Summary
If you had the chance to see Prince perform in front of a crowd of about 300, you would have probably jumped on it no matter the cost. The same goes for The Rolling Stones or The Roots, who occasionally play at some of Chicago’s most intimate live-music venues when they’re in town.
Seeing bands of that caliber in small settings happens rarely; however, the opportunity to experience up-and-coming groups occurs frequently in the Windy City. From a punk-rock lounge to an iconic jazz club where Al Capone used to hang out, these venues add vibrancy to Chicago’s live-music scene.
Buddy Guy’s Legends
Dubbed “the greatest living guitarist” by Eric Clapton, Chicago legend Buddy Guy opened his eponymous downtown live music venue in 1989. Over the years, the club has hosted a who’s who in show biz, including Willie Dixon, Koko Taylor, Otis Rush, Albert Collins, B.B. King, Johnny Winter, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bo Diddley, Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, ZZ Top, Gregg Allman, Slash, John Mayer, Sheila E., and Pete Townshend. The walls are adorned with autographed photos and numerous awards, showcasing the bar’s rich history. 700 S. Wabash Ave., 312-427-1190
City Winery
Let’s face it, you don’t go to a live-music venue expecting a decent glass or bottle of wine. You either deal with subpar options or order something else. That was until City Winery popped up in the West Loop in 2012. With its on-premises wine distillery, the venue offers superior wines. What is not made onsite is shipped from their New York location. Genres range widely, covering everything from folk to funk. 1200 W. Randolph St., 312-733-9463
Cobra Lounge
The West Loop bar is known for spotlighting the best in punk rock, but it also values its customers. The ambiance is intended to be “divey,” yet it remains clean and casual, offering a thoughtful menu of craft beers and pub food. Additionally, the venue features an onsite brewery. 235 N. Ashland Ave., 312-226-6300
Green Mill
Always a popular stop on the gangsters tours, the late-night jazz club has been operating since the Capone era, originally serving as a speakeasy. Currently, Green Mill serves traditional, bebop, improvisational, and contemporary jazz to both locals and visitors. The venue’s after-hours status allows visiting musicians to jam when in town. 4802 N. Broadway, 773-878-5552
Lincoln Hall
The team behind traditional rock and folk venue Schubas attracts a younger audience with a more modern space in Lincoln Park. Lincoln Hall boasts a state-of-the-art sound and light system alongside a menu featuring sandwiches and snacks. 2424 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-525-2501
Martyrs
Primarily showcasing indie music, Martyrs boasts some of the best acoustics in the city. This venue is somewhat of an underground gem, featuring less-mainstream, yet popular bands across rock, rockabilly, soul, and folk genres. Occasionally, Martyrs books big names that immediately sell out, with past highlights including Jack Johnson, The Black Keys, and The Pretenders. 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-404-9494
Metro
As one of the city’s few all-ages concert nightclubs, Metro features a wide range of acts, from punk to classic rock. Acts on their way to stardom, including Kanye West, R.E.M., Smashing Pumpkins, alongside legendary performers such as James Brown, Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, Depeche Mode, have graced the stage since opening in 1982. 3730 N. Clark St., 773-549-4140
The Promontory
This expansive Hyde Park venue does not just offer craft cocktails and chef-driven cuisine; its top-level musical hall hosts both legendary and emerging artists, including Maceo Parker, De La Soul, and Dick Gregory. The owners also run Dusek’s in Pilsen and Longman & Eagle in Logan Square. 5311 S. Lake Park Avenue West, 312-801-2100
Schubas Tavern
This vibrant Lakeview venue operates three distinct spaces: the music hall (for which tickets are required), the bar, and Harmony Grill. Schubas’ music hall frequently features lesser-known bands and many groups that later achieve stardom, such as Janelle Monáe and Wilco. 3129 N. Southport Ave., 773-525-2508
Thalia Hall
With a storied history dating back to 1892 when it was founded by John Dusek, the venue has been revitalized by its current owners since reopening in 2013. Its presence has helped re-invigorate Pilsen, making it a vibrant entertainment and dining hub. What makes Thalia Hall stand out is its partnership with Dusek’s, being the only Michelin-starred restaurant in the U.S. with a live music component. Several major names have graced the stage, including The Ting Tings, John Hiatt, Estelle, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Dave Chappelle. The Tack Room, located in the former carriage house, features an equine aesthetic along with casual ambiance and piano sing-alongs each weekend. 1807 S. Allport St., 312-526-3851
Underground Wonder Bar
This late-night venue specializes in showcasing local talent. Passionate performances in blues, jazz, reggae, and Latin music have made Underground Wonder Bar a must-visit for many renowned musicians, including the likes of the Rolling Stones and David Byrne. 710 N. Clark St., 312-266-7761
