This place is cool as hell! Add the gangster history to the amazing live music with the nice strong drinks, and you have yourself an amazing experience! We went on a Sunday night, and the joint is SRO!! This is a must do for anyone in the area with even a passing interest in jazz! The only waitress on the floor is on point, remembers your drinks and brings them quick! read more

Music is absolutely amazing! The venue is very unique with a perfect little dance floor. Cozy and romantic booths, with a dark, boozy atmosphere. The only reason for the three stars is the bar staff were incredibly rude and unprofessional. It felt like we were inconveniencing them for a drink. The bartender did not have a clue how to mix a drink. Their attitude did put a damper on the visit. read more

Green Mill - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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What can you say about the coolest dive in America. You're definitely not coming here for the drinks but the eclectic atmosphere. Long live the Green Mill. read more

We were all excited to come here for a visit to listen to fabulous music. After paying our cover we promptly found some front row seats and a small table. My husband scooted the table over so that our son's chair could fit in the platform by our table. The man setting up the stage for the musicians wheeled around and pretty much got in our face about not messing with the arrangement etc. he was incredibly rude and disrespectful. He kept ranting and scolding even when I told him he was being rude. It soured our experience before the show even started. The host said and did nothing either when we reported his behavior. When you are a customer paying a cover and attending a show with ample other venues for music out there, you should not be blind sighted by being treated so poorly. read more

Very good on jazz nights if you enjoy listening to jazz and relaxing. Not good if you want to hang out with friends while jazz is playing in the background. You WILL be shushed, until you stop talking. Cover is $15 cash, and all drinks etc are cash only as well. They have ATM machine but better to be prepared and bring your cash obviously. read more

Green Mill - Very good jazz atmosphere as you can see. Just keep quiet because everyone is trying to enjoy the music and you WILL be shushed. - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I am so sad to give this place only 1 star but the management here is absolutely horrible. I was here 20 years ago and had a lovely time listening to jazz singers in a half moon booth, it was like going back in time. I am in Chicago for work meetings and was able to convince my co-workers to skip seeing Hamilton to come to the Green Mill on 11/28/18 to see some jazz and experience the retro atmosphere. My co-workers were a mix of Illinois, Wisconsin and Massachusetts residents, 5 females and the opposite of a rowdy bunch. After a $60 cab ride to get there we see a sign that it is "cash only". Okay, no biggie. We get some cash and grab a booth close to the front stage. The "Paper Machete" was to begin about an hour after we got there. As we learned, Paper Machete is a showcase of several different acts from singing to comedy to spoken word. There are no descriptions on the website. Prior to the show, the bartender was lovely. The first act was a singing act and was not jazz but was quite good. All of my co-workers were so happy that I had suggested going there. The second act began (comedy), one of my co-workers had to take a call from her daughter because her car had broken down. One of the staff came to warn her that she should take the call in the bathroom (fair enough) so my co-worker stayed on the phone in the booth but did not say anything, just listened to her daughter for about a minute. Within that minute, 3 different staff came over and told her to get off the phone, go outside, etc. She was LITERALLY not saying anything. She just had the phone to her ear, listening to her daughter. We stayed for 2 more acts, both politically oriented, we started to chat a bit and was again told, quite rudely, that we were not to talk.... What the hell? We decided to leave. I was so upset, I asked to see the manager. As it turned out, the manager was the one that came over to rudely tell us twice to not talk (the first time when my co-worker was on the phone saying nothing and the 2nd when we began to chat). I told her that we came to see jazz, and it was unacceptable that staff was incredibly rude to us and that patrons weren't allowed speak. She said that if we wanted to see jazz then we should have come there at 9pm and we were the ones that were rude because everyone was sushing us. The only people sushing us was the staff. She was basically reprimanding us for chatting at a bar??? I have been to numerous clubs, shows, theater, etc. One thing is for sure, if it is anything worth watching than the audience will not talk at length. Quiet comments here and there, yes. The commando type silencing in this place was beyond ridiculous. If this is supposed to be a theater type experience then their website should very boldly/ clearly indicate that this is a theater lounge, where talking is prohibited, not a cocktail lounge. At the very least, they should indicate prior to the show that talking is prohibited. The co-worker that was trying to help her daughter felt humiliated that 4 different people came over to her to tell her to get off the phone that she was not even speaking on after the first warning. A "cocktail lounge" does not say to me "don't talk" nor did the previous experience that I had many years ago. HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE, manager, incredibly rude and basically yelled at us (patrons- yes, we pay your salary). Website marketing is also HORRIBLE. We would not have gone there if the website described what Paper Machete was or that talking was prohibited. Don't waste your money or time here. So sad, as my first experience of the Green Mill stayed with me for 20 years. 20 years later, the atmosphere and initial act were telling of night that could have been another really memorable experience but instead it turned out to be a negative experience in more ways than one. Get a grip Green Mill or get a new manager. Clearly indicate what you expect of your patrons while they are there so we don't have to feel like children that just broke the cookie jar after spending a $hit ton of time and money just to get there. HORRIBLE. read more

Let me start this review by stating if I could give a lower review and lower score, I would. My first and only visit to the historic Green Mill was a great disappointment. In reality I had two very separate experiences. The music being one, and then the entire green mill (drinks and staff) being another. Let's knock out the music first. This part is easy. Minus an out of tune piano that the musician made a point to let everyone know, the group and music was amazing and on point. Second, I have to start with the drinks. There is no cocktail menu, and I knew that going in. My brother and I watched a video of employees at the Green Mill boasting of their cocktails, and also introduced their own drink called the Green Mill. In the video the bartender poured some Jagermeister and topped the shot glass with Chicago's own liqueur Malort. Having watched the video, my brother, his wife, and I were ready to have an amazing time. I started my drink order with not too elitist drinks, but expecting a mixologist I ordered three drinks: a walnut sour, an aviation, and a whisky sour with egg. All three were turned down. The waitress (with poor attitude) told me they only have "traditional drinks." I ordered an old fashioned, a whisky sour, and asked if I could write down a recipe. I was told "we didn't do that here." I stuck with the two drinks, and when the waitress returned I remembered the Mill Cocktail. I ordered it and the waitress was bewildered. I informed her that it was the Jeigermeister with Malort, and she started to say something but turned around walked away and grabbed my drink. My Green Mill Cocktail was a huge disappointment. It was only Jeigermeister and served with an Old Style beer. No Malort. And expensive. The shot of Jeigermeister and the Old Style beer was $12. Without the Malort, it was a huge disappointment. The other two drinks, the whisky sour and old fashioned were sub par. I've mentioned the service. The atmosphere was very stiff but we were told upon entering that there are no phones or talking allowed while the musicians are performing. There are employees who police these standards strictly. Unfortunately it is done in a way that takes from the experience and does not add. My final recommendation, if you have a lot of money on hand and don't care how your cocktails taste then this place is your kind of place. However, if you are like me and only in Chicago for a limited time, have limited funds, go somewhere else. Even with it's historic significance, the experience is not worth it. read more

I like this place. The music is great, it has a cool decor inside, and the price is right for the quality evening you get. Not sure I'd come here on a date, though, since you'd have long gaps in conversation during the music. Also, the later acts are much better so try to arrange it so that you're ready for a late night. Maybe take a nap earlier in the day. read more

My girlfriend and I got scolded for trying to have a conversation when music was playing. Lame. It's also overpriced and crowded. Music is okay. read more

I've gone to the Green Mill as a jazz fan, not for the bar. I believe it's the oldest jazz club in Chicago. Old and original decor that makes you feel like you're back in the early 30's era. The layout is really not great for viewing performers unless you get there early to grab a seat near the stage, which is limited Sitting at the bar isn't good if you are there only for jazz. They usually have the same house bands that play every week, unlike Jazz Showcase that have different world renowned jazz artists every week. If you are there more for the bar scene than the jazz, it's okay. I prefer a more serious jazz listening room as the Jazz Showcase. read more

The last two visits here have been unfortunate. I have never experienced a ruder wait staff or manager. Jason screamed at a few guests Saturday night, for dancing. He was so out of line. Just to give you a visual, he screamed to the point his eyes were about to pop out of his head. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. And during a previous visit, a couple of us were forced out without getting to finish our drinks because we weren't staying for the second band. This after we spent hours here with family ((dropping significant cash)). They're downright disrespectful. Jason, especially, should never be allowed speak to a customer. read more

Tips: CASH ONLY I paid a $15 cover charge when I went on a Friday night. Arrive early if you want to snag a table. Place gets crowded later in the night around 10pm. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The classic Green Mill. I've heard many good things about this laidback jazz bar in Chicago. I went on a Friday night after dinner around 10pm and had to pay a $15 cover. The whole establishment is cash only so make sure you bring cash! They have live bands come in and play sets interspersed with breaks to allow the customers to chat, get drinks, and move about. During the performance it is highly encouraged not to talk or take flash photography to give the band the respect and attention. The musicians are amazing at what they do. Extremely talented and they make great music. Green Mill is a nice place to have a quiet get-together with some friends while watching some live music. Great for groups who like live music. read more

I must have been in the wrong frame of mind to really enjoy this place. I know it's a jazz club and I was totally prepared to pay a pretty hefty cover upon entering. $12 wasn't so bad, but I was highly, highly turned off when the bouncer very bluntly (and meanly) said that there is "absolutely no talking once you enter and the performer begins." Really? No talking at all absolutely ever? That immediately set the tone of this place for me. Fairly pretentious staff, annoying patrons and insanely expensive drinks. I paid $5 for a diet coke. Awesome. I'm sure I'll be back in the future, hopefully when there's someone that I actually want to see. However, as of my first experience here, I wasn't at all impressed and I just can't see myself coming here to hang out and listen to some jazz. read more

Allow me to add my experience to the myriad One Star reviews of this "Chicago Staple." It was late Sunday night. I had just gotten off work and wanted a good Manhattan. Not a lot of options in Uptown for that, so Green Mill wins by default. I'm meeting a friend who's traveling quite a long way and my phone was dead. Had it been warmer, I'd have just waited outside. But it's Chicago so its unseasonably cold and I'm dressed for the 60 degree day we just enjoyed. So I go inside. The bouncer, an older bald gentleman, looks at me as if I had walked in with feces smeared across my chest. I immediately felt like I didn't belong. He begrudgingly takes my ID, stares at it for much longer than necessary and gives it back to me. He walks back towards the bartender who also gives me a look and they kinda "guffaw" to one another. The bar isn't crowded. I assume I walked in on some kind of "Regulars Night," so I'm not a part of the joke. That's fine. I let the bouncer know that I'm waiting for a friend and she'll be along shortly but my phone was dead, so I wanted to stand by the window and wait for her. He tells me to enjoy the beautiful view. Not a minute goes by before I look over and the bouncer is motioning to the bartender with a "What the fuck is up with this guy?" shrug and a disapproving look. Neither of which I deserved. He then says softly "I dunno. He ain't drinkin..." and the bartender, an older woman, says "Well if he ain't drinkin, he's gotta get the fuck out." I was there, LITERALLY, a total of 3 minutes. I explained to the bouncer that I wanted to wait for my friend before I got a drink. Where did they get the idea that I wasn't drinking? And why would they be so uncouth and churlish about it? So, hearing that, I stood up and put my hat back on. I told them I would not be drinking at their bar and left. Look, Green Mill, I get it. You don't need me. This review isn't going to hurt you. You've been in Chicago longer than I have, and you'll probably be in Chicago longer than I will be. But your staff on Sunday night treated me like shit and I won't forget that anytime soon. read more

What do Al Capone, Jack McGurn, Helen Morgan, Anita O'Day, Billie Holliday and Charlie Chaplin have in common? The Green Mill... This place is the real deal! If these walls could talk, they'd have to kill ya. I can't make it to the Green Mill often enough! This is a fantastic place for true music lovers and history lovers too. Go early if you want a table. You can stumble in here just about anytime and enjoy some great music standing or stting at the bar too. "Is this where you go when you die? ...only if you're good!" read more

This is an awesome, laid back, low shiny-shirt quotient place to hear excellent jazz as it was meant to be heard. Please note the emphasis on the word "heard." Its reputation as a jazz legend attracts serious musicians and serious listeners to the Green Mill. Comprehend that, and all of the policies which seem to get the goats of the tourists and embittered trixies will make sense to the sensible. 1) People come to a JAZZ CLUB to **HEAR** music. That is why MANY bona fide music venues have a quiet policy. It's called RESPECTING the performers. Revolutionary, I know! I realize that to some, ahem, "categories" of the human race it is utterly inconceivable that people wouldn't want to hear your shrill Trixie laughter, or beefy-faced guffaws. However, for those of us who appreciate music, many of whom have come here from out of town, it is a pleasure to actually be able to hear the music in such detail as allows us to appreciate the nuances of live performance. We promise not to play Jazz in your chatty yuppie wine bar; please refrain from having your Hen Party/Jersey Shore Speed Dating/ Midlife Hairline Crisis at the music venue. 2) $12 to see top quality live music is a pittance. I pay that to get into punk shows at dive bars all the time. You pay that for a movie. You pay that to park your car for an hour downtown. The cover is what pays the band. That is how they pay their rent, and they are not getting rich. If you're feeling too cheap to hack it, save your money for a dog-eared copy of Catcher In the Rye or the latest issue of "O Magazine" and some mustache wax. Go to Pops or some other downtown jazz palace and enjoy paying $30 plus $12/drink for the same privilege and shittier seating. Or go to some douchebag mecca like Griffin and pay the same amount to listen to a horrible DJ spin 6 hours of Kesha while you get MRSA from the sweaty Shake Weight endorser that grinds up against you all night. Meanwhile- for serious music lovers, this place is beloved for a reason. The staff are polite veterans who do not suffer fools. The drinks are reasonably priced, and service is prompt and efficient even when the place is crowded. If you prefer to spend your time in a no-nonsense, no-pomp-and-circumstance environment with a great sense of history and authentic love of music, you will love it too. read more

I am local, used to go to the Green Mill all the time and decided to bring some out of town family to the Green Mill to listen to music and NEVER AGAIN! We were QUIET - God forbid you whisper or you get chewed out - and then the tech guy from the band and the 'Owner' stands in front of us TALKING, rocking, and rotating his shoulder cuff in front of us! We could not see a thing and it was so distracting from the music and watching the band! If your policy is to SHUSH everyone - practice what you preach you jerk! I ask them to please move so we can enjoy the performance and I was told how dare I ask this! Are you kidding me! I PAID to get in and bought your over priced cocktails! RUDE RUDE RUDE - it is like giving your money to a complete jerk. Never again and there are SO MANY other places that have GREAT music without the attitude of the staff that I can spend $200! STAY AWAY STAY AWAY!!!!! read more

I'm not new to jazz. I listen to it every day and I make it a point to visit clubs around the country and the world. I've been to Green Mill several times. The only reason why I'm giving them an extra star is because they do have great music. The bad: - Seating. Yes, I know it's an old venue. They pack as many people as they can on weekends. It can be very uncomfortable. Just keep this in mind. The worst: - Service: Everyone treats you like shit here. From the doorman to the waiter/bartender to the manager. They are very rude and act like we're doing them a favor by going there. They are very pretentious. I've never been to a jazz club where the employees' egos are so far up their bums. I get it. You're a well-known institution, how about you have a reputation for service to go with it? I would NOT recommend Green Mill. (FYI: My favorite jazz venue is Andy's Jazz Club downtown. It's newer. Service is much friendlier. It's easier to get tables.) read more

As far as the club/bar scene in Chicago - the Green Mill is an institution. I get that. BUT BE FOREWARNED - the bottle service here is deplorable! I have been told that to come to this place expecting wine may be out of the question. However, I do not care if they are the grandfathers of the jazzy cocktail lounge - I just want to get what I order! A friend and I ordered an inexpensive bottle of red. It came to the table without a cork and to add insult - there was about a glass worth of liquid missing! When we tried to discuss the problem with the bartender - they (because it takes more than one lug to handle two girls with an issue by himself) threw a fit! I will think twice before I come back to this place - if not because of the terrible wine service - then certainly because of the uncouth dimwits that work the bar... read more

A hearty no, thumbs down, no thank you to this place. We brought my husband's dad and step-mom here for drinks around 10pm on Friday night. Everyone reccomends it, the reviews are great, it is supposedly a Chicago institution.....and we were not impressed. Actually, we were impressed. We were impressed that a place that is supposed to be so great could suck so bad. Between the $50 is cost us just to get in the door, the abyssmal beer selection, the rude staff (we were yelled at twice for being "in the way" when all we did was sit in barstools that were already there) the constant shushing, and the crappy jazz (and dad loves jazz), this place is just a mess. They say everyone should come here once. Well we came, we hated it, and we won't be back. read more

If you can tolerate the surly/hostile service -- you are in for a treat. Truly gorgeous music in a beautiful setting. Pro-tips: *don't come if you want to chat with your pals. *bring cash. *come early for a seat. read more

Not bad, Not bad at all... Though I do wish they had a better beer selection. I think I've only been here on Thursdays and the music is always great. Maybe I'm a sucker for a horn section but nevertheless, I think most will enjoy. There's dancing and the bartenders actually know how to mix drinks. Even their well alcohol isn't that bad. There's a fair amount of seating and the crowd is always attractive and have an eclectic age range that I appreciate. I'm not a huge fan of the surrounding neighborhood... I went the wrong way once and am convinced I saw some shady biz-nast... and I think there's a methadone clinic not far. Go here on Thursday and get a little dressed up... it'll be appreciated there. :) OOH- I think most Saturday nights they charge a cover charge that I'm not willing fork over, so beware. read more

People romanticize the hell out of this place because of what it was in the past, but from a realistic point of view, this is an overcrowded bar with pretentious children as patrons (yes, even the old people), an extremely rude staff, and bartenders who don't know how to mix drinks properly. The music was fine (at least the guest band), but if I just want to hear good music, I'll just get a pair of headphones and a music player. If you want to experience what would happen if people transmogrified into rude, broken slurpee machines ("SHHHHHHHHH! SHHHHHHHH!"), then this is up your alley. read more

If these walls could talk, I would shut-up and listen. On the same block, I caught an Indian-Latin-Caribbean funk band (www.funkadesi.com) at Kinetic Playground, ate an obscenely delicious Mexican meal, and ended the night at Al Capone's favorite watering hole; replete with original fixtures from the 1920s, sexy-as-hell art-deco/nouveau decor, the promise of secret tunnels, and an amazing multi-culti jazz ensemble takin it WAY back. Never been to a place where words like "prohibition" and "speakeasy" slip so readily from the tongue. Also, for all you single ladies, the male/female ratio in there has gotta be 10:1; you'll be tripping over dudes trying to hook you up w/ free drinks and smokes. Felt like I was in a japanese hostess bar run by the mob. read more

Ah, the one where I get to trash a Chicago mainstay and probably invite the wrath of yelpers city wide! I went here last Saturday for a friend's birthday. Three of my friends went in first, and I stayed outside with the other two while they smoked. Upon entering the doorman (who looks like one of those Old Time Strongmen that wear those leopard togas and lift dumbbells with spherical weights on the end) tells me to stop, and promptly pushes me a few feet while telling me to "go outside." Once out in the cold and rain he demands to know if I was first in line (what line?), and the folks around say yes, so he tells them to line up behind me. I calmly mention that our friends are inside for a birthday and we would like to join them, take a guess how that went. Our friends inside meanwhile, realizing the wait for us to get in may be enormous try lobbying on our behalf but fail. Eventually after enough negotiating I, and my two fellow compatriots that were stuck outside are allowed in. Once inside it is jam packed, and most people are talking while a live band is performing. There was no problem hearing the band, but all the employees made it a point to loudly make "Shhhhh!' noises to quiet the crowd, which was more disruptive than the crowd noise itself. So yes, terrible staff, terrible atmosphere, and yeah, I almost forgot, overpriced drinks. Never again.... read more

Great jazzz music, but incredibly rude staff....I've never been to a bar or restaurant that treats its patrons so poorly. The bad attitudes stretched from the door man, to the bartender, all the way to the waitresses. (based on what I read in other reviews, this appears to be the norm for the staff) This would have been a 0 star review if were not for the music, it was fantastic....excellent sound system and acoustics too. Bottom line, there are plenty of other jazz clubs in chicago, go somewhere else if you are looking to have a good time. I would never patronize this place again, nor would I reccomend it to others. read more

I've only been to the Green Mill a handful of times, but will not be returning anytime soon. I just had a conversation with a close friend of mine that I found disgusting and disappointing about her treatment there. The short story is that she was shoved to the ground by a male employee outside the Green Mill after speaking with him about being treated rudely by the staff. Not only have I never seen her act inappropriately anywhere, I have never seen her even raise her voice to anyone, so I cannot fathom why anyone, let alone a man, would choose to shove her to the ground. I understand that occasionally establishments have employees in management positions that let that small amount of power get to their head, but it is up to the owners and upper management to remedy that immediately. At the very least they should require that all their patrons are treated with respect and if an employee ever physically assaults a customer, that should be grounds for immediate termination. Green Mill, I truly do not believe this is an isolated incident. Time to reevaluate your staff situation and make sure this never happens again. read more

I lived a couple blocks from here for a few years. This place is white-bread jazz meets Disney meets psuedo-gangsterism. Other than that, its got some nice atmosphere (the paintings with built-in frames are fantastic). This is not a hip jazz joint. The owner/manager behind the bar will vocally "shush" the crowd... am I 5 years old again?? It's not cool to me! Chris Foreman used to play a Friday happy hour on the hammond organ. His sets are wildly engaging (think looney tunes meets gospel) and one good reason for me to go back... read more

Slight brusque doorman only adds to the charm, that's how good this place is. I've never seen jazz this fantastic - not for this bargainous an entry charge anyhow ($12). The atmosphere is great, as everyone is there to enjoy the music. The sevice is swift and the drinks aren't too expensive - we enjoyed a decent bottle of cabernet for in the region of $20. It's not somewhere to spend every Friday - conversation is obviously tricky - but for any visitor to Chicago I'd say it was a must. Head there early - after about half 8, the tables are full and it's standing room only. read more

The Green Mill is definitely a memorable place. According to my friend (jazz drummer) this is the best place for listening to jazz. I came here while visiting Chicago in 2013 and again this year. Both times were amazing. I loved the music. The place is old but it's ok because it feels you are going back in time, and that you could find Al Capone next to you. Drinks are reasonably priced. I had a glass of red wine for $8. My only complaint is that they only accept cash. They do have an ATM inside just in case. The cover is around $10. Try to arrive early or after the first set (around 11 pm) because it gets crowded, even on Monday! This bar is a must if you like jazz. Don't expect a fancy place. read more

Green Mill - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Buzzkill Central! Have lived in Chicago for over a decade and never been to the Green Mill. Decided to check it out on Saturday night to tick off the box on my to do list. I can appreciate good jazz but fucking hell I can't tolerate the douchiness of the people there. $15 cover? For jazz? Are you mental? I think I had one or two drinks and after two people telling me to shut up when I was having a normal conversation that wasn't anything above the music decided I had had enough. I felt sorry for the bacholerette party who came in as we were leaving. They looked bored as hell. If you're a tourist and you want to listen to jazz save the cover and trip to the DMZ and just stick to the normal spots on Halstead. If you're a local and you go there then you suck. read more

Ah Green Mill, how I love to hate thee...... You are like a lover I cannot stand, but keep coming back to........you cheat me out of my money with you cover charges....regardless how early one shows up. You always over crowd the place so seating is an issue.......Though your bands are great and keeps drawing me back to my old hood..........yet your bartenders are not the greatest in the world or very attentive to say the least.......but your décor is as authentic as you get for pre-war Chicago.....yet your draw in too many freakin tourist to make it worth my while to visit on weekends........... Ah...how I wish I could stay away, but alas, I cannot. read more

A friend came to town and wanted to see some old speakeasies, and after seeing this place introduced on an HBO special, we figured that it would be a perfect place to go check out on a Wednesday night. We walked in and saw: yes! it's not busy! we'll get to talk to the bartender a little, walk around, look at the history, etc. We were horribly mistaken. The bartender immediately looked at us, a group of 5, as though we had just caused her night to turn immediately downhill and snarled that she needed to see our IDs, probably with the hope that we didn't have them. Unfortunately for her, all of us are legally of age to drink and had the IDs to prove it. As we were waiting for her to confirm that our IDs were legitimate, the guy who we assume to be the bouncer walked over, got in our faces, and told us that we had half an hour (it was 7:30) because there was an event going on and we'd either have to pay the cover or have a toy (it was a toys for tots event, I guess..) or get out by 8:00. There weren't any signs about this anywhere, but hey, it's the city, we're used to being informed about events going on at bars. We would've gladly paid the $6 cover, especially for a good cause, but we were told 3 more times in the next 5 minutes that we had to just get out or pay by 8 and whatever guitar event that was going to happen lost its appeal very quickly. After deciding which of the beers to have (what do they have? good question, it took some searching to actually find a beer list) we each ordered one, paid cash, and sat down at one of the MANY open tables. After being told several more times that we must be out by 8 or pay $6, we looked at the clocks, saw that it was now 7:40, drank our beer and left. I'm sure it's an awesome place, but when you're being forced out as soon as you enter, it loses all appeal and it doesn't matter how great the decor or history might be. 10 minutes in this bar was too much, and I hope that the guy featured on the HBO special can convince some of his staff to appreciate where they work and perhaps show them a little about customer service. We left and went to Green Door Tavern, where they were MUCH busier yet still willing to show us the old bar hidden downstairs. read more

I have been to this place on and off for the 7 years I have lived in Chicago. I keep wanting the experience to be amazing, but it always kind of sucks. Tonight, the bartender (the bald one) was in rare form and was utterly unhelpful and rude. I have seen him be awful to people before, so I couldn't take it personally. I suggest getting drinks at Fat Cat, Wild Pug or crew and then going to the Green Mill for the music. This place is riding on its history. If it opened today, it'd be closed it a year. read more

Listed in Esquire's America's Best Bars under the "Oldest Bar" led me to Green Mill. Not only was it Al Capone's hang out during Prohibition it was, and still is, a jazz institution. I couldn't visit Chicago and not go to a jazz concert and Green Mill filled my jazz requirement. As we walked down the street we knew we had found the right place by the enormous neon green sign with sparkles. The cover charge was under $10 since it was an early show. Later shows are more expensive. The door man was a burly gentleman in a leather vest who seemed eager to dismiss us turned friendly when my mom began asking questions about his vest. The Green Mill is splendid with its greatly preserved 1920's ambiance. The walls have impressive carvings and period patterned wallpaper. Long thin tables and round oversized booths decorated the floor. Pictures lined the walls. You can picture all the decadence that happened here a time long ago. Thankfully my mom and I arrived early because once the music started, the place was packed. A Russian woman with a heavenly voice crooned with a sultry band and I had the smallest rum and Coke I've ever had in my life. The stage was small, intimate, making you feel as if the concert was strictly for you. The Green Mill is a must see. It still maintains the glamour and charm of the Roaring '20's. You will feel like a flapper girl or a debonair playboy once you step through the door. read more

I am NOT a complainer, and I know that "things are just different in Chicago," which I have heard quite a few times since I've been here - but as a girl who likes to drink, I've already hit quite a few bars in the city, and I have to say... the people who work here aren't "just being Chicagoans" (as a gentleman I talked to last night dismissed it) but are actively SUPER RUDE. When I first bought my ticket to Chicago, one of the things I was most excited about was visiting the Green Mill slam. I'd heard from many in the community that it was kind of a joke slam, but nonetheless, having been to many slams nationwide, I was still curious to see the way Marc Smith ran his. I called beforehand to find out if there was a time to show up to sign up for the poetry slam - the guy who answered the phone said it started at seven... when I asked if he knew whether or not the sign ups happened at a specific time beforehand (which is very common), he actually scoffed at me and told me he didn't know. THEN HE HUNG UP ON ME. You hang up on customers? When I showed up, the doorman said, "$7 and your ID." I live in a bar city. I am used to doormen, and I respect them wholeheartedly - this was not a problem. I asked if he knew where I should sign up; he grunted, "open mic?" and when I said slam, he pointed to a board with a lot of different papers on it. I assumed I should write my name on one of the pieces of paper, but there was no pen. When I asked for one, he actually rolled his eyes at me before pulling a sharpie out of his pocket. When I went to give it back? He acted like I was retarded and just POINTED to the window sill. Didn't say a damn word, just pointed. Dude, I'm sure your job sucks, but save it for the bitches. I've met plenty of bouncers and doormen who were capable of being intimidating and serious without being catty little wenches. The waitress brought me a glass of water (no waterbottles allowed inside, which is weird - even the OLCC isn't *that* crazy), and flew away before I could tip her for just having good service. She smiled once or twice, but when I finished the glass of water, she whisked away the empty glass, and once again fucking FLEW away from my table before I could ask for another or, again, tip her. I guess, since I'm complaining, I should also say, the glasses were very pretty... Since the waitress was fucking GONE after that, I tried to flag down the bartender to order a glass of merlot for my friend (who arrived late), and he seriously made eye contact with me twice and served every other person before me - even people who had JUST walked up (how do you not notice that after like 10-15 minutes?) And the slam? The slam's a fucking joke. I can deal with hardasses, I think Marc Smith's grumpy attitude is kinda funny, but actively making fun of the poets is tip-toeing the line for me. How do you encourage a scene of new voices if you mock and show clear contempt for people after they perform? What about, say, giving the feature's last name so that people who are unfamiliar with the poet can FIND THEM later? The pianist is awesome, and rolled with all the punches. I'm glad to have been, the lounge is really beautifully and elegantly set up, and there were moments of charm, but this place has SUCH BAD SERVICE and is so pretentious and up it's own ass, I thought for a second we might be in New York. Oh, wait, the Nuyorican slam has some of the nicest, most supportive, and brilliant poets - and the service is spectacular. What, then, is the problem with the staff at Green Mill? read more

Everything that's great about this place has already been said. But as a long-time, sometimes solitary, all-girl patron, let me give you a few tips: 1. Don't walk home from here late at night by yourself, no matter how street savvy you think you are, or how tightly you hold your handbag. I can't tell you how many nice conversations I've had with rock dealers after a show. I used to talk to anyone because I was a 22 year old IDIOT. I'm lucky that naivety didn't land me in the gutter. (Those guys always tried to cut me a good deal, though, I gotta say.) 2. This is not a place to come get wasted, unless you do it quietly and to better enjoy the music. 3. It's worth it to take an evening nap and stick around for the post-midnight shows. 4. Please take a Tuesday night and listen to the Deep Blue Organ Trio. You won't be able to fully appreciate Prince until you hear that amazing cover of "Raspberry Beret." Truly, truly makes me happy. 5. If you bring a date and get a booth for the evening, you are guaranteed to fall in love. And, OK, if that doesn't work, get a vodka gimlet. I swear, the way they make them here, that's a love affair in and of itself. read more

Cover was $6 for a Tuesday night and The Fat Babies was playing some excellent music. Unfortunately, it was a little difficult to enjoy the music after the manager came up to my friend and screamed at her for supposedly blocking the service bar. I looked at him almost shocked that a grown man can cause such a scene and said, "really??" After that moment, he just looked at me and walked away with no apology when he realized we weren't blocking anything. The rest of the night he avoided serving us even when I called him out for a drink. The manager was so uptight, I almost thought about buying him a shot of whiskey to help him relax from the stick he had up his ass. read more

Yo, two stars because of the history, music, ambiance, and old school flavor, but one star for the service and quality of drinks. I'm not sure what the deal is with the employees at Green Mill but they are all always in fowl moods, with scowls on their faces. No one is warm or particularly helpful. I've been here many times - I am not a tourist. I can deal with less than friendly or stellar service. But the main bartender is a a-hole (guy with beard) and everyone else including the guy that helps you find a place to sit is never in a good mood. I know this is a famous place and the reputation precedes itself but c'mon enjoy your job or get the eff out. Be friendly to people - I know the influx of tourists probably annoy you but put on a decent face and interact with your customers. I'm not looking for any schtick at all, I am against that, but be pleasant. My wife and I walked out of here once because said bartender was a jerk. The drinks were on special but because he served them a couple minutes before the special really started (even tho we were served after the time started) he would not honor the price. We later asked him if he could find out what song was on the jukebox because it was important (my wife thought it might be a song that was her late grandmother's favorite, and at the time my wife and I were dating and she thought maybe this was a sign from her grandma). The bartender blew us off, didn't care to check and said he didn't know and wouldn't find out. My wife called him out for being rude and being asked simple question and the fact that he could have just been nicer and said it wasn't possible to find out the song, but he copped an attitude. After that we were done and left. Anyway, I came here a few nights ago for a late show with my dad, stepmom and sisters. As I said no one was particulary nice. I've heard from others the door man is a jerk but he was actually somehwat pleasant. I saw him taking a picture with some tourists and he was courteous at the door. Upon entering he tells us no talking during the performance and to turn off all cell phones. A flier on each table reminds us again. I get the cell phone thing and I can appreciate telling people to keep it down during performances but no talking is a bit extreme. If you are caught talking you will be given a stern warning, lol. It took our server 25 minutes to get to us to tell us she'd be back in a min. 15 minutes later she comes by, no apology and no "how are you doing?" She takes our order and that's it. She did warm up later in the evening after being tipped on the drinks. To the drinks: they are not mixed well. My dad's tonic is his G&T was flat and my Ketel One and Soda was just mixed terribly. Then, I ask for a club soda instead of another drink and I'm charged $2.50! It sparkling water from a tap! I am not ordering a bottle of friggin Pelligrino. Ridiculous! Oh, and the cover to get in has gone up and is a bit pricey, and I'm not a cheapo. The music was good that night so that made up for some of the disappointments. I will also say the seating arrangements are not the best so be prepared to stand or be uncomfortable in a booth if you have a bigger party. I really want come back to this place to enjoy the music and ambiance, but it's hard when the people and the drinks suck. read more

I've been to the Green Mill a few times and loved the atmosphere and the music. To that extent, it's basically my dream bar. However, I was highly annoyed the other night, (Halloween,) when I called the bar (at about 5:30 or 6 in the evening to make sure they were open and to see if they had any specials. I had been telling all of my friends about it for the longest time and they were all really eager to try it. I called the bar, still smiling and congratulating myself on such a brilliant idea... and was answered by this incredibly rude female voice that bellowed "DAAA MILL!!" directly into my ear. Once again, it was Halloween, so I figured that the bartender was dressed up like one of the guys from the SNL sketch (DA BEARS) and was trying to be funny, so I laughed it off a bit and started to ask whether or not there were any specials. Before I could even finish my question, the bartender screamed "NO, MA"AM, THERE ARE NOT ANY SPECIALS AT DA MILL" and then she HUNG UP ON ME. My friends who were in the car with me all heard the conversation (because the bartender had been screaming,) and said they weren't interested in going there. I love the bar, but this isn't the first time that I've gotten bad service there and I prefer not to be screamed at. Especially when I'm politely calling to figure out what's going on so that I can come there to spend my money. This is a business. Why are you acting like an 8 year old making prank calls? read more