Location: Chicago
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10 Jazz Clubs & Bars in Chicago That You Shouldn't Miss
The windy city is a cornucopia of modern art, fine dining, cutting edge comedy, and die-hard sports fans. Snap a photo of your reflection in the silver Cloud Gate sculpture at Millennium Park before heading to Grant Park to get hit with the refreshing spray of Buckingham Fountain. There are dozens of museums and theater companies in Chicago, so a cultural experience is never hard to find. You’re sure to laugh your head off at the Second City Theater, the professional launch pad of many famous comedians.
Restaurants in Chicago
1. Jazz Showcase
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 182 reviews
Jazz Showcase is the most historic jazz club in Chicago, founded in 1947 by Joe Segal, and now owned and operated by Wayne Segal (Joe's son). Segal's national and international honors include being declared a "Master of Jazz" by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). "It is a great honor to be placed in the same company with so many of the wonderful artists I have presented all of these years!" Joe Segal, 88. The greatest names in jazz have played at Jazz Showcase including the likes of Count Basie, Herbie Hancock, Sun Ra, Sonny Stitt, Dizzy Gillespie, Dexter Gordon, and Art Blakey. Having changed location numerous times since its founding, the club relocated again in 2008 to Dearborn Station, in Chicago, Illinois. Today, Jazz Showcase continues to thrive and bring in top local, national, and international talent. Jazz Showcase presents live music 7 nights a week. Our famous 4 pm Sunday Matinee is geared towards families (Free admission for kids 12 and under). The 170-seat venue is available for group outings during any of our live performances and for private events during the day.
Reviewed By Koakie - Apple Valley, United States
A really great listening room for jazz - outstanding acoustics - and a really warm and friendly vibe, and a place with so much history (live jazz club since 1947!). The cover charge was reasonable, attentive service and a really fun musical experience with family!!! Can't wait to return!!!
2. Winter's Jazz Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Chicago's new home for straight-ahead, classic, Live Jazz 5 nights a week in the Streeterville neighborhood, 3 blocks West of Navy Pier!
Reviewed By kenapastore - Hinsdale, United States
This is a fun place with an amazing location. We went in early during general admission and found a cozy table near the band. The tickets are inexpensive ($20 - $30) and there is a $10 minimum bar order per person. We really enjoyed the Denise Thimes Quintet. They had so much energy with contagious smiles on their faces. The bar menu had some amazing cocktails as well as beer and wine. I look forward to going again.
3. Green Mill
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 441 reviews
Once a haunt of Al Capone's, this oldest jazz club in the U.S. opened in 1907, and retains the aura of the Prohibition-era speakeasies.
Reviewed By 742jillv - San Antonio, United States
Green Mill Located uptown, drawn in by the green flashing lights and the promise of good music and some fun history and we were not disappointed. From the moment we stepped in, we felt as though we had been transformed back to an old movie. We sat at the bar careful to follow the 3 rules of entering. 1. No talking during the show 2. No flash photography during the show 3. No cell phone usage during the show. There was a $7.00 cash only cover charge to get in, and it was money well spent to be able to listen to the fabulous and extremely talented jazz band that was playing. At intermission we were able to talk to our bartender Gene who told us stories of the days that Al Capone would frequent the place. If you love jazz I highly recommend this place. If you come be sure to bring cash, they don’t accept any credit cards, its an all cash bar.
4. Andy's Jazz Club
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 555 reviews
Nightly Admission Charged To All Guests & Goes Directly Toward Paying The Performing Artists. One of Chicago's Best-Known and Most-Respected Jazz establishments, historic Andy's offers casually sophisticated dining with a musical menu of Chicago's Top Jazz Artists.
Reviewed By brumba50 - Savage, United States
This is a true jazz club over dinner. The music is great and the dinner fine. They have some gluten free options but for the most part you need to adjust your entre. They do require you to leave your table after two hours (e.g. go to the bar) so they can have turnover for the next set. The restaurant is located just a few blocks north of the river and the downtown “loop”.
5. Elbo Room
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 6 reviews
The Elbo Room prides itself on presenting diverse live shows seven nights and week. Numerous bands, such as John Butler Trio, Wild Belle, Cage The Elephant, Amos Lee, The Walkmen, James Mercer from The Shins, Mundy, The Crystal Ark, Smoking Popes, Hoobastank, Butch Walker, Liquid Soul, Joss Stone, Filter, The Alarm, Local H, Ratt, Scott Weiland, Soul Coughing, I Fight Dragons, and many more have graced its stage. The Elbo Room is renown for its great ambiance, exceptional sound, and continuing effort to showcase top local and national acts from a multitude of artistic genres.
6. Pops for Champagne
7. Signature Lounge
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,384 reviews
Reviewed By boba317 - Melbourne, United States
We arrived early for lunch at the Signature Room and decided to cool our heels in the lounge until our lunch guests arrived. Our server Nina was great, she had our drinks to us quickly and boy they were yummy. We had a window table with a great view of the north and west side of the city. Yes the drinks are pricey - but the view is priceless. Don't sit near the window if heights freak you out!
8. Back Room
9. Hyde Park Jazz Society
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
10. The Kinetic Playground
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 1 reviews
