Hubby & I decided to make this our Place to celebrate our Anniversary: I must say We had A Wonderful Time : The music was Great , Food was delicious & the Crowd was lovely people . We will surely be visiting Kingston Mines very soon . My hubby woke up talking about how he enjoyed the entertainment- If you love the Blues this is the place to be : Lindsey Alexander & the Band will give you pure good entertainment . read more

I can't claim to be an expert as I've only been here once as a tourist and it's my first time in a blues joint. Overall I'm glad I went, but mainly I think for the novelty of the experience and the GREAT band that we got to see - Big James and the Chicago Playboys. Phenomenal musicians that all left my jaw hanging down to the floor. But it's definitely an older place that reeks of cigarette smoke as soon as you walk in. I guess that's how it goes but I can't stand cigarette smoke. I guess the concept of having 2 separate rooms with alternating bands playing every hour is a good idea on one level, but once I've gotten comfortable in my seat, I really don't feel like fighting the crowd to go over to the other room. I think I'd rather just deal with the down-time between bands, and give my eardrums a break from the VERY loud speakers. Service was decent and the emcee was cool. $15 cover charge, $10 for students, not bad. It really was the GREAT music that helped me ignore the nastily offensive dancing going on and the stink of the smoke...and ultimately let me walk away still having enjoyed the experience. read more

I love Kingston Mines. I love the random crowd, I love the music, I love how you can either move from stage to stage or just chill and actually hear the people you came with, I love how people get up and dance and just generally have fun! And the food is good too! The only thing I'm not thrilled about is the cover. But now that I'm a lowly grad student again, I'll be milking that ID for all it's worth. Come here if you like blues. Or even if you don't. read more

I gotta be honest here, I don't think the experience I had here was worth the $15 cover charge. I'm not cheap, but $15 is pretty expensive for what you get. First off, the setup of this place is really weird, there are two different stages in different areas of the bar that are split off from each other. When we walked in, one area was playing and the other one wasn't (it was really confusing to figure out where we were supposed to sit.) No one helped us at all, there are barely any waitresses, you have to go up to the bar and order drinks yourself. Seating is first come first serve, and unfortunately we went to the very back with barely a view. I wasn't engaged at all in the music and felt like I was drinking away the time... that made my drinking bill even larger. I really liked by experience at BLUES better- there it was more intimate, I felt more engaged in the music, and didn't feel like I was drinking at a place that happened to have live blues music. I'll give this place another chance, but just wanted everyone to know my experience with it was disappointing. I honestly was bored and left after 2 hours. read more

Absolutely great place to catch live music. The sound is decent, and whoever does the booking ought to be hugged. I've never walked out of KM without having a blast. The drinks are moderately priced and they give a killer discount for a school id, whether you're a student or faculty. I haven't seen that one before. Although the bar doesn't boast a massively diverse menu of booze, what they have is good, and you can usually find a decent bucket special and the food here is worth a trip alone. Yes, there is a cover, but it's well worth it for a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. Just a bunch of people looking for agood music and good time til late late in the night. read more

Fun night out in Chicago! Had a friend visiting from Sydney and felt like doing something a bit different, so came to Kingston Mines on a Sunday night. It was actually pretty cool b/c it was an open mic night of sorts. There were a bunch of different musicians who brought their own guitars/keyboard/ etc. and took turns getting called up to jam with the group. It was pretty impressive how they hadn't played together and were able to just kind of figure out the songs. There were even these younger HS boys playing that was really cute they got the chance to get up there. There was no cover charge on Sunday night, which was great as well. For food, we got the wings and the rib tips. Both were alright, came out a little cold and just pretty standard. But don't think you really come here for the food, more than entertained by the music! read more

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

Open late, fantastic music and always a lively crowd. As a tip, get there around 9 and go to the main room. You'll get a great seat. read more

Nice venue with friendly, fast bartenders. The place is reasonably clean and nice enough. We visited on a Sunday and while I know that isn't prime time and they had kind of an open mic night going, the music was not good at all and the man hosting was talking about weed every other sentence, it got old. read more

This place absolutely rocks. The quality of the music is sky-high, and the atmosphere is a lot of fun, too. It's more or less what you would hope and expect a blues place to be - a little rough around the edges and beat up on the inside. Make sure you get here EARLY. On weekends, the place fills up within an hour or so of opening. Beer prices are pretty reasonable, food is pretty average and what you'd expect from a blues bar. I went here on a weekend so I can't vouch for weeknights, but I had a great time at Kingston Mines. read more

Live music - ahmaazzing. Been here many times. Great date spot, first-date spot (to figure out if he's lame or not), or to chill out with a group of friends. The venue is outdated but who cares? I've never been here on weekend nights but I think there's free cover on Sundays & random weeknights are good so it's not too busy. I'm looking forward to going there soon! p.s. another great one is Buddy Guy's Legends read more

Nice and cozy place. I love blues and country music!! I will go there again definitely. Only thing that I don't like is variety of food. I think better if they have some healthy food instead of burgers and french fries. Also very annoying when the person who does entertainment every 10 minutes goes around and trying to sell his CD. I don't like it either. read more

This is one of the best live venues I have ever been. We went on a sat night around 8 pm and things were just getting started. Very cool diverse crowd. The bartenders were busy but efficient. I never had to wait more than a couple minutes for a drink. The music was killer. Joanna conners (?) and her band was rocking the house. Total strangers were up dancing with each other. We could only stay for a few hours and only saw Eddie shaw s first couple of tunes. He sounded great too. We WILL be back again. read more

Kingston Mines - My wife and a cool cat. - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We had SO much fun here! This is definitely a must-see if you are in Chicago. AMAZING live music, that you can chill to or dance to, depending on your mood. The service is so-so but it doesn't even matter. The caliber of musicians that they have here is phenomenal. I will definitely be stopping by again the next time I'm in Chicago! read more

Can't believe I haven't reviewed this place yet! This is one of my favorite spots to catch live music at on the weekends. The staff is friendly, they're open late, their kitchen is open past midnight (WHAT?!) and of course, the music is sensational. Also, they give free entry with military ID for you and your +1. I really love this place because there's always such an interesting mix of people here every time I go. We all have one thing in common - we love good blues/jazz/Motown music! I have never been disappointed coming here. Music is fantastic (they have TWO stages) and drinks are cheap. Also, pro tip, their bread pudding is pretty delicious. Their food is inexpensive and pretty good in general (not your average bar food). I love the low key, divey feel of this place. It's somewhere I will be frequenting for years to come. Keep doing your thing, Kingston Mines. read more

To me, Kingston Mines was entirely too touristy... and I'm from Orlando... whose entire city is supported by tourist taxes. The first thing to put a negative spin on the night was the $15 cover. I hate covers. However, once we were in, people generally had a good time. Wait service was very slow, and the bar itself is very crowded. The music itself was just okay - I wasn't excited by any means. Due to the relative noise and crowding, I would strongly recommend against this as a date night. However, if you're going with a group of friends, by all means, schedule a stop in. As a large group, we were mostly standing, with a few stools along the walls. Be prepared to get there early if you want to sit. I'd be willing to go back here for visitors, but I won't plan on making this a regular bar choice. read more

Great late night venue with awesome music. Joanna kills it on the guitar. The bartenders are super friendly and nice!

Never disappoints! This is our third time here. We can never miss a trip to Kingston mines while visiting Chicago.

Music couldn't make up for the witch of a bartender. Took us a couple songs to get over her aggressive attitude. I won't repeat the whole tale, but we just wanted to check if a drink special had hazelnut liquor or amaretto since my wife is seriously allergic. Bartender was rude and wouldn't answer. She grabbed drinks from bar angrily when I explained why I needed to know. I was surprised with how great the service around Chicago improved between when I visited years ago and when I lived there recently. It has to do with yelp and the power of online reviews. Unfortunately, Kingston Mines can have terrible bartenders because that's not why tourists go there-- it's for the music. I understand that. Still gets 1 star from me, though! read more

What a great blues bar! We came on a Monday night after a cubs game and it was really enjoyable. They have two sets playing in two separate rooms so the whole migrating to a different area to continue listening is a little different than I'm used to but no biggy. Coverage was about $12 a person and the drinks were decently priced so for a couple hours of music and some good company it wasn't a bad deal. The food is not impressive at all, we literally didn't eat the shrimp or catfish, freshly made but bland as all get out. The inside is not trendy, or a classy joint but it's spacious and rugged and gets to the point, you're there for the music after all! It was a great way to end a casual night and the place is open super late if you want to bar hop around and end there! read more

if you go, go for the music and possibly drinks. The Cajun food is by no means flavorful--ribs are lukewarm and fries soggy. Also be aware of rude wait staff that ruins your mood for the evening read more

Sweet home Chicago! I lived here from '87-'93 before life took me out to the East Coast and now back to California where I grew up. So good to be back in Chicago recently to visit friends and relatives. I was also so excited when they suggested Kingston Mines after our delicious dinner at Mexique. Yay!!! Coming back to Chicago verified that saying "Everything has changed, nothing has changed". Near West Side - big change in a good way. Kingston Mines, nothing's changed in a good way. Same great vibe, great crowd, great staff. And Joanna Connor - WHOA! She tore it up and laid it down. What amazing guitar work, soulful vocals, and expressive artistry. Joanna - when are you playing in Oakland? Please come out!!! Anyway, Kingston Mines STILL a must do when in Chicago even if you are only here for a couple of days. read more

What more can be said about this gem?? Blues, brews, and fantastic people. Frank Pelligrino is fantastic and entertaining and every act I've had the pleasure of seeing has been amazing! Where else can you hear live blues till 5 am? Prices are great and the food is fantastic! A must visit for residents and tourists alike! read more

Not to be like this but I had an OK time at Kingston Mines. I feel like if I had been there with a different crowd and was properly lubricated, alcoholically of course, I could have had an above average evening. But when you're hanging with a married couple, one of which just graduated law school, and some acquaintances from college days who you were never that close with the party needs a better jump start than blues and booze. I'll go back again. I feel like I need a real experience at Kingston Mines. Because I sure have partied all night at a blues bar in Mississippi and that boys and girls was a night to remember. Til next time Kingston Mines. I'm ready for ya. read more

Okay I will not lie, I never felt the blues throughout my childhood. I heard it from time to time when going for a hair cut when I was young. And I just stereotyped it. I thought that music genre was for wine heads.. I was wrong. After utilizing my DePaul student card for a discounted $ 10 I found my self INDULGING to this music. I felt a sense of belonging. The music is amazing, makes me want to dance every time I go. There is one guy there (hes a performer) he is white heavy sac, cool as HELL but i always tell my friends yo THATS LIFE WITH LOUIE..... You have two stages here so there is two rooms. I tend to be in the front room more... its more of a mixed band. The beer is cheap like around $4 dallors I believe but you know guiness is a lil more and liquior drinks as well. There do have scumy restrooms. A kitchen is in back but I never order cause I am busy dancing. You diffinately will have AN AMAZING TIME WITH YOUR FRIENDS IF YOUR OPEN MINDING SOUL BEARING, AND LOVE TO DANCE AND DRINK, UR IN FOR FEELING SOME BLUES ND HAVING MEGA MEGA FUN. Did I mention, there are a handful of S.E.X.Y women there. Its more of an older crowd but young folks like myself still go there, and have an amazing time Oh and usually it closes @ 4:30am so come after clubbing =) read more

We just came for drinks and music so I can't speak for the food but it's a great place for live music, there are two rooms/stages so they keep things moving. Very good lice music, really enjoyed it. $15 cover charge to get in and was well worth it, large bar in the back, water stations set up which was nice. read more

Historic venue, excellent service, great music. I love that Kingston Mines is a great equalizer: tourists, hipsters, locals- all are welcome and celebrated! read more

Nice venue, very intimate. The staff is your typical bar staff-- cranky, surly and not helpful. The waitresses were friendly. Not pushy with the drinks. A regular was overheard saying the night we were there was unusually heavy with tourists, which explains all the drunk-and-squealing Chinese kids. The food is inedible. But there's lots to choose from just outside. read more

Never have a bad time here! Great if you are on a boring date because it gets loud and you can dance the night away.......... Some really great musicians stop over here too! Get into the Blues Baby! this is what the Chicago Blues Scene is all about :) read more

I've been to Kingston Mines a handful of times, and everytime I've been there I have had an absolute ball, except the time my friend smacked another guy in the face b/c he had 8 too many Johnie Walkers. But aside from that unfortunate incident, Kingston Mines always delivers great live music, stiff drinks, and good food too (yeah, they have ribs in the back kitchen). I am a sucker for live music. I'm also a sucker for infectious/blazing/shit-hot electric blues too, and KM has always delivered the goods in that department everytime I've been there. Johanna Conner particularly stands out, as she cranked out Hendrix and SRV standards like she was possessed by the guitar Gods themselves. Whoever's playing, it doesn't take long before people are hopping out of their seats to hit the dancefloor. The vibe and the soul of the music is infectious and always a lot of fun. The setup of the place is pretty spacious (although on the weekends, it is going to be packed regardless). There's two seperate stages/rooms, with a kitchen in the back (did I mention they serve ribs?) The musicians typically trade off every hour, one band plays on the main stage, then they break and the other band starts up in the other room. Constant live music all night. It's a beautiful thing. So I think you get the picture, this place has it all. GREAT live music, dancing, fun loving people, quality drinks, and good grub to soak up all the booze that goes along with singing/dancing to the blues to the break of dawn. Well, actually they close at 4 in the AM, so it's not quite to the break of dawn, but by the time the music stops, you probably won't know the difference anyway. read more

Stopped by late night an hour before close after a crap night at Green Mill Lounge and enjoyed the live music. Talented musicians... I am a blues fan and wasn't disappointed. Fair drink prices although I was only drinking wine that night. I found it to be a great spot to mellow out before heading home. The server was nice, mix of people and as long as you over look the drunk girl puking on the side walk as you walk in you'll have a nice time ... I will bless them by making a future appearance again in the near future. read more

5 star entertainment with 2 star food, but I'll average it out to 4 stars. We had a blast! (Just eat ahead of time)

Very fun and unique place. An historic Chicago spot indeed. I've been twice now and each time I've felt transported to a different era. The music and musicians are spectacular and I always leave feeling inspired to learn more about the jazz and blues genre, and I leave with greater appreciation that this place exists providing us incredible exposure to tremendous musicians. read more

Usually a reasonable cover to get in, drink prices are realistic. Great for late night, and I do mean late. Alternating music stages. Talent is always of good caliber. Crowd is mixed and fun. You don't really come here to eat ;-) read more

Loved it! We came here due to a friend's recommendation. Sunday night was free for students, and guess who still carries around her student ID? This girl. Otherwise, it was a $12 cover. We arrived around 9pm and it was crowded, but we were still able to find some empty seats in the very back. As the night wore on, it became harder and harder to find a seat and more people had to stand. The musicians here were mostly older, save for one teenager who played a mean harmonica. He had to go home early as it was a school night. But I loved the jam sessions and the owner (Linsey Alexander) was good at getting the crowd going, lots of upbeat original music was played. After about 1.5 hrs, Linsey had us migrate to the other smaller room for a different set. This proved to be difficult as it was open seating and we ended up sitting next to a huge group of Danes. They kept standing up and migrating seats to talk and chit chat. I don't blame them, but it made our experience less enjoyable so we moved to another table, also with a bad view. After about an hour here of jazz, blues, and some classics, we got migrated back to the large room. About half the crowd had left at this point, so my friends and I sat in the front, ready for some more good music. Oh boy was that a mistake, on my part, that is. After a couple of songs, Linsey started pulling girls up on stage. I was sitting on the wrong side of the table, unprotected, so I was yanked up there along with 5 other girls. 2 girls managed to escape while Linsey was talking up the crowd, so he had to refill their spots. But the girls I was chatting with on stage were super friendly and were just as willing to make a fool of themselves as I was. We ended up having to do a "booty" dance for about 30 seconds each. Winner got a free t-shirt and CD. Unfortunately, I didn't win, but it was a fun(ny) experience nonetheless. We didn't end up getting any drinks here (we were all drank out). But the atmosphere, the nice friendly people, and the music was just pure awesomeness. read more

great live jazz switching back and forth between the stages. strong drinks, good local beer selection, and a great crowd (age range from nearby college kids to near-octogenarian jazz legends) no cover with a student ID (says college but I don't think they care too much on weekdays). the first time I went here they were celebrating the 75th birthday of tenor sax man Eddie Shaw. (as if the place didn't feel and sound authentic enough). easy cab ride from downtown along the water and a great spot midweek in business if you need to get away from other people in suits. read more

I had the best Jerk Nachos, but what was even better was the lil lady taking the orders she was patient and friendly, kept the intoxicated in line ,next time I go I'll bring a stool so we can converse eye to eye . read more

Have lived in Chicago 3 years now and finally went here after a late/casual night of drinking (embarrassing I finally got to here, I know). However, am from Buffalo, NY originally and have tried wings all over Chicago. Surprisingly (maybe not), these are the best wings in the city in my opinion, even over Birds Nest and Jake Melnicks. read more

This is a place I would recommend to any of my friends to come and visit. The music was great! And it was on a Tuesday night! There is a kitchen in the back that you can order from offering a pretty good amount of items to choose from. We had the rib tips which were very good. Only reason for the 4 stars, was there only seemed to be one bartender, so getting a drink took a little longer once the place started filling up. read more

Open late, great live music every night, and delicious food to munch on. Total fan boy for Joanna Connor, incredible guitar solos and the most amazing facial expressions to go along with her 20 minute long rifts. Believe she plays here Tuesday's and Thursday's, all of the acts here are great but she's the rock queen you need to check out. read more

It's set up for tourists, filled with tourists, but still a fun late night stop. The music - not the best blues you'll ever hear. Sometimes far from it. But Kingston Mines keeps the music flowing with their two stage setup. Midweek when the place is half empty it can be disappointing. But when there's a crowd and it's late at night, it's fun. Service is good, and bouncers are aggressive, so watching trouble-makers get thrown out can be a side form of entertainment. If you're hungry, stop next door for some decent carryout Mexican food before hitting Kingston Mines. Some nights they have what's on the menu, some nights they're mostly sold out of food. Why four stars - because at least it's dependable for late night music, and a great place to take visitors to Chicago. read more