Great intimate blues venue with street parking. A hidden gem, located on Armitage.....Think, dive bar with live music. The bartenders and hostess were very friendly. We were meeting some people and since seating was limited, tables had to be reserved. We were all seated together, close to the stage at a table reserved for us. The bar was sufficient but they may or may not have your specific drink. But there were definitely enough adjacent choices to satisfy. They accepted all forms of payment, except checks........There was a sign that actually said it..........I thought it was funny. No food but you can have food delivered. The Stephen Hull experience was the show we attended. The show was phenomenal. We were sitting close to the stage, so the music may be too loud for some. There were people wearing earplugs but personally, I was fine without them. It was Stephen Hull's birthday, so staying consistent with that theme, he celebrated. We left at intermission but they live streamed the entire set on YouTube....Great time....We're looking forward to returning soon. read more

Rosa's Lounge - The Stephen Hull Experience - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Rosa's is the GOAT of blues music in Chicago. There are so many phenomenal blues joints in that city, and I won't lie, I love each and every one of them. But Rosa's holds a special place in my heart. The vibe is just real. Authentic. People get up and dance with each other. Everyone there is a blues fan and wants to have a great time. I've met so many new friends here. I lived in Chicago for 9 years, and while I'm not there anymore, every single time I'm back visiting -- Rosa's is one of my go to stops I simply cannot miss. Love y'all! read more

Rosa's Lounge - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Awesome awesome awesome. First and foremost, we went here because we wanted to take our son to see blues in Chicago and many of the establishments are bars with strict rules against minors. Here you could sign a waiver. So if you're visiting the city and looking for Chicago Blues with a teenager, this is the spot. They have two shows typically a 9 and an 11. I recommend the earlier one. Get there early to get a good seat. The place is small and narrow. Staff is great, drinks are cheap, bathrooms are clean, crowd is friendly, and the Blues hits your bones. read more

See all

Super fun spot with live music. We caught their last show of the night and we were able to grab seats. People were vibing and dancing and everyone was having a great time. read more

Rosa's Lounge - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

We had a great time at Rosa's. Great venue for the blues. Brought a couple of slices of pizza and their beer was cold. Cocktails looked good, the band was great. read more

Rosa's is always amazing! The service is spot on, the music is phenomenal, and the ambiance is fun, entertaining and packed with people that are there to enjoy a great night of music with great drinks! Highly recommend!! read more

Small more intimate place. If you drive past real fast you'd miss it. Staff was really nice and the entertainment (Blues) was great. They had 2 restrooms so people were waiting in line at times. The had high tables and low ones so it is accommodating. I didn't eat, not sure if they had food but the drinks were good and reasonably priced. read more

Rosa's Lounge - The Blues Band - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

rosa's lounge, legendary nightclub is truly a relaxing safe environment to come enjoy a night out with the best legendary blues. We are thankful to Mr. Tony, the founder and owner due to his mama Rosa. read more

My wife and I decided to come to Rosa's Lounge this past October for my birthday. Any gift moving forward will be hard to top because we had a great time. Melvin Taylor & The Slack Band was on that night and absolutely killed it - I've been to too many concerts to count and it's easily the best show I've attended. We sat at the bar and drinks were great but the bartenders were beyond friendly so it was a great place to hunker down. I need to get back to Rosa's asap! read more

Rosa's Lounge - a car parked in front of a building - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

This was such a fun blues bar - the music was fantastic and even though I went in not knowing anything about the band going on or anything about blues music in general, I am SO glad that I did. There are no frills - the bar isn't the most glamorous or updated, but it doesn't need to be, because the music is fantastic and the bartenders are speedy and efficient so you can get back to enjoying the music. There is not food here, but you can bring your own food in according to the website, but I didn't see anyone do that. One tip: don't come here for fancy drinks that involve 15 steps to make. Keep your drink order simple - the bar can make complex drinks, but they're really set up to make simple drinks quickly so you can focus on the music. We arrived early after prepurchasing our tickets online and I'm glad we did - seats fill up quickly and if you arrive late, even if you purchased a seat, they can't guarantee you'll have a seat once the show. I can't wait to go back - this place was so fun for a date night but it would also be a fun night out with friends. read more

Now this is what aim talkin' about! Ol' fashion blues! This gritty but clean bar is awesome. Just oozes the vibe. Too many of these establishments have gone away over the years. Get out here and support your local blues bars! Tonight, 2 acts play. You can pay for guaranteed seating or just stand up and watch. Acts are reasonable too' 15 bucks or so per person. No food here... but a nicely stocked bar! The workers know the music too. I hear them talking about ol' bkues acts. The patrons remanences about old blues ghosts of the past sharing stories of different blues clubs we have all visited. It's worth the trek down to the city! If you are in Chicago and love live music (even if it isn't the blues!), check Rosa's out!! I guarantee they will captivate you with their melodic guitars and howling voices. read more

Rosa's Lounge - Awesome grotty blues bar! - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Went to see a blues band and enjoyed the experience. The atmosphere was positive and pleasant. Was a little cramped but didn't mind because the energy was so positive. Had a nice drink menu, unfortunately didn't serve food. read more

Had a great night with some friends to hear the live music. There was $25 cover the drinks were cheap. There's no assigned seating so if you're trying to hear music get there early to secure a nice spot. The place isn't that big so you could see hear and dance if you wanted to. It's a mixed crowd from young to old all ethnicities. They don't serve food but we door dashed some food in. Good times and a good night! read more

Rosa's Lounge - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

The quintessential Chicago blues club. Small, intimate, decent beer/booze list. Music=A+. Be warned- If you have reservations and are guaranteed a seat, get there early because your seat may be a folding chair in the back. That's really my only criticism. The "seating" disclaimer should be a bit more transparent. read more

Rosa's Lounge - Milk N Blues from Brazil. - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Great Blues! Nice cocktail selection. Intimate setting. Found out you should order tickets to weekend shows online as they sell-out!

I gotta say, I was skeptical. I didn't think this place was going to be as good as the reviews said - but it was. The pictures make it look a little more rundown, but it's nice she clean. The area is a safe part of town. Note: THEY DO NOT SERVE DINNER - but they appear to allow guests to bring/order food deliveries, which works all the same. Plus there's no shortage of restaurants in the area. The bartenders make very good drinks. As a drinker, my old fashion was perfect. My date and I were well greeted. When they found out it was our first time Jennifer was very hospitable. The advertised start time was 8:30p. The show started right around 9 pm. So not bad (for musician time. Lol!) The style is a rock, blues, jazz fusion, so it's for everyone. What I like is that they book the musical guest for the whole night AND they more than encourage dancing in the small space in front of the stage. And, boy do people dance! Haha! Whether you've been married for 20 years or on a first date (like I was), it's a good time. I will be back! TIP: Make sure you have your ID and proof of vaccination. read more

The blues is top notch and the service matches it. No better place to see authentic Chicago Blues. Lots of parking in the area as well. This is our regular blues spot for sure. read more

Great place to watch live music!! From Jennifer at the door to the bartenders and the servers this place is friendly and fun! We were there to see the Ivy Ford Band and had a great time. Rosa's has a high quality sound system and good seating. There really are no bad seats in this place! We'll definitely be back! read more

Beware READ THE FINE PRINT Paid for 2 "Guaranteed Seats" When we got there they told us you didn't get here by 9:00 so you have no seats. We were we could stand by the toilet. read more

Rosa's Lounge - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Chicago isn't my home state, but these are one of those bars that give you a home town feeling. My friend and I was recommended this location to experience a local R&B band. When we arrived we were required to have a vaccination verification, which is understandable, but be aware of that during the time of this post. The staff was very friendly and was able to answer all my questions. While we waited for the band to get on stage, we were trying were able to order some food to the bar - while this option is a great option for the bar to have, the price of the food was higher than usual as you have to factor in delivery to the bar. The band finally arrived and they were excellent, but we were slightly disappointed that it was actually a blues/rock band and we were expecting R&B. The overall experience was great checking out a local venue. Another note, is you need to make sure you get to the venue early - When we got up to get some drinks from the bar another group took our spot as they are not assigned. It is first come first served and make sure only one person get the drinks if you are in a group of 2 lol. read more

Rosa's Lounge - Night out :) - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I must say first the bartender was one of the best I have ever seen/met. He was so personable, friendly without losing contact with all the customers needs. I would employ him in a heartbeat. He made a good drink and seems to clean in his free moments. In fact, I stopped to meet Anthony, the owner, and his wife, primarily to share my compliment about him. It was their anniversary that night. IT was also the woman at the door's birthday. I think her name is Jennifer? The singer "Kitten" was awesome and WOW could she play guitar. My only issue was that it was about a 45 minute ride from downtown by car. As a tourist, it was not a great use of time. I would go back though, if I am there longer. By the way, there are 2 restaurants close by one is trendy, light and all the tables are close. We didn't stay, but they were very understanding. We went to a great alternative called Scofflaw, which I will review. In addition, I walked in the neighborhood and felt very safe, after some people advised me not to. Maybe just because I am a gray. read more

Rosa's Lounge - Rosa's Blues Club, Chicago - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Believe it or not, this was my first visit to Rosa's. But it won't be the last, that's for sure. Rosa's is the quintessential Chicago blues club. This type of club is what I picture when I think Chicago blues. The staff is super friendly, and the space is dark and cozy. The club is long and narrow, there's not a lot of tables from front to back, but to me, it's a perfect size. The club holds around 50 people, sitting and standing. The music sounds incredible, and you're close to the small stage, even if you're in the back. Your line of sight is pretty good, even in the very back of the club. You pay at the front door as you come, in, and the host will show you to an open table. On this Friday night, the place was full, and people were dancing on the dance floor and at their tables. The bar is full service with a couple of bartenders, and they will bring drinks to your table. The cocktails are excellent and robust. I believe the show starts at 9 pm and the band plays three or four sets. We arrived around 11-11:30 pm and the band was in mid-set. At the end of the set, they are sitting at the bar or walking around talking with everyone. John Primer & The Real Deal Blues Band was playing this night, and they were awesome! My understanding is this level of talent is here every night. And it's been my experience at similar Chicago blues clubs around the city. As we approached the end of the last set and closing time, the mood was still full-on party mood!! read more

Rosa's Lounge - John Primer & The Real Deal Blues Band (01/24/2020) - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Incredible local blues bar. The music will get into your BONES it's so good. Really friendly staff and just a great "Sweet home chicago" feel. I'll be back!! read more

Rosa's is a terrific club although not close to downtown, where we were staying as tourists. However, it was worth the ride. Small, intimate, with friendly and helpful staff. It was a slow night (a Thursday), so I suspect it would be really fun if it were a rockin' night. However, my husband and I had a great time listening to the band and just enjoying Chicago blues. Would love to go back when Melvin Taylor is playing! read more

Best blues club in Chicago, hands down. The acts are consistently excellent. I have never had anything less than a fabulous time here. You won't be disappointed! read more

I attended the second night of Rosa's reopening during the Covid crisis. Not only was it great to be back, but I believe they are handling everything the right way. They have reduced the number of tables in the space, reservations are required so attendance is limited, and it is obvious they clean and sanitize before, during, and after the shows. Masks are required, and I saw everyone comply. At no point during the evening was I concerned about my safety or whether or not others around me were following safety protocols. It's a slow start back to "normal," but it's a start! If you want to attend but are wondering if the club is operating safely, I believe, based on what I experienced, that it is. read more

AMAZING!!! If you LOVE jazz/blues music or small cozy hip/cute bars then THIS IS A MUST VISIT! The bar was decorated with a lot of funky artwork and I LOVED the fairy lights light pipe that was behind the bar! SO PRETTY! We went on a Friday night (purchased Guaranteed Seating tickets online with the 'claim your seat' hours between 8-9. REMEMBER TO PRINT YOUR TICKET!) when Vance Kelly and Backstreet Blues Band we're performing. WHERE DO I START? Vance is just HILARIOUS!!! And his voice and guitar playing are like out of this world!!!! The guy on the saxophone in the band was also amazing!!! What's so nice about these small bars is that the artists come down from the stage and are performing so close to you!!! LOVED THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE! We were just so lucky to catch Vance Kelly - as we were just in town for the weekend and this was our first time hearing of him. The drinks were decent - but the best part is definitely the show!!! OMG MY EARS!!! Anyhow I'd say it's definitely a great experience if you're in town and planning to be in the area! read more

Rosa's Lounge - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The staff, service, and music are great. It's a small venue. Even if it's a sold-out event, it's still comfortable and not overcrowded. The dance Floor is perfect. Bathrooms are single seats so it doesn't matter which one you go in. read more

Came here to hear a friend play. It is pretty divey but I guess iconic for up and coming blues artists. Service was super friendly and really made us feel welcome. Drink prices are really reasonable. The stage area is fairly small and not many tables up front. I think the sound is good throughout but don't count on being able to sit close to the action. The venue is pretty long and narrow so you may be a decent distance from the stage. read more

Loved being back in the city and listening to great live music! Highly recommend this place!

Loved this little place it got packed in there, the bar tenders were great and happy,all the customers there were all nice ..great atmosphere..will for sure go back. read more

See all

This place was everything I was looking for with a friendly staff, strong drinks, fast delivery, filling and tasty food. Not to forget great music. read more

Ventured here this past Thursday evening to enjoy some good Blues! This place did not disappoint at all! I loved the interior as they had pics and artwork of legendary artists and historic figures on the walls. They have a pretty cool bar here as well. Drinks were not very expensive, but I did run up a $60 tab (was joined by 4 other peeps!) Everyone who works here are very nice and welcoming. The music was great! I loved all the tunes the three man band played. The only thing that bothered me was that some dance group showed up and just took away from the music. At first they came in with salsa inspired dancing. I think at some point someone told them salsa and blues don't really mix. I don't think they show up all the time, at least I hope not Sitting there reminded me of that scene from "Adventures in Babysitting" when the guy kept telling people no one could leave without singing the blues. I was hoping that would happen, but it did not. I guess I watch too many movies! Recommend this place to anyone who loves listening to good Blues! read more

If Blues music is the granddaddy of American music- then Rosa's is the house that it lives in! This is Chicago blues- far away from the tourist traps that everyone knows and filled with people who just love the blues. I think I could have sat there forever. On the night I was there- Melvin Taylor was playing. Cover was $15 but since he always sells out and you don't want to miss out- go to Rosa's website and pay online for your tickets and your name will be waiting at the door. The seats are first come first served so while the band starts at 10- you'll want to get there earlier to snag a seat. Rosa's is small and simple and has been open for blues enthusiasts sine 1984. Push past the battered front door and you'll find yourself in a long room with the band at one end- the bar along the left and scattered tables and chairs throughout. Upfront there is a small dance area where people dance together or even alone lost in the music. Beers are cheap ($3) and Margaret, the bartender does a great job of keeping the cold ones coming no matter how packed the place gets. And Tony, the bouncer, keeps his eyes peeled to make sure that everyone is having a good, safe time. He even gave me a personal escort to my car at the end of the night - which was unexpected but appreciated. Street parking is plentiful or if you need a cab- Tony will call one for you. Loved the music, the people- a perfect night out. And all the way home, my foot was tapping out the beat of the music that had filled my senses just minutes before. read more

Roses lounge is THE home of Chicago blues! If you're looking for an authentic, off the beaten track blues experience in a city where "blues club" has often become synonymous with "tourist trap," Rosa's is somewhere you simply must go! It will restore your faith in the blues scene in Chicago. The interior is as dark, slightly grungy, and eclectic as you could hope. The stage is small and the space is intimate. Often times, you'll rub shoulders or brush elbows with the musicians at the bar. Speaking of the bar, the drink selection is simple but sufficient and relatively inexpensive. Whether you show up on a Monday night or a Saturday, Rosa's will give you a warm welcome and the music will not disappoint! You owe it to yourself to go check this place out! read more

Rosa's Lounge - Mind your manners! - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Wow, this venue is amazing! So much smaller than other Chi blues places that I've been, but far better. I was seated right up front and they have a blasting sound system. Melvin Taylor has been on my list for some time and I was blown away by his live performance. Amazing guitar play and I liked that he mixed up his own tunes along with some great covers. Wish I could have lasted til 3am! read more

Best blues I have ever had. A unforgettable night. The food nearby is nice to explore. It worth a try!

Good music and the drinks aren't over priced. They always have great entertainment. The young lady who works the door is especially nice and the Owner Tony makes you feel welcome. Great place to listen to good music and vibe. read more

Rosa's is the best place in the Chicago to listen great blues! The venues is great the bartenders are on point! No food!! Only good drinks and great blues! There is a fee to enter.... but is well worth it! People from all over the world have been here to listen great Chicago blues. Make sure you tip the staff and musicians Because they will make sure you have a great time! read more

Rosa's Lounge - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We went to Rosa's on a Wednesday night. Free tickets for an amazing show. The talent was insane. Not only that, but the bartender went above and beyond for our three person group. I was so happy to see covid rules enforced. They truly want to keep this amazing place open and limit the spread. I will definitely be recommending Rosa's to everyone I know. They are doing an amazing job! read more