3.5 stars? Like Justin L. said, IF you really like blues, than this is a good bar to go to.. $15 cover charge and $10 if you are a student. No doubt about the talent, but you need to be in the mood or to like the blues somewhat to really appreciate the art that takes place on stage. Or, you can drink more and that might develop your interest. Otherwise, I'm sorry to say you can get bored after the initial 15 minutes. I tried to be cultured, but couldn't get into it! read more

This place is so cool that I went twice during my 4 day stay in Chicago. We had so much fun here! I wish I were a student in Chicago so I could come here all the time! Students get in for free, while normal cover is $12. Don't forget your student ID! This is a blues bar with live music that's split into two rooms. Once the music stops from one side, the party will move into the room next door and you follow the band on over for the next set. Shuffle on over to the next room, or shuffle to the back for food! Food's my thing and anytime I'm at a bar or after I'll feel like I'm starving. This place answered my prayers as it offered bbq ribs, po boys, jambalaya, and wings on wings on wings. Dont judge me, but I ordered 16 wings (8 each of spicy jerk and buffalo). I also tried the jambalaya. Both were great! Cool dive bar atmosphere with cool music, a dance floor, and drunchies for me. Yes! I'd definitely come back when in Chicago! read more

This bar is nirvana for blues fans. How can you go wrong! Two sides, with alternating bands, with real true Chicago blues legends. Even on a Saturday night - the wait to get in was only 10 minutes and there was room to stand. (Obviously get there early if you want to sit) The patrons are there to have fun and it is great to see so many fans of the blues. It was also great to see a hard working staff that looked like they were having as much fun as the crowd. These are the kinds of places that we need to support because the city would not be the same without them. This place is an institution and is doing it right. read more

So I went to the bathroom and apparently someone smoked some pot in there wasn't me! The security guard corners me and demands I empty my pockets! Is that even legal? Your a security guard not a cop and a bad one you got the wrong guy. Rather then punch the asshole in the face, I submit and empty my pockets and show I have nothing. He runs out immediately offering no apology! I'm paying a big cover and a big bill with nice tips on top of that friendly to everyone working. Then ever dick in there from the band playing to the security hits on my girlfriend like it's the first women they ever saw! fuck you! Stay out of the tourist trap and go to a real Chicago blues bar. read more

I'm a fan and need I really explain why? Great music, at great venue, with great crowd, and great drinks, at great prices, and great music! read more

Joanna Conner is worth the price of admission. She's one of the best guitarist you'll ever hear or see. Get there early to find a seat, unless you plan to dance. Food is edible. Pours are solid, but don't order anything too fancy. Monitors are mounted in case you're too far back to see the stage. read more

Kingston Mines - Bbq wings - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The line to get in wasn't bad. I only waited 5 minutes and the dress code was casual. Cover is $15 per person. This bar was really cool inside. The bar is split in two. Each area is for one band, so what the place does is rotate bands. One band would play, yesterday's wasEddie shaw and wolf gang, and afterwards everyone would shuffle to the next area for the next band to play, Joanna Connor. They would flip flop sides back and forth, just those two bands. Both bands were spectacular, especially Joanna Connor. Her fingers were magic sliding up and down that guitar. She also had an amazing voice. There was a lot of dancing near the stage. Also, my friends and I kept ordering the beer bucket, which was 21 dollars for 5 bottled beers of your choice. Lastly, coat check was 3 dollars per jacket. The guy kept it organized and was able to find our jackets quickly. read more

Kingston Mines - Joanna Connor was such an amazing guitarist. - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Big club. On a monday night it was quiet but the band put their all into the show. Corey Dennison band. The bar was basic but serviceable. read more

Kingston Mines - Corey Dennison - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Preface: Bars in Chicago have last call at 4 AM, which to me is insane. Kitchen closes at 3 AM. Yeah, I left at 2:30 AM 'cause I can't hang. Cover was $12 on a Monday night - free with student ID. Surprisingly, there was quite a crowd. At first, I didn't think my paying for cover was justified, but the live jazz is pretty impressive. I'm talking saxophone and percussion, along with singing and witty banter with audience. Would have been interesting to see this place on a Friday or Saturday night. There are two rooms; one reminds me of a camp auditorium with a bar, while the other is longer with a dance floor near the stage and lots of seating near the back. Ambiance is divey, and everyone kind of keeps to themselves which is nice. Pretty cool that they have local 312 beers (Chicago area code) but I opted for Magic Hat. Waitress was super nice and chatty, but I forget her name. read more

See all

I have to start with the disclaimer that I'm not particularly into Blues, or really music that much in general, however I had fun here. The crowd was a cool mix of people, the music was good but not too loud, and I didn't think the food or drinks were too bad. I don't particularly like paying covers to get in places, so I wasn't thrilled by the $15 cover, however I was willing to go for a friend's birthday. I had a couple of the drink specials that were $5 a piece, and I think the normal well drinks were less than that. The food was pretty tasty, and prices were reasonable for that as well. There were two different stages in different rooms, so when we couldn't get a seat in one room, we moved into the other and waited until the music switch to the stage in our room. read more

Love this little dive where the blues started...right here in Chicago at this bar. Everyone MUST come here at least once if they are from Chicago or live in Chicago to pay tribute. My fiance and I went on a Fri afternoon at an odd time, 5pm, not expecting there to be music. But oh yes, there was! A very talented group of musicians kept us rockin' to our sangrias, along with about 30 other people in the place. Surprisingly happening for an afternoon and though we aren't huge fans of jazz, it was great music and we were sold. read more

Worst lime ever got with my tequila shots but best live jazz musical In Chicago. Long story short... ask for lemons read more

We went to Kingston Mines only because it was on my friend's "Chicago bucket list". During his five years living in the windy city, he'd always heard of it being a bit of a legendary local blues establishment. A Chicago icon of sorts. Since I was on vacation, I didn't need to be convinced. So we headed over. We figured the $15 cover charge might keep some of the youngsters away, but I was dead wrong. The club, divided into two stage areas, with a wall/bar separating each side, was packed to the gills on both halves. Most of the patrons looked significantly younger than us (we were there on a Friday night... no wonder). Our side did not have a band playing when we arrived so we gradually maneuvered our way toward the bar, squeezing through a bunch of drunk college kids along the way. We ordered some drinks and were promptly served; a long island for me, Old Fashioned for the wife, and Corona for the friends. The drink prices were what I expected. I spotted a few older couples (45+) sitting along the far edges of the bar and near the back of the room, which told me that either these folks love to party, or the music here was top-notch... or both. When the band next door was done, up to our stage walked "Vance Kelly and the Back Street Candy Lickers". They sure as hell put on an impressive show, fully engaging the now-rowdy crowd while ripping some of the nastiest blues I've ever heard. Since I'm by no means a blues connoisseur, this to me was good music. And a wonderful time. And who in their right minds would ever forget such a great band name?! read more

Kingston Mines - Kingston Mines: great company, great music! - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Had a great time here! The drinks were tasty and strong. The music was great. I only had one thing to eat which was red beans and rice. The dish was just ok. My biggest complaint is that there was a very long wait for food. The student discount was much appreciated! read more

Kingston Mines - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

A group of friends were all dancing in the main room to a band doing lively covers of old hits, having a great time. I got bored and slipped to the second, smaller room because I smelled an opportunity. In the second room, an excellent lady was belting out some body-rocking soulful music. I set myself up with a beer and some ribs and I was in heaven. That's what Kingston Mines is really about. There's some amazing music here, and two rotating stages to keep it coming so there rarely a lull. The kitchen serves soul food like cornbread and ribs. There's a bar too. What more do you want from life? read more

Let me just say that I was actually kind of nervous going into a Blues Club... Did not know what to expect, and wasn't sure if I would like it or not. First off, you come in and there are so many drinks to check out at the bar, the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Shot, the Dragonberry Limeade, etc... we ordered a round of drinks and it was actually really good. I don't like the taste of alcohol, but they made it taste really good! We ordered some food in the back and found a seat. Also the food was good (everything fried is good- Fried Onion Rings, Jalapeno Poppers, Potatoe skins etc.) The music was amaaazzziiinnnggggggg. I wish I could go back. Everyone who performed was too good, the music got everyone in the groove, so much good vibes...just really a great great time. Everyone was enjoying themselves and it got packed towards the end of the night. Tip: There is a cover charge so bring cash, but if you have a student I.D they let you in free on certain nights. I fell in love with the Blues after coming here. There is much more out there than the regular night club scene! read more

See all

Kingston mines had great music. I really enjoyed both of the bands that played there tonight. The atmosphere is also great, didn't try the food menu but it looked good too. The reason for my 2 stars review is not on any of the above but how rude and unprofessional the person working at the cover fee window was. We were bunch of students checking out this place for the first time. We were very eager to get there, but one of our friend she forgot her Student ID, which you could use to get a discount on. We asked nicely if we vouched for her could it work and she was being very understanding about if she has to she will pay the cover. But the guy gave her a lot of attitude and the tone changed and almost didn't want anything to do with her. And when she paid, he sounded very condescending about how much she gave him (she paid the full cover) which was rudeness that made no sense. It sure was a great first impression of the place......Kind of ruined an experience and night that could have been perfect. read more

Blues, two rooms alternate live entertainment, three shows per stage, $20 cover, a bulleit bourbon and diet coke is like $9, steak fries, lemon pepper wings can be ordered at the back counter by the rest room. Friendly crowd, staff, lots of seating. read more

Standing here is like sitting in a Pentecostal church. The guys in the front speak in a strange tongue while everyone else tries to keep up. The two stages are a boon to this place, the space is huge and even the other clubs that I go to are only one stage affairs and can be small. My buddies and I got there pretty early to watch the early set and stayed the night....I think. The bucket special was $20 Corona buckets and I think we had six of them between the three of us so of course I have no idea. The opening act was pretty good. My friend had been there and heard him. I thought he was pretty good but my friend disagreed otherwise. The main guys, had a good mix of blues and old school r&b. They rocked the main stage. Again, if only I could remember who they were. Also, we got no cover because we're military. Awesome! read more

You cannot visit Chicago without stopping by a live music bar/venue! One of the many things I love about Chicago is the diversity and friendliness of everyone. Kingston Mines is a perfect example of this. You will see a variety of people that all come together for the love of blue's music. The musicians are talented and know how to interact with the crowd. In case you are seating towards the back of the stage, there is a TV along the side wall so you have a clear picture of the band. There was a $12 fee at the door, which I don't usually mind because I like to support local musicians. They are allow in and out privileges, in case you wanted to check out another bar and return later or if you need to step outside for a smoke break. Near the entrance is also a merch room where you can purchase Kingston Mines shirts, hats, and other memorabilia. Drinks were also relatively cheap! read more

Kingston Mines - $12 cover charge for amazing music. - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

First off, someone in our party was charged an exorbitant amount on their credit card accidentally and it took over an hour to solve the problem, leaving us completely incapable of buying drinks, food or anything else during the show. Later on, someone else in our party was aggressively kicked out of the bar for using the wrong bathroom (it's 2017, are you serious?) and the bouncers shoved us, yelled at us, and tried to distance us from each other. I overheard one of the bouncers say that we have to stay because, "we don't belong with her" (we were white, she was black). I've been coming to this bar for the affordable drinks, amazing music, and exciting (albeit older and whiter) audience for a long time. I'm never coming back and will adamantly insist my more progressive and open-minded friends never return as well. Have fun with your racist establishment. read more

As a big fan of Blues Music, I knew I had to find a place in Chicago to find some good music. Kingston Mines provides Live Blues Music 7 nights a week, and man is it a good time. I went on a Wednesday night and the entertainment started off in the side room with the Mike Wheeler Band including special guest Peaches Staten. They were absolutely electrifying, I was so impressed with their music that I bought all three of the Mike Wheeler CD's. The second act was the Corey Dennison band, great instrumentals and Corey's voice is powerful and impressive. He loved engaging the crowd and it was a great time. In the back of the establishment is Doc's Rib Joint. I had the "small" order of rib tips which came with fries, Cole slaw, and a corn muffin. This meal filled me up and I'm a big guy. One last thing I'd like to touch on....this bar is the real deal. While enjoying the music, Eddie "House Rockin" Shaw strolled in and he was just there to chill and take in the music. Rubbing elbows with a legend like that made the entire night so memorable. read more

See all

Having a great time here with Mike wheeler band and a few beers! Lots of beer selection and there's fried snacks available In the back. read more

Kingston Mines - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I went here last night for a work gathering - one of the PTs I work with had a bunch of free passes from a former patient who had some affiliation with the place. It was very nice not having to pay cover :) When we came in around 10:30 or 10:45, the place was packed in the main room. Their security is very good about making sure no one is standing in the aisles, which is hard considering the number of people. I appreciated this though, because I hate not being able to move in bars and clubs like this. The main room is long, with a bar on one side and tables in the main area. There's a small opening in front of the stage where people can/were dancing (assuming that's what it's for - the 3 guys who were really into it were really drunk and very entertaining). We went to the other room with another stage because there were 20 of us and we wanted to be able to stay together. The other room is much smaller, with a few tables on the main floor and more up a small ramp, which was great for viewing the stage. There's also a bar in the back of this room, as well as a few random arcade games. The tables in this room are more like tall benches, just wide enough to hold some drinks, which is fine as long as you're not eating. The band was playing in the main room, but the acoustics were good enough that you can still hear them clearly in the other room, but can still hold a conversation with the people around you. They had a closed-circut TV on the wall so you can see the band in the other room too, which is cool. The band was supposed to come in to the small room to play around 11:30. I had to leave before then cuz I had somewhere I had to be, but I'm assuming they did - I like that they switch back and forth from the stages. They also had another girl playing in the small room first, but her set ended before we got there. I guess she switched to the larger room at 11:30 as well. Not really sure. The beer was a bit overpriced, in my opinion, with MGD/Bud/Lights at $3.75, Blue Moon at 4, and my personal fav Michelob Ultra Light at 5. I refuse to pay for a single beer what I'd pay for a 6-pack at Jewel on sale, but that's just me. We had a pre-party anyway so I didn't feel like drinking more, especially considering I was driving shortly thereafter. They also have $15 buckets of Miller on Mondays, according to the sign on the wall. The cover is usually $15-20 I think, but fortunately we had passes/didn't have to pay :) Combined with the drink prices, it's pretty expensive, but it's a nice atmosphere. It's not super classy, so you don't need to get all dolled up, but it wasn't trashy either, which I loved. It's very neighborhood-y. I would def. come back, but I would come on a night where they have their college ID special (free cover w/valid college ID!)...which basically means I have until June 30 when mine expires. I believe those are Sunday-Wednesdays or something. The band (Vance Kelly I think?) was great. Not very bluesy - more motown/R&B (temptations, Shout!, etc.), but they were awesome. They really had the crowd going. Parking I can imagine would be a pain. If I didn't go to the pre-party at this girl's condo to watch the Bulls game at 7, I never would have found a place right out front. read more

Awesome! The price was a bit steep, but the music was awesome and turned out to be worth every penny. The Bass player in the Mike Wheeler band is fantastic! Never heard anyone play slap bass this well in person before. The food is also outstanding! Their cajun spices and blackened catfish were among the best I've ever had. The red beans and rice was also excellent. I wish I lived in Chicago because we would be coming back here every week. read more

Super awesome place to fit in with the locals and listen to some great artist play some of the best blues ever. We popped in here onion Halloween night and had the chance to toss back a few drinks and lit stem to some tunes played by Joanna Connor. Man was I pleased!!!!! Drinks are always stiff and sting and the beers ice cold making your experience that much better. If you visit Chi town and don't make a stop here you wasted your time and missed out on a real true Chicago experience!!!! read more

Kingston Mines - The great Joanna Connor - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Coming here on a Sunday night was one of the best things I did while in Chicago. I don't know if I have much to add from what the other reviewers said, but I wanted one more yelper on here letting everyone know that this place rules! I think I especially loved the setup of two stages so that I was never more than 15 minutes without live music going. That was a genius idea and I love it. Beer was a decent price. The servers were totally awesome, always getting us whatever we needed! The food from the back window was good too. I try to one of the ribs, it ranks up there with some of the pretty good ribs. I wouldn't go here just for the food, but if hungry while at a show, this will hit the spot. Go here. Go here. Go here. Did I make myself clear? read more

See all

On this night I just wanted some late night food, a few drinks and some good music to listen too. At Kingston Mines this was the place to be. This was my first time eating at this place, so I had no idea what to expect. There's a small entry fee which is expected at times. Upon entering, you can hear the live band playing music from rock, jazz, and a little bit of RnB. But I only went there for one thing and one thing only....Wingz. I placed an order for 12 jumbo buffalo wings and as my food was getting prepared I decided to order a Jack-Honey and coke. Got my wings and began to chow down. Wings were steaming hot so you know it was fresh. The buffalo sauce wasn't amazing a little bit too salty for my taste. And I'm not a huge fan of breaded chicken wings. The drinks were well made so that's definitely a plus. Would I go back ? Who knows, I guess it all depends on my mood for the night... read more

Kingston Mines - Wings come with fries.. - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I thought this place was great for a live Blues music experience. A mixed crowd with good vibes producing a very welcoming atmosphere for people of different ages. There are two stages for the music that alternates with performers, which was great. I came on Sunday night and it was still a big crowd. Food: I had some hot buffalo wings and fries and it was pretty good. Drinks were okay. I can't believe this was just my first time here, definitely won't be my last. Recommend for a good night out with live music. read more

I totally followed yelp here to celebrate the hubbyz Birthday and OMG is all I have to say.. the flick of Joanna Connors wrist on the guitar is far far more than anyone's eyes can imagine... this is down round yonder kinda blues!!! Hell Yes!! Every night all night I could happily witness this real ass sh:@! The foods fab considering I'm in a bar and we are both feeling it. Be back soon... put this on your to do list. No joke if your into this scene. This is a must do in Chicago! read more

Kingston Mines - This chic rocks this joint! - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My trip to Chicago always results in an amazing time at Kingston Mines... Absolutely favorite for proper fun ... Huge barn looking building with two stages with great performers ... read more

Not much to say. I just love this place. The food is good. The Performers are good. Tonight is Corey Dennison. He's a pretty good performer. Love his band. read more

Kingston Mines - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great Blues Club! Nice people, and a great value. Two stages really maximizes your blues night. If you come early you can even catch an acoustic set. This is a great historic Chicago blues spot. read more

Kingston Mines - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Wandered here upon a recommendation of what to do since the Jazz Festival got rained out. Paid the cover charge (they take credit!) and walked in, even though the outside was unlike any other jazz place I had been to. Truth be told I was a little sad because there was no jazz to be found; only blues & then there was this large place with a laid back vibe. Where was the jazzy intimacy and small room? I was confused. Then I just experienced instead. The food smelled phenomenal, the performers were talented, and the crowd was into it. I knew it was going to be a good night. I really enjoyed the "dance floor" up in the smaller room - I thought the sound quality was much better there when you could hear the singer right in your face than when I was in the back at a table listening to the speakers. I also enjoyed the bouncing back of the two stages; once a performance was done in one room, rush over to the other room and find a spot. It makes the sometimes boring performer break nonexistent. Servers were adept and I enjoyed there were water stations on each bar so you didn't need to wait & bother the bartenders for water. I do have to say the drink "specials" weren't that great, so order a drink you know and love instead. Didn't quite make it to 4 or 5 am, but stayed there well past I thought I would be out in Chicago (2:30 or so). It was a great time and I would recommend fully. Next time will have to try the food there! read more

Music combines with noises, laughters, dancings, this is my experience of Kingston Mines here. It was pretty fun, but, I should say, not so blues to me---it is too modern. It costs 12 for the entrance fee, but you are get in for free if you are a college student! read more

Kingston Mines - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Always a great time. Prepare to be close to other patrons and yelling cause it's loud but that's a good thing. Food is definitely worth a try. I also recommend the beer buckets because it's cheaper and less time waiting in line. Not a lot of dance space but the people watching and music is entertaining enough. Definitely a must try. read more

Great music and ambiance. Food was okay. Got the Rib sampler. Their BBQ sauce is really good, but the rib ends were very tough and chewy. French fries were of the frozen variety, and I've had better at tiny little hockey rink snack bars. I got their BBQ wings too, they were nothing to write home about. I did get to try their jerk chicken wings and should have went with those. They were fall-off-the-bone tender and tasty. Jalapeño cornbread was cold and tasted stale. My brother got a rack of ribs and they were tender and the meat fell right off the bone. So it's really just a matter of what you order and your expectations. As a blues club, I felt like it wasn't the hole in the wall place I was looking for. Great talent, but based on the crowd demographics, it felt more like I was in a Disney world version of a blues club. read more

Great energy and feel. Throwback vibes . Constant jams all night! They play really late

Born and raised in Chicago, I finally went to Kingston Mines last week. What a cool venue and now I know why it has such a great reputation and loyal fan base. It's like our own Nashville Honky Tonk. The blues flows loud, proud and until the wee hours of the morning. The drinks are relatively cheap and if you want ribs, chicken, and gumbo, they got that too in the back. Make sure you get a tee shirt on the way out and a CD of the act you just partied with. read more

I love coming here for the music. It is so much fun to dance here. I always ASSUME that they are going to be packed because they are unique (I'm always wrong, plenty of room). Don't try calling them though. Ever. I always make the mistake of calling up to see what I should expect. They keep me on hold for 15 minutes if they pick up at all. Then they are just plain rude until you hang up on them to stop yourself from telling them to go fuck themselves. You are in the service industry dude, act like it. read more