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Blues of Chicago - Clubs

Author: Jody Robbins


Categories: Nightlife



Your Music vs. My Music: Every stop on your Chicago Blues Tour, from the original Blues joints to innovative locales and everything in between. Check out Chicago Blues legends and the newcomers they've influence, all in one city.  

 


If the Blues are your thing, any comprehensive, Blues-minded tour of Chicago should start at Blue Chicago, where you will find a wealth of Chicago Blues merchandise, and a nightly host of family-friendly (kids under 12 get in free) Blues music from legends and newcomers alike. Another location just up the street increases your musical options, as does the Blue Chicago Store. You'll catch jazz in all its heady permutations at Andy's Jazz Club, where a full range of jazz offerings grace the stage here seven days a week, night and day.

At the infamous Double Door , you never know whether you'll see a legend, or an about-to-reign up and comer. Regardless, be sure that you'll enjoy yourself at this Wicker Park club that's a legend its own right. Rock ‘n' roll is primarily served here, but the musical calendar here has branched out in the last few years to include a wide range of musical acts. It's the dive-with-good-live-music of which you've always dreamed. Ranging into rock ‘n' roll's immediate ancestor, you can get constant doses of the Blues at Kingston Mines, a venue that's been around for decades. The players here are so hot that, if you know who you're looking for, you are likely to see some of the city's top players checking out the competition.

If you are looking to check out top DJs in a sound-friendly atmosphere, stop! You've found Sonotheque, a haven for those whose priorities are high-end acoustics. An insane sound system is complemented by sound-friendly materials used throughout the design scheme of the highly regarded, contemporary designer, Suhail. The schedule here is important, as all kinds of tunes make the play list here on a given night. For something a little earthier, the rock ‘n' roll set has been visiting Five Star Bar & Grill. Here, we're talking early rock ‘n' roll, so expect vintage touches throughout, and a healthy bourbon selection.

With four different dance floors, Club 720 is like a dance-themed Disney, with lots of Latin beats on tap, as well as some reggae and hip-hop. If you can't salsa, take a class; or just enjoy the show. And, finally, it's Crobar, a Chicago institution. In its latest form, the music makers here are queuing up everything from disco to techno to rave and hip-hop. Get on the floor, or head to the balcony and just take it…all…in.

 

nearby places of interest

Andy's Jazz Club
11 E. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610

Casual dining and live jazz, Andy's has  been designated as a Concierge favorite. 

Bin 36
339 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

This spot has everything for the oenophile, with a retail store, tavern, restaurant and cheese bar.

P.J. Clarke's
1204 N. State Pkwy., Chicago, IL 60610

This neighborhood spot features two facets, a long wooden bar filled with revelers and a more secluded rear dining area with tables decked with checkerboard tablecloths.

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
1 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

This Chicago brewpub is an outpost of the nationwide chain; the top draw here is the rotating selection of handcrafted beers brewed on-site.

Rockit Bar & Grill
22 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610

Stylish yet comfortable, this River North bar and grill puts a twist on American favorites. Expect to hear some classic rock music as the name implies and take in the old album cover-jacketed menus.

Salud Tequila Lounge
1471 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

Chic Wicker Park nightspot Salud features authentic Mexican fare with creative twists, as well as an extensive selection of premium tequilas.

Schoolyard Tavern & Grill
3258 N. Southport, Chicago, IL 60657

A fun beer-and-a-shot spot on the city's North Side, Schoolyard is a good bar to begin your North Side evening...not far from Wrigley Field!

Tavern on Rush
1031 N. Rush St., Chicago, IL 60611

This upscale, two-story lounge and steakhouse features a dramatic lower-level lounge with a gorgeous bar and a clubby restaurant upstairs.

The Fifty/50
2047 W. Division St, Chicago, Illinois 60622

This innovative sports bar has creative and unusual drinks that will definitely surprise you. 

Drinks Over Dearborn
650 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60654

This boutique beer, wine and spirits shop carries an inventory carefully selected by Kyle McHugh, a food and wine professional with years of experience in the restaurant and nightlife industries. Not just a shop, Drinks Over Dearborn will also offer a wide range of special events and tastings, including the "Rare & Luxurious Room." Sounds fun.

Alumni Club
871 E. Algonquin Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173

Tons of big screen TVs and cold beer.

Andy's Jazz Club
11 E. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610

Casual dining and live jazz, Andy's has  been designated as a Concierge favorite. 

B.L.U.E.S
2519 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614

Chicago blues house features local artists every night at 9:30 p.m. Cover varies.

Bamboo Room
616 E. Golf Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173

South Pacific-inspired lounge, with nightly DJs.

Big Chicks
5024 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60640

The colorful Uptown bar caters to a mostly lesbian and gay clientele but is very straight-friendly.

Bin 36
339 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

This spot has everything for the oenophile, with a retail store, tavern, restaurant and cheese bar.

Blue Chicago
536 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

Sample the sounds of the sultry saxophone, the bold bass, the thundering trumpet and the  daring drum beats at Blue Chicago, one of Chicago's best blues clubs. Open seven nights a week, Blue Chicago features some of the best names in blues and jazz.

Buddy Guy's Legends
754 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60605

World-renowned and local Chicago blues artists are the draw at this club owned by blues legend, Buddy Guy, as is the soul-ful Cajun food and major music paraphenalia also on display here.

Casey Moran's
3660 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60613

This top Wrigleyville-area sports bar is a no-brainer to visit if you're visiting the home of the Chicago Cubs, but is a year-round home to sports fanatics and just fans, too.  

Chi Bar
301 East North Water Street, Chicago, IL 60611

Created by renowned designer, Jeffrey Beers, Chi Bar boasts innovative cocktails, shareabledelights, and sleek ambiance.

Club 720
720 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60610

Five floors of premier entertainment and music.  

Crobar
1543 N. Kingsbury St., Chicago, IL 60622

Internationally renowned dance club. High-end, glamorous nightlife scene. Heavy on beautiful people-watching, celebrity sight-seeing, and aggressive partying.

Double Door
1572 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

Wicker Park's premier live music venue. Cover varies.

English
444 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60610

From the Eat Well, Drink Better group, comes a new gastropub known as English. Located in the beautiful River North area, English serves good food and offers a wide variety of liquor choices as well as the favored beers and ales.  

Fizz Bar & Grill
3220 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60657

Enjoy any of the multiple Chicago nightlife scenes available at this popular North Side bar. The basics are all in place here and it's good for a solo night at the bar or any kind of group event you can dream up  

Jazz Showcase
806 S Plymouth Ct., Chicago, IL 60605

Since opening in 1947, the Jazz Showcase has occupied a few different spaces in Chicago, but one thing remains the same: the quality of the jazz. Still owned and operated by its founder, legendary impressario Joe Segal, the club features excellent Chicago musicians M-W, with internationally known headliners Th-Sun.  

Kingston Mines
2548 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614

Louisiana cooking and two blues bands on two stages every night. Cover $12-$15.Has been designated a:Concierge favorite

Le Passage
937 N. Rush St., Chicago, IL 60610

A top Chicago nightclub for going on a decade, this Gold Coast neighborhood nightlife haven attracts a high-profile crowd. It seems likely that this will be a club destination in Chicago for years to come.

Moonshine
1824 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60622

This popular Chicago bar and restaurant kicks off the West Division Street strip with a simple, but everything's there bar menu and good, Southern-leaning menu fare.  

NV Penthouse Lounge
116 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610

This ultra-hip modern lounge sits atop 7 floors and serves an exclusive crowd. Take in the sweeping views of the Chicago skyline while the new-wave DJs keep the pop music thumping in the background. The outdoor terrace is a popular place to imbibe a pricy, but well-made drink.  

P.J. Clarke's
1204 N. State Pkwy., Chicago, IL 60610

This neighborhood spot features two facets, a long wooden bar filled with revelers and a more secluded rear dining area with tables decked with checkerboard tablecloths.

Pops for Champagne
601 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60611

Live jazz, huge champagne list, and a fireplace create a memorable atmosphere.>

Redmoon
70 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60605

A sophisticated suburban Chicago night spot with guest DJs weekly, Redmoon delivers with a wide-ranging martini menu and other club features like the huge projection screens showing all kinds of footage.

Rednofive
440 N. Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60622

Dance club with funky atmosphere, intriguing lighting, and an upper VIP level that has been relevant for years now with constantly changing music line-ups and promotions.

Religion
720 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60610

This reinvented Chicago club is now Religion and was part of Club 720, a top Latin dance spot. The new space rocks more of a DJ-induced sound, dancing and a cosmopolitan club experience without the pretensions.  

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
1 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

This Chicago brewpub is an outpost of the nationwide chain; the top draw here is the rotating selection of handcrafted beers brewed on-site.

Rockit Bar & Grill
22 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610

Stylish yet comfortable, this River North bar and grill puts a twist on American favorites. Expect to hear some classic rock music as the name implies and take in the old album cover-jacketed menus.

Roscoe's Tavern
3356 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614

This popular gay and lesbian spot includes six bars and a large dance floor en route to one of the wilder nightlife experiences in all of Chicago.

Salud Tequila Lounge
1471 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

Chic Wicker Park nightspot Salud features authentic Mexican fare with creative twists, as well as an extensive selection of premium tequilas.

Schoolyard Tavern & Grill
3258 N. Southport, Chicago, IL 60657

A fun beer-and-a-shot spot on the city's North Side, Schoolyard is a good bar to begin your North Side evening...not far from Wrigley Field!

Schuba's Tavern
3159 N. Southport Ave., Chicago, IL 60657

Intimate setting and great sound blend for great live music shows and a casual environment are all represented at this North Side bar.

Sidetrack
3349 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60657

This spacious club is appreciated for its highly social front piano and great people-watching that goes along with its location along one of the busiest boulevards in Boys Town.

Sonotheque
1444 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

No one comes to Sonotheque to sit and take in the scene; they (and you) are the scene--along with the music.  

The Fifty/50
2047 W. Division St, Chicago, Illinois 60622

This innovative sports bar has creative and unusual drinks that will definitely surprise you. 

The Underground
54 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60610

The Underground is late-night dance spot offering a constantly changing line-up of talent from DJ's to Hip Hop performers and you never know what. It's one of the likeliest spots to catch a high-toned celebrity in Chicago (from David Beckham to classic acts like the Sugar Hill Gang).The decor here recalls a futuristic underground bunker complex-like feel except that the steady wave of beautiful people lends a more positive note to the ambience.

Tryst
3485 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60657

Tryst is the most chic place to be if you're in Wrigleyville, that is--if you're not into the whole sports bar mania that is Clark Street.   

Blue Chicago
736 N. Clark St, Chicago, IL 60610

Sample the sounds of the sultry saxophone, the bold bass, the thundering trumpet and the  daring drum beats at Blue Chicago, one of Chicago's best blues clubs. Open seven nights a week, Blue Chicago features some of the best names in blues and jazz. 

Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60604

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is the heartbeat of Chicago. The CSO has numerous concerts and special events throughout the year. See the full list at their website. Tickets range from $10 to $200.

Renaissance Chicago O'Hare Suites Hotel
8500 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago, IL 60631

Just a short shuttle ride from the O'Hare International Airport, the Renaissance Chicago O'Hare Suites Hotel is a comfortable and affordable place to stay for business and leisure travelers alike.