Chicago is a vibrant city renowned for its rich and diverse music scene, encompassing a wide range of genres. Every night, the city comes alive with melodious tunes emanating from numerous bars and venues, offering something for everyone’s musical taste. While music of all kinds can be found throughout the city, jazz, with its infectious beats and soul-stirring melodies, holds a special place. For those craving an eclectic music experience, these are the best jazz clubs in Chicago for an enchanting evening.
1. Andy’s Jazz Club
Established in the 1950s in River North, Andy’s Jazz Club initially served as a small lounge popular among Chicago’s newspaper industry employees for drinks, beer, and casual dining. In the mid-1970s, traditional jazz promoter Penny Tyler and guitarist John Defauw took over the venue and proposed a transformation, turning Andy’s into a hub for showcasing the city’s top jazz musicians.
This marked a significant evolution for the club, establishing it as one of the iconic jazz clubs in Chicago. Today, Andy’s Jazz Club stands as one of the most renowned jazz clubs and continues to host live jazz nights featuring local talent, carrying on its legacy as a family-owned establishment.
2. Green Mill Cocktail Lounge
The historic Green Mill has been hosting some of Chicago’s best jazz performers for over a century. During Prohibition, the lounge was a notorious speakeasy run by Jack McGurn, a known associate of Al Capone. Today, the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge features jazz music every night, seven nights a week. Stepping into the Green Mill feels like stepping back into the 1920s, with rhythmic jazz and blues reverberating throughout the establishment.
3. Jazz Showcase
A list of jazz clubs in Chicago would not be complete without mentioning The Jazz Showcase in South Loop. Founded by Joe Segal in 1947, this iconic jazz hotspot is now operated by his son, who personally meets and greets guests. Over the years, some of the greatest names in jazz have performed at this historic jazz club. The Jazz Showcase continues to feature top international and homegrown jazz musicians alike.
4. M Lounge
The M Lounge is a cozy martini lounge nestled in the vibrant South Loop neighborhood. On select evenings, indulge in the rhythms of live jazz performances as you bask in the warm glow of candlelight. The venue’s retro charm will make you feel instantly at ease, creating an exceptional experience that resonates with the soulful tunes and intimate setting.
5. Winter’s Jazz Club
Looking for an authentic jazz club in Chicago? Then head to Winter’s Jazz Club in Streeterville. The intimate club hosts performances six nights a week in their 100-seat listening room. The line-up showcases jazz singers and a variety of styles, including traditional, gypsy jazz, big band, New Orleans-style, and more.
6. Le Piano
At Le Piano, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a Parisian listening room. A magnificent grand piano sits in a space with spectacularly high ceilings. Chicago’s most talented pianists and jazz performers come to play, providing guests with intimate and unforgettable jazz performances every week. Le Piano offers more than just a bar with a piano. You’ll find mind-blowing musical experiences that merge dinner, drinks, and scintillating performances.