This place has a magical feel IF you're into jazz. If you aren't a jazz lover, you just may become one 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). read more

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Great time! The performance was really good and the venue was huge! Random comfortable seats in the form 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. read more

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Had a great time here listening to jazz performers and sipping on some Chardonnay. Very chill vibes. Friendly staff. We were a group celebrating a birthday and they were super accommodating to ensure we had a lovely time. The show tickets were $20-30 depending how you reserve/pay. It's $20 paid upfront in cash with a student discount, or I believe $25 or $30 standard when reserving online. Highly recommend checking them out for a lowkey night. read more

Jazz Showcase - Inside - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Until tonight, I'd never been to the Jazz Showcase, but now I can't wait to come back. Open seven days a week in the warmer months, you can come listen to live jazz in a cozy atmosphere. Come early and grab a couch. Enjoy an adult beverage from a friendly server. read more

Jazz Showcase - A lovely night listening to a quintet - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great music, friendly musicians, great acoustics, jazz decor, great drinks, fair price We suddenly had a rare open Saturday evening (Aug 2025), and I thought, Now's our opportunity to listen to some sweet Chicago jazz at the Jazz Showcase, the oldest jazz club in Chicago, founded in 1947 by the Joe Segal, the current-owner Wayne's father. It's a lone bright sign and entryway on Plymouth Ct across Polk south of Printers Row. It's south of The Loop, easy to get to: one block west of State Street busses, about 3 blocks from the Harrison Red-Line station on State, 4 blocks from the Pink Brown Orange and Purple-Line Harold Washington station on The Loop, and 6 blocks from The Metra's LaSalle Station. We arrived without reservations about 15min before an 8pm show, and we were very lucky there were still a few tickets for available. All were sold out a few minutes later. We ride-shared, but I saw a small $7 parking lot half a block south, nearby street-parking , and many paid lots within 4 blocks. Up a flight of stairs, it's a large room with limitless jazz memorabilia lining the walls. We'll get here early next time just to see all the photos of jazz greats! It has nearly 200 seats at tables with good views of the performers' raised-stage, a handful of reservable VIP front-row seats and high-tops, and a small bar in the back with and extra row of wall-seating. We chose tall bar-seats, and the acoustics were excellent, not to mention the attentive bartender, and flavorful drinks which are likely served throughout the room. We had a couple of strong Negronis, named for the Italian Count who added gin to make an American stronger(!), continuing from our dinner in Little Italy, and we had another bright beverage that I dont quite recall :-). The jazz musicians were brilliant, a Charlie-Parker-themed tribute led by world-touring saxophonist and composer Charles McPherson in an evening 4-piece band. Terrific ensembles and solos, interspersed with witty comments that made the large room feel like an intimate club. Mr. McPherson kindly greeted folks during the break and signed his latest CD. A thrilling fulfilling relaxing evening of deeply moving music in a large-yet-intimate easy-to-get-to venue. read more

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If you love live jazz, this is a good spot. Very cozy setting and we just walked in on a Friday night 20 minutes before the show and we got a great spot on third row in front of the stage. The cover charge was $30 pp - can't beat that. read more

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

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What a great night we had at the jazz showcase, following the jazz festival. Lots of great musicians. Good cocktail service and welcoming club manager. read more

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

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What's to say other than a step back into a time no more. Where the artist came in a quaint setting and their skills where on display. Excellence personified. Not a lot of extra stuff, just the musician and their tool. Wow! Totally enjoyed my time here. Camille Thurman was worth the cost. Darnell Green and his quartet band was excellent!, the ambience was awesome. Come and enjoy jazz music as it should be heard read more

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Must go to joint for all travelers and locals! Crucial part of Chicago's music history, always has awesome music, and the bartenders make stiff drinks. Love it here and highly recommend. read more

Jazz Showcase - Bar - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The venue was nice, and the music was wonderful. Wait-staff is doing their best, but there were only two and a lot of people to serve. A bit slow because of this, but no problem. That said, we started off on a bit of a dour note. The person who checked our tickets was all smiles, but whoever he handed us off to was inattentive, impolite, and impatient. He did not so much as say hello. We followed him somewhat blindly, and he eventually gestured toward two seats for my wife and I. They were sat one in front of the other, which didn't seem very appealing (preferring to sit side-by-side). I said as much and he just walked away. At this point I assumed he was not very useful, so I tried to organize seating for myself, negotiating with another patron, which prompted him to rush back and scold me. Fair play, I get it, he needs to be in-charge... but mind, he was not being communicative at all. I genuinely thought he figured we were settled despite my objection. His entire demeanor was cold and uninviting. Not a great first impression. A bit of advice to that man (I'm sure this will be received well), be gracious, kind, & generous with your guests. Forgive small mistakes and have patience. It's understandable that there is a regular system, but you need to give one confidence & a general sense of ease. None of that was present. The band fucking rocked though, and honestly, we will be back. Everyone has a bad night I guess so I'm gonna try to brush it off and let it go. I'll update the review after my next visit. read more

The guy that seats people at the Sunday 4pm show is in the wrong job. He is curt, impolite, and just plain sour. He seems overwhelmed by the job and his confusion and disorganization is a black mark for the Jazz Showcase. Anslie was perfect for the job. Please bring her back. read more

It has been a few years since I visited. I'm as impressed as I was when I first saw all the old photos on the wall of the great Chicago jazz musicians. It is pretty casual and lay back. We attended the early 8pm show on Thursday, but the show didn't start till 8:30pm. Get a drink and chill and it gets you more relaxed for jazz. I just realized that they have shows 7 days a week, so very accessible. The microphone near the piano didn't work for 5mins so that was a little disruptive. It might be time for some new sound system updates. read more

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

Love the vibe in here, great place to hear live jazz and have some good drinks! I'd love to come back!

Haven't been to a Jazz club in ages!!!! The setting was nice, relaxed and pretty chill all around. The seating is spacious and is good for individuals, or a small group. The music was vibrant, alive and pretty amazing. I was looking for a trumpet lead performance and this was it. Exactly what I was looking for. They have different performers on different days, which, this was pretty awesome to see, with a nice mix. They also have a pretty good drink selection and non-alcoholic drinks as well. Come check this place out and listen to some great music, while there. read more

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

Always a great night at the Jazz Showcase featuring live jazz, seven nights a week in the heart of Chicago. The Jazz Showcase is a Chicago treasure and institution going back 75 years. It is a listening room so you can be sure people who go there come to listen and not converse during the performance. I highly recommend this iconic venue to anyone. It remains a main jazz club in Chicago, and they welcome young adults, kids and children. Sunday matinee kids are free. Parking behind the club is reasonable. The ambience in the Jazz Showcase is spectacular. It's like walking into a jazz museum. The staff works hard and they are friendly. read more

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Joe Segal's Jazz Showcase as it will always be known to me back to when it was located on Rush Street and then the Blackstone Hotel, remains THE BEST Jazz Club in Chicago! "The Jazz Showcase is the oldest historic jazz club in Chicago, founded in 1947 by Joe Segal, now owned and operated by Wayne Segal (Joe Segal's son)." Tonight the Keyon Harrold Quintet did not disappoint! The outstanding service and vibrant atmosphere continue to make "The Showcase" stand above the rest!!!! (No this ain't a supper club folks: eat before you come). read more

My second time here and it was just great. We saw a beautiful saxophonist who was awesome as was her band. I'd definitely recommend for a night outta to hear quality live music. read more

We opted for this place last minute after dinner and I'm glad we found it! My mom was in town and wanted to stop by. They have 2 shows and I recommend going to the early show, as it might run over into the second set. Which means you'll be out a little longer than expected unless you leave early. Full bar but it'll take you a bit to figure out who is the wait staff. Took a bit for them to clean a table for us to be seated comfortably. FYI- Set was instrumental only, no singers. Check their website for artists and schedule. read more

Jazz Showcase - Inside - view of stage from rear - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Could not resist going back. Place just a certain great vibe to it. Bartender has to be a track star, never a long wait to get a cocktail, and the place was packed. The Chosen Few band was (IMO) just ok. ‍ read more

Jazz Showcase - Always on point. - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Didn't try the food so can't comment on that. During a rainy night to my old hometown, thought about looking up jazz venues and came across the Jazz Showcase. I hadn't known of nor been before but ventured out for my beau's bday weekend. The late show was half full and they offered us the couch but I would fall asleep if the music was smooth so we stayed in the chairs. I enjoyed the ensemble with the lead sax and the women singer. They were truly talented! The drinks were less than stellar and now I know why most had beer or wine. So that will be the choice next time. read more

Jazz Showcase - Great night - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This place was everything I dreamed of it to be. I was trying to find something to do for post Valentine's Day dinner and decided to come here because of its historical significance and value it holds in the city. Basically, it's legit. It's been here since 1947. The performance was very good and very much set the mood filling the atmosphere with smooth jazz. Also, the drinks are reasonably priced which is a huge plus. Make sure to get your tickets online ahead of time and come early to get a nice seat closer to the stage! read more

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What a phenomenal show. 1.5 of jazz, great drinks and the jazziest ambiance. It was a night that transported us to the Jazz Era. Highly recommend. There is no food served just drinks. We went after dinner and the drinks were great. read more

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Always enjoyed coming to the jazz showcase especially on a Christmas Eve or day show. Super intimate and quaint. The show never fails. It's tight quarters but that's the joy of it. A nice little gem! Nice strong drinks. read more

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

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Visiting Jazz Showcase was one of my highlights when visiting Chicago. LOVED my visit here! I was a little sad that I didn't get another opportunity to visit Jazz Showcase. I only visited once. However, my first visit was a memorable one. There is a $15 admission fee to get in. It's well worth the money in my opinion. If you love jazz and are visiting Chicago, this should be a must stop! There is a lot of history in this place. It was established in 1947 and the greatest names in jazz have played here. Go to their website to the impressive long list of performers. I recommend checking the calendar on their website to see who is playing when you visit. The Chico Freeman group performed on the evening I visited. They were great! Chico Freeman was fantastic playing the sax. This place has an overall nice feel to it. They serve various alcoholic beverages but heads up on the prices. Plan to pay a good buck if you have more than 1-2 drinks. Staff is friendly here too. The doorman allowed me to stay for both sets this evening. Chico Freeman played two sets. The lounge area cleared out a lot after the first set. It was nice to sit closer to the band after many patrons left. During the first set I sat at a table at the back of the lounge with a nice view of the stage. A young man joined me at this table. We both enjoyed the music thoroughly. This is what I love about music so much, that it transcends barriers and brings people together. I had an opportunity to engage in conversation with this young man after the first set. We had a great conversation! So, good place to unwind, listen to music and meet new people. There are also plenty of places to sit here. It's not as crowded as one would think. I would absolutely visit here again, if I ever return to Chicago. I would definitely make this a must stop on a future return. I highly recommend this place! Experience a piece of history with a lovely place. Hope you enjoy and walk away with good memories as I have. read more

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My husband and I stumbled upon this goldmine whiling staying in a near by hotel. We have been attending minimum once a year for the last 12 years. The ambiance is sweet with low lighting, a variety of casual sitting along with a VIP section immediately to the left of the stage. The price is worth the talents that embrace the stage. A winner after a quiet meal in the Windy City. read more

A cool, true jazz, club. Intimate and authentic. Went to the Sunday matinee show and was not disappointed. Extremely talented artists. All ages so my 19 year old could join (big plus!). Also a few other other younger people there which is a rare treat to bring them to see great talents in jazz. They don't serve food but have great cocktails and staff. Why only 4 stars? It was hot and at points super loud (unbalanced) but overall a great joint. read more

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Great times to unwind the mind listening jazz along with sipping your favourite drink. They have bar but no food, you're welcome to bring bites with you. People working there are friendly and do their duty very good. Check out this place and soak with some real jazz. read more

The venue itself is very nice, the problem lays with the way its currently run. Went last Saturday for Ms. Thurman the 8:00 show,it didn't start till 8:20 which would not have been a problem if they extended the set pass the regular cut off time but they didn't. When the father Joe was running things the show ALWAYS started on time and the sets lasted over one hour. $80 (for two people) is alot for a 55min show... i think I'll be going to the Green Mill. read more

I've been a long time attendee of the Jazz Showcase. Saw countless shows there when it was located at the Blackstone, as well as when it moved to Illinois Street. The most recent location, on South Plymouth Court since 2008, is a wonderful place to take in a show. Its got great acoustics, good sight lines, a great stage for the performers, all in a large, balanced, and controlled room that offers both an intimate and shared musical experience for the listeners. Definitely one of the best rooms the city has for music. As far as the staff go, there is nothing but friendliness and appreciation for you being there. We were greeted with smiles and thanks, which made the whole experience even better! When it came time to take our drink order, they were attentive and prompt on delivery; as a group of 5 we placed our order and got our drinks before the music started, instead of in the middle of a song or set. We didn't have any food, so I can't really comment on that. If there was a downside to our experience, I'd say it was the fact that we were charged an additional $2.00 for having ice in our drinks. WTF?! To put it in perspective, I ordered an Old Fashion and my girlfriend ordered a Manhattan. Both are drinks which are traditionally made with ice. Now, you can go to just about any gas station and buy a whole bag of ice for the same price. So, the idea of charging someone an additional fee for an element that constitutes the drink itself is ridiculous. Again, perspective is everything. Going out to see music is incredibly important to me, especially when were talking about Jazz, and keeping the art alive. I know it sounds like I'm being petty when I criticize the Jazz Showcase for this dumb charge, but here's the thing, if you go to the website for the Jazz Showcase, it doesn't provide you with any posting of prices for drinks or food. So the only way to find out is when you get billed for your order. Now it's clear management has gone to great lengths to hire the right people, and then create a great environment for experiencing live Jazz music, but they shoot themselves in the foot when they do foolish things like adding additional charges like this to the patrons. I say this because as much as I want to continue to support Jazz and the places that feature it, petty charges like this don't make me or my guests want to linger, and make an entire evening of sitting and listening to music ... and buying more drinks. read more

The music was amazing and full of life. The room roared with applause anytime there was a break in the music. Seating was great and comfortable. Buying a bottle was a bit much but that's what you pay for convenience. I will be going back. My first jazz bar experience ever, loved it. Everyone working there looked very well dressed and professional. We walked in the SECOND they opened the door and couldn't believe how cordial everyone was. Bathrooms were also nice read more

Jazz Showcase - The front stage from the 2nd closest couch view. So comfortable I fell asleep - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Absolutely adore this place, it was such an amazing experience. I loved how kind and welcoming everyone was. Monte Carlo's was incredible. read more

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WOW! My hubs is a legit player and even he was blown away by the musical talent! Really great service. One drink minimum per person. Drinks were good too! Highly recommend for true Jazz!! read more

I've only recently gotten into the jazz scene here in Chicago, but I've been to Jazz Showcase twice now and have had a fantastic experience both times. Tickets to a weekend show here range from $20-40. You can choose to purchase VIP tickets, which will get you a reserved seat closer to the stage and in comfier chairs, but honestly, no seat in the house is a bad seat. It's an intimate, cozy venue, and you can hear the music perfectly in from any spot in the crowd. Both times I have come here, the music was perfect. They have both local jazz musicians as well as those from out-of-town. The show was casual yet professional. The cocktails were great also, and the service was friendly and as attentive as they could be, given a live show was ongoing. The audience was a mixed group of young and older patrons alike. This is the perfect place for a date night, if you ask me. I highly recommend this venue, and I know I'll be coming back! read more

Wow! Superb venue to sit and listen/watch some amazing jazz artists. Tonight is a benefit - the place is full and the music is fantastic. The servers are busy but super friendly and efficient. Highly recommend!!! read more

Jazz Showcase - a group of musicians on stage - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This was our capstone event of the evening - a visit to Jazz Showcase to watch trumpeter Victor Garcia! First off, when you enter this place (get tickets folks), it's hard not to be humbled by those who have stepped on that stage. The walls are covered with pictures of the jazz greats who have been there, and just to be there to see a show is a treat. Sound and lighting - Excellent! So, a little bit about Mr. Garcia - he plays trumpet with great enthusiasm and panache. We enjoyed his performance, and that of his band. Notably, the young lady from Spain that was signing and scatting was just incredible. Not so incredible to try to upstage Mr. Garcia, but it was a memorable performance that complimented him. The drinks were good, and water was available to help keep us hydrated. We just came from dinner. We enjoyed our visit. The place is well-run. If you are looking for Chilis, this isn't it. This place has history, panache, and gravitas that you don't get at a chain restaurant. read more

After a misunderstanding about a ticket purchase, Jonathan was able to straighten it all out for us! We were able to enjoy the show, on our much needed girl's trip! We loved the show! read more

One of our favorite places for Jazz music: Very comfortable seating, great sound system and always great acts. Good drinks, too! read more

Jazz Showcase - Emmett Cohen . The man clearly enjoys performing. And we enjoy listening - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Great atmosphere and great music. The drinks were also affordable. Kindly note this establishment doesn't sell food.

Great Jazz and ambiance! Most historic Chicago Jazz house in town. Fantastic customer service.

We came for a show on Friday night. Would consider coming again but I would recommend playing music when the doors open or having an opening band or set prior to the main event. Paying $30 for a band to only play 1 hour seems a bit high. The set stated it would be from 8pm to 9:30pm but they were late and it was more like 8:30 to 9:30pm. And the next set was starting at 10pm which meant you had to leave so that the next group of people could sit where you were sitting. It would be nice to stay and drink once you pay that charge. The inside of the venue is older and kind of homie feeling with older sofa's for parties of 3 or more. And then tight seating for parties of 2 or 3 some with a small table. Our server was kind and the drinks seem a little overpriced. read more