As the best clubs, theaters, and venues for rock concerts go, Chicago boasts some serious music history, with many storied blues, jazz and rock acts (to mention only a few of the landmark genres) calling the city home — remember, Robert Plant name-checks Chicago, not New York, in “When the Levee Breaks,” and Sinatra sang not one, but two songs, about the city. Almost as famous as the music itself are some of the clubs here, with (in)famous characters holding court in the booths, back dens and even, in the case of the Green Mill, hiding after sneaking down the trapdoors. You can hang with goths and drag queens during a Bowie tribute night or sit in more serene comfort in an upscale spot admiring the sound and your drinks, if that’s what you’re after. Either way, there’s a lot to see, hear and enjoy: Just check out the shortlist of some of the best rock clubs, dance clubs, and concert venues in Chicago that we’ve put together for you.
The oldest jazz club in the U.S. boasts a 100-year history of colorful visitsfrom the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Gloria Swanson, Frank Sinatra and, most notoriously, Al Capone and his mob. Dripping with speakeasy charm, the GreenMill’s dubious distinctions include ownership by “Machine Gun” Jack McGurn, Capone’s chief henchman and the suspected brains and brawn behind the infamous Valentine’s Day Massacre, as well being immortalized in the Hollywood film “The Joker is Wild” starring Sinatra as Joe E. Lewis, a popular cabaret singer whodared to move his act to another club and suffered a slit throat and tongue for it (courtesy of McGurn). Nightly shows feature a range of jazz styles and, on Sundays, include their long-running and trailblazing open-mic poetryslam. Come early or stay late, as they’re open from noon to 4AM most days, for a chance to take in the atmosphere from one of the otherwise hard-to-snag velvet booths.
Since 1992, the Empty Bottle has grown from a hole-in-the-wall rock club into one of the city’s premier live music venues. This is due in large part to its willingness to take risks: On top of the staple of rock shows, they host a regular jazz series, opened a successful restaurant next door called Bite, and the staff now book concerts at other venues. Open seven nights a week, “the Bottle,” as it is commonly known throughout Chicago, has the charm of an unpretentious, weathered neighborhood corner bar: The intimate L-shaped room fits 300-400 people, the live sound is crisp and penetrating, and an old-school wooden bar serves up cheap beers, wine by the glass and cocktails. If you need to take a break from the live music, there is a quieter adjacent lounge, outfitted with thrift store furniture, a pinball machine and a pool table. With a door cover price rarely over $10, this underground hangout is a must for anyone who is a fan of live music.
The Bottom Lounge is a place for some serious live sound, and also a restaurant (bookable for events) and event spot with roughly 18,000 square feet of space — most of it filled with, yep, music — in the popular, busy music hall. The upstairs view from the 2,000 square feet of bookable space is breathtaking, and this is adjacent to a further 5,000 square feet of space that’s available for your event, too. Food at the restaurant is classic American with an organic feel — such as the BL Kale soup — and appetizers like a Giant Bavarian Pretzel, sandwiches and a surprising dessert: Beignets. The list of beers and spirits is ample, so you sure won’t go home thirsty.
The 20,000 square feet of space on two levels notwithstanding, Sound-Baraims for a more refined, upscale feel. That said, according to its own dress code, acceptable attire includes rockstar, popstar, moviestar and pornstar looks, so don your best club uniform and get ready to dance. Musical styles range from electronica to house to hip-hop and everything in-between. Plus, their visuals — laser, light and multimedia shows — are a stimulating experience all their own. The VIP-room seats 50, and the “minimalist” décor gives the lie to the multimedia experience of the entertainment, which (did we mention?) is off the hook.
This Chicago staple — named after a Duran Duran B-side — is open till 4AM most weeknights (5AM on Saturday), and the look is vintage, with themed nights and a cash-only bar that’s awash in (literal) color — namely, violet. Cheapish and also “specialty” drinks pitched to the season and really cheap beer (happy hours on Fridays and Saturdays mean $1 PBR) give the place a truly Chicago feel as well, as all kinds, old and youngish, mill through to dance. On Saturday nights, the “Planet Earth” theme is retro, with all New Wave and ’80s tunes from DJ Dave Roberts — there’s no cover before midnight, and it’s just $5 afterward to attend. Other evenings feature everything from funk and Motown and artists’ nights as the projector provides video accompaniment, and everybody moves.
David Podgurski has written about travel, books, fashion + entertainment for digital and print media. He’s hunted down vintage finds in crumbling attics, published poetry, worked for the New York MTA, and likes to haunt museums, cafés and shops. When he isn’t traveling or writing, he’s thinking about his next trip — and what to enjoy when he gets there.
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