it. Exactly what I was looking for. They have different performers on different days, which, this was pretty awesome to see, with a nice mix. They also have a pretty good drink selection and non-alcoholic drinks as well. Come check this place out and listen to some great music, while there. read more
2 years ago
Didn't try the food so can't comment on that. During a rainy night to my old hometown, thought about looking up jazz venues and came across the Jazz Showcase. I hadn't known of nor been before but ventured out for my beau's bday weekend. The late show was half full and they offered us the couch but I would fall asleep if the music was smooth so we stayed in the chairs. I enjoyed the ensemble with the lead sax and the women singer. They were truly talented! The drinks were less than stellar and now I know why most had beer or wine. So that will be the choice next time. read more
2 years ago
3 months ago
2 years ago
Could not resist going back. Place just a certain great vibe to it. Bartender has to be a track star, never a long wait to get a cocktail, and the place was packed. The Chosen Few band was (IMO) just ok. read more
7 months ago
8 months ago
This place was everything I dreamed of it to be. I was trying to find something to do for post Valentine's Day dinner and decided to come here because of its historical significance and value it holds in the city. Basically, it's legit. It's been here since 1947. The performance was very good and very much set the mood filling the atmosphere with smooth jazz. Also, the drinks are reasonably priced which is a huge plus. Make sure to get your tickets online ahead of time and come early to get a nice seat closer to the stage! read more
3 years ago
What a phenomenal show. 1.5 of jazz, great drinks and the jazziest ambiance. It was a night that transported us to the Jazz Era. Highly recommend. There is no food served just drinks. We went after dinner and the drinks were great. read more
Business owner information
Wayne S.
Hi Julianna, thank you so much for visiting our musical home The Jazz…
Always enjoyed coming to the jazz showcase especially on a Christmas Eve or day show. Super intimate and quaint. The show never fails. It's tight quarters but that's the joy of it. A nice little gem! Nice strong drinks. read more
Visiting Jazz Showcase was one of my highlights when visiting Chicago. LOVED my visit here! I was a little sad that I didn't get another opportunity to visit Jazz Showcase. I only visited once. However, my first visit was a memorable one. There is a $15 admission fee to get in. It's well worth the money in my opinion. If you love jazz and are visiting Chicago, this should be a must stop! There is a lot of history in this place. It was established in 1947 and the greatest names in jazz have played here. Go to their website to the impressive long list of performers. I recommend checking the calendar on their website to see who is playing when you visit. The Chico Freeman group performed on the evening I visited. They were great! Chico Freeman was fantastic playing the sax. This place has an overall nice feel to it. They serve various alcoholic beverages but heads up on the prices. Plan to pay a good buck if you have more than 1-2 drinks. Staff is friendly here too. The doorman allowed me to stay for both sets this evening. Chico Freeman played two sets. The lounge area cleared out a lot after the first set. It was nice to sit closer to the band after many patrons left. During the first set I sat at a table at the back of the lounge with a nice view of the stage. A young man joined me at this table. We both enjoyed the music thoroughly. This is what I love about music so much, that it transcends barriers and brings people together. I had an opportunity to engage in conversation with this young man after the first set. We had a great conversation! So, good place to unwind, listen to music and meet new people. There are also plenty of places to sit here. It's not as crowded as one would think. I would absolutely visit here again, if I ever return to Chicago. I would definitely make this a must stop on a future return. I highly recommend this place! Experience a piece of history with a lovely place. Hope you enjoy and walk away with good memories as I have. read more
5 months ago
4 years ago
A cool, true jazz, club. Intimate and authentic. Went to the Sunday matinee show and was not disappointed. Extremely talented artists. All ages so my 19 year old could join (big plus!). Also a few other other younger people there which is a rare treat to bring them to see great talents in jazz. They don't serve food but have great cocktails and staff. Why only 4 stars? It was hot and at points super loud (unbalanced) but overall a great joint. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
3 years ago
Absolutely adore this place, it was such an amazing experience. I loved how kind and welcoming everyone was. Monte Carlo's was incredible. read more
2 years ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
The music was amazing and full of life. The room roared with applause anytime there was a break in the music. Seating was great and comfortable. Buying a bottle was a bit much but that's what you pay for convenience. I will be going back. My first jazz bar experience ever, loved it. Everyone working there looked very well dressed and professional. We walked in the SECOND they opened the door and couldn't believe how cordial everyone was. Bathrooms were also nice read more
Business owner information
Wayne S.
Hi Ronald,…
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More info about Jazz Showcase
806 S Plymouth Ct
Chicago, IL 60605
South Loop
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(312) 360-0234
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http://www.jazzshowcase.com
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Ask the Community - Jazz Showcase
You need to make reservations?
You don't have to. They allow walk-ins but shows can sell out. I recommend reservations.
Are minors (16&17) allowed to attend?
We saw children maybe a 2, 8, 12, 15 year olds in the matinée show!
If you bring your own food (like Lou Malnati's) will they provide plates? Are the tables big enough to use to eat dinner or are they more like cocktail tables?
Mostly cocktail tables.
I'm looking a good restaurant to go to that's nearby. What's a good restaurant to go for date night?
Sofi on Dearborn, north of Polk.
Are minors allowed before a certain time? My son is 12 and would enjoy this a great deal if we go together?
I saw a child there for the performance I attended. He looked to be about 6 and I thought, how awesome that his parents are exposing him to jazz. We went to an 8:30 set
Are the weekday night shows limited to people who are over 21, or are minors allowed as well? Thanks!
My son and two friends went to the 8pm show on Saturday, June 24th with no problems. They are all 17 years old. They had a blast and enjoyed the show.
Review Highlights - Jazz Showcase
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