Blue Chicago

33

154

477

7 months ago

When in Chicago, visiting a Jazz Bar is a must do! This is my first one ever. $15 cover charge & cash 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. read more

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Judy R.

2

38

7

7 months ago

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

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Clara S.

606

1662

2337

10 months ago

A great fun iconic spot for live music in Chicago. Though it's $15 cover charge on a Wednesday night, the cheap drinks (cash only) and the show make it worth it! We had a nice spontaneous date night here. Definitely recommend to stop in sometime! read more

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Heather M.

562

191

860

2 years ago

Amazing! That's the word that comes to mind! This experience was definitely one to remember! The show was phenomenal, music was great and even the crowd interaction. This place was recommended by someone in the area and had nothing but great things to say! Blues Chicago is CASH ONLY! There is an ATM right at the main door for cover charge, needs at the bar and any merchandise. I truly enjoyed my experience here and will definitely be back during my next trip to the city! All I wanted was to listen to some great LIVE music and that is exactly what I got! Some amazing blues! read more

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Eunice C.

279

763

1198

2 years ago

Glad my partner and I were able to have a brief Saturday night out. This was an enjoyable evening with some of the Chicago residential artists. We were able to witness BTS Express and Shirley Johnson in action. Cash only - $20 at the door, drinks were a decent price. Service was great. At the hour we came, we snagged upfront and high seats, which made the experience that much more enjoyable. Nobody blocked our view. Totally recommend coming here if you're visiting out of town like us. read more

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Sarah S.

29

322

558

2 years ago

When I lived in Chicago, I loved to go to B.L.U.E.S. I was so disappointed to hear that it had closed, but wanted to take my wife to a blues club while we were in Chicago. I did some research and liked the vibe of this place. We looked at the calendar, did some more research, and decided to go on a night that Demetria Taylor was playing. Blue Chicago did not disappoint! I was surprised the initial crowd (for the first set) was pretty stoic and sitting still in their seats. Mike Wheeler and his band were so impressively talented! Luckily, as the night went on the vibe also improved. Demetria Taylor brought the house down and got the whole crowd involved - I'll definitely look out for any performances from her and/or Mike next time we're in the city! read more

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Mark C.

7

259

284

2 years ago

Absolutely one of the places to hear the Blues in Chicago. Great vibe with it not being that big...BUT great music!!! Get there early to get a seat but not a bad seat in the house. All cash but for $15 and a drink on a Wednesday night I had a great time. The music is what this place is all about. read more

Blue Chicago - Playing through the crowd - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Geetha R.

265

17

0

6 months ago

Great experience, go there early to get a great seat. Solo diners are sat at the bar which doesn't have the best view unless you get there early. read more

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K K.

2

72

88

9 months ago

Great small bar with a fantastic line of acts. Drinks are very reasonably priced. great atmosphere you won't be disappointed. they have live music every evening. read more

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Kim N.

0

9

7

1 year ago

The door guy was a total jerk. We had a question about the place being cash only and he spoke to us with no respect. $15 cover on a Sunday seemed odd. Avoid this place read more

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Anthony R.

115

12

7

1 year ago

High light of our trip. Music was absolutely amazing. We had such a great night. Thanks for such an incredible experience. read more

Blue Chicago - Band - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Stu F.

67

691

1053

2 years ago

Not my first time here. Always a fare pour. Great bartender! Great music! Best music venue in Chicago!

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Zadia H.

Elite 25

58

325

1101

2 years ago

Blue Chicago gets amazing talent! It's an intimate space - like most good blues and jazz clubs. On Saturday, I was charged a $20 cover at the door. I don't know if they have a minimum drink requirement - you just go to the bar when you want something. Drink prices are very reasonable. I check them out every time I'm in town. read more

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J. S.

0

74

29

3 years ago

I've been to Chicago many times My first time here and will not be my last Get there before they open, there will be a line! Cash only Cash to get in (for a full night of music) Cash bar, bottles and mixed drinks. Heavy pour big drinks. We sat at the bar the sound system was not so great but it's plenty loud and if you need to see the artists, I mean SEE them, get there early and get to the front The restrooms are large and clean but you have to walk through the crowd to get there so plan ahead:) It's by far the best blues I've heard in a long time Nice old school spot nothin fancy casual to super casual was ok,, There is a cash machine with a hefty charge. Come prepared read more

Blue Chicago - Just a hole in the wall!! - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Ken Y.

66

479

1240

5 years ago

If you're a Blues fan, or even if you're not, Blue Chicago is a great place to check out. My lady friend made the suggestion, as we wanted the ultimate Chicago experience which included a Saturday night on the town. We arrived about 30 minutes before the band came on. Cover is cash-only and since it's a tightly packed venue, they strictly follow COVID compliance by requiring full vaccination before entry. Cheap drinks, good seating, great band , very memorable Chicago experience! read more

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plee1970

0

2

0

1 year ago

We went to this place on a recommendation from the manager at Andy's Jazz club. This place is an absolute treasure! We saw the Mike Wheeler blues band here, and we were blown away!! They are a fantastic band that plays hard the whole night. Mike and his band were some of the most friendly guys you could ever meet. They came out on breaks and talked to us several times. The bar is on the smaller size which is perfect for an up close real Chicago blues experience. The only downside to this place was the drinks could have been a little better. The bartender was awesome though, the drinks came out super fast. We will definitely come back here our next visit to Chicago. read more

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Steve And Me D.

0

313

324

2 years ago

Total tourist trap now. Cash only. Bands are average at best. Too many other blues places to choose from. What a shame. This place has fallen so far. read more

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Sherry W.

0

11

1

2 years ago

My husband and I stayed in Hyatt Place River North in Chicago when we visited Chicago. AI suggested this place for live music. It's actually 5 min walking from where I stayed! Such a cozy, intimate setting with great artists performing. We really had a great time! Fee to enter is $20. We didn't order drinks since we had a drink earlier at dinner time. But the bar seemed to have a lot of choices. read more

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Madhavi B.

Elite 24

218

235

199

3 years ago

Great Blues bar in Chicago; Sheryl Youngblood and the band bring the house down! We got there before doors opened so we were able to get some seats in front. The venue is small and gets filled up quickly, so anticipate to stand if you're not coming early (although you'll mostly be out of your seats boogieing!). The whole venue is cash only and there is a cover charge ($12 weekdays, $15 Fri and Sat at the time of writing this review). The vibe is great, the band is great, and the Staff are great - what's not to love! This Blues club is authentic and one of the longest-running blues bars in Chicago - it's worth the checkout. read more

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Natalie J.

20

24

66

4 years ago

Decided to check out some live music after dinner ~10:30pm. Came across blue Chicago, and it did not disappoint. Cash only cover. Small space, they are strict on showing vaccination card and ID at the door. Talented artists and vocalists. A mix of local and tourists which makes for a great environment and music! read more

Blue Chicago - Outside sign - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Blue Chicago - Next to the stage - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Ashley T.

2

55

9

3 years ago

This place is exactly what I think of when I tell folks Chicago is one of the best cities. Cash bar, raw talent and immaculate vibes. No gimmicks, just amazing musicians singing the blues. Loved this spot! Would absolutely recommend. read more

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Stacy K.

384

245

314

5 years ago

Fantastic live music - get there early to grab a good seat! Cash cover, tasty drinks, and friendly bartenders too. What more could you ask for? read more

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Marcia C.

0

2

1

2 years ago

I love the blues, this place has an awesome vibe and the music never disappoints. Miss Shirley still rocks the house and the band is awesome read more

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Dannie C.

126

376

121

3 years ago

Cash Only-Dive Bar-Tourist Attraction-CHEAP HEAVY POURS...FANTASTIC TALENTED MUSICIANS! We snagged the last seats at the back of the room walking in the door about an hour after opening. Nonetheless, service at the bar was quick and easy...the music was plenty loud and watching the bouncer interact with customers as they packed this place was just as much of the experience as was the drunk tourists and people shaking loose after what must have been a rough week for everyone. The place was hopping and for one collective evening, we were carefree and having fun! Thank You Blue Chicago for being such a fun and enjoyable place! This is a must experience for anyone visiting Chicago! read more

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Mary S.

0

3

0

2 years ago

Terrible place! Do not go there. No where to stand but we were told we had to move. No where to move so we were told we had to leave. So unprofessional!! read more

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Tiffany K.

40

177

524

5 years ago

Blue Chicago is a guaranteed fun time. CASH ONLY $12 cover and drinks are around $6 which is pretty cheap for river north! It's a tourist spot but I think for good reason, the atmosphere is so welcoming, cozy, exciting, lively, and electric. The music and band were AMAZING, and my friends and I both danced and sat and enjoyed the tunes and drinks. Blue Chicago is a fun way to peek into the Chicago blues scene read more

Blue Chicago - The small platform where the performers play - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Denise F.

11

79

26

3 years ago

Fantastic blues bar. The music is very good and the drinks are legit and cheap. It gets busy so show up early or prepare to stand. read more

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L L.

35

949

4697

4 years ago

I've lived in Chicago for 15 years and this is my favorite club to hear live blues music in downtown. Whenever I have guests visiting from out of town, I will bring them here for a couple hours. The bands are always great and drinks are good for $7. I recommend their Tequila Sunrise cocktail. BRING CASH!! The cover charge is reasonable at $15 cash. Please note that they only accept CASH. No credit cards are accepted to buy drinks either. You must be 21 to enter. read more

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Angela P.

0

13

1

3 years ago

Paid a cover charge for entry and realised too late that the place was heaving and must have been way over capacity with nowhere to sit or stand. The 'inside' bouncer was aggressive and confrontational about not standing in certain areas which they wanted to keep clear so we had to muscle our way into the already packed standing area (luckily with other friendly guests who, unsurprisingly, had the same treatment from this bouncer) and we stood cheek to jowl to try and enjoy the live music. We did not stay long. This place looks like a music bar but inside it felt like a tourist trap. Had hoped for a fun musical evening but left feeling like a naive tourist and will definitely not be back. read more

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Jamie M.

0

3

0

2 years ago

Great food and good vibes from beginning to end clean and delicious food good place for entertainment

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Jon M.

0

1

0

3 years ago

Zero stars if I could. The staff is terrible and the music is the most boring blues in while chicago region. Avoid this place at all costs. Tourist trap. read more

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Michael B.

5

76

29

3 years ago

Chicago blues and nice cold beers make up for the surly staff. It's almost a part of the charm of this place. Come on in - sit down and enjoy but don't expect to be treated like they are glad to see you. I love it. read more

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Diana M.

101

218

24

4 years ago

My friend and I stopped in for a short while between dinner and later plans. Music was really good! Note that this place is cash only and requires proof of vaccination, so make sure you have that with you. read more

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Jeff H.

62

46

2

2 years ago

The music at this place was awesome. The musicians and the singing was truly about the Blues. The venue is small so I suggest getting there early and try to get seats near the stage. The bartenders were not very friendly but they got what was needed. read more

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Lauren H.

32

206

532

4 years ago

Love love love Blue Chicago! It's a hot spot for tourists but as a chicago native I'd never been. For my birthday weekend we were doing a staycation downtown. We had dinner at maggiano's and were walking past Blue Chicago thinking oh that music sounds good and decided to stop in. It was a Sunday night so not crowded. They require proof of vaccination for admission so be sure to bring your vaccine card or a photo of it on your phone. There is usually a door charge $10-20 depending on the night. The bar only takes cash but there's an atm inside and many in the area. The bartender makes the best drinks and the band is so good. You will not regret it. I danced the night away! read more

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Tee B.

45

27

15

3 years ago

Small intimate venue that is truly a Blues Club! Great music and not a bad seat in the house. Don't go hungry because they do not serve food. read more

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Aarti B.

2.7 mi•Lincoln Park, DePaul

962

1368

18335

7 years ago

Great spot for late night jazz until 2am. Last call is believe at 1:30am. The $10 cover charge is well worth it with no drink minimum. The quartet band is quite talented with drums, piano, and 2 on guitar. The female singer at the end of the show has a wonderful voice. Dive bar with good late night jazz! read more

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Jennifer W.

Elite 25

87

77

133

5 years ago

I am SO GLAD I found this bar when I was in Chicago! I got to witness their first live show back after the pandemic. The vibes are divey, drinks are cheap and strong ($5-6), and the cover fee was only $12! Cash only FYI. The crowd was a good mix of locals and visitors. And the band was INCREDIBLE! Super fun to dance and jam to the music. This place will 100000% be on my list when I return to Chicago. It may not look like much from the outside but trust - you need to be here. read more

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Bepos1luv O.

5

270

204

3 years ago

Such a fun, vibrant musical environment. Multiple cultures coming together to vibe out on blues. The band was outstanding and fun, interacting with the crowd. This is a must stop through. Come early to find street parking. Cash only. Charge at door. read more

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Kay O.

0

29

0

2 years ago

Great music and great atmosphere definitely recommend. Very friendly vibe. Get there early for a great seat place is small. Also cash only

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More info about Blue Chicago

536 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60610
River North, Near North Side
Directions
(312) 661-0100
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.bluechicago.com/

Hours

What time does Blue Chicago open?

Blue Chicago opens at 8:00 PM on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Saturday.

What time does Blue Chicago close?

Blue Chicago is closed on Monday and Tuesday.Blue Chicago closes at 1:30 AM (Next day) on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.Blue Chicago closes at 2:30 AM (Next day) on Saturday.

Mon-Tue ClosedWed-Fri, Sun 8:00 PM - 1:30 AM (Next day)Sat 8:00 PM - 2:30 AM (Next day)

Payment methods

Does Blue Chicago take Bitcoin?

No, Blue Chicago does not take Bitcoin.

Does Blue Chicago take credit cards?

No, Blue Chicago does not take credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Blue Chicago have a happy hour?

No, Blue Chicago does not have a happy hour.

Does Blue Chicago serve alcohol?

Yes, Blue Chicago serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does Blue Chicago allow dogs?

No, Blue Chicago does not allow dogs.

Does Blue Chicago have TVs?

No, Blue Chicago does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Blue Chicago have bike parking?

Yes, Blue Chicago has bike parking.

Does Blue Chicago have outdoor seating?

No, Blue Chicago does not have outdoor seating options.

Does Blue Chicago have parking?

Yes, Blue Chicago has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Blue Chicago wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Blue Chicago is wheelchair accessible.

Does Blue Chicago allow outdoor smoking?

No, Blue Chicago does not allow outdoor smoking.

Does Blue Chicago have free WiFi?

No, Blue Chicago does not have free WiFi.

Blue Chicago Reviews in Other Languages

Review Highlights - Blue Chicago

“Laretha is the most fun and the best local entertainer I've seen in a while.”

Mentioned in 4 reviews

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4.4(235 reviews)

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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.

Enjoying drinks while waiting for the performance

Omar Sosa performing

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Sabertooth takes the stage on a Thursday night.

Old Fashioned.

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View of stage from my table

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Awesome wooden frame from the Capone days

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Before the stampede and a great view of the band. This didn't last long

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4.5 mi•Logan Square

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

Great intimate blues venue with street parking. A hidden gem, located on Armitage.....Think, dive…read morebar 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.

Exterior of Rosa's on Armitage

Rosa's Lounge. 3420 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL Old Chicago Live Jazz & Blues Lounge. Cool!

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Rosa's Lounge. 3420 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL Old Chicago Live Jazz & Blues Lounge. Cool!

Chicago Jazz Philharmonic

5.0(2 reviews)

0.7 mi•Near North Side

I attended the CJH's Miles Davis 100th Birthday concert at the Kehrein Center. It was great, and…read morethe hall was packed. The combo consists of really outstanding musicians, several very well-known as solo acts.

Great philharmonic to hear while in the Windy City. True musical talent and wonderful jazz pieces…read morethe musicians played.

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Three Dots and A Dash

4.1(4.2k reviews)

0.1 mi•Near North Side

•$$$

1 word. Phenomenal…read more Wow. I loved this place. Their fries are fantastic. They had a nice seasoning to them. The drink was great. Next time I need to try the sharable drinks.

amazing tiki themed bar located in an alley!! for big groups…read morei recommend reserving a table in advance because it gets super packed! our group of 5 people were seated promptly after ID check & checking in with the host. you get teleported to 2 flights down stairs into a cool, dimly lit tiki bar. FOOD: -firecracker popcorn chicken: great snack to munch on & it came with a sweet tangy sauce. -golden waffle fries: my favorite snack we got for the night to munch on - it came with 3 sauces & a bigger portion than expected!! this with the popcorn chicken was the perfect amount of food for our group of 5 for light snacking with our cocktails COCKTAILS: -mystic lamp: i got the mystic lamp & it was really tasty! despite being 2 skull signs on the menu (which indicates how strong the alcohol is) - i didn't feel like the liquor taste was strong at all. -black magic: this one was 2 skull signs for alcohol strength too & i tasted the liquor WAYY more than mystic lamp. -strawberry junglebird: interestingly enough, this was the least strong according to the menu but the rum taste definitely lingered after.