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    Buddy Guy's Legends

    3.8 (710 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 2 months ago

    Buddy Guy's Legends Photos

    Business Info

    BUDDY GUY'S LEGENDS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Live music
    Casual
    Good for groups

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    Tequila Sour and Lemon Drop
    Gracela B.

    This was around the corner from Blackstone Hotel, Marriott Autograph Collection. They have good food so you can arrive before 7:30 and have dinner and enjoy live music. But for the main entertainer/event you have to pay for cover charge which is about $25 pp and so reasonable considering it starts at 8 and ended at 11 pm. We had dinner there and enjoyed Louisiana food. During break around 9 pm Buddy Guy, the living legend (pleasant surprise) sang the blues for about 30 minutes. The legend is 89 and he is so sharp, funny, and solid entertainer! Chicago is known for its jazz and blues and Buddy Guy is a must see/visit when in Chicago!

    Jordan W.

    This place is AMAZING! Had dinner and drinks at Buddy Guy's last night with a couple of co-workers. Arrived about 8p and caught the end of the free show. Paid the $15 cover and got to see Jimmy Burns and his band play for about an hour before the REAL SHOW started. Jimmy and his boys were great but Buddy Guy was in the house and they brought him up. Jammed for about 30min with Jimmy and his boys. What an amazing experience. Live music is always great but to see the legend live, just a great moment in life. Food was decent as the drinks were good. Service was great. Can't really even fully explain the experience but if you love live music (blues and rock in general) you should definitely stop into Buddy Guy's Legends!

    Robert M.

    An amazing time and a must do if you can see the legend before he retires. Good drinks, good music, and even better people. Service at this spot was top notch and the musicians were from all over the world and jammed together. Amazing time.

    Dinner and the Blues
    Kara L.

    While on a work trip to Chicago, I had the chance to pop into Buddy Guy's. Since it was barely 5pm, there wasn't much of a crowd yet, but I thoroughly enjoyed the ambiance, the music, and the food. The workers were all very friendly. I will definitely make time to stop by again the next time I'm in the city.

    mary b.

    Had a great time listening to had a few drinks the people were fun. If you want yo listen to some good jazz you definitely should visit this place. They have great memorable on the walls a guitar signed by Tom Petty ,gloves signed by Mohammed Ali to pictures with him with the President. If nothing else it's definitely a place to stop to gab a drink and look at what they have displayed. But the band was awesome

    A view from our great seats toward the east, around 7pm Sunday (Aug 2025) during the opener's 5pm set, before the headliner at 9pm.
    Rich S.

    Amazing music and great food and drinks in a great little club, and a surprise set by Buddy Guy himself! Suddenly on a Sunday evening (Aug 2025) we were free to go clubbing! So we walked comfortably to our favorite music joint south of The Loop, Buddy Guy's Legends blues club, on S. Wabash at E. Balbo for 15 years, after 11-years one-block away. It's two blocks from The Harrison Red-Line station, and between the State and Wabash bus lines. It's an intimate-feeling space with two 15-seat bars in the corners, the stage in-between, probably 100 seats at four-seat tables spread in front of the stage, and maybe a dozen VIP double tables and single seats along the wall. We arrived around 7pm and got a great table just right of center stage. Our server approached right away, and quickly brought us bright homemade-tasting lemonade, and a strong cold Baton Rouge Manhattan of Woodinville port and Angostura bitters, with cherries and of course a sweet vermouth. Lovely. I had to have their catfish dinner and a variety of sides. The plate looks simple, fried fish and crispy piping hot fries. The large serving has two huge fish filets, and they were fresh-tasting and hot and crispy and perfectly juicy and tender. People had told me Buddy Guy's Legends is known their good cooking, and this was really "dinner-quality", not "fish-shack" (which I would have liked just fine :-). We filled out a light meal with "New Orleans" sides: perfect tender flavorful savory collards, excellent southern-style cornbread, and a bowl of satisfying black-beans-and-rice. We're fans of that southern cornbread, which not-very-sweet and not-dry but not-cakelike. This hit the mark, and you might not say wow about cornbread, but you ought to say yum. I think they offered red-beans too, but we were just in the mood for black-beans. Based especially on the excellent catfish and collards and cornbread, i highly recommend this kitchen! Our early arrival gave us a good selection of seating, which was totally filled up by the time the headline band came on. We enjoyed the jazz, r&b, and a little funk of the early-evening saxophone-led four-some, G Funk. They played some soulful tunes and some lively ones, some old standards and some popular. The house kept the lights up during their set, so it had a bright fun feeling. A little after 9pm, they turned down the lights, and the dynamic emcee introduced the headliner, Chris O'leary, leading a hard-driving and soulful 4-piece blues band with his harmonica. They immersed us in Chicago-style blues, and the room was theirs. We danced often on the center-floor which they keep clear. Around 10, the emcee took the stage and said he had an announcement. The entire room fell silent and hopeful, and it was the best we could have hoped for! Buddy Guy showed up unscheduled, he usually only performs during January, and he took the stage to sing with his amazing range and style. He engaged with the room, sometimes singing directly to (and even dancing with) one of the guests. You feel what he's giving you, and i don't mind telling you, he's one sexy man :-) We were already thrilled with the evening, and Buddy Guy made this a night to remember. He graciously signed a little something we bought and posed with us for a photo we will treasure. What a great club, warm and lively and soulful. Delicious food and drinks. And that chance you'll meet The Legend himself. A perfect evening.

    Padma A.

    Impromptu date night with the hubby and friends post dinner on a crazy lolapalooza weekend. I hadn't been back in years to listen to the blues . The cherry topping was Mr.buddy guy himself the legend. Had a fantastic time which I was younger and could have stayed longer to enjoy myself pst midnight . I highly recommend this experience to locals and tourists

    Shani H.

    Came here to show some friends around the city and give them a taste of true Chicago music. We had a blast. The drinks were strong, the staff was nice and Buddy even showed up to play. Definitely a great time.

    Blowing on us very annoying also!

    In town for training at local agency sounded like a fun outing going here so went along. Felt not right when we walked in very rude employees. At first thought place was one of those where employees are rude for entertainment! Nope Real Deal Rudeness abounds! Place was half full server had attitude food was borderline gross way over seasoned salty! Went up by bar get some pictures evidently crossed a line security was all over me! You'd think I was doing something horribly illegal! Made a big deal out of it needs more signage if venue feels that strongly about people moving about taking in their venue! Felt very racially off very uncomfortable! Went back to table cashed out. Won't be back here ever. Should have looked at reviews before going obvious there are long going issues here.

    Wings and Fries
    Grant A.

    I've gone to the Chicago Blues festival for some sessions but last week was my first time ever inside Buddy Guys. As a whole Chicago hasn't done as great a job of like New Orleans as preserving historic music tied to the city. Some neat memorabilia like Buddy Guys Grammys and some guitars. They have food which I I didn't know!! I got the gumbo or jambalaya with rice. In addition to some wings and fries. Got 2 Miller high life's, and some Woodford reserve whiskey. The musician that night was really good!!

    Half rack of Pork Ribs
    Javier C.

    Great atmosphere smooth jazz jams must check out. Drinks are classic hits and service is excellent food is yummy.

    Buddy's Blackened Blues Burger with Swiss cheese.
    Christina M.

    We arrived at 7pm to grab a quick dinner and catch a little bit of some live music. There were 6 of us. 3 came early to grab a table (in a nearly empty place) and the rest of us were 5min behind. I have a Service Dog in Training (SDiT). So, me, my husband and my father-in-law are walking in when these two guys who were chilling on the street start yelling at us that we can't go inside. What? Can't go have dinner? We motion that we're going to have dinner and leave us be. They shout that no, really, we can't go inside. Dad explains that the rest of our party is already inside and we're expected. The guy explains he the bouncer and no one goes inside without his approval. Well... why didn't you say that... or at least be labeled?? Even my dog is labeled! He then tells me he needs to see "proof of certification" for "the dog" (this is illegal btw). I hand him the ADA rights card and explain that she's in training for seizure and fall response. He asks, "but does she have paperwork?" And I say, "you're looking at it" He reluctantly lets us through. Inside there are half a dozen more muscle, just chillin... is this a place that needs such muscle at 7pm on a Thursday? I don't know, but I wasn't sure I wanted to find out. We were told by 5 people before sitting down that if we're in the building at 8pm we had to pay $15 each to "see the show". Ordered food. Food didn't arrive until 7:50, along with carts of everyone else's food... so nicely organized! The food was awful! I'll put aside that I was sick for two days from the shrimp po boy I had -- everything was tasteless and far under seasoned. The po boy was dry -- no sauce at all -- I ended up grabbing some Mayo from my husband's burger to give it something. My husband had a burger that was so over cooked it could have been used on a children's playground to pad their knees. A couple people got the gumbo -- no depth of flavor, tasted like it was from a can. And the people who got drinks -- all complained they were watered down or simply not what they asked for. If you like overpriced terrible food, bad drinks, being stared at while you eat, and the fun idea that if you don't get served fast enough or eat fast enough you'll get to pay extra -- then this place is for you!

    Back bar area

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    3 months ago

    I love this place. It's a family run business where the music plays and the atmosphere is welcoming to all. Gotta check it out.

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    1 year ago

    Great music! Buddy even made a guest appearance. And the food was affordable and tasty. I would highly recommend.

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    2 years ago

    If you're into the Jazz or the Blueys, this place is for you. Chill vibe, great music, cold pints. What else do you need?

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    Page 1 of 18

    Buddy Guy's Legends Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Buddy Guy's Legends

    Is this place still open? And if it is , do they still do live music?

    As of June 14, 2021 they had not. I think they will re-open eventually tho.

    Do I need tickets in advance for a Tuesday night or can I just show up?

    you can just show up. you might be able to reserve tables, I don't know about that. It can get crowded depending on who is playing.

    Would it be ok for kids dinner early on like at 5?

    No. It's an adult atmosphere. But I would suggest Bandera Restaurant they have a nice piano bar and very nice atmosphere both children and adults would enjoy.

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    Review Highlights - Buddy Guy's Legends

    The day before and on the night of our event, Randy was there to greet us and assist with setting up.

    Mentioned in 16 reviews

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    Jazz Showcase - The photos alone are worth the visit!

    Jazz Showcase

    4.4(235 reviews)
    0.1 miSouth Loop
    $$

    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.

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    Jazz Showcase - Enjoying drinks while waiting for the performance

    Enjoying drinks while waiting for the performance

    Jazz Showcase - Omar Sosa performing

    Omar Sosa performing

    Jazz Showcase

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    Andy's Jazz Club - New york strip steak

    Andy's Jazz Club

    3.7(704 reviews)
    1.2 miNear North Side
    $$

    Lovely spot for jazz. The customer service was amazing from start to finish. Everyone was genuinely…read morekind, from the moment you walk in and pay the cover charge to the server who went out of their way to make you feel comfortable and stayed very attentive throughout the night. The music itself was also really good and felt like the main focus of the whole experience. If you are solo, there are not always the best views of the stage depending on where you sit, but it still felt worth it because the performance is strong enough that you stay engaged no matter where you are seated. They ask that conversation volume be kept to a minimum for the performers. The food was decent and a little pricey, but for the overall experience it felt worth spending a bit more. Between the atmosphere, service, and music, it added to the night rather than taking away from it. Overall the combination of great customer service, good energy, and the location near the riverfront made it a really enjoyable experience! I was also able to walk from my accommodation to the venue and back, and it felt safe and easy to navigate.

    Great spot to enjoy a night. Food was good too. We enjoyed…read morevisiting with others around us and it was just relaxing while filling our brains with jazz. I wished there was some swag to buy as my husband's name is Andy. But that's okay.

    Photos
    Andy's Jazz Club - Sabertooth takes the stage on a Thursday night.

    Sabertooth takes the stage on a Thursday night.

    Andy's Jazz Club - Old Fashioned.

    Old Fashioned.

    Andy's Jazz Club - View of stage from my table

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    View of stage from my table

    The Bassment - Chicago - The Bathtub

    The Bassment - Chicago

    4.1(246 reviews)
    1.3 miRiver North, Near North Side
    $$

    The Bassment in Chicago is a hidden gem that combines sophistication, style, and incredible live…read moremusic in one unforgettable experience. From the moment you descend into the intimate, speakeasy-style space, you're transported into a world of elegance and charm. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with dim lighting, plush seating, and a touch of vintage glamour that perfectly complements the lively energy of the performances. The musicians are top-notch, the cocktails are expertly crafted, and every detail -- from the décor to the acoustics -- is designed to create an exceptional night out. What truly makes The Bassment stand out is the seamless blend of entertainment and hospitality. The staff are attentive and personable, ensuring every guest feels welcome and well taken care of throughout the evening. Whether you're there for date night, a celebration, or just to unwind with great music and drinks, The Bassment delivers an experience that feels both exclusive and comfortable. It's one of those rare Chicago spots where the vibe, sound, and service all come together perfectly -- a must-visit for anyone who appreciates quality nightlife and unforgettable live performances.

    Really happy to have found this spot for live music on a Saturday night. We arrived right around 8,…read morewhen doors open. Musics starts at 930ish so it's a bit of a wait if you get there that early, but potentially worth it to snag a lounge/table until reservations show up. Reservations are pricey, but with a group would be super fun and worth it. Workout having reservations, we gave up our seats and headed to the front to hang around the bar near the stage. Really awesome staff, and a coat check if you need it. The bar tenders were friendly and attentive. The music was fabulous. Fun crowd. The drink list was super fun with pop star nmes, the Taylor Swift was the fav, and not just bc I am a Swiftie. The bathtub drink is cute, get one for the photo and move on. The cream didn't work for me. Highly recommend for a fun live music experience and vibe.

    Photos
    The Bassment - Chicago
    The Bassment - Chicago
    The Bassment - Chicago

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    Chicago Jazz Festival - Beautiful place, great music

    Chicago Jazz Festival

    3.9(29 reviews)
    0.7 miThe Loop
    $

    Fabulous and free jazz festival over Labor Day weekend in Chicago…read more Although it is not as big as other jazz festivals that I've been to like the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, French Quarter Festival (my personal favorite), or Montreal Jazz Festival, the Chicago Jazz Festival was perfect for a couple of hours to relax and enjoy some jazz. We walked to Millenium Park and then had a short wait to go through a limited security screen. Took a few photos of Jaume Plensa's Crown Fountain and Anish Kapoor's Cloud Gate (aka The Bean) before heading to the pavilions to enjoy some cool jazz. Loved the Sharel Cassity Alliance. So nice to see an all female jazz group. The Charlie Johnson Quartet was also quite good. Plenty of seating was available, but you could bring lawn chairs or even snacks into the park. Will have to come back again when we can spend more time enjoying some cool jazz on a hot summer day. Great way to end the summer in Chicago.

    Jazz fest 2025 was fun. The fist band Ben Waltzer Quartet was amazing. But it went downhill from…read morethere. Abigail Richard's has a terrific voice but she had poor song selection and I think the sound was off a bit for her. The Beatles song was not good though people seemed to enjoy it. The Madison Electronique was not for me. And I don't think jazz fest liked the political commentary. We only saw one band on the main stage. They seemed mediocre. Overall a fun day for a few hours. We went to a great local jazz bar that night and the band was awesome.

    Photos
    Chicago Jazz Festival
    Chicago Jazz Festival
    Chicago Jazz Festival

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    Lowcountry South Loop - Seafood broil

    Lowcountry South Loop

    3.9(490 reviews)
    0.3 miSouth Loop
    $$

    I've never been a fan of the seafood boil dining thing, just too messy for me, but I must admit I…read moreenjoyed my visit and the food was really good. My daughter asked to come here so we came downtown on a Friday around 7:30pm and it was pretty crowded, but by it only being two of us our wait time was less than 10 minutes. Once seated you scan the QR code to look over the menu and once decided you go to one counter to place your food order and the bar to place your drink order, they then bring your food to the table and our food came pretty quick after ordering. Bib on, gloves on, time to dig in... My daughter ordered the bag with shrimp, crab legs, corn and potatoes and I ordered lobster tails, corn and potatoes and two lemonades (lemonades were delicious!) We ordered our food with the everythang sauce (which is a mix of all their sauces) and it was really good and really flavorful. Messy is to be expected but surprisingly the food mess was manageable and did not take away from my dining experience. The amount of crab legs in my bag to me did not justify $32 and if it wasn't for the potatoes and two corns I'm sure I would of still been hungry. Seafood boils are not a cheap experience neither, our meals with the two lemonades and no alcohol was $110, so definitely not an every weekend dining option, but leaving I did see on their info board that their shrimp, crab bags are $28 Monday - Thursday and they look to have a pretty good happy hour so this might be a reason for a quicker return. Overall my experience was pretty good.

    This place is like a self-serve where you order at the counter and the bring it out to you. Perfect…read morehappy hour options but the drinks is really strong that we didn't even finish half. The ambiance is nice inside and gets busy a little after happy hour. I would say their happy hour deal is such a good deal and if you wanted to you can share with other people. Loved that they have spice levels like hot to extra spicy. The jalepeno corn bread was really good and flavorful. The mango lemonade is also good but wished it was a little colder. The beignets can get a little messy but they were good as well being that it was my first time.

    Photos
    Lowcountry South Loop
    Lowcountry South Loop
    Lowcountry South Loop - Inside

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    Inside

    Buddy Guy's Legends - jazzandblues - Updated May 2026

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