Live Music In Chicago: 5 Great Venues

Chicago is home to several live music venues. Whether you want to rock out to an underground band, sing the blues or dance to samba or hip-hop, chances are a local bar has something for you. Here are five suggestions on where to hear live music in Chicago:   

Howl at the Moon

26 W. Hubbard St., Chicago
(312) 863-7427
http://www.howlatthemoon.com/locations/location-chicago   

This River North neighborhood bar features a dueling piano show, where piano players take the stage two at a time and play for one hour. Then two new players take the stage, and the four piano players jam together for a few songs before shifting to the next dueling show. Enjoy the show while sipping on drinks named the "X-Boyfriend", "Loose Goose" and the "3-Way."    

Andy's Jazz Club

11 E. Hubbard St., Chicago
(312) 642-6805
http://www.andysjazzclub.com/   

Andy's is one of Chicago's best known and most respected jazz venues, featuring local performers. But you won't just hear jazz here. Music styles range from traditional to swing, from Latin to Afro-Pop. The menu includes salads and sandwiches, pasta, pizza, and entrees such as Filet Mignon and Whitefish.   

Subterranean

2011 W. North Ave., Chicago
(773) 278-6600
http://www.subt.net/   

Located in the Bucktown/Wicker Park neighborhood, this live music venue with an underground sound features hip hop, rap and world music - ranging from salsa and samba to reggae and African music. Subterranean offers dining in the lounge from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. daily. Menu favorites include Jambalaya and Buffalo Mushrooms.    

Double Door

1572 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
(773) 489-3160
http://www.doubledoor.com/   

Located in the Bucktown/Wicker Park area, this live music venue primarily features rock bands, including local performers as well as touring acts. Despite the low-key underground, neighborhood vibe, this place has major booking cred, featuring a history of bands including The Rolling Stones, Bush and The Smashing Pumpkins.

Kingston Mines

2548 N. Halsted St., Chicago
(773) 477-4646
http://www.kingstonmines.com/flash/main.html   

With two bands and two stages, this venue has live blues 7 nights a week. College nights are Sundays through Thursdays, which includes free admission with a valid college ID – student or faculty. You must be over 21 to enter. Nosh on New Orleans Style Ribs, Wild Wings and Sweet Potato Fries while listening to the soothing sounds of live blues music.