Fantastic live music bar in Chicago and a great way to spend the entire night with a group of friends For a less crowded experience, go earlier in the night, but for the full lively dance floor, definitely go after 10pm Drinks were well-priced and big, probably becuase of a cover charge but still worth it in my opinion! read more

Have you ever had an out-of-body, euphoric experience while completely sober (well, just a little alcohol in me)? I hadn't until I visited Kingston Mines. A local told me about this place, and when I say I was moving and grooving the entire night, I mean it. I was honestly tired, but the music kept pulling me back in. The artwork on the walls was very groovy and fit the vibe of the venue perfectly, adding to the whole experience. Midway through, the band wrapped up their set and I thought, "Okay, this is my cue to head out." Then another band started playing on the other side of the club, and there I was, right back in it. Overall, it was a great experience. The environment is welcoming, and you see people from all walks of life enjoying the music together. This is a must-visit venue when you're in Chicago. read more

Protect Kingston Mines at all costs! A true Chicago Gem. There are few places left in this world that cater an authentic experience like this to all ages, genders, and races. Every walk of life gets the blues and the Kingston mines is here to let it all hang out! Great Sunday jams allow the real musicians to come out and magic magic out of thin air. It may not always be incredible jams, but it allows folks and players visiting the city to get up on stage and make a memory for life. The food was surprisingly amazing. Real soul food fried right. Drinks were affordable and vibe was immaculate. read more

We had a lot of fun here at Kingston Mines, however, buyer beware!!!! I received my bill which looked like it was 105.00 due to dimly lit lighting and how busy it was I gave a 25.00 tip. When we got home my husband went over the receipt and asked how did we spend 165.00!!!!! Upon looking at the bill we were charged for multiple random drinks that were NEVER ordered. Double Makers on the rocks, a margarita, Belvedere with club soda...just looks like the bartenders were randomly throwing drinks on my tab. The total overage was 50.00. I tried to call Kingston Mines there isn't an answer, so I left a message for them to contact me, of course no return call. Be sure to check your bill before paying, the bartenders here are definitely padding the bill! Shame. read more

Such a fun, no-frills spot for live blues and a good time. The energy here is contagious -- two stages going, talented musicians rotating all night, and a crowd that's clearly here for the music. The real surprise of the night? The wings. I came for the tunes, not the food, and somehow ended up raving about the wings -- perfectly cooked, still crispy even after being tossed in sauce (rare win at a live-music joint). Drinks were reasonably priced with a big selection -- nothing pretentious, just solid pours and quick service. Overall, Kingston Mines nails the classic Chicago blues experience: loud, lively, and a little gritty in the best way. Would absolutely come back for another round of wings and live sets. read more

Kingston Mines - The yummiest chicken wings! - A person is holding a fried chicken wing over a tray filled with various fried chicken pieces, French fries, and dipping sauces. The tray is lined with checkered paper, and the background shows a busy restaurant with other diners and drinks on the table. The focus is on the food and the hand holding the wing, with a person in a green top visible in the background. - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Thursday date night! Dinner at Nadu, walkable to Kingston Mines. It's like two little venues squished together, two long rooms with drink tables and bars. The bands alternate stages so you can be in the room with the music or the room next to the music, with the performance playing on the tv. Perfect for dancing or a casual hangout. read more

Food was 3 out of 5 and music was 6 or even 7 out of 5 if one can do so lol. I don't think it's appropriate to rate this establishment based on its food because it was designed to be a Blues club, and what I heard last night was absolutely amazing! Both Omar Coleman's band and Nicholas Alexander (Lil Hoochie) were outstanding at delivering both traditional Blues music and a purely sensational instrumental performance! In terms of entertainment, this establishment had outdone itself in allowing the crowd to feel some true Blues music and dance if they want to. Food prices were reasonable so we ordered quite a few soul food items ranging from beignets to fried okra to fried catfish, and all of them were good in quality with no highlights to offer. The fried okra, comparatively, was fried well because the outer layer wasn't too overpowering in flavor or texture. The okra softness was successfully maintained. On the opposite end were the fries, which were way too small and crunchy, and as a result became the worst dish among everything else. Oh, the cornbread also had the right amount of butter, which was also a plus. If anyone asks me a club with good Blues music to recommend, I would, without a doubt, mention this establishment as the first choice! I must also mention that everyone in the club, ranging from the servers to the bartenders to the security guards to the kitchen workers in the back taking orders, has been extremely courteous and considerate, so from a service perspective that's also a huge plus! read more

See all

We went here to celebrate our anniversary, joined by our kids. We absolutely loved it. The music was really good and the atmosphere was fun. The food was a ho-hum, but it did the trick. The service and drinks were great, especially the ginger beer and warm apple cider. From the outside, I always thought it would be a bit rough. But it turned out to be wonderful inside. With a great honky-tonk vibe with some really good blues. If you've never gone, be sure to give it a try. Everybody in our group loved it. read more

See all

Come for the music, stay for the food! They sold out of the ribs this time unfortunately but the fried okra and wings were fire. read more

Kingston Mines - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

This place had some awesome blues music. We loved it. The place gets really crowded, so get there early for seats. We ended up sitting at the bar and then up front. We had drinks and good food. I had the blackened catfish which was super good. Price is right. Small dance floor areas are nice which we took advantage of. We will definitely be back. read more

Kingston Mines - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Really great place! The music is very lively and with great energy. Nice that there are alternating bands. The place is very spacious and a good vibe overall. The service I believe is good. I didn't try any food. I would recommend checking this place out. read more

I loved this place! The perfect place to come to with some friends or family to drink, eat good fried food, and listen to some blues. The staff here was really kind and the music was amazing! So much seating and lots of options to choose from for food and drinks - they have a great dry menu for non-alcoholic drinkers! I definitely will be coming back with a larger group. read more

See all

Really fun atmosphere with lots of great history! Laid back vibes with great music. The bartenders were all very nice. Can't wait to come back next time I am in Chicago! read more

Kingston Mines - Great performance - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

One of the last true Blues clubs in America! (I don't know how many are left but I travel a ton and there are not many) Open late with 2 rooms and food! The best blues players in the world have come through The Mines! A great meet up spot with friends!!! Guaranteed an amazing 1 of a kind experiences!! read more

Kingston Mines - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I am surprised I haven't been here before. I came on a Sunday night so it wasn't too crowded, but the music and the drinks were flowing. I liked the whole vibe and every worker seemed happy to be there! I wish mi group stayed there a little longer, but I will be back. Just a FYI, they charge a cover. That's not too surprising since you have some great live music. They take credit cards as well for cover which is a big plus! read more

Kingston Mines - Second stage - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Love this place! I use to come here all the time when I was growing up in Chicago and tonight didn't disappoint! My brother and I hadn't been here since the 80's! The music was great and the food was better than I remember! This brought back so many great memories! I can't wait to come back in October for my Smart Set Conclave! read more

See all

This place is amazing. Phenomenal live music and a great setup with the two separate rooms/ stages. The food is delicious as well!

This place is my roman empire. I wish I could be here all the time. It's Chicago in a nutshell. Always a good time at Kingston Mines. This is the only spot in the city I'll actually pay the cover. The talent is limitless...real effing music. Two stages allow you to choose your environment - whether it be watching the show on one side, enjoying a more chill vibe on the other side or devouring food in the back by the kitchen. Service depends on how friendly you are, be a decent human and you'll be treated that way! Drinks are reasonably priced. read more

See all

First timer! Were biased thinking it was tourist trap and gonna see dressed up same old blues dudes just shedding their egos. Pleasantly surprised and blown away. First having two stages/rooms and constant music is rare and brilliant. Didn't like having to give up seat though and moving. The first act Nora Jean was as authentic blues as you can get. She reaches into your soul!!! felt like I was in the barn at sinners. Her guitarist just cried and she has this dude that hammers the keyboards and then tickles your hairs with a soulful sax solo. We then move over to the main room to see Joanna Connor who we heard was famous. Her band was killing it. someone told me the piano player was buddy guys and you could tell he was special. he then grabbed Joanna's guitar and blew us away with a guitar solo. Felt like this dude was a channel for musical angels. Drinks were worth price read more

Kingstons mines is a Chicago staple featuring great live music. It's situated in Lincoln park and because of that parking is a little hard. They have street parking or valet. I'm not a fan of valet, so SpotHero came handy as I found an uncovered lot about two blocks away. The way it works is that music starts at 7am and goes late into the night (as late as 4-5am). Admission is $20 per person. You can buy tickets online but they charge a convenience fee so you can just buy it at the venue with the fee. I suggest getting there earlier, maybe before 10pm. The place gets really busy afterwards. The venue is split in two. Basically you have alternating sets. People walk from the left side of the venue to the right and it can get packed. I think there's also a tiny stage in the back, but that band usually only plays super early. We had cocktails and they were pretty good. Plenty of different specialty and traditional cocktails are on the menu. The price is around $10-15$ a cocktail. Waiting staff is very attentive despite the place being so packed and loud. Didn't try the food but we might next time and there will be a next time. If you want a night out and enjoy some great music and let loose this is the place. read more

See all

This was my first visit, so I really had no expectation. There was a $20 cover charge to enter. I arrived just at 7, and there were a few people listening to the acoustic set. I decided to get food. You have to go to the back of the club to order food at a window. The menu had nice casual options. I ordered shrimp and fries, and it was pretty good and not too expensive (approx. $15). I also had a Raspberry Cosmo from the bar. It wasn't the best drink I ever had, and the price was standard (approx $15). The tables are super narrow (see photo), and I couldn't imagine having my food on the table that is close to strangers. Luckily, I ate before people joined my table. Obviously, I'm not a fan of how close and tight the tables and seats are. When it was time for the main act, everyone moved from one side of the club to the other. The band was amazing, and I noticed how great the sound system was. The music was not too loud but loud enough to fill the space. The band was a great time. Then, their set ended, and another band was playing on the other side, so everyone moved over. Unfortunately, by the time we got to the other side, there was nowhere to sit. It was pretty crowded, so we ended up standing. However, security had rules about where you could and could not stand, so it was awkward and uncomfortable, and I felt "in the way." I decided to end the night. If you don't mind tight crowds and standing, I'd say this is a good place to listen to the Blues. read more

See all

Cool place for blues. Well mixed crowd and atmosphere. Great experience for our first time. read more

Kingston Mines - Joe Doyle - A live music performance takes place at Kingston Mines, a Chicago blues club established in 1968. The stage features a guitarist, keyboardist, drummer, and bassist, with a colorful mural of a face in the background. Audience members are visible in the foreground, watching the performance. The venue has wooden decor and string lights, creating a cozy atmosphere for blues music. - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My first visit to Chicago, my priorities were appropriate: 1) pizza 2) live music After pizza in Lincoln Park, we walked to this music venue, and arrived near the end of the acoustic opening set. The one-man band impressed with his foot-operated high hat and his neck-mounted harmonica while he sang and played the guitar. Server was prompt with delivery of a beer that was fairly priced. Oh, we also paid the $20 cover before entering, which was also fair considering the live music lineup for the evening, and I was glad security gave us no problems carrying in our pizza doggie bag. After the acoustic set, we wandered over to the other half of the bar for the headliner, Joanna Connor, who had a full band back up and killed it with her blues rock. Everything I wanted was delivered. Kingston Mines also had a cool souvenir shop with plenty of swag to offer. Thanks for the quintessential Chicago experience. read more

See all

Bar looks nice. Music is good. Service is pretty subpar. They give you that good old Chicago hood vibe. Won't be returning unless I was forced. One big example: Going to smoke outside they will segregate you to a corner by some cones unless you are a regular or know the staff. Then you have the privilege to sit on chairs and smoke instead of standing between some tiny orange cones. Not a good team of staff working here. Just don't go. The owners do not value anything but profit. Did not try the food, based on the looks of that food from other people's tables, I wouldn't try it. read more

It's been many years since I visited Kingston I my memory of it is very good excellent entertainment, food, and drinks

Wow! What a fun evening at Kingston Mines! From time to time I MUST hear some live jazz/blues and this did not disappoint! We got there early to ensure we got good seats which turned out to be a great idea. We got great seats and had time to get drinks and food before it got too busy. At the back of the establishment, they have a small kitchen that you order from and pick back up in 15-20 minutes. I ordered the red beans and rice which was delicious! For vegetarians they have an impossible burger that is pretty decent as well. The drinks were great especially the Kingston G&T. They are also pretty reasonably priced for a music venue. That helps ease the $20/person cover charge sting a little. Great service, great food, reasonable drinks, and AMAZING live music! This is a MUST VISIT The artists were amazing! The variety of styles and rhythms were perfect. At some point she wanted to get up and dance another's she just wanted to sit and listen to the somber notes. read more

See all

This place is so old school cool!! If you want to just hang out, have an adult beverage or three and listen to some incredible musicians all night, this is the joint!! Love Kingston Mines and will be back whenever I'm in the Chicagoland area. read more

Went out there after a night out with friends. They have live blues music. They have a dinner menu and cocktail drinks and draft beer. It's a nice low key but also very lively hangout spots, perfect if you are a blues fan. It's a tight squeeze if it's a packed house. They have two stages and the performers alternate rooms during the night. There's room at the front for dancing and the rest of the space has tables for folks to seat and eat. Tables are very closely packed together so it's intimate. There were hardly any masks being warm so keep that in mind. There was limited parking in the street and they're open till 5 am. Definitely recommend you check it out if you like Live blues music. The bands were great. read more

See all

I've been coming here since the 1980s. You can't beat it for live blues, the original Blues vibe, always excellent music and a really great crowd. You'll have a good time, and there are plenty of other bars in the neighborhood to hit before or after. By the way, the mines is open late! read more

Music music music! Wonderful vibe, super nice drink staff, and again, the music. The food is also really good but beware there is a wait to order and to get your food. Don't be in a hurry - be patient as it will be worth your time. read more

Kingston Mines - Looking toward the stage: Vino Louden and band on stage. So GOOD! - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Although this is a popular blues club in Chicago, my wallet was slightly disappointed...to say the least. The Entrance fee for a night of their mediocre live music was $20/person. We arrived early, so there was no issue finding seats. I ordered myself a Red Apple Martini. As we sat, hunger struck. The bar waiter reminded us to order our food early before the show starts as it gets a bit hectic. I ordered the fish and chips. Price was fair and taste was alright -- I do prefer homemade tartar sauce, but they only had the packaged Heinz tartar sauce to offer... ick. The little tables they had were really thin. My tray of food could barely fit. If it got super crowded, I'm sure someone could easily elbow my food to the ground. It was difficult to comfortably dine there. Later on, my drink arrived. It was good, but after seeing the $20 total charge for it, I felt sick to my stomach. I'm sorry but from where I'm from, 1 drink does not add up to that price. No, no, no. After the first performer was done, everyone got up suddenly and shifted over to the other room. I was unaware of the other room until it was too late and I walked into an extremely FULL other room. All in all, it was, as I stated, a mediocre experience. I'm glad I tried it because now I know the blues genre just isn't for me. read more

Kingston Mines - Red Apple Maritini - $20 with tax. - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Do you like Blues music? Do you like great drinks? Do you like late night fried chicken and other pub foods? Then Kingston Mines is the place for you! Always a fantastic time when you have the pleasure of going to KM for a great night of good music, good friends, and good fun. The service was great as well with the kitchen staff and bartenders eager to provide a good experience. read more

Let me begin by saying: best jazz bar and best fried chicken wing in Chicago. Their plain fried dipped in your favorite sauce is the way to go because they're fried chicken alone is beyond flavorful and so crunchy! This place is perfect for a date or if you have fun parents and want to bring them to hear some great live jazz music. My game plan is to find a table near the front of one of the stages and stay there- then every hour or 30 minutes, a jazz band will come on alternating with the other stage. Will always be a regular here and recommend to everyone. read more

Kingston Mines - Fried okra, buffalo wings, and plain wings. - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My friend wanted to try out this place so we could listen to live blue's music. There was a $20 cover to get in. The place is huge and divided up into 2 areas with a stage in each side. We came in on a Thursday and it was fairly packed. We had someone come by and take our drink orders and we had to go to the back to order our food. The guy that was playing was really good. After his set was done they switched stages and everyone moved to the other side to watch another band perform. My friend was not very happy that we had to move to the other side but I guess that's how they split up the performances. We ordered the ribs and although I'm not into ribs these were actually really good. The drinks were reasonably priced. This place had a great fun vibe and I would definitely recommend if you enjoy live music. read more

See all

If your visiting Chicago this place is rich in history & visiting is a must Bring cash for tipping musicians!! $20 cover (there are discounts for student/military etc.) 7pm - 3:30am live music 2 rooms where the sets alternate throughout the night Ear plugs at the shop if needed Merchandise available on site for purchase - lots of different options Extensive cocktail menu with good drinks. Bar food All of it is really good but just a bit pricey Worth the experience read more

See all

We visited Kingston Mines after doing a walking tour of Chicago and being told that you must do blues or jazz while visiting. So Kingston Mines was where we landed! It's a blues bar and there are two rooms to hang out in. We started in the smaller room and listened to a band and a singer. The servers were WORKING hard! Seating is cramped though and I did have my drink spilled on me. She replaced it but thankfully it was a light liquid and not red wine! We made our way to the headliner in the main room and really enjoyed the music. Blues is really powerful and I wish I had more time to explore other music clubs in the area. I'd come back to Kingston Mines as it didn't require advanced reservations, Ubers were easy to get when we were ready to go and the crowd was really chill and fun. read more

no room to dance. Seats kept getting taken each time we went to dance floor. Owner that does band intros is loud and obnoxious. Same band we saw last Chicago trip. meh. This is not a place for "dinner". read more

Had great love music. Good atmosphere. Everyone was having fun. Good place to catch some live music while meeting new people too

Music A+ Drinks A+ Crowd A+ Security F- I wish there was a grade lower than F because that's what they deserve. I'm standing at the bar, behind a gentleman waiting for him to finish signing his check. He steps backward, and there isn't a lot of space so I try to get out of the way and accidentally, very slightly bump into a tall security guard with a beanie and a beard. I try to apologize for my misstep but he immediately tears into me, saying "YOU SAY EXCUSE ME, THAT'S WHAT YOU SAY, YOU JUST BARGED INTO ME!" like I body slammed him or something. At this point I'm curious as to what exactly I did to get yelled at like that, and the guard next to him shakes his head and says "he's not feeling well, he's in a bad mood, you didn't do anything." Skip an hour forward and this same tall security guard comes over to our table accusing us of not paying for our drinks when the check is clearly signed and on the table waiting for the server to take. The bands were great, the servers were friendly, and the drinks were reasonably priced, which is why this is so disappointing. We paid for our drinks and were just trying to enjoy some live music! read more

Super fun place, great drinks, wonderful staff, amazing music..... I wish I lived in Chicago so I could go there every week! We had already eaten so we didn't order any food while we were there, but as a vegan I was impressed that there were good choices for me on the menu. Next time I am in Chicago I will go there when I am hungry...... and I will dance all night again! Side note...... I loved the front room. I did not like the back room, too well lit and too deep...... it was impossible for me to get into the music with all the distractions from all the people in the back, and the bright lights, not what I like in a blues club. But the front room........ awesome! read more