While Chicago is home to some of the greatest music venues in the world–Aragon Ballroom, Riviera Theatre, and United Center may come to mind–there are other spots that have a bustling live music scene minus the pricey ticket. Whether you like to twirl to country music while devouring barbecue or sip on a refreshing cocktail on center stage as a soul band, there’s no shortage of amazing bars and restaurants with live music in Chicago
1. Dorians
First on our list happens to be a record store by day and transforms into a cocktail lounge by night. Once you enter Dorian’s, the space transforms into a low-lit, cozy lounge that echoes elegance and an energetic atmosphere. While, of course, the speakeasy design attracts many visitors; it’s the large stage paired with live nightly music that makes it a spectacle. Whether you’re twirling in circles or sitting and listening from afar, there are an array of snacks, including cheese plates, popcorn, pretzels, and a long list of signature cocktails that are refreshing and sweet.
📍Address: 1939 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
📲 Reservation: Secure a spot at Dorian’s here
2. Kingston Mines
Walking into Kingston Mines emulates a rustic and tangerine-hue spot you would find at a bar off Bourbon Street. This is one of the restaurants with live music in Chicago that you need to stop by to have a night filled with laughing intertwined with galavanting. Kingston Mines has two stages, with bands alternating between the two, so there is never a moment of silence at this bustling, zestful restaurant. The menu is doused with Southern items, including catfish, ribs, and a crispy chicken sandwich—essential when listing to the blues.
📍Address: 2548 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
📲 Reservation: Secure a spot at Kingston Mines here
3. Bordel
If you’re walking on Division in Wicker Park, the sun is setting, and you’re unsure where to go—head straight to the speakeasy Bordel for a night that channels the spirit of Paris’ Montmartre. When you open the grass door that cosplays at a wall, you will be greeted by sumptuous candlelight interiors and nightly entertainment, varying from jazz musicians to burlesque performers. With a selection of savory and sweet snacks, including Pan Con Tomato, Croquetas, Leche Merengada, and more, this is a place you need to check out.
📍Address: 1721 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
📲 Reservation: Secure a spot at Bordel here
4. Andy’s Jazz Club
Andy’s Jazz Club has a long, rich history of becoming one of Chicago’s most beloved restaurants with live music. Starting as a small lounge where hordes of employees from Chicago’s newspaper industry would gather and sip beers after work.
It wasn’t until the mid-1970s that ownership changed, with jazz promoter Penny Tyler and guitarist John Defauw swiftly transforming the Andy’s into an iconic jazz hangout that people come from all over the city and suburbs to hear. From steak and burgers to salads and pasta, they have a wide selection of food that will undoubtedly please anyone attending the nightly shows.
📍Address: 11 E Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60611
📲 Reservation: Secure a spot at Andy’s Jazz Club here
5. Untitled Supper Club
Inspired by the roaring ‘20s, Untitled Supper Club is a prohibition-era-designed restaurant with a lavish 18,000-square-foot live entertainment space featuring weekly music and titillating cabaret performers.
Not only do they have one of the world’s largest selections of American whiskies, but their selection of deliciously crafted cocktails will appease anyone. Their raw bar, pasta, and entrees make it the quintessential spot if you’re looking for dinner and a show.
📍Address: 111 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
📲 Reservation: Secure a spot at Untitled Supper Club here
6. The Grand Cabaret
The restaurant PorkChop features a Grand Cabaret After Dark that involves an intimate evening dining and memorizing live jazz, bluegrass, and country music from the Chris Ussery Trio. Topping it off, this spectacular evening includes a three-course barbecue-inspired savory meal. This place should be high on your list if you want restaurants with live music in Chicago.
📍Address: 1132 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
📲 Reservation: Secure a spot at PorkChop (Grand Cabaret After Dark) here
7. The Bassment
The Bassment is one of the vigorous bars with live music in Chicago. Located below the Hampton Social, the Bassment welcomes patrons through a secret door that leads to a black curtain. When pulled back, it reveals a wide maroon-hued space with a design reminiscing 1960s British nostalgia, with gold accents, brick walls, velvety couches, and a vast stage in the front of the room.
With a selection of cocktails, including the notable “Bathtub,” this is a bar where the energy never dies down as you slowly become inebriated, dancing to anything from country to soul music.
📍Address: 353 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
📲 Reservation: Secure a spot at The Bassment here
8. Bronzeville Winery
Bronzeville Winery boasts an inviting and beautiful space that is cozy yet convivial. One of the restaurants with live music in Chicago on the southside, this vibrant spot is decorated with a revolving art collection, animated music, and an architectural design, making it a beautiful space. While their food is delicious and palatable, the live DJ sessions add to the place’s exuberance.
📍Address: 4420 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL 60653
📲 Reservation: Secure a spot at Bronzeville Winery here
9. Bub City
While Chicago is almost 500 miles from Nashville, that shouldn’t prevent you from indulging in country music. At Bub City, patrons can expect to see emerging musical talents that will belt out their favorite country tunes every day of the week. This ACM-nominated venue has a 16-foot stage in the center of a 4,500-square-foot space.
The menu features freshly smoked bbq meats, and mouthwatering platters, such as nachos, bub grande, and buffalo bites—along with a selection of beer and cocktails that go smoothly. This is one of the restaurants with live music in Chicago you need to check out if you’re gravitating toward night with country music.
📍Address: 435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
📲 Reservation: Secure a spot at Bub City here
10. Dusek’s
Last on our list is one of our favorites. Inside Thalia Hall lies Dusek’s, a restaurant catering to three beloved things: food, music, and drinks. Their Daily Tavern Menu includes savory items, a Tavern Smash Burger, fresh oysters, cast-iron mussels, and wood-fire specials. It’s one of those rare places where you can indulge in delicious food and check out your favorite band right after without leaving the building. Head up to Thalia Hall, one of the city’s most ornate and treasured theatres. Some of the most decorated bands have played concerts here, including Laufey, Foals, Boy Pablo, and many more.
📍Address: 1807 S Allport St, Chicago, IL 60608
📲 Reservation: Secure a spot at Dusek’s here