Three blues clubs in Chicago…and three alternatives

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Fanatical baseball games, heart attack-inducing pizzas and breath taking vistas are all part and parcel of any trip to Chicago thanks to teams like the Chicago White Sox, restaurants like Lou Malnati’s, and skyscrapers like the John Hancock Centre.

Another quintessential experience on a trip to the Windy City is a night in a blues club. That’s why I’ve singled out three clubs to check out if you want a night of guitar playing and soulful singing. If you don’t, that's ok – I’ve listed three alternatives too.

Three blues clubs in Chicago...

1. Kingston Mines, 2548 N Halsted Street, Lincoln Park

file Photo courtesy of David Armano.

Founded in 1968, Kingston Mines is the largest and oldest continuously operating blues club in Chicago. Blues greats such as B.B. King and Carl Wethersby (who now plays weekly) have graced the stage here in the past. It’s open until 4am every day (5am on Saturdays) and there’s live music every night of the week. If you’re a night owl who wants an authentic experience, this is the perfect venue for you.

For more info visit http://www.kingstonmines.com


2. Rosa’s Lounge, 3420 W Armitage Ave, Logan Square

file Photo courtesy of Sara Muñoz Hermoso.

What I love about Rosa’s Lounge is that, rather than a club, it’s more of a bar. The counter is right beside the stage, meaning you can pull up a stool and become a barfly for the evening as artists from all over Chicago and beyond entertain those who flock to it. Take note though – there isn’t live music every night, so check the listings before you go.

For more info visit http://www.rosaslounge.com


3. B.L.U.E.S, 2519 N Halsted St, Lincoln Park

file Photo courtesy of Erin Nekervis.

If intimacy is what you’re after when witnessing the blues being sung (it adds to the atmosphere), then this is where you’ll find it. B.L.U.E.S is dark, small, and can get crowded, but all this just adds to the experience. Otis Clay and Magic Slim have played here in the past, and if none of the greats are playing when you go, you might even meet one as they’re known to socialise here when they’re not playing.

For more info visit http://www.chicagobluesbar.com/

And three alternatives…

1. Signature Lounge, John Hancock Centre, 875 North Michigan Ave, The Loop

file Photo courtesy of Colin_Eric.

I’ve been in quite a few of the world’s most famous skyscrapers but I can’t think of any that boast a cocktail lounge like this one. The John Hancock Centre’s Signature Lounge is one of the most unforgettable places to go for a drink anywhere in the world. It might not be the cheapest place to go for a night cap, but when you’re sipping on a mojito overlooking one of the most famous cities in the world, you’ll agree with me when I say it’s worth every cent.

For more info visit http://www.signatureroom.com/TheSignatureLounge


2. Red Ivy, 3525 N Clark St, Wrigleyville

I’m a big sports fan, meaning I spend quite a bit of time watching games in bars at home here in Ireland. But after visiting the US, I can safely say that you haven’t really seen a sports bar until you’ve seen one in the States. Red Ivy, which this year turns the grand old age of 100, is a good place to enjoy the all-American experience of a night in a sports bar. As well as a place to catch a game with a beer, they do good food also, while if dancing is your thing, this is the place for you too.

For more info visit http://www.redivychicago.com


3. Debonair Social Club, 1575 N Milwaukee Ave, Wicker Park

Found right in the heart of Chicago’s most hipster neighbourhood, Debonair Social Club is more than just a bar. It showcases as much of Chicago’s talented artists, DJs and chefs as it possibly can. Visiting is a unique experience thanks to the owners’ passion, the multi-media assets, the food and the overall atmosphere. If you’re looking for a night that you won’t forget, you’ll find it here.

Fore more info visit http://www.debonairsocialclub.com

Main image photo courtesy of jason saul.


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