Live music venues are located throughout Chicago, but few seem to be near and dear to the heart of the city. My top picks for live music venues in Chicago offer up some great local opportunities to experience what Chicago is all about. Don’t miss the opportunity to check out these great local scenes if you’re ever in Chi Town.
West Park is one of those live music venues that seemed to be the center of Chicago’s music scene a few decades ago. It’s one of those places you hear the locals talking about in a dream. They remember going over there to see the big name ties that defined their generation. Over and over people are talking about U2 at West Park, it seems to be one of those amazing moments of the city. I can see why. West Park holds about 1000 people, has an amazing sound system, and is absolutely one of the best live music venues I’ve ever been to. . There doesn’t seem to be a bad seat in the house, literally. The crowd is intimate and you can really get into the song. I arrived with the better part of the night, and was pleasantly surprised at how cozy the atmosphere was, to say the least. I loved the feel of this old burlesque house. I’d say the cups are a little expensive, but I think Chicago is to be expected. We bought drinks at the bar, but once we were seated we had a very nice waiter who filled us in on the side. the history of the buildings and all the great pomp was accomplished. West Park is located at 322 West Armory Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60614. They are great date spots and perfect for friends group, but it is by no means the only customer. Shows start at night between 6 and 8pm. The venue is cash only, so leave your credit at home. They can be reached at (773) 929-5959.
For more formal live music, check out Dolphin Street Green. There are great bars and restaurants perfect for a romantic evening practicing those dance steps you’ve been dying to learn. The atmosphere is posh and romantic. Green walls provide the perfect backdrop for salsa bands, big bands, and jazz; of course they all live. It becomes frequent and large. The Green Dolphin is a very popular place on Friday and Saturday night fever. I like to visit restaurants and bars at night to feel what they are like when the crowds are not out of control. Check out the Green Dolphin on Tuesday nights for a great time less elbows. They offer an hour-long salt lesson to patrons and it really helps. I had a few moves for the dance floor that didn’t have me firmly placing my feet on the floor and turning to the music! Even if you don’t dance, you can catch other people’s talents. The dining room is separated from the dance floor which I found a little early. It would be nice to relax with a glass of wine and have a little dinner while taking in the live music. I recommend having dinner elsewhere and checking out the bar area, only dancing here. Green Street Dolphin is located at 2200 North Ashland Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60614. They can be reached at (773) 395-0066. A few nights a week it’s $7, but Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays offer free love music with no cover. They are open Tuesday through Sunday 5:30 pm to 11 pm.
Double Door is one of the great Chicago music forces in the much needed music world. They are larger than a traditional bar, but still smaller than a traditional floor. They came into the limelight in the grunge years of the 1990s and are still a vital and active part of Chicago’s music scene. I enjoy Double Doors because you can listen to great live music, play a big pool and watch people easily. The crowd is casual and a good time listening to some great live music. You can listen to all kinds of music here too. They are not limited to one specific type, but they are turning the country to rock n by taking on various forms of action. The garage is located at 1572 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60622. Doors open at 8pm and close at 2pm especially at night. On Saturday the door closes at 3pm. They can be reached at (773) 489-3160.
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