9 Best Jazz Bars In Chicago, Illinois

Linda
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 3 min read
jazz bars in chicago

Chicago is a beautiful city seating on the shores of Lake Michigan in Illinois. With its skyline pierced by tall skyscrapers such as the John Hancock Center and spectacular ground level architecture such as the mired bean sculpture at the Cloud Gate, Chicago has more to offer than meets the eye. Other such sites include the Willis Tower, a spectacular skyscraper boasting city vistas, the Navy Pier, an amazing destination with shops, food and rides, and the famous Millennium Park, a green space with a theater, art and ice rink. Take a look at our article on the top 10 most recommended jazz bars in Chicago, Illinois.

Why Trust Trip101?


Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team

Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles

Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)

Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform

Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts

Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more

Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content

Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.

Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.

1. The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge

jazz bars in chicago | the green mill cocktail lounge
Source: instagram

From the jazz jamming all the way till the early dawn to the authentic 40’s service, the down to earth crowd and the warm glowing aura, the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge has it all. Designed to provide comfort to all audiences, The Green Mill brings together a perfect blend of décor, artwork, and music all in one roof, capturing a broad jazz spectrum from its root rhythm.

The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge

Address: 4802 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640, USA

Website: The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge

Opening hours: 12pm - 5am (daily)

Visited this place?

2. The Whistler


You don’t have to make a fuss trying to make a reservation at the Whistler, just pop in, choose a seat and immerse yourself in the relaxation and tranquility of this amazing restaurant. The Whistler is not only a bar but also a record label, gallery and hosts live music, bringing a mix of jazz, electronic, country, and soul music on one stage.

The Whistler

Address: 2421 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA

Website: The Whistler

Opening hours: Mon - Thurs: 6pm - 2am; Fri: 5pm - 2am; Sat: 5pm - 3am; Sun: 5pm - 2am

Visited this place?

3. Hungry Brain


If you feel you have starved your brain and ears from good jazz music and all you hunger for is just some sweet jazz music, then the Hungry Brain jazz bar is the place for you. Featuring a perfectly concocted classic cocktail menu, superb acoustics, an ecstatic crowd, and an intoxicating atmosphere, the Hungry Brain knows exactly how to please its guests.

Hungry Brain

Address: 2319 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, USA

Website: Hungry Brain

Opening hours: Tues - Fri: 7pm - 2am; Sat: 7pm - 3am; Sun: 7pm - 12am (closed on Mon)

Visited this place?

4. Bandera Restaurant


Enjoy snapping your fingers and slowly tapping your feet while listening to good live jazz music as the bass guitarist and drummers work their magic and the saxophones and trumpets join in, at the Bandera restaurant. Perfectly nested just above the Michigan Avenue, the Bandera restaurant offers breathtaking views, a robust modern art collection mounted on the walls of the lavish dining room and the exhibition kitchen gives guests a clear view of the action that takes place in the kitchen.

Bandera Restaurant

Address: 535 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

Website: Bandera Restaurant

Opening hours: 11:30am - 11pm (daily)

Visited this place?

5. M Lounge


From the posh cozy seat, the polished wooden floor to the amazing vibrant atmosphere, the M Lounge is a sleek and easy-going, premier live music lounge that knows exactly what the guests need. The perfectly crafted array of fine spirits and martinis is always a delight. If you need something soft, then the non-alcoholic cocktails and tasty coffee drinks will put a smile on your face.

M Lounge

Address: 1520 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

Website: M Lounge

Opening hours: Tues - Thu: 6pm - 12am; Fri: 5pm - 2am; Sat: 7pm - 3am (closed on Mon)

Visited this place?

6. Jazz Showcase


Come and join your fellow jazz lovers in an exclusive venue, seating 170 guests. From the best Jazz acts, perfect drink menu and an amazing crowd, Jazz Showcase continues to bring joy to jazz lovers. Founded in 1947, Jazz Showcase is the oldest jazz club in Chicago and it is definitely where jazz continues to live on.

Jazz Showcase

Address: 806 S Plymouth Ct, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

Website: Jazz Showcase

Opening hours: 8pm - 2am (daily)

Visited this place?

7. Constellation


It might be a recently opened jazz bar, but the Constellation knows how to hold its own. Founded in April 2013, this jazz lounge’s main objective is to bring together contemporary classical jazz music in a modernly renovated Viaduct Theater. Music is not the only thing that Constellation has to offer, the full bar offers an exquisite collection of cocktails and spirits for guests to enjoy.

Constellation

Address: 3111 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, USA

Website: Constellation

Visited this place?

8. Winter's Jazz Club


Overlooking the Ogden Slip, Winter’s Jazz Club brings together an outstanding collection of Gypsy-Jazz, sing, trad-Jazz, New Orleans-style Jazz and straight-ahead jazz all in one roof. The bars offer an exquisite collection of perfectly curated cocktail specialties and beverage selections, and it seats a total of 25 guests. The lavish vibe, cozy seats and relaxed atmosphere makes Winter’s Jazz Club the place to be.

Winter's Jazz Club

Address: 465 N. McClurg Court (promenade), Chicago, IL 60611, United States

Website: Winter’s Jazz Club

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 5:30pm - 11:30pm; Sun: 4pm - 9:30pm (closed on Mon)

Visited this place?

9. Andy’s Jazz Club & Restaurant


Located at the red brick building at 11 E. Hubbard, Andy’s Jazz club and restaurant offers comfort, good music and food to die for. Originally, Andy’s Jazz club offered jazz sessions every Friday at noon, but after the positive response, Jazz is now played five days a week, bringing together jazz lovers from all corners of the city to this wonderful jazz venue.

Andy’s Jazz Club & Restaurant

Address: 11 E Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

Website: Andy’s Jazz Club & Restaurant

Opening hours: 4:30pm - 1am (daily)

Visited this place?

Have a good time in Chicago

Andy's  Jazz Bar
Source: Photo by user Richard Smith used under CC BY 2.0

Sometimes all you need is some good music, a perfect atmosphere, good food, and the perfect company. With a list of the best of the best places to visit for some enthralling jazz, you are sure to always have a good time.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Linda is a free-spirited writer with an insatiable love for exploration, a passion for discovering new places, and a strong desire to experience new things while constantly seeking to learn....Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Register Here
0 Comments
Explore Chicago
Looking for accommodation?
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.
hotels with rooftop pool in chicago

13 Best Hotels With Rooftop Pool in Chicago, Illinois, USA