Chicago is the birthplace of electric blues and the city that matured jazz — and both scenes remain vital. The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge (Uptown, open since 1910, former Al Capone haunt, still runs the longest-running poetry slam in the world on Sundays, live jazz every night) is the most atmospheric bar in Chicago. Buddy Guy's Legends (South Loop, owned by the legendary blues guitarist, live blues every night) is the essential blues venue. Both serve food and drinks and are worth the trip from downtown.
Why It Belongs on the List
Chicago is the birthplace of electric blues. Buddy Guy’s Legends is the essential venue; the Green Mill (Al Capone’s former haunt) is the jazz institution. Kingston Mines for late-night blues that run until 4am.
What Stands Out
- Green Mill (4802 N Broadway): since 1910, former Capone speakeasy, live jazz every night from 9pm, Sunday Uptown Poetry Slam (longest-running in world)
- Buddy Guy's Legends (700 S Wabash): the essential Chicago blues venue, Buddy himself still performs in January
- Green Mill tip: arrive early for a booth, dress a notch above casual, cash preferred
- Chicago Blues Festival (Grant Park, June): the world's largest free blues festival — the essential Chicago summer experience
- Note: the Green Mill is 30 min north of downtown — Uber recommended at night