If the soup nazi owned a blues bar in Chicago. Music is ok but come here to get fleeced. It will cost you $40 just to get in the door if you bring a friend. Aside from the cover for the band (which is fine and I get that's how bands make money) they fail to mention the 2 drink minimum before you shell out your cover charge. The band that played when we went continuously bragged about authentically blues they were while trashing the Hard Rock Cafe and other big box blues bars. Granted, any place is more authentic than the Hard Rock but if claim how you've been doing this for 30 years, you'd think that you'd be above something so petty or inconsequential. Chances are if you need to brag about how authentic you are, you're probably not. The wait staff was not friendly and the door man was unnecessarily rude. You were constantly told where you could be in the bar and what you could do. You are constantly told to tip everyone regardless of quality of service. I've heard Buddy Guy and Legends are both good bars so maybe try anywhere else before you come here. read more

You really just can't go wrong here. You get the dive bar vibe with outstanding music. This is a must visit for any trip to Chicago. Super chill vibe & great service. I will go back when I visit again. read more

Had a fabulous night there! Drinks are cheap and all cash. The music and vibe was perfect. If you are in the area you should go!

Went here on a Wed night for a few beers and some blues. Band was great and loved the old club/bar ambience. Cash only. Cover charge and reasonably priced drinks. Convenient to downtown hotels in north side of the loop. read more

Hands down my favorite jazz place in Chicago. The music is great, nice sized place, cozy feeling. The bartenders hooked it up. But.. the mike wheeler band, just wow, brought so much soul to the stage. You can tell he is passionate about his music. 10/10 experience. read more

Blue Chicago - Bar area, live music, best blues - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We found our table a little after 8 pm when they opened and the people started pouring in shortly after. We had some of the best seats in the house with a reasonable cover charge, drinks with very reasonable prices, and a great band- BTS EXPRESS W/ LARETHA WEATHERSBY. Great night! Great venue. If you want to experience real blues and a good time. Chicago Blue is the place! read more

My wife and I were in there Windy City celebrating our anniversary. We had a great dinner and then we wanted to hit up some of the city night life and catch some good love music. We used Yelp and found a great LITTLE local spot called Blue Chicago. It was amazing! We arrived about 10 mins before they opened. Good thing we did too because a line began to form behind up pretty quickly. Doors opened and the place packed out in about 30 mins. It's a tiny little spot so you will want to get there early to get a great seat. There is a cover and a two drink minimum on the weekends. The cover was $12 but the live blues band was well worth it! The band playing this night was awesome and they rocked the house. The waitress was very nice and checked on us quite regularly. I would deff recommend this little Gem if your in town. read more

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

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It was a Saturday afternoon, and my friends and I were only in Chicago for the weekend. On our way to lunch, we happened upon Blue Chicago and thought it would be nice to capture the flavor of the city by going to a blues club that night. The place seemed like a small hole-in-the-wall, so we thought this might offer some good music. After doing the touristy thing for the rest of the day, we had dinner and headed over to Blue Chicago on Clark. Doors opened at 8 pm. For a $10 cover charge on a Saturday, we were told we could stay at this location or we could gain entrance at their sister location. The place was indeed small, particularly for the patrons on a Saturday night. There is a narrow bar area that opens up to the stage in the back of the bar with a few more tables and seats. Since we got there close to 10 pm, the place was already pretty packed, so we were relegated to standing and trying to stay out of the way of the waitresses. I was not thrilled with the facility, but really enjoyed the music. The Charlie Love Blues Band w/ Patricia Scott played and were great. Although I'm a blues newbie, the band definitely made up for the lack of venue by putting on a great performance. I left feeling like I had just soaked up some of Chicago's essence, leaving just a bit more cultured and wiser. If you do not mind a hole-in-the-wall club and want some good blues music, then definitely check out Blue Chicago. read more

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

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1/28 visit was a horrible experience! People decide to come enjoy the music NOT take abusive and aggressive behavior from your untrained doorman (who took the ownership of claiming to be the owner). The doorman was rude, disrespectful and simply out of line with his aggression towards women who were at the door contemplating to go inside. The bar was pretty full and we're rightly so concerned about Omiricorn/covid. While trying to make a decision, not bothering a single soul, the doorman asked us to leave, to which I stated we're trying to make a decision. Loudly he repeated the same MSG, to which I reminded him about the 16/18 degrees weather outside and ask him to be reasonable. Note- the band was on break throughout our interaction and no one was waiting in line to get in, so not sure what his logic was not to have us by the door. The Doorman got to our face asking us we need to leave NOW. I specifically asked NOT to touch me as he touched my purse standing close up & personal. I mentioned my concern of covid and NOT to be up on our face. He continued with his aggression & loud dramatic scene to kick us out. I understand, doormen tend to deal with intoxicated/unreasonable folks most of the time, but NOT everyone is drunk and violates a rule of Blue Chicago to have been targeted by your doorman! Unnecessary aggression on women trying to make a decision and feel safe to be there during the pandemic! Also, identifying himself as the owner when I asked to see a manager was inappropriate & unacceptable. As an established business, you should have a qualified manager available to deescalate issues, not have unqualified person at the door checking ID's continue to escalate the issue. The doorman treatment of women doesn't belong your business and no room in our world! Every tourist, especially women must be treated with respect! Blue Chicago doesn't deserve to be the go to location/rating in Chicago, especially for tourist with lack of fundamental customer service at your door! What/how will this be addressed by Blue Chicago, so women can be treated with respect showing up at your place independently! For old timers and tourists, help me amplify my MSG so by is mess like Blue Chicago will be a safe place for women to enjoy! read more

If you love blues, you must visit Blue Chicago! We spent an evening there while visiting Chicago, and it was one of the best experiences of our trip! Amazing performance! read more

A dive bar with great music, and a bartender that knows what they are doing and can handle a crowd - sign me up. We were lucky enough to get two seats at the end of the bar, and enjoyed a night of great music for $10/ea, and a couple of cheap drinks. I would definitely go back and suggest it to anyone staying in Chicago as a not miss location. read more

Nice place to drink and lIsten a live blues music (I think that's why name is Blue Chicago) but here is NO FOOD so come up not hangry :) read more

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I came into Chicago to run away from sunny California weather. Yes I wanted to feel cold weather. I'm a singer so I wanted to listen to some live music. As we braved the ice cold wind at around 10pm at night we heard music coming from this place. We walked in to a crowded pack place rightfully so and our ears heard the BEST Blues music. No words can describe the music you lll hear from the Grammy guitar artist born in Mississippi and was 89 years old singing and moving like he was a young buck to the harmonica player that just killed every song, this place is a must see when in CHICAGO. I'll be back again and this place is one of the reasons why. You can't make live music like this anymore and this place was truly magical. read more

Just stopped in hoping to hear some nice music; the band was great. BT Express played the kind of blues that make your heart think; it felt so good to my soul. I'll be back here the next time I'm in Chicago for sure. Double Plus-it's downtown; able to find parking; crowd was nice but wasn't too crowded and only $12 entry. read more

Came to check out the blues experience in Chicago. Was not disappointed. Dive bar feel, great live set by a local band.

My boyfriend and I were in Chicago for my birthday & after dinner decided we weren't ready to head back to the hotel. It was a Friday night, after all! We looked up Blues Cafes that were in the area & were pleasantly surprised. We stayed the entire night. The Mike Wheeler Band and Ms. Laretha were INCREDIBLE. It is a cash only place! They also sell beautiful posters which we have framed & hung up in our home. Definitely one of the highlights of our trip! read more

The music is great. The clientele leaves much to be desired. It's a lot of European tourists, businessmen, and just a wealth of guys in blue & white striped dress shirts with navy blue blazers on top. Seriously. The number of guys who were wearing that EXACT same uniform was astounding. And they all seemed like they felt cool to be slumming it at a blues club, even though it's in the middle of the city off the Magnificent Mile. Really weird. But,... the music was great. read more

Nellie's Tiger's and Travis Oh My! NTT was the headliner tonight and what a show! She's amazing. This bar is no frills, no food, no fricken excuse not to check out. Drink Dance Debut. F A N T A S T I C read more

Great place! Great music, fun, entertaining and friendly band. We went there on a Tues. and there were plenty of seats when it opened. It filled up in about an hour. There's not a bad seat in the house. The waitress was friendly and attentive. There was a 2 drink minimum but drinks were not expensive. The best part - this place is honest! My husband bought a tee shirt there and after a couple wearings he got a hole in the arm pit. I suggested he return it and ask for a replacement. Lo and behold with in 2 weeks we got a package with 2 tee shirts and a nice note from Nik, the bar manager. We will definitely go back when we are in Chicago! read more

One of the most enjoyable evenings of my life, enthusiastic crowd, great music, such a good time! read more

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My favorite blues bar when I'm in Chicago.. always a cover tho and it's cash only but every time I come the band is amazing!

This place is a great feel of old Chicago! Checked this place out to listen to some jazzy blues during a trip to Chicago. It was small, cramped, and loud...just like it should be! It was a packed house and the band was good, but the singer was the best. When you can feel their soul through their singing, then you know you're in the right place. read more

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

I wasn't expecting to but I completely fell in love with this place! I had scoped it out on Yelp and we were staying right across the street at the Aloft and it was recommended by the staff there. My girlfriend and I were looking for something different to do and thought why not. Let me tell you, we had so much fun! We got great seats by the stage (the venue is pretty small so it's not like there are bad seats) and settled in for some great music. The Mike Wheeler band was playing and they were great. By the third song the place was jam packed. If you are coming on the weekend get there by 8:30 if you want a seat! Here you won't find fancy drinks or glamorous people wanting to be seen. What you will find are 2 of the most chill wait staff, worn out looking tables and bar stools and some of the most phenomenal raw blues music in the city. I will come back here every time I'm in Chicago! read more

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Drinks were good and the music was better. Bartender was funny and attentive. What's not to like?

Absolutely fantastic divey blues bar that really made my Chicago experience memorable. $10 cover charge, cheap drinks and raw, unadulterated blues music. I'd imagine you'd be hard pressed to find other bars with more character and soul but I have no doubt the city is full of those. All types of people were here on the Sunday night, from mid-20s couples to older groups going at it, everyone was enjoying the company and music. Definitely recommend to locals and out-of-towners alike read more

Been to sooooooooo many bars/lounges, I have never thought I would hate a bar so much!! Honestly, the band is great!!! But the staffs are absolutely horrible! Considering $12 cover and several premier drinks, I would have a great time in Chi-town... Unfortunately it was totally the opposite! First, a bouncer came up and kept telling us where to stand and where not to when it was already far from the bar and stage in a small facility; second the waitress came up to us and acting like we were not supposed to sit when there were vacant seats?!! What's happening?! Unbelievable!!!! Seriously... We travel the world and I have never been to a place like that!! Good band... Just too sad!!! read more

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Baby has the blues! Ever been so moved by music you felt the unmistakable yet wholly unexpected tickle of a single tear run down your cheek? It's only happened to me twice before (see reviews for Mayne Stage and The Riviera) and it happened last night. Hurts so good! Then it happened again an hour later, though this time it came from a different place - deep belly laughs ensued as our friend, Boston CM Damien S, rocked the stage as guest frontman extraordinaire. Shit-eatin' grin? Please add Damien S' photo to the Wiktionary. Know that the cover will run you $8 to $10 to hear the melodic prowess of venerable local blues legends. Drinks aren't cheap, but you'll be able to file your Blue Chicago experience under 'unforgettable'. And that's priceless, right? Blues or jazz, old or young, tourist or resident, music maker or music taker - Blue Chicago is for you and me. read more

$10 cover. Bouncer was far from the door hitting on a chick, couldn't tell he was a bouncer until he grabbed my arm and pulled me back as I walked past. Even then he didn't tell me what he wanted. It was strange. Once we got past that we had a great time. Drinks were strong and cheap. Music was great. By far the best blues bar out of the 3 we went to in Chicago. We went on a Tuesday night and it was packed. Small place. Get there early if you want a seat. read more

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

Stopped by while in town for a conference- amazing live music! Bring cash for the bar!

Yesssss so good $12 cover Two drink minimum $6 drinks Diverse crowd Great musicians and vibe Fabulous from start to finish! read more

Tourists have a tendency to skip this place, and its their major loss. Blue Chicago is surrounded by trendy bars, and the majority of the people in this area are headed to lame-ass places like Moe's Cantina and Rokit Bar. Whatevs - They can keep it. More space for me to pull up a chair at Blue Chicago. I love blues music. Not Jazz. Not R&B. But the Blues.... and that's exactly what Blue Chicago is cooking up every night. I've been several times, and been able to see a variety of acts. Great singers, guitar players, and brass sections can always be found. The only downer with the place is the size. You'll have a speaker blowing out your eardrum if you are too close to the stage. Waitresses do come around for drink orders which makes it easier if its crowded, but come early and get a bar stool. You'll see some the best that come to Sweet Home Chicago read more

When I was in Chicago for a 5 day holiday with my wife we went to three different jazz/blues bars but this place was by far the best for intimacy and enjoyment. Don't expect much in terms of the place itself - it's a bit dated & run down but once the music starts you don't care about the surroundings you just get transported into the blues......a great blues night out venue read more

Fun bar. Music was just ok. Bartender was a little condescending. Honestly not worth the $10.00 cover. There are better jazz bars to be had. read more

Blue Chicago - Fun ODP HC.... - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

What a great time here! This is dive bar type of venue that specializes in Blues music and was put on the map for featuring female blues singers, so cheers to this venue just for that! It isn't that big here, so I wouldn't roll in with a large group, but they definitely try and squeeze in as many people as they can, even with still maintaining a small dance floor toward the front of the room--which definitely gets going even late on a Sunday night when we were there! Clearly a work night/school night doesn't matter for this venue! Drink prices aren't that cheap though and it is a $10 cover usually too, but it is a fun, lively spot, and a good place in the area to see some decent music, some covers sometimes, and if you are lucky, you will see the guitarist go on a super long led zepplin cover where his wireless guitar still functions outside of the bar when he leaves the bar while playing and then comes back ha ha So funny to see in person! This is also a place that clearly has its regulars too which I really like. Some live music venues just sell out but you can tell that people who live around there keep coming back for a reason, and it is those people with their almost secret like handshakes they do once they get inside that make me realize this place is pretty clutch. read more

Tuesday night band, late, like 11:30. Band took a 40 min break. Music was a B- at best. I've heard better blues in a coffee shop in Oklahoma. That's a fact. Most of the music was actually Soul, not Blues...which is fine, but don't front a Soul band in a "Blues" bar. Downside is there ain't much else but Blue Chicago in the touristy part of Chicago (Mag Mile). Chicago may be the home of the blues but the patent has expired. Here's an idea: bring in talent from outside Chicago. Talked to the bartender and they will NOT do this. Sad. Where's the incentive to be awesome if you know you know you have the gig every Tuesday no matter what? Better off leaving early and going to Halsted. read more

A truly memorable evening, met lots of lovely strangers (including off duty Chicago cops). Brilliant music too. Linsey Alexander entertained with charming wit "I wrote this when I was stoned..." and played solid Chicago Blues. Laretha Weathersby accompanied him (when he let her) and she had a great voice. If you are new to Chicago, this is a great initiation for you (we were in from Australia) but there were lots of locals enjoying it too. read more

Excellent divert live blues bar with cheap drinks, small venue, perfect spot for a weeknight or weekend meetup! Lots of wood, interesting folks of all ages and places, wonderful live music. On a Monday it was $10 cover per person and beers are $5. A really wonderful experience! Highly recommended for a low key divey night. read more

$10 cover on a Saturday night. Easily worth the price. FANTASTIC Blues band with originals and covers. It can get a little packed as the place isn't too big, leaving little room to dance, but I would make this a place to stop by after a night of food and drinks. read more

This is a small, intimate club that attracts as many tourists as locals (because of its location). But that doesn't mean it's not a fantastic place to hear authentic Chicago blues. If you want to see, as well as hear, the show... get there no later than 8:30. By 9:00, it's standing room only. The singers are almost always women, and the band last weekend really rocked the place. I think the cover depends on the singer, we paid $12. There was no drink minimum. I ordered a glass of white wine (there was only one choice), and it tasted like vinegar. The server replaced it with another glass, but it was just as bad. Cheap wine and great music don't mix. So what would have been a five star rating is only a four. read more

Turned out to be more touristy than I thought but it was fun. We were charged $8 cover for a fairly small but filled venue. The entertainment was legit and the beer was cheap. Entering at first it may seem completely packed but if you work your way towards the front you'll find that there's a 6-7ft buffer between the crowd and stage that you can nestle into. Tip: Bring a pen and add to the restroom graffiti! read more