Kingston Mines is a cool bar to the north of Chicago. There are 2 large rooms which have alternating jazz bands playing hour sets. I was blown away by the calibre of the musicians - especially the bass player of the Mike Wheeler band. These guys really know their stuff and it was thrilling to see them perform up close. There are 2 bars serving the usual drinks plus some cocktails. There is also a food kiosk where you can get nachos, fried shrimp, fries, wings etc. Cover charge was $12 (2020). I would come back here next time I am in Chicago - money well spent supporting local talent.

Truth be told, I can't tell jazz from blues from rock 'n roll from Mozart from Sousa. It's all music to me, all of it, anytime, anywhere. For blues, the place to be is Kingston Mines, the oldest and largest continuously operating blues nightclub in Chicago. Located at 2548 North Halsted Street, in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, it has been showcasing the most celebrated blues musicians since 1982...nonstop blues action seven nights a week, 365 days a year, two separate bands every night on two stages, from Delta blues to Memphis blues to Chicago blues. Over the years, it has hosted such blues legends as Koko Taylor, Otis Rush, Carl Weathersby, Magic Slim, Junior Wells, Sugar Blue, Billy Branch, Ronnie Hicks, Mike Wheeler, Peaches Staten, Eddie Shaw, Linsey Alexander and Joanna Connor. If you have a taste for some Southern-style food, you can indulge in some ribs, buffalo wings, Caribbean-style jerk wings, catfish, red beans and rice, home-made nachos, Po'boy sandwiches, shrimp, chicken, bread pudding or pecan pie at Doc's Rib Joint, located in the back of the room and open right up to the last call at 3 a.m. Sunday through Friday and 4:30 a.m. on Saturday.

Great Blues bar , very good performances , one begins at 2100 the second 2230 . Very big place with foil bar . Food available self service. The place is very crowded and tables very small .Admission 20 USDLRS. Very recommended