My mother and I were visiting for the weekend and my mother LOVES Blues so this place came highly recommended and I am so glad we visited. I do have to say that on the day we visited, Saturday, August 10, 2019, they had quite the craziness ensue. We arrived around 7:00 pm so that we could get in early, get seats, and order some food...well, well, well...turns out the computer system went down and stayed down for about 2 hours!!! We convinced them to take people's cash because people were leaving the line very frustrated. My mom and I, however, made friends with the bouncer, Sam, and the cashier, Asia and we had a blast in line! It made the time go by faster and we really were excited to get in and hear music! Unfortunately the chaos did not end when we got inside, the computer system came back on but the kitchen had issues of their own...it took about 2 hours to get our food but we were busy drinking delicious drinks thanks to Eric, listening to awesome music thanks to the musicians, and Kema, in the kitchen, was super patient. Overall, it was a great experience...definitely a tourist trap early in the evening but they are opened until 4/5 am most weekend nights so that's when it gets LIVE!!! read more

This is a pre-covid review, although late, definitely better than never. I came here in late Jan and this place was happening. It was such a cool place, but was definitely packed. The music was great and everyone was having a good time. You could tell you were in a mid-western place by all of the flannel shirts and lumberjack looking guys that were here. Service was quick, but was a bit hard to even order because of how many people were surrounding the bar. You have to be more aggressive to get your order taken, otherwise you'd be standing there all day as the bartenders aren't going to notice. Hopefully things go back to normal soon and people's favorite hole-in-the-wall returns! read more

This was a place was a bucket list of mine when in Chicago and I was happy we got to hear the great blues music and just vibe. Only downfall was the white woman with the classes and curly hair checking people in. She had a horrible attitude. If she didn't want to be there, she shouldn't have because she almost ruined our night. If she was having a hard night, I wish her happy times and rest. Aside from her, we had a good night. I reminded my group that we were here for the music and not her. read more

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

See all

One of the classic Blues Bars that you must go to in Chicago. Hadn't been back in 20 years, but it was like I had never left except that the great Eddie Clearwater is no longer with us to lead us in a rendition of " Sweet Home Chicago". Reunited with old friends over a bucket of beers and some classic blues from Hall of Famer Peaches Staten as well as Duke Tomatoe who had everyone sining and dancing. I forgot much this place can really rock. There was an entry fee and fortunately they now take credit cards at the entrance. Definitely a must do if you have a might in Chicago. Yes the Duke got is singing "Sweet Home Chicago" and Peaches just ripped out our soul and made us feel the blues! read more

See all

Fantastic Music, Period. 2 stages, 2 bands... Blues, Jazz and Rhythmic sounds to mellow out. Decent BBQ bites and nibbles so u can coat ur stomach before drinking too much, although I was not feeling drinks at all, jus the excellent vibes! Good mix of people jus having fun! read more

See all

no room to dance. Seats kept getting taken each time we went to dance floor. Owner that does band intros is loud and obnoxious. Same band we saw last Chicago trip. meh. This is not a place for "dinner". read more

Had great love music. Good atmosphere. Everyone was having fun. Good place to catch some live music while meeting new people too

I knew that I was out to see a band, but this place blew me away. They run two different stages each night alternating which stage is playing the music. This allows there to be a relaxed side and a loud side. We enjoyed some fantastic music, and during the relaxed times we ate some fantastic food. I would go back in a heartbeat! read more

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

Music A+ Drinks A+ Crowd A+ Security F- I wish there was a grade lower than F because that's what they deserve. I'm standing at the bar, behind a gentleman waiting for him to finish signing his check. He steps backward, and there isn't a lot of space so I try to get out of the way and accidentally, very slightly bump into a tall security guard with a beanie and a beard. I try to apologize for my misstep but he immediately tears into me, saying "YOU SAY EXCUSE ME, THAT'S WHAT YOU SAY, YOU JUST BARGED INTO ME!" like I body slammed him or something. At this point I'm curious as to what exactly I did to get yelled at like that, and the guard next to him shakes his head and says "he's not feeling well, he's in a bad mood, you didn't do anything." Skip an hour forward and this same tall security guard comes over to our table accusing us of not paying for our drinks when the check is clearly signed and on the table waiting for the server to take. The bands were great, the servers were friendly, and the drinks were reasonably priced, which is why this is so disappointing. We paid for our drinks and were just trying to enjoy some live music! read more

This experience was amazing! If you love blues! Food is good! Also! Music is spectacular! If is your birthday! Is free, just bring your ID Also if you're a Veteran. That was a wonderful surprise. Live music is outstanding! An awesome night! read more

See all

An amazing spot! Was recommended to me that we visit while in Chicago and am so glad we did! Stopped by for their Sunday Jam sessions and it was a blast to watch some locals come by and play together! You can tell there's a great community here and it was awesome to get a snapshot of that. Music and vibes were 10/10. read more

Third time I've been here and the barmaid always double charges my drinks. Once for each drink, and then the total amount. Double-check your card statements, people. You might be getting robbed. read more

Came here on a Saturday to listen to some live music in a classic Chicago venue. Cover was $15 for each adult- bouncer and teller were not the friendliest. Inside is spacious with 2 alternating and separate stages. We arrived about 45 minutes early and were able to get our pick of seating before the act started. Waitress greeted us and got our order- it does get crowded so it gets difficult to place any orders once the acts start. Overall, the stars are for the music. Don't really care for the cleanliness of the venue or the service. This is why we didn't try the restaurant in the back. Would occasionally come back for late night music if we ever find ourselves in the area again. read more

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

See all

My husband and I went on a Sunday night and they were having a Blues Jam, which meant people would show up with their instruments, sign up to play, and then play along with some of the professionals. Really great way to showcase emerging talent and see how they develop the skill to "jam". Afterwards, on stage #2 we saw another group which was really rockin', and a good segueway to the Mike Wheeler band again on stage #1. We loved seeing the variety of talent. Food was available although we didn't have any. Drinks were plentiful on two bars. Great crowd of people like my husband and me just listening, a blues club from Scotland, and talent (some of whom we recognized from other blues clubs). We took a Lyft from the loop to this venue and it was a bit of a ride, but definitely worth the trip! read more

Awesome place. Don't need advanced tickets. Open late and stay late as the stages alternate

This place is a top notch classic in chicago! Rhythm and blues and all the feels! Dancing is great and the crowd is happy! Good vibes all around! read more

Fun and lively! I enjoyed the selection of drinks and hotdog! Perfect place for a casual meet up and dance party with friends

Such a fun blues bar that really gives you the Chicago experience! The bands are fantastic and bring a great energy to the bar! The staff is very friendly and willing to you grab you things while you sit and enjoy the performances which is really nice! The cover charge is $20 by the way but definitely worth the experience! read more

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

Chicago's lucky to have this Blues and Jazz spot, which is a fun experience, and has and fun and lively music. The food is good, even though it's more of bar food but good quality bar food. At least with their chicken fingers Friendly staff too! read more

Excellent live blues venue. Along with some friends shit this place down at 5:00 am. The music is great, the crowd is mixed and lively and everyone got better looking as the night went on. Terrific Chicago experience. read more

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

See all

Everything that you've heard about this place -- it lives up to the hype. Would I recommend staying until 5am? Yes! The atmosphere is so lively, we didnt even notice the time. The music is freaking insane! The musicians are extraordinary. The wings are top notch and the servers treat you like family. I can't wait to come back! read more

Had a great time here -- ended up coming back just a few days later. Fun, lovely crowd getting into some solid live blues. Good food, too, and reasonable prices. read more

What a blast. Great talent at this location. Fun music! Dancing was a blast. We went on a Thursday night and it was not crowded. We had a larger group and they were able to accommodate us nicely. Will definitely come back here. read more

There's no better feeling than listening to the Blues. The best is right after yo woman left you, yo landlord raised the roof (and rent), or yo cheatin man been caught! Semi serious lyrics, but very real reaction in the feels. If this happens, travel your sorry arse over To Kingston Mines. This place is home of the Blues and open 7 days a week. There's nothing fancy here, other than true love for music, drink, and people. Although it's a bit touristy, they still book top notch acts. So, I implore you to go out and break a heart or 2 and remember that the remedy is here 7 days a week. read more

Kingston Mines - Home of the Blues - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

December 30th - We arrived at 7 pm as requested to have a good seat. We were first row. We had a one hour and half boring guy, nice but 20 minutes would have been enough. Then we realized too late that the main show was in another room as nobody told us. When we came in the other room there was no space for us and had to leave. We wasted our evening. Never again I will attend a show at this place. read more

SUCH A FUN PLACE!! Definitely bring your friends, family, etc. dance all night long, get some drinks and even food in the back. Great merch too. This is a must go if you're a local, visiting, or have people visiting you. Cover charge is usually $20. read more

I really like Kingston Mines. They are serious about their live entertainment and it shows. I stopped by for a Concierge event and had a great time. The bartender was really friendly and helpful. He made small talk and remained attentive. We hung out and listened to some very talented guys. There is a lot of room and tons of seating available. The room is big and dark - perfect to enjoy some live music. It always smells like cleaning solution. It did the other night and I remember that smell from years ago. I guess they are serious about keeping the place clean. I look forward to stopping in again for an evening of talented Blues music. read more

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

See all

Blues on two stages till all hours of the night. Now that's the Chicago I know and love. Great hang. Great for a date or to even ride solo and take in tunes. read more

When I think of Chicago, I think of my times at Kingston Mines. This place is truly magical and if you're here for a visit, new to town, or simply looking for a night of music adventure, Kingston Mines is exactly where you need to be. This live blues bar is located in the neighborhood of Lincoln Park and it's very easy to get to either by uber or CTA. There are plenty of other bars and restaurants around it, so you can easily make a night of your time here. However, once you're in there you're not gunna leave until you've worked up an appetite and start craving the pizza across the street. Heads up, this place is open until 4 in the morning, so don't go hungry. You'll want to make the most out of the fifteen-dollar cover charge, which seriously is like chump change compared the amount of entertainment you'll get in return. Depending on the day and time you arrive, you could wait in a line but it doesn't tend to take long before you're through the door. Pro tip - students with an ID get in for $10. Kingston Mines is pretty much split in half with a bar and stage on both sides of the building. You'll find the bathrooms and a kitchen in the back, with the stage and dance floors towards the front, and the bars and seating in between. The music bounces back and forth between the two stages as the lineup plays throughout the night. The bar is rather basic and I've never eaten here. I seriously only come for the music and fun atmosphere. Joanna Connor kills it, you can't go wrong with her. She plays often so do yourself a favor and swing through when she plans to play. While I've never caught a bad show, she's hands down my favorite. Grab your friends, your dancing shoes, throw back a few shots, and tune in for a great time! read more

This review is for music, drinks and food. Let's start off with getting into shows-go!! There are so many discounts and even without it it is super affordable! We went on a Saturday night right at 7:30 so we could see the opening set. Both the bands that played were really good! The blues started a little later in the evening which was a bummer bc I was tired but it was so so good! Drinks-buckets are affordable. Our waitress forgot our beer for a long time and then it finally came. Food-rib tips and fries are incredible!! Oh my goodness! We got the combination platter bc I wanted to try it all. They don't have dry rub anymore!! Don't get plain! Pick a sauce! The bbq is good! I also thought the cornbread was good although a little dry. I would definitely get the food again. The patrons picking up food were bottled and greedy and the woman taking orders puts up with more crap than I ever would-thanks to her for being so patient! read more

See all

Decent sound. They really pack them in. With a $20 entrance fee, I am not that inclined to tip the performers. I always do, but not tonight. read more

This place is heaven on earth for a music (read: blues lover). The mecca as far as I am concerned. Get there early, get your tickets ahead of time, grab a cold beer, dont forget the southern food in the back. Make a date of it. A boys night of it. A good time of it, no doubt. You will enjoy everything about this place. The history. The vibe. The booty shaking. Do it. read more

An outstanding place to go for Chicago blues; highly recommend it. Went out there with a few friends. Yeah, great atmosphere. The food outstanding, once again just a great place for blues. read more

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

Fantastic spot! Great for big or small groups alike. 2 separate stages to keep you entertained and divvy up the big crowds. 2 very full bars with an enormous beer selection and very friendly bartenders. Cover at the door was definitely worth it,and coming by 9 or so seemed early enough to ensure a seat while watching a show in the smaller room. The bbq in the back was definitely noteworthy; sadly I came full of deep dish pizza. Next time! read more

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

Spent a weekend in Chicago and spoke to a local prior to going. They recommended coming here and I'm so glad they did! We got to see two amazing Blue's singers from the area for only $15 each. There looked to be plenty of regulars and it was a spacious setup. I enjoyed the two separate rooms for the performers. The crowd was good and the performers were even better. Highly recommend doing this if you are in town and looking to not do all of the touristy things. Drinks and food were very affordable! We had the ribs and they were tasty! read more

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

See all

Great time had by all. This is a pretty historical venue that has been around since 1968. It's a big club that resembles a bingo parlor, but once the music starts, the differences end and this becomes a whole different beast. It's also touristy, but it's unapologetic and lives in a space that's all their own. read more

Free for students and before 8 pm. Street parking is easy. Musicians are in and out till 9ish. They will pop up from the bar table and play for a couple of songs and went back to the crowd. But, all of them are good. After 9, the owner and his band plays mainly. Great live music and good vibe. Service is friendly. Would love to bring friends or visitors who love to listen Blue. Bar is huge and there is also a dance floor. read more

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

Tourists beware! This establishment will encourage you to keep an open tab then proceed to fraudulently charge you for things you never ordered. Everyone, in my group of 20 people, had to call their credit card company to dispute charges to have them removed. It's a shame that the employees on duty thought it would be a good idea to do this to visitors from out of state. read more

The ambiance is great. Everyone is friendly. It feels as though you are with friends, and the night quickly slips away.

A lovely way to spend a night in Chicago. The cover is around $15, but it is worth it as you will be entertained all night long once you enter. There are two stages, with two acts alternating times and stages so there is always amazing live music at any moment. It's a fun night just wandering back and forth grabbing drinks and seats as each act starts and ends. Get your drinks from the attentive waitresses but the food is from a 'take out' stand in the back. They serve up southern comfort foods like po-boys, ribs, fries and burgers. Get an order of fried okra if you want something to nibble on or share. They are thickly battered, so they can also make up a meal if you decide to hoard them to yourself. The blackened catfish poboy has two large slabs of well blackened catfish in a bun. Makes a substantial meal. An amazing place to spend a night full of great blues, drinks and food. read more

Kingston Mines - Blackened catfish poboy (comes with a side of fries also). - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois