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    Jazz Showcase

    4.4 (235 reviews)
    ModerateJazz & Blues
    Closed 7:00 pm - 11:30 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

    Jazz Showcase Photos

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    A lovely night listening to a quintet
    Mike M.

    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.

    The photos alone are worth the visit!
    Rich S.

    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.

    Gracela B.

    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.

    Felicia W.

    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.

    Phil P.

    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

    Bar
    Kim N.

    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.

    Bao L.

    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.

    Dan K.

    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.

    Pat Mallinger Quartet performs at the Jazz Showcase September 2024.
    Pat M.

    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.

    Inside - view of stage from rear
    Alyssa B.

    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.

    Always on point.
    Reggie H.

    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. ‍

    Great night
    Aja H.

    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.

    Decoration of the old posters for showings in the 1980s
    Riley A.

    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!

    Band

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    2 months ago

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

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    2 years ago

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

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    2 years ago

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

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    Jazz Showcase Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Jazz Showcase

    Are minors (16&17) allowed to attend?

    We saw children maybe a 2, 8, 12, 15 year olds in the matinée show!

    Any covid screening? Should I bring my vaxx card?

    NO.

    If you bring your own food (like Lou Malnati's) will they provide plates? Are the tables big enough to use to eat dinner or are they more like cocktail tables?

    Mostly cocktail tables.

    I'm looking a good restaurant to go to that's nearby. What's a good restaurant to go for date night?

    Sofi on Dearborn, north of Polk.

    Are minors allowed before a certain time? My son is 12 and would enjoy this a great deal if we go together?

    I saw a child there for the performance I attended. He looked to be about 6 and I thought, how awesome that his parents are exposing him to jazz. We went to an 8:30 set

    Are the weekday night shows limited to people who are over 21, or are minors allowed as well? Thanks!

    My son and two friends went to the 8pm show on Saturday, June 24th with no problems. They are all 17 years old. They had a blast and enjoyed the show.

    View All 9 Questions

    Review Highlights - Jazz Showcase

    Had a wonderful holiday treat to visit Joe Segal's (new) dogs and to see the fantastic Roy Hargrove Quartet on January 2.

    Mentioned in 9 reviews

    Read more highlights

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

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

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    Andy's Jazz Club - New york strip steak

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    Sabertooth takes the stage on a Thursday night.

    Andy's Jazz Club - Old Fashioned.

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    Jazz Showcase - jazzandblues - Updated May 2026

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