This has been the week of unbelievable finds mostly due to total chance and a bit of luck and mystery. I found myself in Rogers Park for two days for my daughter's freshman orientation at Loyola. Of course, my number one concern after the first day of seminars was to find somewhere awesome to eat that evening. After extensive searching throughout the day, I believed I had settled on somewhere to go... that is until the front desk attendant of my hotel handed me a sheet of recommended places to check out in the area. Normally, I will just explore and research on my own to figure out somewhere to go. Despite the many exciting choices nearby, of which I almost settled on Ethiopian or Cambodian, I stumbled on Le Piano; and my oh my, I couldn't be happier that I did. Looking at the listed provided by the hotel, Le Piano was in a small section titled "music, food, bar" and specifically labeled as jazz. Taking a minute to hit up their website, I found that night that Gerry Hundt, a blues artist I didn't know was going to be playing. My interest already now piqued, I rushed over to the menu, which is awash in wonderful sounding continental and French classics made local and fit for a jazz bar. The cocktail menu also matches, but is also incredibly extensive and has a very interesting Victorian flair. It was at this point I was sold, and booked a seat immediately to head out that evening. Arriving, I found this to be one of the coolest spaces I have ever been to for music. Styled perfectly with a dark Victorian-yet-jazzy flair, and intimate, my assigned seat was allowed to be changed to an amazingly worn leather loveseat, like something out of a noir film, with a single taper lighting my table. The bartender and my server made a point of giving me their names, which I believe were Chris and Steven, but I can't remember because my memory is Swiss cheese, but they were both amazing, talking with me and being completely engaged with me as a Chicago newbie. This doesn't even include the perfect sazerac and jasmine that Chris made to round out the artichoke fritters I ordered. The fritters were outstanding. Barely breaded and flash fried to perfection and one of the best fried dishes I've had in years, as I don't prefer that type of thing. Steven's recommendation was seriously on point. If a spot like this existed near me, I would be there weekly. If I lived in Chicago, Le Piano wouldn't be able to get rid of me. Don't pass on this place and get there now! Enjoy some wonderful music, legendary drinks, and outstanding food! read more

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Love this venue! Wonderful decor, great lighting, super cool space. Came for the sunday night latin jazz, which was a great show. Small/medium crowd, easy to find seats. Had the cava brut rosé which was yummy and refreshing. Loved the ambiance and performance. One thing is that the website and menu made it seem like there was no cover on sundays, but it was actually $15. Not the end of the world but would've appreciated if that was more clear upfront, instead of getting charged on the bill at the end. Overall loved the venue and the performance, would totally come back! read more

Le Piano - inside - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Love the ambiance of LePiano it's beautifully designed with an intimate stage that's up-close to the audience. I'm a regular on Monday and Wednesday nights. This past Wednesday was a packed house to experience Liz Mandeville's Bourbon & Blues show. Liz' hosts the Wednesday shows with her one of a kind guitar driven sultry, sexy and sugar coated storytelling & cutting edge humor. That is the highlight until she brings up her special guests. Last week from LA Blues Angel Brigitte Purdy singing Blues, Soul and Gospel tinged songs we all love (the audience was on their feet), The duo of Darryl Wright and Susan Williams double bass slayed our hearts with Angel From Montgomery. From Germany our new favorite Blues son in Chicago Stefan Hillensheim stirred our souls (his new baby Layla was there) and keeping the beat Stephen Bass on drums. This was more than a jam it was a variety show filled with some of the best talent in Chicago led by one of the most dynamic entertainers here at LePiano. We are lucky to have Liz host every Wednesday night (when she isn't on tour) at my favorite intimate listening room in Chicago. Thank you, Lynn Orman read more

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I thought a music bar near a train station would be a bad idea, the constant roar of trains, but I admit I didn't hear hardly any from inside. It was a warm night but we sat inside. The Cosmo martini to start was DEElicious! We were seated at a long table, but there were just 2 of us. Service was efficient and friendly, a little slow. We got food before drinks, but it was fine. Despite the name, there were a couple of instruments hanging up as decorations, like a trumpet and trombone. The bacon wrapped shrimp was good, but usually EACH shrimp has bacon on it, but this was a skewer with bacon wrapped around it. The potatoes on the side were good though. The music was nice and mellow, and the bathrooms were clean and clever, with pictures of French scenes. We saw the owner, but he did not play this time. The 'tip jar' for musicians in the middle of the room, suspended from the ceiling, was cleverly done. We shared a dessert of melt in the mouth chocolate mousse cake or something; it was awesome, very worth it, but the bar bill was quite high. With admission and drinks, I'd go AFTER dinner or a big lunch, and stick with wine if I'm on a budget. read more

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This is an indoor spot, intimate and spellbounding. Comes for marvelous, special drinks and dessert. Dinner was wonderful and on the Luxury side, for once in a while. There are other places nearby to eat. The show includes old time true talent... the kind you think of when going to a jazz club. The story is amazing... the musicians decided that the show must go on after the passing a couple years ago of le piano s fouder. Lets support this extraordinary place in chicago. read more

I went on Wednesday because I love blues music. Liz Mandeville host a blues jam there every Wednesday. It was a really fun night with all kinds of special guests including Brigitte Purdy from Los Angeles, Stefan Hellsheim who plays regularly in the blues club in Chicago. Then there was Susan Williams and Darryl Wright who both play excellent bass in and around the Chicago area. Liz Mandeville has been performing in Chicago and around the world for decades. Chris the bartender makes excellent drinks. If you dream it, he can make it. They also have an incredible wine selection. I tried the house red and it was amazing. I did not eat but everyone around seemed happy with their food. The ambiance of Le Piano is something you have to see. Thanks Liz for a great evening. I look forward to returning soon. read more

Vibes were immaculate!! The band that plays on Sunday is absolutely spectacular. There's a $15 cover on the weekends I believe and then the drinks are reasonably priced, would recommend coming through. It's such an intimate & well designed venue where you know that a lot of passion and care has been put into making this space happen. If you're a jazz lover you'll loveee this place Plus try the happy ending n you won't be disappointed !!! read more

Le Piano - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This was not our first visit to Le Piano, but it was by far the best. Loved, loved Liz Mandeville's energy, humor and, of course, blues guitar and vocalizing. During the second set, she yielded the stage temporarily to Susan Williams (who backed Liz on bass guitar in the first set) and Darryl Wright, renowned Chicago bassist, who happened to be in the audience -- which felt like a real treat. The brut cava that's on the menu is, in my opinion, undrinkable (it's quite funky). I had complained to the manager about it months ago, so was disappointed to see it still on the menu. I didn't order anything to drink. Later, the server came over to tell me they are currently trying out some other options which aren't yet on the menu and brought me a taste of a prosecco -- which was delish! read more

Great for date night or with a group of friends. Intimate atmosphere. Food is small plates, but everything we have was good. Great place, especially for those of us who live in the area. But if you don't, it's worth the trip. read more

Le Piano is a romantic, intimate, and fun neighborhood gem - with friendly service, great live music, delicious small plates, and cocktails / drinks. It has a lovely indoor jazz club and beautiful outdoor area in the green-covered, artsy alley of Glenwood Alfresco near the CTA train - a mostly quiet pedestrian street that manages to feel miles away from the city and gives European vibes. Came for a date night on a Saturday in mid-June to sit al fresco and enjoy the live music and a bottle of wine: It was amazing. Recommend arriving a bit early as it fills up with reservations and street parking, while available, can be hit or miss (we were lucky!). A bit pricey, but great quality food and drinks. The Mixed Green Salad and Baguette with infused butters were perfect sharables between the two of us - highly recommend. The highlight of our evening? The Lemon Cilantro Rosemary and Ginger Ice Cream, as well as the French 75 cocktail. Phenomenal! Absolutely recommend the cocktails and desserts. Note that there are cover fees on weekends to support the talented performers. Le Piano is great for dates and classy friend hang outs. read more

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I didn't try the food. Service and drinks went well. I had red wine. The bartender is great. He made sure you were OK.. more of an older crowd. The atmosphere is not too dark, soft lighting, and they also have blue lights near the band. I really enjoyed myself and the music my only issue was on a 90 degree day the air wasn't working . Therefore i couldn't stay long. read more

Absolutely wonderful experience at this quaint jazz bar. We reserved a table on a Friday night to celebrate a birthday. The bar is tucked away with a view of a lush alley, you would have no idea you were right under the L with the large windows and the overall vibe of the interior. The music was fantastic, a 4-piece band that had a wide variety of upbeat and lively songs. The owner was on the drums, and he took the time to introduce the band after each solo, and thanked everyone on the mic part way through their set. For food, we ordered a few drinks, the bread basket, the mushroom pasta, and the lamb chops. Each dish was 'good' in it's own way, but really you come for the experience. We would probably each try a new dish next time. I have recommended it to 4 people since joining them on 5/24. Loved it! read more

Le Piano - View of the band set-up from front right table - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Very cool. Very hip. I liked they had absinthe. Not a big fan of the French 75 but everything else was good

Magnificent music every time and an unforgettable atmosphere. I was flattered when the bartender made me a tasty mocktail, being a full piece of art. read more

Been here several times. Always excellent music, service and hey! Live music every night of the week. Will definitely keep supporting this venue. read more

Wow. What a wonderful place! We were visiting Chicago and saw this place near our Airbnb so decided to check it out. The music was fabulous and perfect for true jazz fans. It's a small, charming venue, with a classic and warm decor. Everyone on staff was very welcoming. It was the first night for the hostess and we showed up without a reservation, but she made us feel welcomed and got us seated after a short wait. The bartender was very friendly, and our server, Lauren was exceptionally warm and welcoming. We didn't order food, but the cocktails were perfect. Everything was great, but the music - absolutely sublime. Some original compositions by the pianist, which were perfectly written and performed. Many familiar pieces which were expertly performed. The music moved me, both physically and emotionally. This place made me want to move to the neighborhood. Wow. Just wow. read more

I've been here a few times, and want to love it because of the good music and vintage ambiance, but something has been severely lacking every time past the first occasion. New Year's Eve 2024/New Years 2025 was such a packed house that I assumed this place was super popular (I could barely get a seat and a drink), but it's a skeleton crew most nights. Very friendly staff and performers overall, but the owner is a strange little man whose bitter aura throws off the pleasant coziness of the place. His words are maudlin and loving, but that's not the actual energy he projects with his scowls and hunched shoulders. I think he thinks we can't hear the pedantic tone in his voice when he says "attention please", but we can. And while I myself as a musician understand the need to acknowledge performers instead of treating them as background noise, the way this guy does it is cringeworthy. Still, I tried to politely introduce myself the first couple of times I went, with ideas of perhaps booking a large party there for my birthday or being a performer there one day. He seemed uninterested in giving me the slightest bit of acknowledgement, even when I got up and joined the performance group for an open mic night back in April. Add to that the exorbitant prices for the tiniest portions of food and drink, and this place just feels like it's trying too hard to be classy. If you want to support local musicians with a reasonable cover fee, this place is great-- especially on big holidays! You can check their performance schedule online. Otherwise, if you're looking for a good "dinner and a show" experience, there are probably better options for jazz clubs downtown. read more

Beautiful bar/performance space facing a large glass window and an eccentrically decorated porch, with great drinks, pleasant staff, and lovely accoustics for small groups (I saw a piano/singer performance). It's right off the Morse Red line and you see the El come and go in the window. I will have to come back more often, a little gem of a place in Chicago! They have food but it was not offered at the time I went. read more

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We have visited twice and had excellent experiences. The live piano players and other musicians have been very talented. The food is l, surprisingly, five stars on its own. We plan to be regulars. read more

Incredible space with gorgeous ambiance with the view of the Red Line without any noise. Beautiful location and phenomenal jazz music by a tight quartet. Great food and fantastic cocktails and mock tails. The owner/ drummer in the band was gracious and welcoming even singing to three people with birthdays including my 86 year old mother who loved the experience and the phenomenal music. We will definitely come back!!! A real hidden gem! read more

I was on the app Fever, and they had an Immersive Jazz & Dinner for 2. When I tell y'all we had a ball! We got a 3 course meal & 2 drinks and everything was delicious! I ordered the lamb chops, the Parmesan crusted potatoes and it came with the Carmel chocolate Sunday. The music was phenomenal and at the end the owner asked us to lay under the piano and he played us a song. An experience to remember, everyone was so cool and I can't wait to go back! read more

Le Piano - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

If you are looking for a wonderful musical find in the Rogers Park area, this is it. Top notch ambiance, phenomenal live jazz music and delicious unique drinks and food. We went with reservations at 7pm. Reservations are extremely highly recommended and are easy and free to make on their website. Seating is by the hostess' discretion and based on what's currently open. We asked but no special seating requests are taken. That's fair but I think that they could easily tag certain upfront seats or the piano seating as a $20 upcharge and no one would flinch. We were immediately greeting by the bartender and the friendly hostess met us quickly after to seat us. Our waiter was also pleasant and took our drink orders and returned intermittently for our appetizer, main and dessert order. We had the bread app, ribeye steak, penne mushroom pasta and a beignet dessert. We had a pomegranate cosmopolitan and a corpse drink. The drinks were unique and strong. $15 each. I feel worth it for the city. Drink 'em. The food wasn't the best in the city but you're not here for a Gibsons Steak! What it is, is solidly simple delicious food choices with a GREAT price tag. The ribeye was seasoned perfectly and the penne pasta was tasty - the sauce could have been slightly thicker and the mushrooms a bit bigger in slice size and more numerous. But still a good choice if you like mushroom based pasta. The beignets were warm, soft and delicious. A perfect choice to end your meal. The indescribable, terrific jazz music was the best part of the night. It was like delicious food-for-the-ears. Go here. Impress your friend or loved one with a fantastic experience. read more

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I don't get it. The atmosphere was perfect, like a jazz club in Paris. The music was incredible. Should be five stars. But the booze? Undrinkable. The top shelf bourbon was Evan Williams. Really? And the food was embarrassingly bad. I so want to go again, and I probably will, but only after dinner and with our own drinks smuggled in. read more

First time at Le Piano for a date on Tuesday..... notice how EMPTY the restaurant is in the photos. Tuesday is a variety night where an obnoxious person constantly interrupts the guests at their tables by pushing a mic in your face requesting you for a song suggestion. WTF? He proceeds to offer comedic banter mixed with horrible vocals and show tunes. Place is eclectic, staff is nice, and drinks were solid. I would've definitely returned on an actual Jazz night however the Non singer commented after we couldn't take much more of the noise "guess that date didn't go well" as we left. Patrons as a butt of your joke? Classless Date was fine, maybe he should focus on his wretched performance. For $15 service fee, we were robbed read more

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Ambiance is everything!! Fireplace blazing in the open air seating and inside the perfect live jazz bar with great food, and most importantly brilliant jazz performers. Casual artistic perfection. Incredibly friendly staff. Love this place so much. Always metered street parking around. read more

When you only view this venue via Google Maps, you might think, "Oh, Hell No." but you'd be sorely mistaken. Le Piano is hidden down a plush, landscaped alley decorated with murals and comfy outdoor seating. The entrepreneur who saw this spot and said, "Piano Bar!" is a true musical visionary. Passing CTA trains are mostly unseen and entirely unheard. While not plentiful, street parking is available. What makes this place extraordinary -- in addition to talented live performers -- is the service and staff, who know how to masterfully seat large groups(, somehow memorize each face with an order, and deliver drinks or (DELICIOUS) food directly to your seat. Lamb chops for brunch? YES PLEASE Freshly made beignets with sprinkles of bacon on a bed of maple syrup? GET IN MY MOUTH RIGHT NOW. If you haven't checked out this fun and fabulous place, add it to your MUST-DO list pronto. It's like Davenport's on the North Side, plus with food! Heavenly. read more

The atmosphere is extremely cool. The decor is very unique with a mix of jazzy themed antiques. The outside seating area is just adorable in the art district of Roger's Park. The musicians are fantastic and absolutely worth the cover charge. The service isn't great. The staff is slow and the waiter we got both times we tried it seemed pretty clueless about the menu. He claimed to never of tried a single one of the cocktails (he works at a jazz club). He generally lacked in personality and was very slow at taking orders and getting food and drinks out. They do not have many tables so there is no reason for slow service. Their alcohol options aren't great. They have bottom shelf "le piano" well vodka and some other bottom shelf options. The food is just absolutely awful! The grilled asparagus may as well of come out to us raw, their fingerling potatoes wedges have absolutely no seasonings and their ribeye steak was so fatty my arm hurt from sawing at it for ten minutes straight. My husband tried the boneless chicken thigh and nearly spit it out it was that horrible. Everything tastes like it was made by someone that's never cooked before. They would be better off eliminating the food all together and just offering their patrons better quality alcohol and hiring more experienced personable servers. So I don't recommend you go for much more than the atmosphere and the music. Maybe pre- game at a bar with alcohol that won't leave you with a splitting headache the next day and definitely get something edible to eat elsewhere. read more

Stopped by this place to grab cocktails and quick dinner for my friend's graduation. The place is cute with vintage decor. We were seated fast. The service did take a while to take our order but the drinks were good. We got a La Aviator Martini & 2 pomergrante cosmopolitan. The pomergrante drink was refreshing but a little strong. Still a good drink. Not in picture was the penne pasta and cod. The penne pasta was our favorite that we ordered it 2 more times lol. Overall cute place to sit and sip cocktails. read more

Le Piano - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We were looking for somewhere to go hear live music and Le Piano popped up. I had never heard of it but was excited to try it and the experience lived up to what I hoped it would be and more. Such a cozy, chill vibe inside. Loved the band and the food was surprisingly good! Have already recommended it to a few people and we'll definitely be back. read more

Le Piano - Facing the band. - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I used to love this place. I lived a few blocks away and would come a few times a month. I never made reservations. Then I moved out of town, but come back to Chicago often and make a point to try to go to Le Piano every time. I've brought several friends there, who also like to go back. However, a few of them have had bad experiences with Chad, the owner, and now I have too. I made reservations for 3 - the first time I've made reservations. But because of a huge snow storm in our travel path, we had to leave Chicago a day early and were not able to go to Le Piano. I emailed this info the morning we had to leave, acknowledging that their policy is not to give refunds, (the ONLY policy I could find on the website), and asked instead for a raincheck. I knew for sure I'd be back! When I got no response, I called. As I explained the situation to Chad, he interrupted me and just said, in a disrespectful tone, "No, too bad." And he didn't stop there. He continued to lecture me about how when you buy tickets to a concert, you don't expect refunds, that thousands of reasons come up and he doesn't want to listen to all of them, etc, etc. Apparently there is a 7 day exchange policy, but since we don't live in Chicago anymore, we won't be able to use this and instead simply lose $75. I understand if a business wants to have a hard policy about refunds and exchanges. (Again, nothing on the website about exchanges.) It was the way Chad spoke to me - entitled, put out, whiny, and frankly a jerk. I'm not the only one. Sadly, he's alienated a loyal customer who now won't be back, or promote Le Piano anymore. ​ read more

Le Piano is a romantic neighborhood spot that's often named one of the most romantic places in the country. Soft candlelight, live music, and an extensive performance calendar make it perfect for a night out with friends. We love to come in for a glass of wine and a few songs or meet up with friends for a performance-filled evening. Cover fees support the performers, and there's a dinner and wine menu available. No drink minimum. read more

A great place to share food and enjoy live music. For $15 a person, you can choose your seat and watch live jazz. I recommend sharing plates as they have a limited entree menu. read more

Le Piano - Performance area - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Warning $15 untold cover. The owners place this information on the menu as if it's a drink or food in light print. Sure they place it on the board by the bar as Salieire D'Artistre $15 as well but $15!! I've gone to places in the Gold Coast, Logan Square and all over Chicago and was told of a cover charge when I walk in and not surprised at the end when receiving my check. To discover that as you sit down your bill is already starting at $15 without warning is crazy. The wine was great service was good but to be charged $15 to listen to music without knowing unreasonable. I will not be back. I'll support the arts, local musicians I'm other ways. read more

Le Piano - Makes you wonder is they charge $15 a person to listen to music what the hell is the Happy Ending for 10PP... - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

DO NOT COME HERE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There are no words for how mean, disrespectful, and unprofessional the owner is. We walked in and a sweet professional hostess/ waitress greeted us. She was extremely transparent and let us know there is a 15 dollar cover charge for the live band that was playing at 7( the music was actually so bad). . But the owner didn't like how she said it? Starts yelling, screaming, throwing a fit. Me and my two friends are just awkwardly standing there waiting to be seated but no, HE KEEPS SCREAMING AT HER. To try to get him to stop I said " you must be the owner" he stops and said yes I am. THEN KEEPS GOING. This young girl is handling it so well. After 5 minutes of it she seats us WHILE HES STILL YELLING ABOUT IT FROM ACROSS THE RESTAURANT. As we are walking to our table I turned to him and said, " it's astounding how you speak to your staff especially in front of customers". And then HE KEEPS GOING. We sat down and spoke with the waitress and she was legitimately so kind and rose above her boss. She said it happens to everyone and they just try to ignore him. I sat there after speaking with her and had a moral dilemma. I did not want to give the owner any business due to how he treats his staff but I didn't want to get up and walk out and have the waitress suffer anymore than she did. So I gave her a huge tip and we just ordered a drink and bread then got the hell out of there. I truly hope the place goes under due to the owners negligence and poor leadership. read more

I absolutely love this place! We've been coming here for years. Food is great, jazz is great. Only problem is with a select few guests (but there seem to be some at every show) who think they can loudly chat their way through their dinner while jazz is being performed live. So if you're reading this review and you'd like to come to Le Piano please be considerate of musicians and music lovers alike and just keep conversation to a minimum and low volume while these fabulous musicians are playing their hearts out for you. If you're reading this choose to have loud dinner conversation go to a pub. read more

I've been sitting on this review for about a month because of how upsetting my experience here was. Simply put the owner Chad made me move where I was sitting because my hair was "too distracting." Look -- I'm aware my hair is curly and gigantic. But I was sitting at the bar, furthest from the music as I could possibly be, as to not block anyone's view. But his issue with me was that my hair would be too distracting to those who were just entering the building. "It's the first thing they'll see." And the worst part, after he told me to move he gave me an incredibly unsolicited hug and then TOUCHED my hair and gave it some fake "but I love your hair though!" compliment. He's either a drunk or a junkie 'cause right after that he joined in with the band and played the most arrhythmic bongos I've ever heard. Completely off beat; the man owns the place so he can have a playground. He is not professional at all and is even rude to customers over the phone when asking about reservations (from a different personal experience, last year). Anyways. I think he has some sort of strange Aryan vision for his establishment. He is a sad man. The food ain't even that good. This place is not safe for people with curly hair -- and probably not safe for non white people generally. read more

First the positives - Great place to listen to live music! We went on a summer night and the performance was outdoors which was amazing. Drinks were nice and strong. Now for the not so good part - food is really overpriced. You are paying entree prices for really tiny portions. We ordered 3 dishes between the two of us and still were kinda hungry. Another annoying thing is that their suggested tip amounts are based on total amount - that includes cover charges and taxes. read more

15 dollar cover charge, guaranteed satisfying musical experience. The service is top notch. The food portions are small but delicious, the drinks are excellent, strong though. My wife likes sweet drinks, I prefer strong drinks with complex flavors. The ambiance of this place is amazing and it's no small wonder it's top ten for romantic spots, simply amazing. The music is very classy. read more

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Good food and amazing live jazz in a cozy and intimate setting. What else could you ask for?? read more

Le Piano - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Ambience and interior design is beyond gorgeous and the drinks are strong and nice. Now add to that a great nightly live performance all thru the week and whats not to like...What is shocking is how empty this place is during the week and even on the weekends...This place should be packed. Highly recommend and a beautiful addition to an already great neighborhood like Roger's Park. read more