Blue Chicago

Absolutely loved this place. Maybe its the band of the drinks ( no food ). Music is everything . Small place was packed with people swaying to the music ,!Well worth the cover charge .

I love this place! The music is exceptional, creating a fantastic atmosphere that’s both lively and enjoyable. The service is top-notch; the staff are attentive and friendly, ensuring a great experience throughout. Although it was crowded, it wasn’t overly packed, so we still felt comfortable. One thing to note is that they don’t serve food here, so if you’re planning to have a meal, you might want to eat beforehand or bring some snacks. Overall, it’s a great spot for a night out, with excellent music and service making it a memorable visit.

Came from Japan to experience Chicago Blues.It was amazing. The atmosphere was good. The sound volume was a little higher than the other bar I had ever been.I could use only cash for admission. I didnt order any food or drink because I didnt have time to order. So it only costs 12$ (on Sunday).

Awesome love music. Great live music house. Silver popular Chicago Blues live music house. If you want to get a seat, I recommend you should arrive earlier.Cover charge is $15. Drink is cash only. ATM is available inside the live house.

Title: A Night to Remember at Blue ChicagoReview:I recently had the opportunity to visit Blue Chicago, and it was an experience that truly exceeded my expectations. From the moment I stepped into the venue, the tight, soulful music enveloped me, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening in the heart of Chicagos legendary blues scene.Despite visiting during a bustling time, the venue was nicely packed - offering enough room to find a seat without feeling overcrowded. This made for an intimate yet comfortable setting to enjoy the live music. What added to the charm was the bars straightforward yet satisfying selection, with very reasonable drink prices ranging from $7-$10. Its a cash-only place, but conveniently, theres an ATM machine on-site, which came in handy.I found myself here with a few extra hours to spare before my significant other arrived in the Loop area, and given it was around St. Patricks Day, the city was buzzing. But stepping into Blue Chicago, I was blown away by the sound quality and the atmosphere. The band playing that night (whose name escapes me, regrettably) was incredible. Their performance captivated the audience, creating a vibrant yet respectful ambiance where everyone could truly appreciate the music.The crowd was thoroughly into the performance, yet everyone was considerate, ensuring a pleasant experience for all attendees. It was a testament to the kind of clientele that Blue Chicago attracts - people genuinely interested in enjoying and respecting the art of blues music.In conclusion, my visit to Blue Chicago was a serendipitous detour that turned into one of the highlights of my trip. Its a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the authentic Chicago blues scene. The venues combination of excellent music, comfortable setting, and great drinks make it a standout. Whether youre a long-time blues fan or just exploring the genre, Blue Chicago promises an evening you wont soon forget.

Great place for live music and inexpensive drinks. I would have given 5 stars if it wasnt for the guy at the door taking your money to enter. He seems to hate being there and wants to be sure you hate being there as well. No food is served, but there are plenty of options everywhere outside. Get there early because seating is limited.

The music was amazing, but the venue had no management in place. They let people enter even when there was no space, which led to a crowd forming in front of the stage and blocking the seated audience. The staff didnt offer support and were even rude to those who brought it up.

Music is good, flat out. Cover charge ($15 or $20) would be fine if the bar was offering more. Small selection of bottles or cocktails. No draft beer, no food. Most attendees are tourists and over 40, so if that’s your demographic this is the place to be.Many reviews suggest that messy surroundings and rude staff are expected or even desired for the “real experience” but I do not see the appeal.

While certainly filled with more tourists than locals, I cant complain because Im a tourist myself.Atmosphere was perfect for a blues club. Small, well worn, unassuming.Music was fantastic. Nate and Giles did three sets, each getting better even as the crowd thinned.Doorman (Lorenzo) was the perfect curmudgeonly host.

I have gone here several times. I learned to get here early as they do fill the place to the rim. I have yet to see a bad performer yet. The one negative is that they do pack the place full. This can make for a great atmosphere or can make you feel pretty crowded at the same time. I have taken several people here that were not the biggest blues fans yet the live performance made them appreciate and even enjoy it. My one complaint is that we got there early, picked out a nice spot and before the music even started they had placed a couple people almost on my lap. Then gave me an earful because I tried to move to be in a better position. seemed as if all they cared about was collecting there cover charges.

This place was off the chain! By far, my favorite place that we have visited while in Chicago. The Luke Pytel Blues Band was outstanding and Laretha Weathersby was breathtaking. I cannot recommend this place enough. The entire vibe and atmosphere was beyond my expectations. The drinks were fairly priced, really good and the service was above and beyond. If you go to Chicago, you HAVE to go here.

This is what I call downtown how in the wall. Forget about the litter of bottles and glasses on the tables and bars. Clean it up yourself, double fist a beer, double shot and enjoy. The music is crisp and the beat is deep. These are no cost timers thats for sure. As a matter of fact you can feel the Blues float right out of them. Have fun!

Great venue. Amazing musicians playing great blues music. Saw them two nights running.

Best down and dirty for real Blues club. Friendly staff and intimate feel. Cozy place.

Great live music on a Wednesday night. Super sound system and reasonable drink prices. $12 cover for a national caliber talent. I was blown away!

My first wonderful Blues music experience!

This joint continues to deliver. Intimate space, great bartenders, reasonably priced cover and drinks, and the performers never fail to entertain. Get there before 1st set starts so you can nab a seat.

Super RUDE bouncer. We came in at 8pm on a Friday night to enjoy a night out after seeing the reviews. When we realized the music only starts at 9pm, we decided to come back another day.Shockingly, the bouncer refused to let us wait inside for the Uber for even one minute…Wow! It was cold outside and all we needed was some kindness.So rude and unprofessional.

We went to Chicago to celebrate my friends birthday. She loves jazz so of course we look for something near our hotel. And we happened upon this hidden gem. The music was great the atmosphere reminded me of venues Miles Davis would play. The band was excellent and Nora Jean the lady has a voice. And I cant say enough about how friendly and welcoming the whole bar crew was. They helped to make the night even better. This is going to be stop for us anytime we are in Chicago and if youre reading this and like jazz/blues I strongly recommend you visit this place!!!

Drinks are reasonably priced the bartender has a heavy pour which is appreciated. Be prepared as it is cash only and will most likely pay a $15-$20 cover.

Fun live Music on a weekend Sunday!!

Incredible experience, cannot recommend highly enough. Extremely warm and welcoming to all. And fantastic music. Can’t wait to return.

INCREDIBLE place for live blues music! Great stage for the band, friendly staff and a little dance floor for those who are ready to boogie!

My husband & I found this little gem 6 years ago and decided to re-visit for my birthday ( Feb 6) It was just as nice as we remembered. Had another great time. Plan on visiting again soon. The band was great & everyone was very friendly. If your a Blues fan you wont be disappointed ( Id & Vax Card required)

Great place for real blues in Chicago. Intimate cause small, but good sound and ambiance.Careful, they take only cash. Cover at entrance

No-nonsense, hole in the wall, dive-y blues bar with decently priced beverages (note no food available). Arrived Saturday night around 11:30pm and caught about an hour set of the excellent Sheryl Youngblood Blues Band. Was standing around the bar for a bit but managed to find a seat near the stage for most of the set. Recommended!

Small, local blues joint where the music is loud and the beer is cold! Do note there is a $12 cover fee/person and the whole place is cash only.

Very nice place with some original blues vibes and great musicians. Note that you need to pay an entrance fee of 15 dollars cash and pay inside cash as well. We had the time of our life!

Casual Chicago Blues institution with excellent music guests. Typically has cover and is cash only. ATM on site.

Great Chicago hype!Music was Amazing ⭐️Just cash, pay at the door and enjoy the show 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼💁🏻‍♀️they open at 8pm and music starts at 9pmThey have non alcoholic beers 🫶🏼

We just popped in for drinks and a show. The drinks and show were great. Everything is cash only there, there was a $20 cover at the door.

Fun music, cheap drinks, good vibes. Be cool tho because the guy at the door will absolutely check you and embarrass you in front of everyone like he did to one woman who apparently offended him somehow.

Great blues, stiff drinks, cool T shirts.

May 2021 update - still amazing place, they are temporarily cash only but have an atm on site. $12 admission on a Thursday. Come early for a seat and I’m not kidding!Due to Covid restrictions they fill up very quickly and there is always a line waiting for the doors to open!!Been going here for years, I have never had a bad time. Even if you are a casual fan of blues, its spot you need to check out. Think of the cover as price of admission to a concert.

Had a great time here. Good environment and great music. Drinks are reasonably priced. I will definitely be back.

Great jazz experience. Felt like I was home in New Orleans.My only negative was that it was entirely cash only. From the door to the drinks...

Came to hear Chicago blues. Left when they broke into thedisco hit Car Wash. Good musicians and all, but not the set list I was hoping for.

My first experience with live blues music was just as good as I hoped it would be.Shoutout to the awesome people, letting their fingers float on the fretboard and sing involuntarily on the blues scale.Sitting was a bit tight, but u dont get to feel the music entirely unless you are on the dance floor!P.S.: we didnt have any reservations, we went in late after the show started, and they let us in.

Great house band and super reasonable for the $12 cover. Bartenders are awesome but the place is cash only.

Amazing staff and music. a old school love here, babe . Thank you all for the experience. I will slide around again

We had a great time! The live band was great, and the drinks were good and not overpriced. Its a small place with a big party experience. The dress is casual. Reminds me of your favorite little place to hang out! Ill definitely go again!

Amazing blues band staring Sheryl Youngblood a super talented blues and gospel singer. The place tiny n worn, only cash, only drinks no food BUT what a ambience and soul. Thx for a great night!

Really cool hole in the wall blues place. Cash only with a small bar and big music. Such great energy here makes you want to come back every night.

Great show by The Mike Wheeler Band. I had a great time sitting in with them on Friday night.

Amazing spot to hear some real blues. Saw John Primer there on a Friday night. Cash only business. $15 person cover charge. Small spot but really fun.

Fantastic blues club in the River North area in Chicago. We had a blast watching BTS Express with the amazing Shirley Johnson on the intimate corner stage.Drinks only, but the service was excellent. The prices are cheap and these people work hard - dont forget to tip well!

If you are in Chicago and you like live music, YOU HAVE TO GO !

This is definitely a tourist place with good music. Staff is not overly friendly and not a local club so who cares. It’s close the the action if you are staying downtown.As a transplanted local visiting after being away for awhile I was slightly disappointed as I used to visit a lot of really good blues clubs while I lived here but then again it was convenient.Bartenders are not overly friendly and didn’t really know much about the blues but again who really cares. Visit ifbin the area and you won’t be disappointed.Maybe Inset my expectations too high but I am now playing the tourist and shouldn’t expect the same quality I enjoyed when I lived in the area.Bar is simple without fancy drinks. A true beer and shot joint with basic drink menu.The stage is at the back of a narrow room, typical of a neighborhood establishment and easy to navigate.Overall a decent place with the ability to get a little Chicago blues at a reasonable price. Come and listen to some blues if in the area.

The Best Blues Club Joint in Chicago, had a blast that night after the disappointment from the overrated place at Buddy Guys Legend!

Me and a group of friends went here randomly on my birthday while looks for Blues and we were absolutely blown away. Great live performance and an amazing energy. Highly recommend if you love blues and if you don’t love it already then this place will convince you.

Great time close up and personal to local Blues Band. Some room to dance if you wish. Cash only bar so stop by an ATM on the way.

I love this place. This is what a Blues Bar should be. A stage, a bar, some seats and tables, and a bit of standing room. Plus some of the best local blues talent you will hear. This night it was the Sheryl Youngblood Band. An amazingly tight hardworking group that wants you to have as much fun as they are having. Bring cash, they dont take credit cards. Tip the band and the bartender. And always say hello to Lorenzo who will be working the front door and collecting the cover charge.

Само по себе место ничем не примечательно - отсутствие еды в принципе, гадкое пойло и обшарпанные стены с липкими столами. Но в этом можно рассмотреть и его прелесть, ибо оно аутентично для настоящего чикагского блюза. Был на концерте JW WILLIAMS BLUES BAND W/ DEMETRIA TAYLOR. Впечатления исключительно положительные, хотя и жаль, что в банде новый гитарист, который ну совсем не тащит.(Translated by Google)The place itself is unremarkable - no food at all, disgusting swill and shabby walls with sticky tables. But this can also be seen as its charm, because it is authentic to real Chicago blues. I was at the JW WILLIAMS BLUES BAND W/ DEMETRIA TAYLOR concert. The impressions are extremely positive, although it’s a pity that the band has a new guitarist who is not very good at all.

4 stars only because of the great band. Cover charge was “only” $12 for about an hour’s worth of great music at 11:30pm. Get there at 9pm though & listen to 3 of their sets. Mixed drinks were good & moderately priced for Chicago. Most were $7, including bottled beer.Be prepared though, for horrible seating. Stools are hard, small, close together and have no backs. The building must literally be about 100 years old. The worst part though? They do not accept plastic of any type. I had to use their ATM (which I passionately hate doing cuz of surcharges). I was pleasantly surprised it was only a $2 service fee though. Guess that’s their way of acknowledging cash only in a Chicago business is simply nuts.Again, their bands are usually awesome local talent. Be sure to use the band’s tip jar!

The real deal!This hole in the wall is the sweet home Chicago Blues you’ve been looking for! Fun bar tenders, great music and true blues atmosphere! A MUST in Chicago!

We are newcomers to blues, but this is nothing like I expected. The place was packed by about 9:30, and energy from the band was incredible. I was expecting slow, sad music - this was solos, this was getting ready to dance away the blues. Because the place is small, it feels like you are in a stadium concert (a good one too). The performers have some banter and have some with the audience. Will come back again.

The band and singer the night we went were excellent! Very reasonable admission and drinks, very intimate setting with alot of energy. We will definitely go here again.

Its a smaller old school bar with an awesome vibe! It is cash only, but they have an ATM in the bar, so no big deal. It adds to the atmosphere in my opinion. Band and singer were FANTASTIC and super interactive with the audience!

Amazing place if you’re looking to skip the crowd, chill and listen to some awesome live music. Cheap drinks and amazing crowd. 100% made my night and would recommend to anyone looking for a spot to hang out and chill late at night

Im rating this for the atmosphere! Amazing blues band, its a smaller bar, its a tavern off the beaten path. Not for mixed drinks or shots with pickle juice (they didnt know what a pickle back is) but great for a cold beer. The music is what makes it. I will definitely return!

We arrived at 745 for a 9pm show to ensure we got a chair unfortunately the show started at 10.05 very poor form and not even the people advertised

This is the best Chicago blues bar.

Best little blues club in all of Chicago

Good local blues nightly. Small intimate venue. Fairly priced drinks and a fun crowd.

Excellent performance, the music was fantastic, drinks are very affordable. They only take cash, no food, arrive early so you can get seats.

Such a fun, vibrant musical environment. Multiple cultures coming together to vibe out on blues. The band was outstanding and fun, interacting with the crowd. This is a must stop through. Come early to find street parking.Cash only. Charge at door.

Hidden gem within Chicago downtown. We ensure to visit it whenever we are in Chicago.

This will be the one of the places in Chicago to go to if you want to listen to some good blues. Downtown location, cash only.

Left Buddy Guy’s because it was boring!! Came to Blue Chicago and found a lively crowd with smokin blues!!’Glad I came!

It was small and crowded, but the music was great and lots of fun!

This place is amazing. The band was extremely talented and a pleasure to listen too. I don’t remember the name of the band playing (sorry) but they knew how to keep the crowd engaged which was great. Drinks tasted good. They were generous on the alcohol and reasonably priced given the area. Bar felt very intimidate. Wish I knew about this place sooner. They do charge cover ($12USD/per person) which was the only downside but I also understand why it needs to be done. Definitely visiting next time I’m in Chicago again. If you love the blues, you have to check this place out!

Outstanding Blues Club, it was well worth the 4,000 mile trip from Scotland to see it.Great music and venue, would highly recommend, I had a great night into the wee hours of the morning.I will be visiting again!

Door man, $12, I say, but we have 4..door man: that will be $48, I said but we are all going to be having cocktails..door man: well dont you think everyone else is too?. Best $$ spent for great entertainment! Dont let the cover keep you away.

Great little venue.Fab music not too touristy. $15entry but drinks reasonable.

I just want say this place is great !!! Services, music, atmosphere great. But there one idiot that should be terminated. How do you have someone pushing people from there space. I will never ever go back to blue Chicago. To bad. Really liked it.

My first choice when I want to enjoy some root blues in Chicago, always with a good vibe. I recommend!

Great bar + amazing energy + excellent music and show = wonderful evening!

No food here,service like every other bar. Atmosphere is great, goes extremely well with live blues performances. Highly recommend this place, just eat before you go.

My brother and I spent three days and nights in Chicago and ended every single evening at Blue Chicago. The music was excellent and the staff were super attentive. If you have the means, I highly recommend. We shall return!

Blue Chicago is always a fantastic place to end a night out in River North! Reasonable cover charge ($12), $6 drinks, fantastic music and a great laid-back vibe.

This place is definitely among the best blues clubs in Chicago. The energy is really fun.

Sheryl Youngblood is amazing! We couldn’t get enough of her and danced the night away. Had to go Friday and Saturday night! Hope she tours Canada with her band sometime!

What a terrific find! The band was fenominal. Unbelievable local talent!

Nellies Tigers and Travis Oh My!NTT was the headliner tonight and what a show! Shes amazing. This bar is no frills, no food, no fricken excuse not to check out.Drink Dance Debut.F A N T A S T I C

Quintessential Blues bar with cheap drinks.

Ideal place to discover the blues at its best. visitors are literally from all over the world. the man at the entrance is a nefarious. the music is the best.

My family and I had a blast. The musicians were off the chain. I will always go there when Im in Chicago again.

Great atmosphere and show, reasonably priced drinks/cover charge. Walkable location from most places in central Chicago

Excellent music. The place was full and the band was fenominal. Mike had a special guest singer Dimitre who was great. Put this place on your to-do list.

If you want to experience real Chicago blues experience this is the place live music underground place good drinks.

Great place to see some of the best blues Chicago has to offer!

We like to get there early to find a good spot near the stage . Have some beers and enjoy the amazing atmosphere. Surrender of this moment and keep this sensation forever . Dont miss it !!

The place is small and usually crowded. Live music is very good. Drinks are expensive. I would give 4+...

This type of Blues was great. I was astonished that most everyone was visiting from afar.

My husband and I were celebrating our 5 year anniversary and decided to come to Chicago from Michigan and we truly enjoyed the music and singing. We will most definitely be visiting again.

One of the classic blues clubs in Chicago, Blue Chicago is a small, intimate place where you can enjoy good music. There is no table service, but the place is small enough where you can get to the bar and back to your seat quickly.No food is served. Cash only.

Cover charge to get in is $15 cash, whole place is cash only, music starts at 9pm. My partner and I planned to meet two of our friends here. We got in when the place opened at 8pm and snagged a 4-seater table for our party. One of our friends misplaced their phone so they were running late. The small venue quickly began filling with people and a couple asked to use the seats we were saving for our friends--we told them that our friends were almost there and wed appreciate it if they wouldnt take them. The couple then went to get the bartender. We explained to the bartender that our friends were 5 minutes away and he said Well, are they here now? Theres no saving seats. So the random other couple sat down at our table and took our friends seats!! When our friends got there, there was nowhere for them to sit so they had to stand next to our table and we all had to endure being next to the very rude couple. The whole experience made my partner and me feel extremely unwelcome and uncomfortable. The music itself was good, but difficult to enjoy after the whole seating fiasco. I will not be returning.

This place can put on a show! We tried going our first night in Chicago but it was packed and jamming. We got there early the next night and and were able to get a chair. Place fills up fast and becomes standing room only pretty quickly. They have some great bands that come through and they put on a great show. By far our most memorable stop while in the city.

It is closed on Monday and Tuesday The door is opened at 8:00 and live music starts at 9:00. If you want to sit you should go earlier around 8:30. The entrance fee is $12. Almost all drinks are $7. They only accept cash. Nice place to listen Chicago blues.

Amazing. Fun environment. Very chicago service. Cash only. $15 at the door. Try to get there early if you want a seat (maybe before 845 for the 9pm show)

Oh my god! I always liked jazz but I never realized how much I love it until I visited this place!! Thanks to my colleagues for getting me here.One disadvantage, they dont accept any cards. On drinks they can do better. And staff, its okay to smile once in a while at the customers.

I first experienced Blue Chicago and 1996 or 1997. On a recent visit in 2022, nothing had changed. The live music was entertaining. The drinks and cocktails were not expensive. While the crowd leaned a bit older, everybody still had a ton of fun.

Yes!! Loved this blues bar. Good vibes, good people, and great blues bands. Personally, it’s impossible to feel blue while listening to the blues haha. You have to try this place, it’s great for locals and tourists alike. A blast! We went on a Sunday, so it was only half full, and I hear it’s usually packed. Perfect and very chill experience for our last night in Chicago.

GEM OF A BAR. Was go glad to have found this bar (in the Lonely Planet). Treated to very talented music, all night. Great atmosphere, friendly staff and reasonably priced drinks. What more could you want?!

An ole time great blues stage in chicago. Intimate moments with fantastic people and music. Packed early at nights. Go when open to get a table. 8ish

Great music, worst beer selection...Ther is a lot of great local beers...

This was my first time visiting Chicago and experiencing Blues music. I was not disappointed. I loved the band so much and cant wait to return!

Its a little jem in Chicago. Never had such fun. We were in Chicago for 2 days and found it on our way to the hotel. If you want real fun, visit this small bar, enjoy the atmosphere of one of the best bands there is.Highly recommended.

Great cozy spot downtown for good live music. $15 cash only cover charge. This venue is cash only (ATM inside). 🏧

2nd visit here and it’s still amazing! We were here on a bus tour recommendation in 2018 and this place is really the home of Chicago blues! Our bartender Nick kept the drinks and conversation coming! They only accommodate the best bands in the city and the atmosphere matches the talent in both staff and custom!

It’s a great place to listen to blues. The band that plays on Thursdays is awesome. They play blues perfectly and make you feel welcome at all times. Although it has a great atmosphere, the places should offer more beverages.

Amazing atmosphere, great band I love my city

Beautiful, what an experience of blues… the energy and vibe is great.

The cash only entrance is the clearest tax evasion we’ve ever seen and the bouncer at the entrance is the most unwelcoming and rude person we’ve met in the Midwest so far. Welcome to Chicago!

True Chicago Blues experience!, small and cozy bar. Cash only, alcoholic and soft drinks only. Dont expect staff to be friendly.

Great music and very warm atmosphere. Just have cash with you. You cannot get anything if you don’t have cash.

Entertainment and atmosphere at this place are wonderful. Good crowd responded very well to great music. Cash only for cover charge, drinks and tips.

What an amazing night, the whole place was rocking the music was swinging I will definitely be back here!

SO fun! Music starts at 9pm and we got there at 8:30 to get a table. Place was packed by 10:00 and the band was amazing. We had to leave before they were even done but I would absolutely come back!

This blues bar is the perfect small, cozy yet authentic place to go and have a great time listening to some back wood live blues. Blues Chicago took me back home to Mississippi. Judge free zone where you can let your self go and just be free in the moment. Great time and the band was fantastic.

Loved the place and the show! It was real crowded when we arrived, so we had to stand to start. Ac soon as some seats opened, we were alerted and had our spot. The band was incredible - Demetria Taylor and BTS Express! Blue Chicago is a real gem‼️

If you are in Chicago...you should stop by this place. Divey, old school, cash only...but the perfect atmosphere with the perfect music and real, talented musicians. I live in NYC, so I know bars and this will always be one of my favorites.Doors open around 9 I think and music start around 10. Get there before because it will get packed.Listen to Chicago blues and dance the night away while drinking your canned Budweiser.

Awesome venue, awesome music, properly priced drinks, pleasant atmosphere.. An all around mature crowd and good time. I would definitely go here again

Live band every night. Really nice crowd, the band sometimes improvises songs and its hilarious.

Awesome music, great drinks, cool venue. Cash only though.

Loved this place! Great music, cheap drinks. A Chicago classic for music lovers.

So much fun! Loved the female singer. She crushed it!

The music is great. It was a Friday night and it was packed for such a narrow place. I was first touched and told by the bouncer to move when my friend was paying his cover and there was nowhere to go.When finding a spot, a gentleman by the name of Brian told me in the most condescending way to stay on the other side of a taped green line and when I did, “theeeere you go.” While abiding a server steps on my foot and Brian shoved me in the arm where I had surgery. I told him this and he responded, “it wouldn’t have happened if you just listened.” Zero accountability, hostility and no warmness that we’re there to experience the most traditional American music. Shame. I invited 15 people here. And everyone around me, not just in my party, thought he was out of line.

Came to town for a conference, found the crowd to be fun loving but mature, and the band that night was outstanding! Would definitely return next time!

Great place, a must if you are in the area. Great music, friendly people, fun times, life is good.Had a great time last week here, totally worth the line, which I will add, moves quickly. I stopped in about 10pm, not an issue. Cover charge was about $12.00 per person.Enjoy!

This place is great. Its rather small, but thats one of the things that makes it great. The only thing that I didnt really appreciate is the $10 cover and $20 drink minimum; the cover is fine when there is a band, but the drink minimum is cheesy. The band (BTW Express) is awesome! You will have a good time.

This place is great. Crowd was very diverse, lot of international travelers, band was spectacular. Vibe was super positive and fun.

Not allowed in without a vaccine card??Lost our business tonight as we went elsewhere.Absolutely ridiculous policy.Doorman was rude, made us feel like second class citizens.Im disappointed to see Blue Chicago support this discrimination!Went to a Irish bar around the corner instead. Warm welcome at the door, no ID or vaccine card required, this is normality!Blue Chicago enough of this nonsense!!

Marvellous place, I absolutely loved the live music - would love to live there in the bar ❤️🎶

Nice place to experience the Chicago blues music. Audience mainly tourists. Drinks are cheap!

Great blues night in Chicago with the BTC live band. I definitely recommend this place

The place to go to listen some great live blues in Chicago Downtown!!

Small intimate blues bar with live music starting at 9pm. Cash only.

This place is a great spot for live jazz/blues. Brought family friends here from Spain and we had a blast. Less crowded on week days if you dont like crowds

Unpretentious and unbelievable. The music is amazing! Come to Blue Chicago and dance with the World!

Enjoyed every second of being here. The $12 cover charge is well worth it. Non-stop funky good music. And ask for juice in your drink if u like, you wont taste it. They are definitely not stingy with the alcohol. Im 37 and never liked blues until I visited this place. I will definitely be back.

Fabulous music and excellent ambience

We had a blast! We were so luck to see 2 time Grammy nominated musician John Primer and the real deal blues band featuring Demetria Taylor. The show was excellent! The staff is friendly and Erica is awsome! We were never in need of anything. This is an intimate venue with a great feel. When you walk in you can tell youre at the right place for blues. Good entertainment, sound, staff, and drinks. Dont miss out!

Amazing musicians every time. A must visit for music lovers.

One of the best experiences in Chicago. My wife and I come to Blue Chicago every time we take the trip from Wisconsin. The live bands are great and so much fun. If you love blues music, this is the place to be. The only downside is sometimes it gets a little crowded or hard to find a spot to sit, but the music is worth any trouble. I could sit here for hours and listen to the music.

Blues spot in Chicago that my husband and I stumbled upon our first time visiting. When we went back the second time, it was the first thing we had to do. Both times we saw Mike Wheeler Band with Ms. Laretha the first time and Ms. Demetria the second time. Incredible performances. All cash establishment, FYI. Its small place that feels like home each time! Well be back.

Worth the $10 entry for the music, cheap drinks. Chicago Wind were playing and are very good

An authentic Chicago experience best for music and drinks.

This was such a cool bar! The music was completely legit. Granted, it was mostly white folk in this clearly traditionally black bar, but I didnt think that took anything a way from the quality of the music or the feeling that you were sitting in a piece of music history. Plus the drinks were fairly affordable, relatively speaking, which was pretty nice. The cover charge was a bit steep, though.

Caught some live blues here and, yeah, it was a little pricy at $10 entry but drinks were not too expensive and the band and act were both great! Id definitely come back if I had some guests in town.It gets pretty packed in the evening, so I recommend showing up around an hour after opening (music will be going or at least close to going by then but you should still be able to catch a table or seat at the bar).

Amazing night here last Saturday. $12 cover charge but well worth it. Beers are about $5 a bottle of domestic. Sheryl youngblood was on and it was fantastic. We went about 11pm and they had already been on for 2hrs. They didnt finish until 2am. Was packed full and all members of the band had incredible talent. Not to be missed.

This place has great energy! Ultimate for Blues fans. The band performed for a solid hour and had us grooving. The drinks menu however could use some help. Fun place to come to with your group!

Always a fun experience, especially when entertaining out of town guests. Cheap beer. Friendly staff.

The group probably plays every night and yet they take pleasure and share it in an atmosphere that is both intimate and great.An unforgettable evening ... thank you

One of the best blues spots in chicago

For my first trip to Chicago I insisted on seeing a local blues bar and this is where everyone recommended. It was small and perfect. Exactly everything I wanted it to be. The band was fantastic and everyone in the bar was happy and having a great time. I really enjoyed the experience and would recommend it to anyone visiting Chicago that loves blues music

Great blues. Strong drinks. The grunginess of the 35 year old bar is all apart of the appeal. Had a great time! Warning, you will not get pass the doorman without proof of vaccination.

Awesomehole in the wall bar with amazing live music. Cover was $12 on a Saturday night and the band said they had 2 more sets when we left at around 11:30pm. Varied crowd from fancy attire to people with Blackhawks jerseys that had come straight from the game. Either way, everyone was friendly, social, dancing and enjoying the band. Definitely a recommended place to hit up if in town

Friendly staff, great crowd, AMAZING blues, fantastic experience! Was only in Chicago for one night and as far as Im concerned there wouldnt have been a better place to spend the evening.Place was packed around 11pm on a Friday. There was a small line/short wait, but the staff did a great job getting people in and making sure the crowds werent too obnoxious. As long as you dont mind standing room only, its fine.Cover charge was $12 (cash only) but worth every penny. Definitely bring cash. Theres a $20 minimum for cards at the bar. There is an atm, but it charges a $2 fee. Bartender gave me a soda on the house, though, after I had to spend money at the atm to pay for my first drink.Small dance floor was perfect for grooving, and creating an intimate atmosphere between the performers and the audience. The sound blew me away. The talent of the band was phenomenal. Would have paid $50 to see them in concert.Overall, a really excellent venue. If you love blues, stopping here is a must!

Small place with a big sound. Fast drink service. Nice host. Cover was about 10$. Got pretty crowded fast and not a lot a room to stand being they stress to keep the area clear. Overall I enjoyed it

Cosy authentic blues bar not far from downtown. Cash only but they have an ATM inside. Make sure you see Sheryl Youngblood and her blues band. Incredible!

Love this place. Down to earth, always great bands, musicians and singers. A bit annoying only, that there are spots in the bar where they dont let you stand. They say it is for the waitress to get through... pretty much its the law- style as the waitresses do get through even on the fully packed dance floor. Not very guest minded, who are paying to get in (on weekends) and want to feel the rythm...

OMG. We had a out of body experience. This place has the best blues you can ever want for. We dance all night. I wanted to empty my purse in the tip jar. The music, hospitality, patrons from all over the world was fantastic. Thank you for playing real music. If you are a blues head like me you have to experience it for yourself

Cant recommend highly enough. The music was great. The bartender was awesome and attentive to his customers. Prices were reasonable. Cool, relaxed ambiance. Dont think twice, go! A good time was had by all.

Excellent live music. Good selection of bourbon.

This is a Covid 19 vaccine hot spot. Don’t waist your time if not vaccinated.The door man was as very rude. I felt discriminated against the moment I walked in the door. The 1st thing this guy says to me and my friend.. “you need a vaccine card to come in” after explaining I didn’t have one he shrugged his shoulders and acted as if we weren’t even there.I’ll never step foot in this establishment again.

Cool vibe Chicago. Definitely what I expected great blues/ jazz from Youngblood and her band.

If your are looking for authenticity, this is it. Top spot for live blues music. The decor is original. Nothing fancy or trying to be modern. Pure authentic; it’s getting rare to find especially in River North. Affordable drinks too. Bring cash for the cover charge.

Loud, crowded and sloppy drunk people. Not my kind of place. I think there was live music that might but we had to gtf out of there.

Here is a late review, I went in June and July! I was asked to upload more pics and maybe write a review since I am in love with this place!The first time I came here, I saw John Primer and he blew my mind away! The following time I went back to see John Primer again!! Such an amazing talented musician. This place is so amazing and has a great vibe, I love music so when I go I get lost listening and watching the artist play. I do not pay attention to my surroundings, but just the stage and the artist. So far I am not disappointed! I highly recommend checking this place out if you like live music and love The Blues!!!

True Chicago blues bar with great energy. Nothing fancy; No fruit in your drinks. Great blues every night by a rotating mix of local band. Took 1 star away for having a tourist crowd and being a little pricey (both the cover charge and well drink prices). Would appreciate a lower weekday cover at least a couple days so locals could frequent regularly.

Wasted a $20 Uber ride here because it said it was open.It was closed, during hours listed on Google. Says it’s open every day.Then a sign on the door says it requires a vaccine card. Very silly. Went to the Green Mill and had an incredible experience instead.

A gem of Chicago that is not to be missed. Some of the best live blues youll find anywhere. Remember to bring cash and proof of vaccination, and get there early because space is limited!

Authentic blues bar with decent beer and even better music. Drinks are cheap, with a decent range of local and more standard domestic beer. Staff are friendly and theres merch on offer but really, you come for the music, and this wont disappoint.

Good bands and atmosphere... Ten bucks to get in and must drink something, no food...

Really was looking forward to a great night of fun until I realized they required a Vax pass! Ask Fauci, Joe amd Jill if these things worked for them?Called to verify and they said yepLooks like I wont EVER be going there again unfortunately..The insanity is real !!!

LOVED the performance-- the band and singer were amazing! Good drinks, good people, friendly staff and patrons. This was the Blues experience I was looking for in my visit to Chicago!

Very chill area in downtown Chicago. Found this place giant yelp and ot does not disappoint. Service charge is reasonable, worth the live band entertainment that youll see. Drinks are also cheap, would recommend this place to others.

Every single time i’ve been here it’s been amazing. If you appreciate live music, you will love Blue Chicago.

I requested Bartender to make a girl drink for my wife. She is not a drinker, he could not recommended anything or make anything. He say You have to be more specific normally any real bartender makes something upon request. The band is made up of senior citizens. Overall great atmosphere.

Great bar with live blues music. Bit of a tourist trap. Bonus stars for the most hilariously grumpy doorman of any venue I’ve ever visited.

The music and ambience were terrific!

This place is really fun. It opens a little later (8pm I believe) and my wife and I showed up around 8:20. We were able to snag barseats before the place filled up entirely and became standing room only. The performers played some excellent classic blues style music and really knew how to work with the crowd to keep songs fresh and engaging. We had a few drinks and the bartenders were friendly and quick to refill us when we were ready for each round. This is pretty much my staple blues place to visit and I consider this the blues version of Andys Jazz Club - with engaging performers that even folks who dont listen to blues often should find entertaining.

Cute little place. Great Blues. Cover on Saturday $12.00 with a 2 drink minimum, I found reasonable. Basic bar drinks and beers. If you like love Blues in a smaller setting, this a place for you.

The must see place for blues lovers. Downstairs, a pretty nice bar and stage for music lovers. Upstairs an opera. Daily events and bands playing. Multiple memorabilia to buy.A must see in Chicago. Located near Trump tower (extremely close to multiple public transportation options)

A great way to end a Friday night in the city. Music was great. Drinks were cold and strong. Cash only.

The venue is tiny and somewhat dingy, but its a lot of fun. It felt authentic and we really enjoyed ourselves. It was a bit hard to dance in here since it was so packed, but theres not much that can be done about that. Both artists, Demetria Taylor and JW Williams were really great and the band was excellent. My one gripe is that there is not nearly enough seating so most people had to stand. My feet started hurting so I couldnt stay as long as I would have liked to. Cover was reasonable at $12 a person. I would definitely come back for some blues.

Good Blues music for relatively cheap 10$ cover. However prepare to have some cash on you. Was a bit of a disappointment that you couldnt pay cover sum with a card and minimum purchase with card for drinks was 20$. That was a bit shady, its 2018

Always fun and easy. If youre around the area after your meal, if you have friends from out of town or colleagues from work, its a great spot to get your Blues fix.

2018: Cover $12 totally worth it for amazing live blues. Great beer selection at fair prices. However Pinogrigio in a whisky tumbler is not stylish. Worth another visit.

This place stole my heart! Just wonderful! Have to pay cover charge, but it is so worth it. Live music, great, fun, cozy atmosphere, stiff drinks - you can find it all there.

I would have given zero star if possible, but unfortunately not. The guy at the entrance was amazingly horrible. We had to pay $20 in CASH just for the entrance. We withdrew $40 and give it to the guy for two people ($24); and he gave NO CHANGE back. But we were still applied the ridiculous two drinks minimum and more than $20 with a credit card for drinks rules. I absolutely strongly recommend NEVER to go to this place. You will never be happy when walking out of the place.

Great music and vives! this is real Chicago! I will visit again later!

I love this place. The first shows I went there were Johnnie B. Moore, Willie Kent, Eddy Clearwater in the 90s. I came back everytime I went to Chicago and always saw great shows. Lorenzo at the door is an institution!

Sunday night band were tight. Great showmanship and a really cozy, close feel. Good bartenders too. Well worth the entry

You shall not regret this experience. Great time just communing with other customers. So close to the band that it felt like I was a member.

The man at the door is rude. Totally classless. Never in my life have I experienced someone this unconscionable let alone the person greeting you upon your arrival. This is the third time with this guy. We always tip the bartenders very well. We were there Saturday night October 16 2021 as well as Friday night October 1, 2021. Every time this doorman was extremely distasteful. You hate having to leave a review like this unfortunately the owners and patrons need to know what is happening 😕 😔 😢 😞. So tonight was the last straw when he spoke disrespectful to us.

Probably the best Blues bar on Chicago. Every time I visit Chicago, I go to this bar. I have never been disappointed. Great blues bands and great staff.

Great Live music show, good service and atmosphere. If you like blues music, I recommend it.