Chicago's Best Live Music Venue

Beneath its sassy sign, River North’s tunester paradise is old-school (in good way).

Reviews:

• “A spot not to miss.”
• “Classy Chicago Piano Bar”
• “Don’t waste your time!”
• “Not the best place if you are of a different race.”
• “HORRIBLE SERVICE”

Tips: Not a fan of coat check? Then skip the outerwear, or leave it in the car, since checking is required Thursday through Saturday.

The Redhead Piano Bar

Great “next big thing” music venue and bar in Lakeview.

Reviews:

• “Great food, worst bartender ever!”
• “Don’t Miss Brunch At Harmony!!!”
• “all in one and clean”
• “Teeny Little Secret!”
• “great jukebox great live shows”

Tips: The club presents live music seven nights a week.

Schubas Tavern

A sprawling, high-class supper and jazz club that’s risen far from its junkyard roots.

Reviews:

• “WORST CLUB EVER!”
• “I Had an AMAZING time! Highly Recommended on Friday Nights!”
• “Horrible experience”
• “Pefect Venue to Bring a Date”
• “Mediocre food at best…”

Tips: In the club on Tuesdays at 6:30pm and Thursdays at 8pm, enjoy a live jazz trio with no cover. Wednesday nights feature big band music with a $10 cover.

Green Dolphin Street or email Green Dolphin Street

Special-occasion partiers and tourists sing along at this rollicking River North piano bar.

Reviews:

• “kind of love this place”
• “Brilliant inclusive fun!”
• “Guaranteed a great time”
• “Bad Experience”
• “One howl of a good time!”

Tips: A $1-$2 tip generally accompanies a song request.

Howl At The Moon or email Howl At The Moon

Sinners are welcome, too, at this choice music venue.

Reviews:

• “The Big C Jamboree Rocks”
• “what can i do ya for ? "
• “martyrs rocks!”
• “up close”

Tips: Though it may seem tempting, the parking lot just north of Martyrs’ is off-limits—park at the public lot across the street or at one of the street meters.

Martyrs’

Legendary music venue returns to Lincoln Park in name and spirit.

Reviews:

• ""
• ""
• “a great time”

Tips: Be aware that the signs for the bathroom are not your standard “Male” and “Female.” The women’s room is indicated by a manicured hand holding a cigarette; the men’s room features a hand holding a pipe.

Wise Fools Pub

No Chicago blues excursion is complete without a last blast at this Lakeview spot—any night of the week.

Reviews:

• “Amazing Blues”
• “Atmosphere you will not experience anywhere else!”
• “A must!!!!!!!!!”
• “Great service and the pulled pork was great.”
• “Great Live Music and good times open late on weekends.”

Tips: Pellegrino has expanded the square footage of his club substantially. It’s now three storefronts wide, putting an end to the original sweaty, cramped confines.

Kingston Mines or email Kingston Mines

After two decades in Lincoln Park, the famous jazz and champagne bar brings its game downtown.

Reviews:

• “Best Moscato in Chicago”
• “No way near the old "Pops""
• “Great Food, WIne and Service! "
• “What a perfect night!”
• “Not like the old Pops on Sheffield”

Tips: Pops Shop hopes to draw business from both departing patrons and passersby. Look for dozens of sparkling wines, many available at the bar.

Pops For Champagne or email Pops For Champagne

Downtown venue with lush setting, excellent acoustics and strong bookings.

Reviews:

• “worst venue in Chicago”
• “bad time”
• “WORST venue in Chicago”
• “Terrible! Terrible, Terrible”
• “Worst concert of my life… all because of the venue and staff”

Tips: The House of Blues often books acts that attract a younger crowd; all-ages and 18 and up shows are common.

House of Blues

Jazz and blues club locals like to think only they know about.

Reviews:

• “Legendary and fun fun fun!”
• “Best atmosphere”
• “Most fun I’ve ever had in a Chicago blues/jazz club”
• “stylin’”
• “It’s The Real Chicago”

Underground Wonder Bar

Cozy cabaret and bar that fills a unique niche in Wicker Park nightlife.

Reviews:

• “A Chicago treasure and a musical treat”
• “Nitz and Howe fri sat 10 2am "
• “The Best Time!”
• “Real Cabaret in Chicago”

Davenport’s or email Davenport’s

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