Blues bar - non commercial

Question

End of this month I’m attending a city centre conference & looking for some musical relief from corporate BS !

Can anyone recommend a relatively small blues dive bar playing live music ? Perhaps even open mic stuff or similar ?

Answer

Chicago is a fantastic city for blues music, and there are some great dive bars where you can enjoy authentic, live blues in a more intimate, non-commercial setting. If you're looking to escape the corporate vibe and soak in some soul-soothing music, here are a few places that might be right up your alley:

Buddy Guy's Legends: While this is a well-known spot, it still feels very much like a dive bar with a lot of character. They often host live blues music, and while it can get busy, it retains a relaxed and authentic atmosphere. They also feature open jam sessions, so you might catch some impromptu performances.
Kingston Mines: Located in Lincoln Park, this is one of the oldest blues clubs in Chicago. It's a little more "classic" but still has the dive bar charm. They host live blues music every night, often with multiple bands playing in different rooms, giving it an intimate feel. If you're lucky, they may have an open mic or jam session where you can enjoy more raw performances.
Rosa’s Lounge: A true gem in the neighborhood of Logan Square, Rosa’s is known for its laid-back vibe and incredible blues acts. It’s a smaller, intimate venue that often has jam sessions and up-and-coming blues artists. It’s a great spot to experience the real Chicago blues scene without the commercialized atmosphere.
The Empty Bottle: While not exclusively a blues bar, this small venue in Ukrainian Village often features live blues and soul music, with a focus on local talent. It has a dive bar ambiance and occasionally hosts open mic nights or jam sessions, so it’s worth checking out their schedule to see what’s happening.
Blue Chicago: This venue is perfect for lovers of traditional Chicago blues. Located on North State Street, it’s not as crowded as some of the bigger blues clubs, and it often features open mic nights or intimate jam sessions with local musicians. The atmosphere is unpretentious and perfect for enjoying the blues without a commercial feel.

Any of these spots should provide you with a great place to unwind after your conference, enjoy some live music, and perhaps even catch a spontaneous jam session. Make sure to check the venue’s schedule to see if they’re hosting open mic nights or special events during your visit!

Enjoy the music and the break from the corporate grind!

Blues bar - non commercial

More Chicago Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions