Blue Chicago: Hours, Address, Blue Chicago Reviews: 4.5/5
Blue Chicago
Blue Chicago
4.5
8:00 PM - 1:30 AM
Thursday
8:00 PM - 1:30 AM
Friday
8:00 PM - 1:30 AM
Saturday
8:00 PM - 2:30 AM
Sunday
8:00 PM - 1:30 AM
Full view
Top ways to experience Blue Chicago and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Near North Side
How to get there
- Grand • 4 min walk
- Merchandise Mart • 6 min walk
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Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
549 reviews
Excellent
362
Very good
148
Average
25
Poor
4
Terrible
10
JLeslie22
Milton, MA216 contributions
Great music the night we went. Cash only. Friendly and accommodating bartender, although the bar offerings are limited. Don't expect anything but the basics -- no "fancy" cocktails or multiple imported beer options! We almost went back a second night because the $12 entry was reasonable and the entertainment was good. Great artwork, too. I should have bought a t-shirt with one of the pictures while I was there!
Written July 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
tryingtohelp
Derbyshire, UK75 contributions
We chose here because it was too far to travel across town to the place that had been recommended. So glad we did, Blue Chicago is the real deal, the $15 cover charge, was a surprise for a small bar but the atmosphere was great; blues lovers from all over the world not just the US, having a great time. Fabulous musicians supporting a powerful female singer. We went for an hour and stayed for well over 2. Drinks prices fair, water glasses topped up regularly for non drinkers. Seating very limited. Would highly recommend for a perfect night of Chicago blues.
Written May 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sdgold09
3 contributions
Solo
I love the bands and singers at Blue Chicago. In my ~ 45 years going to live blues shows, I don't remember ever having both the bands and the accompanying singers sound so good every time. Super friendly folk also. The other night a bunch of people from Buddy Guy's Legends club came in late and everyone had a ball!
Written January 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Netti
Brookfield, IL34 contributions
Best place in Chicago for real blues. You are not forced to reserve a table and consume food - just drinks for a very reasonable price and 10$ cover. Atmosphere in the bar is unbeatable, a little run down, service is great, you are close to the artists, enough space to move your body if you feel like it - great crowd of people!
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Andes B
DeBary, FL22 contributions
Couples
I had a great experience here. The live band and singer was fabulous and great. They put on a great show. Thw drinks was good. The staff was great as well. The only thing is the club deal with cash 💸 only. The bands are great, the cover charge was $12 @ the door. You get your money worth and more.
Written June 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LuckyFilly
Louisville, KY50 contributions
Fun night at a Real Chicago Blues Bar! Small, intimate. Wonderful musicians and singers. Cash only for cover charge and drinks. Reasonable prices. Don’t forget your vaccination card! They are very strict about this. We will be back!
Written August 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
majz1
Waukesha, WI16 contributions
I went to Blue Chicago at about 1am with some friends. We seemed to be annoying the bouncer that charged full cover even though they closed shortly after we arrived. The bouncer was VERY RUDE. In the 15 minutes we were there I saw him:
Tell a couple that was hugging to get a room (they were not doing anything obscene).
Tell my friend to get her feet off the barstool, she was the only one sitting at the bar, and then he sat on a stool and put his feet up.
Then some people went there in a cab and he turned them down even though the band was still playing.
The band was great, but I will never go back because of the rudeness .
Tell a couple that was hugging to get a room (they were not doing anything obscene).
Tell my friend to get her feet off the barstool, she was the only one sitting at the bar, and then he sat on a stool and put his feet up.
Then some people went there in a cab and he turned them down even though the band was still playing.
The band was great, but I will never go back because of the rudeness .
Written August 15, 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jeffreyk6868
Windsor, Canada78 contributions
I arrived at the door and was notified that we had to pay a $10 cover charge. My sister in law, who is very pretty, simply asked him if she could kiss him on his cheek while we were paying. Before I could get my money out of my wallet, he told us that we weren't welcome there. I am not kidding. We visited many places that night with no issues. Hey, door guy. You are an idiot. Nice personality. You lost alot of money that night when patrons saw what an idiot you were. Don't waste your time. That dude needs to be fired. Blue Chicago bosses, it was April 6th around 10pm. Fire that moron.
Written April 8, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
brodarte
Toluca, Mexico304 contributions
Couples
Dropped by for a few drinks and some good music after a long day touring Chicago. Hadn’t really heard about Blue Chicago before but saw it had good reviews. What a treat! A more intimate experience compared to Kingston Mines (where I have been multiple times). Music was awesome. Good service. Size of the venue is perfect to create that “closeness” to the band. Get there early to find a place to sit.
Written July 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Journeywizard
Vancouver, Canada659 contributions
Business
On my first night in Chicago I made a point of going to Blue Chicago as I love music.
I was travelling alone at this point and wanted to go somewhere where I could sit and listen to the music and mind my own business.
I walked up Michigan Avenue and then west on Ohio Street until hitting Clark. Blue Chicago is just south of Ohio Street so my ten block stroll took 30 minutes or so from the Sheraton.
I paid my $10 cover charge to Lorenzo the doorman and sat at the end of the bar.
There is a one drink minimum and they will let you use your credit card for tabs $20+....I just paid cash as I was only planning to stay for the first of three sets.
I had a Goose Island beer and it was really refreshing and tasty. The staff suggested that I move closer to the stage which I did.
The band started promptly at 9 and the lead singer came on shortly after 20 minutes or so. The band was basic and solid and played the best blues I've ever heard. The guitarist also sang and he has a warm and soulful sound. But Nellie "Tiger" Travis is a force to behold. Wow! Powerful voice doesn't even begin to describe it. Sweet, sassy, electric, and with a great range with a touch of gospel.
Well my intentions as a single middle aged female were to sit through one set and then call it a night but I just couldn't leave. I ended up staying for all three sets and then taking a cab back to the Sheraton.
What a great introduction to Chicago. This blues club wasn't fancy and glitzy but it gave me the real deal and yes, at one point I just had to join the crowd on the dance floor.
Great staff, great price, good location and amazing music.
I was travelling alone at this point and wanted to go somewhere where I could sit and listen to the music and mind my own business.
I walked up Michigan Avenue and then west on Ohio Street until hitting Clark. Blue Chicago is just south of Ohio Street so my ten block stroll took 30 minutes or so from the Sheraton.
I paid my $10 cover charge to Lorenzo the doorman and sat at the end of the bar.
There is a one drink minimum and they will let you use your credit card for tabs $20+....I just paid cash as I was only planning to stay for the first of three sets.
I had a Goose Island beer and it was really refreshing and tasty. The staff suggested that I move closer to the stage which I did.
The band started promptly at 9 and the lead singer came on shortly after 20 minutes or so. The band was basic and solid and played the best blues I've ever heard. The guitarist also sang and he has a warm and soulful sound. But Nellie "Tiger" Travis is a force to behold. Wow! Powerful voice doesn't even begin to describe it. Sweet, sassy, electric, and with a great range with a touch of gospel.
Well my intentions as a single middle aged female were to sit through one set and then call it a night but I just couldn't leave. I ended up staying for all three sets and then taking a cab back to the Sheraton.
What a great introduction to Chicago. This blues club wasn't fancy and glitzy but it gave me the real deal and yes, at one point I just had to join the crowd on the dance floor.
Great staff, great price, good location and amazing music.
Written August 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jim T
Brisbane, Australia76 contributions
Hi, we are in our late 60's and love good electric blues music. Can you recommend this place? Would prefer if food was available as well and also if we could reserve a table. Don't mind paying extra for a table. Also would prefer if the place is definitely non-smoking? How does this fit in? We would be going in early July 2020. Thanks Jimbo
Kensal1951
Gulfport, FL186 contributions
We liked the place. It is small and narrow. Bar on the left as you enter and runs front to back. Tables by the windowsill, stage is in the rear and tight. Cover charge was $10. We got there about when they opened to get a bar seat. If you wait till the band is starting it could be SRO. It does get crowded.
Terry B
Benfleet, UK167 contributions
How early would you need get get here on a Saturday night?
How early do you need to get there to ensure a seat on a Wednesday night?
U_k_Magpie
Cullercoats, UK987 contributions
It didn’t start to fill up until after 9.00 when we were there and that was a Friday night so you should be fine anytime up to then. It’s a great night out with really good blues
How early do you need to get there to ensure a seat on a Wednesday night?
Glenn R
Sydney, Australia67 contributions
Probably around 9pm to be sure however main acts don’t start until probably 10:30pm. Depending on how late you intend to stay would decide when you get there. There is usually people coming and going so you will find a seat within half hour of arriving. As a couple we shared a table with another couple.
I would like to know if the entry of minors under 21 is allowed in the company of parents.
Sandra W
Gothenburg, Sweden39 contributions
Is it possible to bring a 15 years old youth?
And is there any food at this place?
Frequently Asked Questions about Blue Chicago
- Blue Chicago is open:
- Sun - Sun 8:00 PM - 1:30 AM
- Thu - Fri 8:00 PM - 1:30 AM
- Sat - Sat 8:00 PM - 2:30 AM
- Hotels near Blue Chicago:
- (0.03 mi) Best Western River North Hotel
- (0.10 mi) Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown/River North
- (0.07 mi) Aloft Chicago Downtown River North
- (0.09 mi) Hyatt Place Chicago / River North
- (0.10 mi) Moxy Chicago Downtown
- Restaurants near Blue Chicago:
- (0.01 mi) Blue Chicago
- (0.03 mi) NO Regret Meal Prep
- (0.03 mi) Brindille
- (0.04 mi) Fadó Irish Pub
- (0.06 mi) Tanta