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    Kingston Mines

    4.2 (661 reviews)
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    KINGSTON MINES ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - Kingston Mines

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    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.
    Alyzza A.

    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.

    A man is playing an electric guitar in a venue decorated with a large map of the United States and a collage of framed photographs on the wall. A woman with long braided hair and a yellow jacket is seated nearby, smiling and looking at the musician. The setting appears to be a live music venue or bar with a casual atmosphere.
    Jay S.

    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!

    Large hall - A band performs live on a stage inside a music venue, with musicians playing instruments including a guitar and drums. The stage has a wooden backdrop with artwork, and the audience is seated at tables, watching the performance. The venue has a ceiling with multiple ceiling fans and lighting fixtures.
    Bob S.

    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.

    Athena B.

    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.

    Nicole S.

    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.

    Shrimp and fries
    Rahima J.

    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.

    Great performance

    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!

    Kenny J.

    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!!

    Second stage
    Anthony M.

    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!

    A woman and a man are taking a selfie outdoors at night in front of Kingston Mines, a historic blues nightclub in Chicago. The woman has short, curly hair and is smiling, while the man is wearing glasses and a tropical-themed shirt. The illuminated sign for Kingston Mines, advertising live blues performances seven nights a week, is visible behind them.
    Sylvia C.

    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!

    Rachel B.

    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.

    Awesome band
    Greg P.

    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.

    Raspberry Cosmo - A pink cocktail served in a coupe glass with a lemon wedge garnish on the rim. The drink is placed on a white napkin on a dark wooden bar counter. The background shows a bar area with chairs and tables, illuminated with warm lighting.
    Mistey W.

    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.

    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.

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    6 months ago

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

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    1 year ago

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

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    1 year ago

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

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    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara G.

    Barbara G.

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    Kingston Mines Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Kingston Mines

    What is the best time to show up?

    Is there dancing allowed during jazz music?

    The mines are not jazz, its "blues"! And yes, there is dancing.

    Do u need to be over 21 to enter?

    Yes

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Kingston Mines

    Just had another awesome time last evening at the Kingston Mines watching our favorite blues artist - Joanna Connor.

    Mentioned in 19 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Kingston Mines - jazzandblues - Updated May 2026

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