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The Salt Shed

4.1 (130 reviews)
ModerateMusic Venues

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Filter opened for Alter Bridge on 5/6/26. They were mostly noise and their frontman did NOT sound great
Eric S.

I LOVE IT LOUD One of Chicago's newest music venues is an ear-splitting good time. My wife and I saw Alter Bridge + Filter perform at The Salt Shed on 5/6/26.  It was our first time here and overall, it was a really positive experience.  Parking lots are adjacent to the venue and prices can vary depending on the show but we paid $35-40. The outdoor space - called 'The Fairgrounds' - can seat up to 5,000 people and opened in August 2022.  The indoor space - appropriately called 'The Shed' - seats a max of 3,600 people and opened six months later in February 2023.  There aren't any aesthetics to speak of inside, just an open space with a cavernous black ceiling. Most (though not all) bands that come through here are alternative / indie rock.  Due to the smaller crowd size, you won't ever see the likes of Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, or huge A-list acts performing here.  The "biggest" bands who've taken The Salt Shed stage include Deathcab for Cutie, Fleet Foxes, and The Postal Service.  Yup, pretty niche. While neither my wife nor I bought drinks or food here, we did avail ourselves of the bathrooms and were happy to encounter a fast-moving line.  There were plenty of stalls for dudes, and despite a huge throng of people I never felt like I had to wait too long.  The crowd was well-behaved. Sound quality was good.  No issues with the visuals; the graphics were fairly run-of-the-mill on a video board behind the band.  Myles Kennedy (lead singer/guitarist for Alter Bridge) has an incredible voice and it definitely shone throughout their set.  On the other hand, Filter's lead vocalist (Richard Patrick, whose brother Robert Patrick was the T-1000) sounded like shit, but maybe that's his thing?  Industrial rock is mostly noise and trash cans, IMO. Kudos to the building planning team for having the foresight to include everything you'd need for a great time on the premises: an on-site restaurant (Goose Island Brewpub), 2nd floor arcade (Elston Electric), and dispensary (RISE).  Everyone loves a 1-stop shop, and I'll definitely be back to check them out! * TL;DR * This indoor-outdoor entertainment space is more intimate than Northerly Island and easier to get to than the Aragon Ballroom. I always welcome the opportunity to try out a new arena, and you just can't beat live music.  As one might expect, some rock concerts can get pretty damn loud (Filter's 'Hey Man Nice Shot' registered at 102dB on our phones), so earplugs aren't a bad idea. Damn, I nearly forgot to mention that this place used to be an actual storage shed for Morton Salt!  They got rid of the mountains of sodium chloride but wisely kept the name Salt Shed.  I'm holding out hope that someone opens up 'Pepper Palace' in a different part of the city (maybe they'll cater to EDM?)

Carly S.

I have seen two shows at the salt shed and had great experiences! The sound is very good, especially for an outdoor venue, and I love that it is outdoors! Even when attending a sold out show, it never felt too crowded and the lines for bathrooms and drinks go fast. If you want a seat, arrive early as there are some seats on the perimeter and in the back of the general admission area but not a ton. It is one of my favorite venues and I look forward to seeing more shows there!

Loving the mural photo opp outside before lining up
Danielle K.

Traveled a few hours to see Jack White who is a must see every time legacy artist for me. The Salt Shed in Chicago is a general admission floor concert venue with one drawback that appears early: the entry situation. After waiting in line outside for hours, it's a bit deflating when the main gate opens and it becomes a free for all situation to many more gates at many doors, making it such you lose the spot you worked so hard to hold. So instead of being a couple dozen deep in the line now lots of people are at the front of many gates. Four stars due to this. The Jack White mural was a great surprise outside and down the way, which made for a fun photo op to commemorate the event. I presume they change this for each headliner?! I will give credit that security responded quickly when a woman next to me went down from overwhelm/heat at the start of "Seven Nation Army". I read online there is a rooftop but because it was freezing in April and I had sweated through all of my clothes from the second row crowd and jumping for hours, I didn't stay to hang out. Sounds fun though so perhaps next time - I'll absolutely be back to see Jack White again.

Rebecca B.

Went in for happy hour at Elston Electric! This is such a fun place! Theres an arcade (entertainment) and the bar is pretty nice! I tried the 2hop2go and it was a delicious, loved the grapefruit! The service was quick and friendly! I definitely would go back and try something else next time!!

Charcuterie from the Three top lounge
Becca L.

Recently saw a concert here, first time at The Salt Shed, and I can't imagine a better experience! We opted to pay a little extra for the Three Top Lounge seating and it was WORTH IT. The small bites were incredible and having bar and nice bathroom access with a Birds Eye view of the concert felt luxurious even though this was still a pretty adorable option. When it rained a bit, we had an awning to move under and then scooted our table back out once the rain stopped! Ideal concert experience. Would definitely go back and buy the lounge access again. The down side to the lounge is you are further back, but we were fine with this and enjoyed having more space, bar access, and good food. For those who want a more traditional concert experience, the general admission seemed well organized and the venue is along the river. Great city views too!

Jason K.

This is quickly becoming my favorite music venue in Chicago. During the summer they have most shows outside in the fairgrounds and during the cold months, they move the shows indoors. They have a wide variety of food available in the fairgrounds along with any beverage you can think of. As far as viewing options, it's mostly general admission in the fairgrounds and if you get there early enough you might be able to get stadium seating. Indoors it's all general admission on the main floor and you can purchase seats. Enjoy the show!

Aaron M.

Awesome venue for a show. Super clean and not crowded. Great drink options and tons of restrooms (the cleanest and nicest). Great staff. Easy in and out with a designated Lyft area on Magnolia. A must see and listen. Goose Island, right next door, is a great spot to eat before a show.

Andrew U.

Yesterday I went to the salt shed to see Dj diesel perform and I have to say it was a great event. The security was easy a quick to get through and there were lockers available that you could rent for $10 to be able to place your jackets in during these cold winter times. The venue space was pretty big and there were seats on all three floors to provide people with space if they didn't want to be on the ground level. The only downside was the long water and drink lines due to the number of people in the venue.

Random
Robin A.

WONDERFUL! We drove in for a concert and the venue is stunning. There is food and libations inside as well as picnic style seating around the food vendors. Security was tight without being over bearing which was nice. We attended a concert outside and talk about huge!! We had a great time seeing Wetleg and we will be back.

Turkey Sandwich
Ali M.

The Salt Shed is everything you want and need in a music venue. Entry is always seamless, and I have never experienced a long queue. Bathrooms are huge and there is never a line. Both indoor and outdoor spaces help to accommodate weather changes and differences in attendance. Food is always excellent for what it is, and accommodates many diets. Sound is great. Staff is always helpful and kind. Parking could be worse. Always a great time at the Shed!

GA floor from premium seats
Laura P.

This is the best place to see a show in Chicago - so clean, nice staff and a great sound system. It's also nice that they have the Three Top Lounge open now with gorgeous views and good cocktails. I've seen quite a few show here in GA, Grands, and Premium and have always had a great time.

Alicia W.

We came to The Salt Shed for the Mat Kearney and Ben Rector concert recently and had an awesome experience! This is a really cool and unique venue. We took the blue line and walked less than a mile from our stop to the venue entrance. The entrance process was smooth and quick, they had several different lanes open for security and ticket checks. Once inside, there are so many things to do! There is a food area that is essentially composed of several different food trucks. There are bars EVERYWHERE; if you want a drink, you will easily be able to get one without much of a wait. They even had free water refill stations in at least two different areas. You can go inside the building (like an old warehouse) to look around some shops, hang out at more bars, and even check out an arcade bar. The arcade bar (Elston Electric) was my favorite part, it has a very cool industrial vibe and leather seats. We hung out there and had a drink while we waited for the opener to come on stage. The main concert venue can be indoors or outdoors, but they had it set up outside for this concert. The tickets were primarily general admission for standing, with a small section of premium seats. There are some first-come first-serve seats in the general admission area as well as some benches along the side of the venue. The venue is right along the river, you could see boats driving past during the concert. You can see a view of downtown Chicago skyscrapers, too! I loved how open the general admission space was, it was large enough for tons of people to fit without being tightly packed and on top of each other. It felt like you had a good view of the stage no matter where you were! There is so much to do at this venue because of the spacious setup and combination of indoor + outdoor spaces. We loved having so many ways to occupy our time in between performers instead of just standing around or feeling like we had to secure our spot. Leaving the venue was pretty smooth too, there was no bottlenecking or being at a standstill. We had such a great time at The Salt Shed, I would absolutely return for another concert in the future!

Jill G.

Came here for the open house to explore all business & check out the grounds. We got a ticket stamped with a chance to win concert tickets. I loved the bar & views. Plenty of places to drink. I love Goose Island. Great food. Can't wait to go see a concert here.

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27 days ago

Love the outdoor seating along the river! Great spot for a beer and a bite with friends.

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Ask the Community - The Salt Shed

Is there a coat check for winter shows?

Yes

I want to attend a concert here in June 2023 but I'll be eight months pregnant at the time. Is it standing room only?

I wouldn't recommend it.

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Review Highlights - The Salt Shed

What a fantastic venue - clean, fairly priced cocktails and tickets, free water - I was shocked!

Mentioned in 8 reviews

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City Winery Chicago

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3.4
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1.5 mi
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Live music
Full bar

A very well oiled operation…read more Had a great time seeing Sons of the Silent Age here. The street in front of the space is cleared for valet parking, free if you are a member. Before the show you can eat in the dining room or on the patio, weather permitting. They have a great burger and wine special some weeknights, and the burger is fantastic. There are also happy hour specials. City Winery is a negociant, and I think most of the grapes it buys are from the West Coast. The wines I tried were by and large in the new world style, although one of the reds had some old world complexity. On the whole, passable but not memorable. The show was fantastic. Sons started at 8 on the dot and played a thrilling 90 minute set. It's a great place to see an act up close and actually see them - no one stands, there isn't room! We had seats in the second row that were labeled wheelchair accessible, but they were not quite that - City Winery packs everyone in quite tightly. Fortunately two seats next to us were empty, giving us the space we needed. I would not, under any circumstances, order dinner inside the music venue, City Winery's encouragement notwithstanding. The tables are far too small. Do yourself a solid and eat in the dining room beforehand. And become a member - between the free valet and waived fees, it pays for itself after 2-3 shows.

I went for a Saturday brunch and sat in the patio which is beautiful. I had the dip duo and that…read morespicy feta dip is delicious! It came with crudite which is great for GF folks. I also had an egg frittata and an espresso martini. The egg frittata was low on salt and luckily I had the dip to eat it with. The skillet it came in was also so hot I burned my hand (I did get a warning from the server but still). The espresso martini also wasn't great and it had ice in it which made it watery so fast. My bf had the short rib sandwich and said it was delicious and for me the dip was my saving grace so if you're GF I wouldn't come here expecting a filling meal. Come for wine and dips and a patio vibe.

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City Winery Chicago
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The Bassment - Chicago

The Bassment - Chicago

4.0
(248 reviews)
1.6 mi
$$

I turned to ChatGPT for recommendations on live music with good vibes near my hotel, and The…read moreBassment was at the top of the list. I decided to live a little and give it a try. I arrived a little after 9 and was greeted with no line. Since I didn't have a reservation, I paid a $10 cover. Walking downstairs, I was immediately impressed with the British décor, lots of IG-worthy spots. Because it was still early, I was able to head straight to the bar for a drink. The bartender mentioned the band would start at 9:30 and that things usually pick up around 10. He also let me know the couches were open seating until reserved groups arrived. The band was fantastic and had people dancing not long after they started. By 11, the place was standing room only. I tapped out around 1 and walked past a long line waiting to get in. I'm happy I trusted ChatGPT's suggestion. The Bassment delivered a fun night with great music, drinks, and energy. I'll definitely visit again.

Really happy to have found this spot for live music on a Saturday night. We arrived right around 8,…read morewhen doors open. Musics starts at 930ish so it's a bit of a wait if you get there that early, but potentially worth it to snag a lounge/table until reservations show up. Reservations are pricey, but with a group would be super fun and worth it. Workout having reservations, we gave up our seats and headed to the front to hang around the bar near the stage. Really awesome staff, and a coat check if you need it. The bar tenders were friendly and attentive. The music was fabulous. Fun crowd. The drink list was super fun with pop star nmes, the Taylor Swift was the fav, and not just bc I am a Swiftie. The bathtub drink is cute, get one for the photo and move on. The cream didn't work for me. Highly recommend for a fun live music experience and vibe.

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The Bassment - Chicago
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The Office

The Office

4.3
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I really like the office! Cool, cozy, and classic! Service is spectacular of course. Always treated…read morewell. The cocktails are also classic but still modern and very cool. Always a nice spot to go back to.

The Office is a nice speakeasy! I had wanted to get a floral drink at the restaurant upstairs…read morecalled "the Aviary" but they were actually totally full, whereas the speakeasy wasn't. I sat at the bar downstairs and can confirm the place has a classic speakeasy feel -- the the basement of a place behind a locked door, very dark inside with mood lighting/glass cases and leather chairs/couches around small low tables. It's definitely a great date spot! I took off a star because it's pricey -- I got the "milk punch" on their classic cocktail menu which was $25 and is pretty small, but it's a nice drink and tasted very much like a milk punch drink I got at a speakeasy back home (in Austin, TX). The bartenders were super nice and provided excellent service, no complaints there! The bathrooms were also immaculate. Overall, this is a very nice speakeasy! I've been to many in my day and the ambiance is definitely on par with the best, but I gotta say some other unique ingredients (ideally more floral options!) would really take their menu up a notch! Nevertheless, I would def rec a visit to those visiting Chicago, and would go again even just for vibes :)

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Twas a combination of a black manhattan & a vieux carré  Delicious
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Basque cheesecake was delicious
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The Wild Hare

The Wild Hare

3.7
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1.4 mi
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I'm back to update my previous review. I finally got the chance to come back to The Wild Hare for…read morethe full dine-in and live music experience. I'm really glad I did. Our server was quick and pleasant. He was refilling and offering new drinks before we even knew we needed them. I'm not even sure I really considered the menu because I really came to retry the oxtail and rice & peas. I was not disappointed, and there was nothing but tailbones left on my plate. Ambiance is fun at The Wild Hare. The live music in the back room int he evenings are definitely where it's at. I would recommend checking out the event calendar on their website to help pick which day you may want to come. My only complaint is that I really wish the DJ played more reggae in the restaurant. I expected to have a full reggae night, but all the way up until the live band, it was mostly hip hop and R&B with the occasional reggae throwback. Give us more; we came for the reggae vibes!

Came here on a Sunday after. They had drink specials available. We were able to find parking right…read moreout front. On this occasion there were drink specials. Grabbed $7 margarita (special) which was tasty. For food my husband and I shared the full lb of rib tips and fries. We thought they were tasty. We met up with some friends celebrating a March birth (Aries). The bar crowd was friendly...everyone just enjoying the music and each other. Bathrooms were big and never had an issue getting a stall. Security present and overall just a fun experience. Would love to come back when they have a live band playing.

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Stage in second room
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The Wild Hare
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Lazy Bird

Lazy Bird

4.2
(257 reviews)
1.5 mi
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I stopped by Lazy Bird on a Wednesday night after dinner, and it ended up being such a great…read morechoice. We made a reservation ahead of time, which I'd definitely recommend, but it wasn't overly packed and we were seated without any issues. The vibe in there is top tier. Dim lighting, live music energy, and just the right mix of chill and upscale. It's the kind of place where you can actually enjoy the atmosphere without feeling rushed. This was my second time here and I remember it being just as good back in 2022. The drinks were immaculate. I had two mocktails that were both well-balanced (not overly sweet, which I appreciate), and he ordered an old fashioned. You can tell they take their bar program seriously and can go beyond a gin & tonic. Overall, it was a really good time. It can give you a great midweek outing or a laid-back night with a little something.

Lazy Bird is a cute Chicago speakeasy but let me tell you something -- this place is CROWDED. I…read morecame early in the evening and got the last spot at the bar (I was by myself), and within 30 mins while I was having my drink I looked around and noticed that the room was near totally full, and the majority of people were standing in the open because all the tables were full, as was the bar. People were standing right behind me to order drinks; I didn't feel overly crowded by any means but some who aren't used to that kind of bar/clubby vibe might feel that way. The music was a little loud to be heard over all the folks there, but I wasn't talking to anyone so it didn't bother me (was just sitting and reading a book). The bartender was really nice and attentive despite the fact that the place was so packed. I had a drink called the "Gentle Fish" which the bartender rec'd as a sweeter/more floral drink. Admittedly it was a little strong, but the flavor was nice! It was different from most other drinks I've had, and I enjoyed it. Was strong enough I definitely did not need another though. Of note, this place is downstairs under "The Hoxton" hotel, there's no entrance directly to the bar from the sidewalk/street (you have to enter the hotel lobby, then follow the signs toward the back and go down the elevator and/or stairs). There is a person who checks your ID when you enter and seats you if seats are available. The bathrooms were very clean. Not sure about parking but street parking is definitely very limited; I imagine a paid lot would probably be the easiest thing or taking the train from wherever you're staying if you can (which is what I did).

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Lazy Bird
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Cobra Lounge

Cobra Lounge

3.8
(376 reviews)
1.4 mi
$$

AVOID THE WET RAT LOOKING BARTENDER WITH THE STAR TATTOO ON HIS FACE - so crabby you'd think it's…read morealmost a bit. so rude it prevented me from buying more drinks cuz I didn't want to deal. you can tell he hates being there ... I'm not expecting a smile ,chitchat and and a tap dance but like- are you ok man? Need a hug? a Wellbutrin prescription?

The Cobra Lounge essentially has three spaces: the former brewery's bar space (still feels like a…read morebrewery), the lounge, and the music venue. They all deliver a top-notch experience! Having read reviews and menus for All Rise Brewing Co. online, we headed in for beers and dinner, then quickly realized the brewery was no more. No complaints, though--what we found was a laid-back, welcoming bar with plenty of local beer on tap and a menu full of interesting pizzas. We tried some beers, and split a Clam Bake Pizza--that was pretty awesome. Classic cult movies playing on the screens (I hadn't seen Buckaroo Banzai in awhile!) gave the place a little added atmosphere. Our bartender was super cool & helpful. The room got close to full as showtime neared, but was always comfortable. Patrons likely vary depending on what music's playing; this night was shoegaze/goth and the multi-generational crowd looked like fans of those genres. We ended up staying for the night's live show, which was a lineup of four bands (one touring and three local, I think) for a very reasonable price. We could take our drinks from the bar into the venue and/or order more in the lounge space. I wasn't alone, but would've felt safe and comfortable on my own there. The venue's an elevated stage with two sets of steps. There doesn't appear to be any back room; gear and cases were piled in an alcove. The sound and lights were good. Bathrooms were just fine. No seats in the venue, but it's cool to come and go to hang out in the lounge or bar. Cobra Lounge has a small, well-lit parking lot and there's plenty of street parking available too.

Photos
Bar: former brewery side
Bar: former brewery side
Lounge area outside the music venue
Lounge area outside the music venue
Cobra Lounge

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Cobra Lounge

The Salt Shed - musicvenues - Updated July 2026

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