This has been the week of unbelievable finds mostly due to total chance and a bit of luck and…read moremystery. I found myself in Rogers Park for two days for my daughter's freshman orientation at Loyola. Of course, my number one concern after the first day of seminars was to find somewhere awesome to eat that evening. After extensive searching throughout the day, I believed I had settled on somewhere to go... that is until the front desk attendant of my hotel handed me a sheet of recommended places to check out in the area. Normally, I will just explore and research on my own to figure out somewhere to go. Despite the many exciting choices nearby, of which I almost settled on Ethiopian or Cambodian, I stumbled on Le Piano; and my oh my, I couldn't be happier that I did. Looking at the listed provided by the hotel, Le Piano was in a small section titled "music, food, bar" and specifically labeled as jazz. Taking a minute to hit up their website, I found that night that Gerry Hundt, a blues artist I didn't know was going to be playing. My interest already now piqued, I rushed over to the menu, which is awash in wonderful sounding continental and French classics made local and fit for a jazz bar. The cocktail menu also matches, but is also incredibly extensive and has a very interesting Victorian flair. It was at this point I was sold, and booked a seat immediately to head out that evening. Arriving, I found this to be one of the coolest spaces I have ever been to for music. Styled perfectly with a dark Victorian-yet-jazzy flair, and intimate, my assigned seat was allowed to be changed to an amazingly worn leather loveseat, like something out of a noir film, with a single taper lighting my table. The bartender and my server made a point of giving me their names, which I believe were Chris and Steven, but I can't remember because my memory is Swiss cheese, but they were both amazing, talking with me and being completely engaged with me as a Chicago newbie. This doesn't even include the perfect sazerac and jasmine that Chris made to round out the artichoke fritters I ordered. The fritters were outstanding. Barely breaded and flash fried to perfection and one of the best fried dishes I've had in years, as I don't prefer that type of thing. Steven's recommendation was seriously on point. If a spot like this existed near me, I would be there weekly. If I lived in Chicago, Le Piano wouldn't be able to get rid of me. Don't pass on this place and get there now! Enjoy some wonderful music, legendary drinks, and outstanding food!

Love this venue! Wonderful decor, great lighting, super cool space…read more Came for the sunday night latin jazz, which was a great show. Small/medium crowd, easy to find seats. Had the cava brut rosé which was yummy and refreshing. Loved the ambiance and performance. One thing is that the website and menu made it seem like there was no cover on sundays, but it was actually $15. Not the end of the world but would've appreciated if that was more clear upfront, instead of getting charged on the bill at the end. Overall loved the venue and the performance, would totally come back!

Came this past Friday for the Eric Roberson concert and I had a great time. Nice and spacious;…read morestanding room only, but they have an upstairs area with seating. The bar staff is great and fast. Had a couple of Effen Vodka and cranberry drinks, which crept up on me (made for a nice walk home). I see myself coming here for more shows I will return to the Double Door in May for the Tortured Soul show. Looking forward to it!

This place has a certain energy because of its size: smaller than the Metro, bigger than the Empty…read moreBottle. I've seen so many shows here at a reasonable price: Billy Bragg, Sparklehorse, Lemonheads. And so many local bands I couldn't name them all. Beers are a bit expensive, but cover charge is reasonable for what you get. If you're going to see a local band, go to their website and they'll most certainly have discount tix available. Sound is good almost anywhere in the House. Go upstairs and try to get on the couch that's facing the stage for a more private viewing experience (with small speakers too!). Or head to the newly remodeled downstairs for pool, low lighting, a private booth, extra bathrooms, and a chill vibe!

My partner and I had a great time here on a Monday evening listening to some good chill Blues music…read moreand enjoying our drinks! There were a couple of performers playing some very good harmonica and guitar solos and singing some classic Chicago Blues, as some within the audience started dancing while others, myself included, continued watching, listening, and supporting the musicians with tips. The bartenders were very courteous and patient and prepared my drinks very well, including pouring our ginger ale ensuring every drip was gone from the can she was using. I ordered a hibiscus margarita and it was excellent! It had a fruity flavor that wasn't diminished much from the ice that was placed in the drink, and the tajin around the cup gave the drink a bit of a contrasting flavor that worked beautifully. I thoroughly enjoyed the drink and even contemplated getting a second one before I decided that I should limit my spending that night. Since I don't think there's another Blues club in Chicago that are open on Mondays, the fact that this place exists is a true blessing for those that want to have some fun watching Blues live performances on Monday nights. It doesn't contain a crazy loud vibe, so I would imagine that it caters to a relatively more chill crowd. I would personally go regardless.

Chicago's best kept secret, featuring top blues talent such as Tom Holland, Brother John, Ron…read moreSorin, Gerry Hundt, & Wild Boar Moore, with no cover charge. You can't beat that.

Just hosted a 70th bday party for my mom. We hired this band and they were so amazing. Such an…read moreentertaining bunch with true talent. They came on time, set up, were super professional and a total crowd pleaser. I would highly recommend them if you are looking for a blues band with other incorporated Motown hits played as well.

From the owner: Dave Weld and the Imperial Flames, an authentic blues band, high energy with versatile talent,…read morevariety, and a cohesive show that includes original driving blues, boogie, R&B and Soul. The originals are classic in nature, the standards are revitalized with striking three part vocal harmony, three vocal stylists, Passionate slide guitarist, Dave Weld schooled from Grammy Winning Master J.B. Hutto, along with blues diva and two time Rami winner Mona Rose (Monica Myhre), Red Hot Saxman Dudley Owens, creamy voice of Jeff Taylor with a solid beat on drums and tight, rock rhythm section with Kenny Pickens blazing on bass.

I've come for drinks a few times and they have good deals and despite packed bars each time service…read moreis quick!! Its hole in the wall energy and they have a couple tvs for watching. I've had some apps and really like them! I want to come back for a full meal though

I attended Will Anderson's show and poetry reading on Thursday, November 13, 2025…read more My 37 year old ankles were so happy to see the venue had set up rows of white seats for the 90 minute show. The white seats + the ambient Christmas lighting matched the content of the show perfectly. The acoustics were good and I was only pulled out of the show mentally a couple of times by the roar of an emergency vehicle siren. The sound system was crystal clear. My friend went to go purchase us Waterloo Sparkling Water for $2 per the wall, but the bartender gave it to her for free from the soda gun--I wasn't mad at that. Due to trekking from the suburbs to Wrigleyville, the timing was off to try the restaurant, but I appreciate the venue and look forward to the next show that piques my interest there!

Was invited to see band play here with group of friends and loved it. Open and spacious bar with…read moreplenty of seating and reasonable drink pricing. Great sound and had awesome crowd!

great local spot... a family member's show thankfully led me…read morehere--when i've lived in the area for years. sadly didn't visit sooner but will now always keep in mind. they were out of a few drink ingredients but i still really enjoyed my visit - love the chalkboard menu and intimate setting for a show. can't wait to hang out in the beer garden on cooler evening.

Famous Chicago bar and music venue with a wide variety of local national acts that pass through…read more Nice stage and excellent sound system. The room is wide and not very deep, so sidelines can be a little challenging. I believe that years ago they had food, but is now primarily bar and music. Most recent experience with the door and bar staff was really quite good. If there's an act there that you want to see, it is absolutely worth the visit.

Martyrs is an absolutely great small local music venue in Chicago and I highly recommend that you…read morecheck out Martyrs at your earliest opportunity. Small venue, intimate setting, up close and personal with your favorite band.