Chicago is one of America's deepest blues and jazz cities.
Part of our 20 Best Live Music Bars in the World listThis article is one chapter in our larger global guide. See the full pillar with every featured city.
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The 10 best live music bars in Chicago
01 · Chicago
Uptown
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Jazz · 1907
Operating since 1907. Al Capone drank here.
Order: A bourbon during the late set
02 · Chicago
South Loop
$$
Blues · Iconic
Iconic Buddy Guy blues club.
Order: A craft IPA during the late blues set
03 · Chicago
Lincoln Park
$$
Blues · Iconic
Iconic Lincoln Park blues club.
Order: A pint during the late blues set
04 · Chicago
River North
$$
Jazz · Iconic
Iconic River North jazz club.
Order: A whisky during the late jazz
05 · Chicago
Pilsen
$$
Music venue · Iconic
Iconic Pilsen music venue in a 1892 building.
Order: A craft IPA during the headliner
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06 · Chicago
Ukrainian Village
$
Indie music · Iconic
Iconic Ukrainian Village indie music venue.
Order: A craft beer during the indie show
07 · Chicago
Lakeview
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Music venue · Iconic
Iconic Lakeview live music venue.
Order: A craft beer during the indie show
08 · Chicago
West Town
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Music venue · Iconic
Iconic West Town live music venue.
Order: A craft IPA during the late set
09 · Chicago
Wicker Park
$
Music venue · Modern
Wicker Park modern music venue.
Order: A craft beer during the indie show
10 · Chicago
Wicker Park
$
Music venue · Modern
Wicker Park modern music venue.
Order: A craft IPA during the gig
More Chicago live musicThe full Chicago live-music index by neighbourhood.
See the full list
How Chicago listens to live music
The 10 above are where the music actually matters in Chicago.
