When in Chicago, visiting a Jazz Bar is a must do! This is my first one ever. $15 cover charge &…read morecash only! I wasn't sure what I was expecting, and don't really have others to compare to but it was a nice experience! Vibes were good and drinks were decently priced. Would visit again if I am back in Chicago.

Amazing place to enjoy jazz/ blues. Be aware it is cash…read moreonly!! Purchased an album of Shirley Johnson. It's a unique place.

I went to this venue for an intimate concert and it was a great experience. The venue is well…read moremaintained, had good service, a clean bathroom, great sound system and a good selection of no alcoholic drinks.

This was my first time at this concert venue. I loved how small and intimate it is. Surprisingly,…read morewe were not packed liked sardines inside though it is a small venue. I will definitely be back :)

Fantastic venue in an old, vintage building. Loved the coffered ceilings and the intimate setting…read more We saw a string quartet play tribute to Metallica and even the balcony seats were great. Bathrooms are all genders with multiple stalls, so pee with all your friends. There are no urinals in that bathroom. Just private stalls They have a bar. Heavy pours. Need I say more?

Went to Thalia Hall for the first time for wave to earth's lollapalooza after show and had an…read moreamazing experience! This is a small, intimate avenue in Chicago that hosts concerts, opera, and plays. There really isn't a bad seat in the venue! We were able to snag one of the larger opera boxes, which I highly recommend, especially if you're going with friends. Ours was on the left side and perfectly angled toward the stage, so we were incredibly close. The box seats up to six people and they even provide water for you, which was a nice touch. The venue also has a bar area and a balcony. For this show, the balcony was general admission. There are four large balcony boxes and two smaller two-person boxes, which would be super cute for a date or going with a friend. The staff were extremely friendly, and parking was surprisingly easy! We found street parking within about five minutes. They do serve food and drinks, though we didn't get any this time. Overall, the show was intimate, fun, and such a great experience. If I come back for another concert at Thalia Hall, I'll definitely try to get an opera box again.

I loved Empty Bottle! It's a small venue, but there was still plenty of room. I enjoyed my cucumber…read moreCollins from the bar, and loved my mushroom miso pizza. It was $13 to get in. Shows start at 9pm and doors open at 8pm. A perfect spot to see live music

We stopped in around 5 for happy hour. The $8 deal counts for a 16oz lager, a well shot and a piece…read moreof pizza demo pizza friendly pizza next door. I got the pepperoni basil slice and my friend got the potato pesto slice. Both were less than mediocre. They weren't fresh; cheese was congealed. The potato itself wasn't cooked enough, the crust was partly oily and soggy. I guess for the cheap price of cheap ingredients it's ok, but I do not recommend. Also, live music isn't supposed to start until 9pm, but the band loudly and consistently starts practicing at 630-7pm and it's so damn loud you can't have a conversation. The band tonight was also just horrible. Not toned and had a lot of very loud squeaky sounds. We didn't stay long after the noise started, but can't imagine it got too much better.

This place has a magical feel IF you're into jazz. If you aren't a jazz lover, you just may become…read moreone here. Well, I love jazz and it's a great place to be. I came here for the first time knowing my grandparents started coming here in the 50's for date night jazz. This place was founded in 1947 and you can see they've preserved this place to keep that same feel with all the greats from the past... Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, George Benson, Lonnie Liston Smith, Hugh Masekela, Dexter Gordon, etc. (those are my favorites!). I saw the Kyle Swan Quartet. They were absolutely amazing. You see young and seasoned musicians that are so talented. I usually go to Birdland in NYC but this place, Jazz Showcase, is better to me because it feels more welcoming and like home here versus a production at a theater. We interact with the artists here-- well, they interact with us and make us feel like we are at home and like we are supposed to be there with them, not a performance transaction. $25+ for a show and booking online was a breeze. It's comfortable here, chairs are good and there's sofas in reserved areas but the whole seating area has a great view of the stage no matter where you're sitting. The staff seems gracious and kind of everyone who visits and genuinely wants you to have a great time. They see very selective in their talent that performs here... but why wouldn't they when they've been here for so long and had the best artists perform here?! I came the night that The only downside that may be for some people is they don't have food... only drinks. Me personally, I ate before and don't come for food, I come for the jazz... but they've got beer, cocktails, and other spirits. Macallan and Laphroaig for those who need a good whiskey. Come here if you're ready to relax and listen to great jazz with artists who know their craft. I'm coming back with friends... or even alone. Yeah, it's cool like that. ***Side note: the GPS may take you to the Main Street and you may not see the sign right away and actually have to turn the corner on Plymouth and walk down that side street to get to the end of the block (where the dead end/no outlet is).

Great time! The performance was really good and the venue was huge! Random comfortable seats in the…read moreform of chairs, sofas, couches, and loveseats. A little on the expensive side for a one hour show! Shocked that a complementary drink was not included in the fee.

Outstanding experience. Great vibe of the staff and fellow patrons. I saw Mike Cooley of Drive By…read moreTruckers here-sound was perfect. Easy parking out front. Nice mix of beers and cheap beer if you are not picky (I went with the more expensive craft beers but they had PBR for a couple bucks). Can't wait to return!

The concept of the Hideout is pretty simple - a bar in front and a small venue in the back. This…read morewas the first time we'd been there, and went to see a band a family member is in. The bar is good. It's dark and they have lots of different beers on special. Not being a beer drinker, I had a bourbon. The price was pretty good. Their selection isn't huge, but it isn't a very large bar either. The venue is small and lined with curtains for sound baffling. There is a stage at the end of the room, about eight tables - four on each wall. The rest is open space to stand and watch the acts. Being small, the acoustics could be a little better. Of course, the bands are loud and mixing the sound in a small space is difficult. I think the sound person did a great job to compensate, though. It was fun and I'm sure we'll be back to see more live music.

Came this past Friday for the Eric Roberson concert and I had a great time. Nice and spacious;…read morestanding room only, but they have an upstairs area with seating. The bar staff is great and fast. Had a couple of Effen Vodka and cranberry drinks, which crept up on me (made for a nice walk home). I see myself coming here for more shows I will return to the Double Door in May for the Tortured Soul show. Looking forward to it!

This place has a certain energy because of its size: smaller than the Metro, bigger than the Empty…read moreBottle. I've seen so many shows here at a reasonable price: Billy Bragg, Sparklehorse, Lemonheads. And so many local bands I couldn't name them all. Beers are a bit expensive, but cover charge is reasonable for what you get. If you're going to see a local band, go to their website and they'll most certainly have discount tix available. Sound is good almost anywhere in the House. Go upstairs and try to get on the couch that's facing the stage for a more private viewing experience (with small speakers too!). Or head to the newly remodeled downstairs for pool, low lighting, a private booth, extra bathrooms, and a chill vibe!

Kingston Mines is a legendary blues club in Chicago. In my 9 years living in that city I'd estimate…read moreI went there no less than 40 times. It's just that good! In a city with hundreds of options for nightlife and entertainment, people just want to be repeat customers there. The talent is awesome. Mike Wheeler Band is definitely at the top, Mike slays on the slide guitar -- check him out! You meet fun people there, they draw a good crowd of quality individuals. Can't wait come back next time I'm in Chicago again!

Great place for some Booze and Blues. We went on a Saturday night and of course it was busy. The…read morebig room with the band wasn't bad. Lots of people standing around and on tables. There are servers but if you're deep inside their long tables, you're pretty much on your own for drinks. They serve your typical bottled beers and standard bar fare. There is a restaurant which is technically not Kingston mines but you can order online and pick up from the back and get the food and eat it at your table. There's another room with what seems to be the main act. It is long narrow has a lot more tables and plenty of people that are standing as well. The music was great. It was very lively and there was a lot of people having a great time. It's a great place to catch some blues and a drink. There's a cover charge, but if the bands are good, then it's worth it.