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.
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. This is as intimate as it gets with all the live music Chicago has.
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
Blue Chicago
Last on our list is one of our favorites. World-renowned Blue Chicago is one of the best spots to hear authentic Chicago Blues in a warm and vibrant atmosphere. Since 1985, they have been casting spells on patrons who walk in because all the musicians they have are extremely captivating. With high-energy performances, whether it’s a Monday or a Saturday, Blue Chicago will never disappoint you.
📍Address: 536 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
📲 Reservation: Secure a spot at Blue Chicago here.
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
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
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
Briny Swine
While Briny Swine Smokehouse & Oyster Bar only recently appeared on the restaurant scene, it has already established itself as one of the best restaurants with live music in Chicago.
This seaside smokehouse and oyster bar offers a variety of Carolina-style barbecues, freshly caught seafood from the Carolina coast, and popular Lowcountry dishes. Enjoy music on the Briny stage from Wednesday to Sunday, with performances until 2 am on the weekend as you savor the delicious food.
📍Address: 577 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
📲 Reservation: Secure a spot to Briny Swine here
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
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
Fioretta
Fioretta, the beloved Italian steakhouse, now offers live music performances every Thursday through Saturday from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The stunning dining room provides the perfect setting for guests to enjoy a curated rotation of exceptional jazz and lounge performers, creating an unforgettable evening.
📍Address: 318 N Sangamon St, Chicago, IL 60607
📲 Reservation: Secure a spot at Fioretta here
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
Divan Chicago
Divan is one of the new tantalizing Steakhouse restaurants on the Chicago dining scene that has grasped our attention. The 150-seat, multi-level space lends itself to mini-experiences that change and elevate with each visit. A blue fluorescent light spotlights the music on the front stage, which is dedicated to vibrant jazz melodies, with Chicago locals and national artists, such as Michael Buble’s trumpeter.
📍Address: 868 N Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60610
📲 Reservation: Secure a spot at Divan here.
The Bassment
The Bassment is one of the most vigorous bars in Chicago that offers live music. 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
Rojo Gusano
This establishment offers a refined take on Mexican street food by incorporating traditional Mexican flavors and blending them with popular influences from around the world. However, what makes this restaurant special is the live music is featured nightly, contributing to a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
📍Address: 4217 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60613