From dive bars to historical venues, Chicago is a great city for music venues. If you're interested in some of the very best Chicago music venues, you've come to the right place. Learn more about great Chicago venues from the local guides at Napleton's Countryside Mazda today.
Out-of-Town Up-and-Comers
If you're on the lookout for some of the best out-of-town indie bands, Chicago's got several great venues worth trying whether you've heard of the bands playing or not.
- Lincoln Hall (2424 N Lincoln Ave) and Schubas Tavern (3159 N Southport Ave)-owned by the same people-are two great spots to see indie darlings, acoustic songwriters, and pop punkers.
- Similarly, the Empty Bottle (1035 N Western Ave) in Humboldt Park offers a grunge-inspired venue that hosts great bands and has bathroom walls covered from floor to ceiling in some of the best stickers.
- Roscoe Village's Beat Kitchen (2100 W Belmont Avenue) is tiny, but has a reputation for spotlighting great mid-level indie bands, Soundcloud rappers, punk veterans and beyond.
- From rap to rock and everything in between, the Bottom Lounge (375 W. Lake Street) is a great spot for underground music. Added bonus: the West Side venue has great beer and American comfort food.
Historic Music Spots in Chicago
Chicago architecture isn't just stunning on the outside. Some venues' interiors are nearly as amazing as the bands performing.
- The Chicago Theatre (175 N State Street) has one of the best marquees around and features some of your favorite comedians and bands.
- The Vic Theatre (3145 N Sheffield Avenue) and The Riviera Theatre (4746 N Racine Ave) were both built in 1912 and 1917 respectively, and were restored in the mid '80s. Once catering to vaudeville and early film fans, both theatres are known for hosting some of the biggest names in music. Shows feel intimate from the floor to the balcony, and the interior design is astonishing.
- Thalia Hall (807 S Allport Street) is another stunning, historic venue. Located in Pilsen, the restored venue, restaurant, and bar is a fantastic spot to see a show, grab some food, and drink some superb-though strong-punch.
- Green Mill Jazz Club (4802 N Broadway) has been a staple in Chicago since 1907. Transport yourself back in time by slipping into an elegant curved booth, ordering some great cocktails, and listening to a bit of jazz.
Best Bars to See Local Bands
Want to keep up with the music scene in Chicago? The following bars will connect you to the latest local talents.
- Cole's Bar has become a Logan Square staple in the last 10 years, especially because of the bar's ongoing support of local musicians and comedy. Their relatively tiny stage features some of the best shoegaze indie, punk, and beyond.
- Gallery Cabaret (2020 N Oakley Avenue) offers a wide variety of talents throughout the week, whether you're interested in music, comedy, or storytelling. They also have a great music-focused open mic.
- Reggie's (2105 S State Street) on the South Side has a restaurant with a small stage for the music fans that are hungry, along with a bigger venue featuring both out-of-town bands and local gems.
Talk Music with Napleton's Countryside Mazda
Did we forget your favorite spot for music in Chicago? Stop by Napleton's Countryside Mazda to share your favorite Chicago music venues with us-we'll even let you test drive a Mazda6 if you give us a heads up! Also be sure to read up on our favorite restaurants in Berwyn, see how to assemble a winter emergency car kit, and learn about good used car mileage with our team. We'd also love to help you learn bad credit auto financing.
