Blues Clubs in Chicago

Traveling to the windy city offers plenty of rich experiences for visitors. Whether its jogging the famous paved path along Lake Shore Drive, exploring Lake Michigan's scenic beach fronts or attending one of many outdoor festivals, Chicago is home to countless activities. It should come as no surprise that Chicago's blues scene is top notch. The city's anthem boasts, "Sweet Home Chicago," and any outdoor enthusiast will feel at home when visiting one of the many blues clubs Chicago has to offer.

Buddy Guy's Legends

Perhaps the most popular blues club in Chicago, Buddy Guy's Legends has been gracing the city with its presence for 20 years. Buddy Guy, the Chicago King of Blues, has been in the music business for over 50 years and doesn't have plans to back down any time soon. The club has seen the likes of Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Van Morrison. These are only a few of the musical greats to have graced Legends' stage. Buddy Guy himself takes the stage every January to the pleasure of many blues aficionados. The interior decor ranges from two of Buddy Guy's Grammys to a rare collection of guitars autographed by none other than B.B. King and Carlos Santana. Legends hosts a different blues musician every night of the week, so even the busiest traveler will have time for a night out with live music.

Buddy Guy's Legends
754 S. Wabash Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60605
(312) 427-1190
buddyguys.com

Kingston Mines

Kingston Mines is a staple of the Chicago blues scene. Celebrating its 41st anniversary in 2009, Kingston Mines retains its title as "Chicago's Best Blues Club." When the club was first founded, it was the first of its kind on the north side of Chicago, bringing a new, affluent kind of music to the socialites of Lincoln Park. Now residing on North Halsted, a combination of delicious ribs and soulful blues music penetrates blues fans to their cores seven nights a week. One of the only 4 a.m. establishments in the city (5 a.m. on Saturdays), Kingston Mines is not to be missed.

Kingston Mines
2548 N. Halsted St.
Chicago, Illinois 60614
(773) 477-4646
kingstonmines.com

B.L.U.E.S.

B.L.U.E.S. is great for the blues fan that prefers local acts and a cozy atmosphere. B.L.U.E.S. offers live music seven nights a week, but the acts are primarily local. There have been locals such as Eddie Shaw, Magic Slim and Eddy Clearwater. B.L.U.E.S. does blues the way it should be done: up close and personal. The ambiance is intimate, ensuring any visitor a personal experience with the music.

B.L.U.E.S.
2519 N. Halsted St.
Chicago, Illinois 60614
(773) 528-1012
chicagobluesbar.com

More blues clubs in Chicago worthy of visiting include: Rosa's Lounge, Blue Chicago and Checkerboard Lounge. These blues club destinations will no doubt please any active visitor ready to discover the true Chicago.

Rosa's Lounge
3420 W. Armitage Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60647
(773) 342-0452
rosaslounge.com

Blue Chicago
736 N. Clark St.
Chicago, Illinois 60654
(312) 642-6261
bluechicago.com

Checkerboard Lounge
5201 S. Harper
Chicago, Illinois 60615
(773) 684-1472
checkerboardhydepark.com

Resources

Article Written By Jillian Kozak

Residing in the Chicagoland area, Jillian Kozak has been a writer for 4 years. Her articles have appeared in her school newspaper, "The Northern Star," and The Chicago Sun-Times' entertainment website, CenterstageChicago.com. Kozak graduated cum laude from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and journalism.

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