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    Schubas Tavern

    3.9 (574 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 11:00 PM

    Schubas Tavern Photos

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    SCHUBAS TAVERN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Casual
    Live music
    Outdoor seating

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    Denyce M.

    Schubas Tavern is an interesting place. When you walk in, it looks like an unassuming little bar, but the place is much larger. There is a back room where live shows take place as well as an upstairs area with a bar and a dance space. The Queen has been there many times for their live shows and on certain nights they do a DJ upstairs. On this particular night, it was a dance night and The Queen asked if I wanted to go with her and I said yes. I mean, who doesn't want to dance? The bar itself was small and crowded, with a few people sitting on the side having eats. Can't speak to the food, but The Queen said she has eaten there and enjoyed it. I was not even aware that there was an upstairs until I saw a door open near the end of the bar and The Queen pulled me over to go up the stairs. Once upstairs, we entered this small room bathe in a red light. There were a few seats and tables. I would say that there are not a lot of seats, so you would have to get there to grab a seat at one of the tables or at the bar. The DJ that night was cool, spinning some great tunes. The Queen and I took turns dancing and drinking for several hours. I loved the vibe, it was like being in someone's basement chillin like a villain. After about a 2-3 hours, the place got crowded and we ended up leaving as it was getting hot. But we did have fun dancing with ourselves as well as some other folks on the floor. I could definitely see myself going back to Schubas Tavern to dance as it was cozy and intimate. I would be interested in trying the food as well. From what I could see, it looked pretty decent.

    John P.

    Schubas Tavern in the Wrigleyville neighborhood in Chicago is beloved by locals. It's a classic pub where locals come for great beer, classic cocktails, and live music. Schubas is a classic old Chicago building from 1903 built by the Schlitz Brewing Company. You can see the classic Schlitz globes carved into the facade in a few spots. That Schlitz globe represents extraordinary memories for many who grew up in the upper Midwest. The interior hasn't changed since it opened as Schubas in 1988. It has a fun Art Deco vibe and oozes with warm local friendliness. It's a unique Chicago tavern because it has a small concert space in the back room with the capacity for 165 people. My beautiful wife and I were lucky enough to see some amazing acts in that intimate room before they hit it big like John Mayer, Glen Phillips (Toad the Wet Sprocket) and the Freddy Jones Band. We visited recently to see a great local Austin TX band called West 22nd. Our good friend's son slaps the bass for them and is living the dream touring the country right now. You should check them out. @west22ndband Next time you're in Chicago you should check out Schubas for a local beer, cocktail our live tunes. Salute

    Dorotka K.

    Came here to watch my favorite band, Grizfolk. I didn't get to experience the bar area or try the food, but bathrooms were clean, good beer selection on tap, plenty of street parking and a nearby parking garage. Bar service inside the concert venue was great. The concert venue is well aged with original decorative woodwork and great acoustics. It is small and standing room mostly (a couple of benches are available if you cannot stand for long periods of time). No matter where you are, you are close to the stage.

    Chelsey V.

    Went to a concert here the night we flew in and it did not disappoint! The staff were great and the venue space was large but felt like an old school concert hall that I grew up with. The sound system was fantastic and felt safe in the venue. What an experience for our first night in Chicago! The beer's good too!

    Shirley P.

    I came here on Tuesday May 28th for Alexander Stewart's concert. It started raining heavily around 5:45. I am a VIP ticket holder, and they sent several emails leading up to the concert that check-in would be 6pm, meet & greet at 6:30 etc. One thing I didn't like is that if you're not 21+ or have a VIP ticket, they wouldn't let you in, and it's crazy to see how many young adults get soaked in the rain. I thankfully wasn't in that position, but it definitely left a bad taste in my mouth. It's also a very small space, and if it wasn't for this artist, I wouldn't have been here. I also can't speak on their food. I ordered a Topo Chico to stay hydrated. The venue itself is standing room only. There is a bench on the far right where you can sit on, but it's definitely first come first serve. At one point there was a sound system issue where Emmy Meli couldn't hear herself on stage. Other than that, it's not bad of a venue, I do like how versatile they are - they have a bar, dining area, and a decently sized stage and music venue. If another artist I like performs here, I'd look forward to coming back. It's not a place I'd go out of my way for.

    Bar area
    Christina A.

    I really like Schubas! It is part old timey Chicago dive-ish bar and part trendy concert venue. I was there on a Saturday afternoon in March and it was not crowded. They have a few high tables in the front bar area (toward Southport). They have pretty standard drinks (lots of beer, some cocktails but beer is the focus). I was really blown away by the stoner nachos--much more refined toppings, cheese and flavor than I expected from a bar! I believe they were being served at the time for March Madness, but if you see them on the menu I highly recommend! They were also very accommodating to make a tray without meat for a vegetarian :)

    Winter market is well worth the trip!
    Deanna S.

    Came for the market around Christmas time. Was nice to have a drink and walk around, but was pretty crowded and hard to enjoy. There was vender selling the wine in storage and that had great options with reasonable prices! They also have a PBR & a Malory shot special which for early afternoon surprised me how many people ordered it! Special for a reason I guess!

    French Onion Dip
    Ashley B.

    Schlitz on draft, that's all you need to know. Haha anyways, dive bar atmosphere. They have a stage in the back and have lots of bands come through. The french onion dip was sooooo good. Very laid-back place to get a beer and chill. *****Giving 4 stars because the french onion dip should be served with more chips.*****

    Specialty three 3 Cheese Grilled Cheese and Broccoli with grilled chicken!
    Kyle P.

    We have been coming to Schubas for music since before we even lived in Chicago, but tonight was the first time we'd been in for food. The menu is on the smaller side, but covers a lot of ground. We started with the falafels. The flavor was solid, but they had definitely been in the fryer a bit too long - the outsides were almost too hard to cut into. The dipping sauces, however, were excellent. It's always a treat to see Murphy's Dogs (she had the Chicago-style veggie). I was between a few options, so asked if the chef had ever considered adding meat to the delucious sounding three cheese and broccoli spread grilled cheese. Think Melt in Cleveland. Lo and behold, I had a delicious grilled chicken version, satisfying every flavor I craved. Now, we have two reasons to keep coming back to Schubas!

    Weekend Brunch menu
    Haleigh P.

    We were visiting a friend who lives on Southport, where this place came up on my Yelp search for brunch places close by. Came in for their brunch and sat at the bar. Bartender was very nice and had a trainer with him. They both did a great job taking car of us. I ordered the mimosa and the Irish coffee to get it going. My BF also had a mimosa and something else but I forget. Mimosa was delicious and the Irish coffee gave me a boost after a long night prior. I got the Biscuits and Gravy. It came with 1 biscuit, with a very creamy gravy. The gravy didn't seem to have any meat, but I would double check for the vegetarians/Vegans that might read my review. The gravy had hits of garlic and was rather taste. It surprisingly filled me up and wasn't overly heavy, like how BGs can be sometimes. My BF got the breakfast burrito and was happy with his choice. At the end, we split one of their homemade donuts and man, i wish I had room for another. It was a rather dense doughnut, like how pound cake would taste. It had a homemade raspberry icing that was SO good! Lastly, I want to point that they have bar hooks for bags, purses, briefcases, etc. I WISH EVERY BAR OFFERED THIS!!!!! Major plus! My bag didn't have to take up my bar space, nor have to be on the floor! Wonderful! Would def go back if we are ever in town visiting our friend again!

    The ultra modern side

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    Good NA drink options and the show we saw was great! Service was kind and quick. Will be back again!

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    Ask the Community - Schubas Tavern

    Schuba's still open? Live music?

    Yes!

    Can anyone comment on parking around Schubas ? Advice?

    There is plenty of paid street parking on the immediate surrounding blocks.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Schubas Tavern

    For me its less about the concerts and the night drinking as it is about the Harmony Grill for brunch.

    Mentioned in 100 reviews

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    Green Mill

    Green Mill

    3.6
    (1.2k reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$

    How anyone could rank this amazing preserved piece of Chicago history below 4 or 5 stars is beyond…read moreme. Seriously ... this was the best thing I did while visiting Chicago. It took 20 minutes and $25 each way to Uber there from my hotel in downtown Chicago, as it is 6 miles away. However, totally worth it. Yes ... it's cash only. That's a bit of a bummer. I'd rather pay a surcharge than trust the sketchy little ATM in the bar. Yes ... It's 'lived in'. I wouldn't call it dirty as much as it is worn. To me, this was part of the charm. It's been around since the 1920's and probably looks very similar to how it did in the 1940's. Dark, dingy and fun. Most of the mafia in Chicago didn't hang out downtown. This area is where their HQ was and where most of them congregated in the same way NY's mafia hung out in Bensonhurst instead of Manhattan. The area has a lot of vintage architecture and history, despite being a little more run down and 'authentic' than the more touristy downtown. I went on a Friday around 3:30 p.m. Already, the back seating area was full of people, however there were a few bar seats left in the front. An hour later, it was packed. They start charging a $20 (cash only) cover at 7 p.m. for the live band. Before that was a jazz organist, who was pretty good and a master at working the crowd. They have draft beer ($6 - $10) ... bottled beer ... and booze. My Old Fashioned was made with muddled orange and cherries and only cost $12. A gin and tonic was $9. It can be tough to get a drink because the one bartender works the entire bar. Nice guy though. Don't come here expecting anything other than a dive bar ... there is nothing modern about this place. However, it has one of the best vintage vibes I've honestly ever encountered in a jazz bar. Don't miss out on seeing this bar and hearing some music, even if it means having to Uber or drive. It will be worth the trip. There aren't many places around like this anymore.

    Ever since I came back from a trip to NOLA a couple years ago (and subsequently moved to Chicago),…read moreI've been looking for a place like Green Mill. A spot where someone could walk in, maybe order a drink, and listen to some music without first opening Ticketmaster and shelling out half your paycheck to their junk fees. Some of their performances are free, and some have a reasonable cover of $10-20. There are also performances every night, sometimes even in the afternoon. The vibe inside is dimly lit and very old-timey. Even the bathroom had a bar of soap! I haven't seen a bar outside of a private residence! For sure, the vibe fits the history. Green Mill used to be a spot visited by Big Al himself. Yes, there are still connected tunnels used by the mob, no, you cannot see them. In terms of the bar, do not expect anything special. Their menu is limited to the beers, wines, and champagnes they have. They have spirits, but no cocktail menu - while they *might* be able to mix something simple like a Manhattan, be prepared for basic drinks along the lines of a gin & tonic. The service was fine, but a little abrupt. Not the best welcoming or inviting, but gruff and surly in a way that is probably cute to regulars, but less so to newcomers like myself. Final verdict: Green Mill is a place one comes for the music and the vibe and to get away from life for a little bit. It appears to be a third place for many regulars. It's worth giving a shot, as long as one is ready for an experience that's a little rough around the edges, arguably by design.

    Photos
    Awesome wooden frame from the Capone days
    Awesome wooden frame from the Capone days
    Interior
    Interior
    Before the stampede and a great view of the band. This didn't last long

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    Before the stampede and a great view of the band. This didn't last long
    The Vic Theatre

    The Vic Theatre

    3.2
    (344 reviews)
    0.5 mi

    I visited The Vic for the first time in years to see comedian Janelle James. For whatever reason,…read moreshe chose to film her Netflix special there instead of a nicer venue. We arrived 30 minutes before the doors opened and found a line wrapped around the block. We had tickets for the second show, so we had to wait for the first show to let out. It was a little chilly so standing outside sucked. But the line moved quickly and finding a seat was painless. I found the venue and seating underwhelming. The seats are cheap folding chairs. They're packed tightly so good luck if you get stuck next to someone that's on the heavy side. During the show, a patron fell out of his seat twice and Janelle James ended up mentioning it in her act. He fell because the chairs were terrible!! Poorly constructed doesn't even begin to cover it. The acoustics were good though. I had no problem hearing Janelle James. I could barely see her though. The seating isn't elevated or sloped, so if you're short and surrounded by taller people, then you'll be staring at the back of their heads all night. That sucked, but what can you do? I caught glimpses of her sporadically, which ended up being fine. I didn't buy any food or alcohol, so i have no opinion on that. We exited the venue as quickly as we entered, which was a plus. I think it helped that we were seated towards the back. We got to the brown line in no time and were home soon after. The show was entertaining and I had a good time. Overall, the experience was satisfactory, but, I doubt I'd visit this venue again anytime soon.

    This whole place was a vibe and a fantastic time, I love historic theatre's and this one doesn't…read moredisappoint with its ornate was carvings and that beautiful opening stage room. I gotta say the front end area is a bit cramped but still potentially one of the best venues I've ever gotten to see a band and even seeing a comedian here would be brilliant. Me and my wife getting to see the Wombats here though was literally a dream come true and I wouldn't change anything about our evening out there one bit.

    Photos
    The Vic Theatre
    The disco ball lighting up the upper lodge area
    The disco ball lighting up the upper lodge area
    The Vic Theatre

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    Schubas Tavern - musicvenues - Updated July 2026

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