Rocco
Chicago, also called the “Windy City,” is a vibrant city with a diverse population and a deep cultural heritage.
Everyone can find something to enjoy in the city, from deep-dish pizza to jazz music. The live music scene in Chicago, which offers a variety of genres and venues, is one of its main attractions.
We’ll talk about the best live music bars in Chicago in this article, where you can hear everything from jazz and blues to rock and hip-hop.
Prepare yourself to experience the rhythm and soul of Chicago’s music scene whether you’re a local or just passing through. Come along as we tour these best bars in Chicago with live music.
Kingston Mines
2548 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: (773) 477-4646
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Kingston Mines is a lively live music bar in Lincoln Park, Chicago. The bar features two stages and hosts top blues musicians.
With a casual, relaxed atmosphere, the bar is perfect for a fun night out. Enjoy reasonably priced drinks and bar food while dancing to great music.
The Empty Bottle
1035 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: (773) 276-3600
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The Empty Bottle is a popular live music bar located in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood of Chicago.
Hosting indie rock shows, the bar boasts excellent sound quality, a cozy atmosphere and a great selection of beer and cocktails.
The vibe is laid-back and intimate, making it a perfect spot to enjoy live music with friends.
The California Clipper
1002 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
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The California Clipper is a classic live music bar located in the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago.
With a vintage atmosphere and dim lighting, the bar offers an intimate setting for live music shows, including jazz and rockabilly.
Enjoy a variety of cocktails, beers and bar food in this cozy, old-school bar.
Schubas Tavern
3159 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: (773) 525-2508
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Schubas Tavern is a live music bar located in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago.
Hosting indie rock, folk and alternative shows, the bar features a cozy, intimate atmosphere with excellent sound quality.
Enjoy a selection of cocktails, craft beers, and bar food while taking in a great live music show in this beloved Chicago institution.
The Hideout
1354 W Wabansia Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
Phone: (773) 227-4433
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The Hideout is a legendary live music bar located in the industrial-chic neighborhood of Wicker Park, Chicago.
Hosting a range of musical acts, the bar offers an eclectic mix of indie rock, country and folk shows.
The vibe is gritty and unpretentious, with a selection of reasonably priced drinks and bar food to enjoy.
The Green Mill
4802 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
Phone: (773) 878-5552
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The Green Mill is a historic live music bar located in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago.
Hosting jazz performances since 1907, the bar is a Chicago institution with a vintage ambiance and cozy atmosphere.
Enjoy classic cocktails and bar food while taking in the sounds of live jazz in this iconic venue.
Andy’s Jazz Club & Restaurant
11 E Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 642-6805
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Andy’s Jazz Club & Restaurant is a premier live music bar located in the River North neighborhood of Chicago.
Hosting top jazz musicians, the bar offers an intimate setting with excellent sound quality and a cozy ambiance.
Enjoy a selection of cocktails, wine and upscale bar food while taking in the world-class jazz performances in this iconic Chicago venue.
Smoke Daddy BBQ – Wicker Park
1804 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: (773) 772-6656
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Smoke Daddy BBQ is a popular live music bar and barbecue joint located in the hip Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago.
Hosting a range of local musicians, the bar features a lively atmosphere with excellent barbecue, beer, and cocktail selections.
Enjoy a great live music show while savoring delicious smoked meats and Southern-style sides in this beloved Chicago establishment.
Hungry Brain
2319 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Phone: (773) 687-8230
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Hungry Brain is an intimate live music bar located in the eclectic Avondale neighborhood of Chicago.
Hosting a range of jazz, experimental and electronic shows, the bar features a cozy, laid-back atmosphere with a selection of craft beers and cocktails to enjoy.
Come for the music and stay for the neighborhood charm at this beloved Chicago gem.
Buddy Guy’s Legends
700 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
Phone: (312) 427-1190
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Buddy Guy’s Legends is a world-famous live music bar located in the South Loop neighborhood of Chicago.
Founded by legendary blues musician Buddy Guy, the bar hosts top blues musicians and offers a lively atmosphere with great food and drink selections.
Enjoy the authentic blues experience at this iconic Chicago venue.
Reggies Chicago
2105 S State St, Chicago, IL 60616
Phone: (312) 949-0120
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Reggies Chicago is a popular live music venue and bar located in the vibrant neighborhood of South Loop.
The venue hosts a diverse range of local and national musicians, and features multiple stages and bars for an exciting concert experience.
Enjoy a selection of drinks and pub-style food in a high-energy atmosphere at Reggies Chicago.
Cobra Lounge
235 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: (312) 226-6300
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Cobra Lounge is a live music venue and bar located in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago.
With its industrial-chic decor and multiple levels, it offers a unique and edgy atmosphere for live music shows.
Enjoy a wide variety of drinks and food from the venue’s bar and kitchen while taking in the energetic performances on stage.
Tack Room
Multiple Locations
Phone: (312) 526-3851
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Located in the Pilsen neighborhood, Tack Room is a Western-style bar with live music performances on its small stage.
The atmosphere is cozy and intimate with vintage decor and friendly staff.
They serve cocktails, beer, and wine, as well as bar snacks and food from their sister restaurant, Dusek’s Board & Beer.
Phyllis’ Musical Inn
1800 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: (773) 486-9862
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Phyllis’ Musical Inn is a historic live music bar located in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago.
The dive bar features an intimate setting with local bands playing seven nights a week.
The bar also offers a wide range of drinks and a cozy atmosphere, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Blue Chicago
536 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: (312) 661-0100
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Located in the River North neighborhood, Blue Chicago is a historic blues club that has been around since 1985.
The vibe is intimate and authentic, with low lighting and no-frills decor. They serve a variety of drinks and offer a small food menu.
The focus is on the music, with live blues performances every night.
Sleeping Village
3734 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Phone: (773) 654-3971
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Sleeping Village is a cozy bar located in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago.
It offers a laid-back atmosphere and a diverse selection of live music performances, from indie rock to electronic music.
The venue is also known for its excellent selection of craft beers and cocktails, making it a great spot for music lovers and beer enthusiasts alike.
Jazz Showcase
806 S Plymouth Ct, Chicago, IL 60605
Phone: (312) 360-0234
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Jazz Showcase, located in the historic Dearborn Station in Chicago’s South Loop, is a renowned live music bar that has been presenting the best in jazz for over 70 years.
The intimate atmosphere, friendly staff, and legendary performers make it a must-visit spot for jazz enthusiasts.
The bar offers a range of drinks and limited food options.
Constellation
3111 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
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Constellation is a popular live music bar located in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago.
The venue features an intimate setting with excellent acoustics, perfect for experiencing live music.
The bar serves a variety of wines, craft beers, and spirits, and also offers a small menu of snacks and light bites.
The atmosphere is relaxed and laid-back, with a focus on enjoying good music and good company.
Bottom Lounge
1375 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: (312) 666-6775
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Bottom Lounge is a popular live music bar located in the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago.
The venue is known for hosting a wide variety of genres, including indie rock, metal, and hip-hop.
The bar also serves a range of drinks and food options, and has a laid-back, casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying live music.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there are many different bars in Chicago with a thriving live music scene.
The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, with its vintage ambiance and excellent jazz music, was personally my favorite. Kingston Mines, a lively bar with blues music, was another establishment I really liked.
On my trip, I also went to the Empty Bottle, which featured a variety of music. You might also want to visit these country bars around Chicago. Overall, the best live music bars in Chicago have something to offer everyone.
Have you been to any of these live music bars or have a favorite of your own? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts!
Best Live Music Bars in Chicago
- Kingston Mines
- The Empty Bottle
- The California Clipper
- Schubas Tavern
- The Hideout
- The Green Mill
- Andy’s Jazz Club & Restaurant
- Smoke Daddy BBQ – Wicker Park
- Hungry Brain
- Buddy Guy’s Legends
- Reggies Chicago
- Cobra Lounge
- Tack Room
- Phyllis’ Musical Inn
- Blue Chicago
- Sleeping Village
- Jazz Showcase
- Constellation
- Bottom Lounge
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