Oh wow! So this is what real blues music sounds like! And who knew my mom would become such a fan? Overall an experience like no other. Down to earth, no frills attached, and located in a so-so neighborhood, this could be a place that has you raising your eyebrows doubtfully. Cast those aside, and sit yourself down for some of the best music this side of the river. Crowd is dressed up but chill, and everyone is clearly enjoying themselves. We were the only brown people in the joint, but didn't feel the least bit uncomfortable. If anything, Lee's is welcoming - everyone seems to know everyone else, and with all the hugs and hellos, it really seems like a party. Oh, and there's no cover or drink minimum! Hello people, how's that for a true steal? read more

Since someone beat me to getting a first review I'd kept meaning to post for ages(for Windy City Inn), I might as well get this review over with, and get my 1st ever 'Chicago first' review over with and do one for here, before someone else beats me to posting a review for Lee's. I went on the Chicago Jazz Club Tour back in August(also the same night I later went to Huck Finn Donuts, to finish off this night), and concentrated on going to the South Side clubs, during that night. I went to 3 out of the 4 far South Side clubs participating on the Jazz Club tour(in addition to other jazz clubs north of here in the city), and of those 3, this was definately my favorite of the 3 I went to. Music was great, and the only downside about this place was that the interior is slightly cramped. Of course too, I also know that was probably somewhat b/c of the fact that so many people on the Jazz Tour came in, at the same time that my dad and myself stopped in here. Anyway though, I'm hopeful I can do a return trip here sooner, rather than later. Not to mention, the location of Lee's isn't in as iffy of an area, as the other 2 south side jazz clubs I went into were in. Plus, it helps that it's easy to heck to park on the street around here, and that there's a White Castle just southeast of here, if I ever make it back down here again, and have a jonesing for a late night snack. read more

Lee's Unleaded Blues not only have great Blues Bands but the owners and managers are courtesy and professional. There's a feeling of home at this spot. read more

Came here on the Chicago Blues Tour. Love how the decor hasn't changed in probably a half century. Fun crowd. read more

Lee's Unleaded Blues - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We loved Lee's--we heard Mz. Peachez last night - Fabulous!!! Great crowd, fantastic music from Mz, the band, and several others who stepped to the mike. Great service and friendly guests and staff. Don't even ask about Santa Claus...... This is a blues gem in our great city - make the trip!! read more

So we went, and we were the only white people and only ones under 30. So we felt a little weird at first. Before you know it we were talking and dancing with everyone around us, and we even got free plates of soul food. It was a pretty awesome experience. Eveyone here is super cool, and the band was great. Some guys got up and jammed and were good too. Maybe we'll get the courage to go up there next time. read more

I've been going to Lee's Unleaded for about 8 years or so. I do not plan on returning to this club anymore! I remember when they closed down for a while and I was so bummed out. Then they opened up again and I thought this will be great, plus they were under new management. Man.....this club is terrible now. They have decent music acts, but the service is terrible. They got rid of the barmaids, so now you have to go back and forth to the bar to get a drink. I saw an elderly couple walk out when I was there because no one offered to serve the a drink. And if you ask any of the staff and service they'll say" you have to come up to the bar". - Well then you must not want my f****** money then! And please don't expect a tip from me because I SERVED MY OWN DAMN SELF! - Not to mention that they are the slowest bartenders in the world. Always on their phones texting and not paying attention to the customers. - I also felt that the Doorman was playing favorites and letting some people in for free but charging others. Is it because I'm white? It's a shame that this place has turned into a s***-hole. It was the true home of authentic-Blues in Chicago. Now I will have to find a new place to go to because these people suck! Overall: Don't go there unless you like being treated rudely by the wait staff. These folks are almost as rude as the staff at Buddy Guy's. The Music at the club gets 4 stars but the service gets - 5 stars. I will NEVER return again! read more

This place is a gem. Not only is the music at Lee's absolutely outstanding, the musicians and staff are friendly as well. The small venue is intimate without being overwhelmingly close, and I liked being able to chat with the musicians when they took their breaks. In addition to drinks, there was a little buffet with jambalaya being served for $7 a plate. It was delicious. My evening at Lee's Unleaded Blues was truly a highlight of the year for me! A note on safety: the 8-block walk from the bus stop was a little sketchy, and on the bartender's recommendation we took a taxi back home to Hyde Park. read more

Holy cow! I have never been much of a blues fan but Lee's Unleaded is incredible. The band was top notch and everyone in the joint was having a great time. Its a fairly small room so get there early to grab a seat as it fills up once the music starts. If you like live music give it a try and chances are very good you will have a blast. If you enjoy the blues, stop reading this and go now. Lee's Unleaded Blues is a true slice of Chicago. read more

This is the real deal. A welcome treat after disappointing tourist blues spots. Only reason 4-stars not given - no food! Down home music, down home location should = down home food! read more

Great to see these folks back in business. You can see great blues and soul bands right in their local hood on the S. Side-- like Killer Ray Allison, Eric Davis, Jimmy Pryor, Sherman Robertson plus all the south side's wonderful female singers. The South Siders are very hospitable to visitors; if you are riding in your car, don't hesitate ask them for ideas on safe parking places. read more

I have been to Chicago blues clubs on the North side, West Side, and downtown. I certainly enjoy hearing the live music and if you get a chance to frequent any of the Chicago blues clubs, please do; keep this music and these places alive. That said, our night out at Lee's Unleaded Blues was the most fun I've had at any of them. Sunday night brought Jimmy Pryor and the Double J Band to the Stage. They had the place grooving to some fantastic blues with some soul sprinkled in. The crowd was welcoming and friendly. They know their music and aren't shy about moving to it, and they let it be known when they're moved by it.There was a nice flow of guest artist to the stage and so many of them were so, so good. A special shout to Delores Scott, a great performer and as great a lady as you could hope to meet. This was my first trip to Lee's Unleaded Blues, but it definitely won't be my last. read more

Saw the February 4th 2012 show with many guest stars; loved the viloin player; played well with the band and those who sat in, but I never caught her name; anyone know who she is? She was very talented and would love to see her perform again. read more

FYI Lees Unleaded Blues is Back up and running. Friday Feb15, 2013 See ya there!!

Bummer, tried to book a birthday party, however, business is closed. Person spoken with had no idea when he would re open. This use to be such a wonderful spot when Sarge was here, he is truly missed. Now it's just a vacant building! Such a loss to the southside and Chicago as a whole. read more

I see that the reviews here for Lee's are all good, and this review will be no different. Great crowd. Killer Ray Allison and the Bottom Dollar Blues Band played, and are playing there tonight - so I'll be going back. The band started playing around 9:30 or so and never took a break. When we all left at 12:30 they were going as strong as they were 3 hours before, and with plenty of local talent coming up to sing a couple of songs. Great blues and some hilarious songs I've never heard before..."Booty and Barbecue" being one such soon-to-be classic - "My baby gives me booty...and barbecue!" . lol Everyone friendly and relaxed and only a $5 cover. KEEP IN MIND - this is the site of the old Queen Bee's Lounge of blues fame where all the greats played back in the day. Its part of Chicago's history, even with the name change. If you want to check out a down-and-(not so) dirty blues bar, pass up the north side places where the well-healed yuppies who think they know the blues go on weekends, and head down to South South Chicago Ave. You'll be glad you did. The only thing its missing is the heavy cigarette smoke hanging over everything, as it did in past years. (But that's a good thing, right?.) Tell Maurice that Chicago Dave says hello. read more

I love this place! I was lucky enough to once be there on a jam session night and everyone was great. I have been back several times and especially love to take out of towners for a real chicago experience. But this is a classy place, dress nice and order a real drink (no beers!) read more

If you're looking for a music bar that's more like a frat party, go downtown or to the North Side. But if you care about the blues, if you want to hear the blues, in an authentic setting with authentic musicians and authentic fans, this is the place. It's a great bar, and the staff and other patrons are really friendly. Sure, it's a bit of a hike if you're staying downtown, but just take a cab. Don't be intimidated by the South Side. It's so worth it. read more

This is a wonderful club! We went last night for the first time. Very welcoming to a diverse audience. The club is dominantly African American and we're not African American. People made us feel right at home which is what we usually get in these situations. Only people with hang ups about being in the minority would not feel ok here and that my friends is racism so get over it and come to this great place. Great smokin blues and good drinks. The band was really into the blues not the rock and roll version but the real blues. It feels like a party with friends. Only $5 cover. For those with concerns about the neighborhood you can park right across the street literally 20 feet from the door. If you want the authentic Chicago blues bar experience - this is it. read more

Great music. Good drinks. Friendly diverse crowd. On street parking. Best blues bar on the south side.