Seeing big-name musicians in large arenas may be exciting. But it’s occasionally nice to experience live music in a setting where you can see the faces of the performers on stage and maybe even support some local businesses. Fortunately, there are many wonderful bars and restaurants where you can find live music in Chicago. Here are the best locations to dine and drink while listening to live music, ranging from historic Prohibition-era taverns to BBQ restaurants where you can listen to amazing live music.
The Spots
Green Mill
Al Capone frequented this cash-only cocktail lounge, which features hidden tunnels for smuggling alcohol. Unfortunately, those are no longer in use (so you can’t use them to avoid the cover cost), but this place still has the old-timey decor and a terrific regular jazz music lineup. Sip a robust Old Fashioned at the enormous oak bar or savor a bitter martini in a spacious booth as Duke Ellington is played by a big band.
The Bassment
Every Thursday through Saturday, The Bassment is an underground speakeasy with live music in Chicago. For a $10 cover charge, you may hear a diverse range of performers perform everything from R&B to funk to country. The dance floor is frequently busy, but you can enjoy the music from a comfortable couch in the back room, flanked by images of Tupac, Biggie, and taxidermied deer heads. If it turns out to be that kind of weekend, their bar also offers bottle service.
The Hideout
This little pub in Bucktown was a popular hangout for people who refused to let Prohibition keep them from having a good time a century ago. Now that alcohol is allowed, the Hideout has established itself as one of the city’s most established entertainment venues. It’s just a small old cabin, but it’s ideal for getting as close to the music as possible. They frequently feature a diverse range of musicians, from solo vocalists to psychedelic space rock bands, and they have a terrific summer concert series if you want to listen to some tunes on a patio.
Reggies
Reggies Rock Club in South Loop, despite its name, does not only play rock music. You can come here occasionally for a hair metal event at decibel levels that will make your beer glass burst. However, this abandoned auto repair shop turned club also has underground rap acts and expert-level banjo players. If you need to eat before the event, their next-door restaurant, the Music Joint, serves bar cuisine, including wings and burgers.
Andy’s Jazz Bar
Andy’s is a big River North Jazz club with a full food menu and plenty of tables if you want to eat and attend a live music in Chicago. Even though every table has a white tablecloth, the high-ceilinged environment is casual enough that you can feel at ease with a T-shirt. The food is good, featuring dishes like braised short rib and shrimp risotto. But we generally come for the great jazz sets and a drink. Andy showcases a diverse range of talent, and with three sets on most nights, it’s possible to spend a whole evening here—keep in mind that the $15 cover is per set.
Le Piano
Le Piano is a jazz club in Rogers Park near the Morse Red line that features live performances by local performers Tuesday through Sunday. They serve food, cocktails, and wine, with delicacies like lamb chops, and beignets for dessert. If you’re looking for something special, the menu includes a “Happy Ending”—a piano serenade from the restaurant’s owner.
These are some places where you can enjoy the Chicago events today with amazing drinks.