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Green Mill Cocktail Lounge

Jazz and Blues Venue and Cocktail Bar

Uptown, Chicago

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8.9^/10

647

ratings

Ranked #1 for jazz music in Chicago
The jazz music at Green Mill Cocktail Lounge is a can't miss
"Awesome talent, the best jazz & the historic Al Capone signature."(10 Tips)
"This place is a throw back to the Capone days."(10 Tips)
"Great live jazz music, CASH ONLY so hit the atm before you go"(6 Tips)
"Patricia Barber is amazing."(4 Tips)

122 Tips and reviews

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Redeye ChicagoJanuary 16, 2015
This is the encyclopedic definition of an old-school jazz bar, minus the cloud of cigarette smoke and with the addition of a topless Roman statue. The ambience is worth the cover charge. Read more
CNNAugust 6, 2014
During Prohibition, Al Capone had a favorite booth, which still seats patrons. Today the Uptown club books some of the best jazz artists in the world & the Green Mill hosts a poetry slam every Sunday. Read more
Time Out ChicagoJune 4, 2012
This jazz institution is legendary for three things: it was once a Capone hangout, it’s haunted, and the no-nonsense staff will shush you and the friends who dragged you in during jazz sets.
Upvoted 1 week ago
Gsus S.S.January 21, 2023
Like it! Definitely a local-jazz experience, not for everyone. Service is friendly in general terms, but not expect guided tours (like many tourists in the reviews). Great main and support performers.
Patrick BuggyMarch 4, 2016
Green Mill is great for jazz, but be sure to check out the Paper Machete every Saturday from 3-5pm! It's a live magazine performance w/ music, storytelling, and more.
Allan MarshallFebruary 4, 2017
You can get free wi-fi, via connecting Crew Bar and Grill's(next door) wi-fi network. Picked that network up while inside here on my phone, w/o any issue. And I <3 jazz tunes on old school jukebox!
Elsa HNovember 13, 2014
Like a time machine that transports you back in time! Great atmosphere, people, décor and the greatest jazz you'll hear. Don't ask the bartenders which booth is Al Capone's, they'll cut you off ;)
David BussellMarch 3, 2017
Love The Green Mill! It's the best way to travel back in time — complete with original bathrooms and trap doors leading to the underground tunnels of Chicago!
Erik RowleyNovember 8, 2014
Been here 5+ times
Owned by gang member Machine Gun Jack McGurn, Capone frequented here often. A must visit Chicago establishment with excellent cocktails, fantastic live jazz music, and a rich history.
Stina P.December 22, 2013
The Paper Machete on Saturdays from 3-5PM is a live magazine and boasts some of the best poets, musicians, and journalists commenting on the week's current events while in Chicago. So so good.
Simon & SchusterMarch 4, 2011
Capone’s man Machine Gun Jack McGurn spent a lot of time here. Now some of the best jazz musicians in the world play Green Mill. The bar touts a pic of Capone & a trapdoor leads to an escape tunnel. Read more
Time Out ChicagoMay 23, 2012
This jazz institution is legendary for three things: it was once a Capone hangout, it’s haunted, and the no-nonsense staff will shush you and the friends who dragged you in during jazz sets. -ASK Read more
Travis DavisMay 26, 2013
The oldest jazz club in America and Al Capones old hangout...many of the greats have been here.
Laurie WinkelmannOctober 16, 2012
For the past 20 years, Sunday night's poetry slam is the hottest venue for the spoken word. I participated a few x when I lived close. Awesome talent, the best jazz & the historic Al Capone signature.
Haydee ValdesMay 11, 2013
Came here because of Anthony Bourdain tip. Great Cosmo and Great music. But why o' why do jazz musicians Always have to do solos in every song?
Misha K.May 4, 2013
Been here 5+ times
I love the 20's era vibe and decor. I also love the old school cash registers, which explains why it's a cash-only spot. Added perk that Capone used to hang here.
Katharine HardisonJanuary 23, 2014
Great music! The atmosphere is really cool too. Don't expect a soundtrack - the performers are front and center. Talking is kept to a minimum during sets.
Time Out ChicagoJanuary 25, 2012
This institution is legendary for three things: it was once a Capone hangout, it’s supposedly haunted, and the staff is known to shush you and the chatty friends who wandered in during live jazz sets. Read more
Renaissance HotelsOctober 16, 2012
From its flickering neon facade to its horseshoe bar, and sunken, velvet-lined stage (not to mention its status as a one-time Capone hangout) it’s as credible-looking as a jazz lair you’ll find. Read more
TravisAugust 10, 2018
Al Capone's old hang-out. Cool atmosphere and awesome to have sat in the same booth as one of America's most notorious OG's
Ninah RandolphFebruary 4, 2016
Very nice jazz music scene. Really busy on weekends so see a show during the week if you can
Bethany MinorFebruary 17, 2014
They only take cash or AMEX so be prepared. Cocktails are in small glasses so I initially thought it was a bad deal, but the Manhattan I had was perfect (and I am hard to please.)
Drunken HistoryNovember 22, 2011
This place oozes history and 20's era coolness. Get here early and ask for the Capone booth (it isn't just a label, he really sat there.) Know what you want to drink though, there are no drink menus.
Jake SmithOctober 29, 2012
In Michael Mann's "Thief" (1981), the title character (played by James Caan) owns the Green Mill. Go rent it to see what happens to the bar at the climax of the film.
David HeiserAugust 2, 2015
Patricia Barber is amazing. Go on a weeknight when the cover is only $7.
Andrew WilsonSeptember 11, 2014
Slam poetry and live music go well with bartenders who aren't too shy to tell people to quiet down.
Erik RowleyNovember 1, 2015
Been here 5+ times
Get a Templeton rye with a splash of Sprite and enjoy that cool jazz.
Jeff EarlyNovember 24, 2015
Must go here. Poetry slam great. Historic must see bar in a great diverse neighborhood.
Joseph B.April 28, 2015
An excellent and authentic place for jazz, but get here early as the place fills up fast.
Richard GregoryMay 5, 2011
Way back in the day, Al Capone was a regular at this Chicago cocktail lounge - make sure that you check out the secret passageway behind the bar that allowed him an easy escape all those years ago. Read more
Azahara PalomaresNovember 16, 2012
Nice atmosphere. Get there soon so you can have a seat, unless you prefer dancing. Women, check the ladies' room and all its writings.
jonasDecember 19, 2013
Step outside or into the bathroom if you need to use your phone - the bright light is distracting. And PLEASE don't be the douche that records the entire show.
Kathe MorenoApril 2, 2019
Try to arrive early as it is a "first arrived first served place". There are several bands playing during the night.
Mark WilhelmsFebruary 23, 2010
Wednesday nights are especially good with Jazz from the30's ala Django Reinhardt at Le Hot Club in Paris,just before and during the Nazi occupation. -"Swing Gitan will take you back to 1939,France. Read more
Mon BenMay 1, 2013
Really cute place but it was crowded, we couldn't find a seat for a while, and once we did ,we couldn't see the stage. You can't even whisper one word 'cause everyone shhhhhh's you.
Food & WineApril 20, 2011
A Chicago landmark (Al Capone purportedly hung out here), this renovated Uptown jazz club evokes the '30s and '40s but features jazz from all eras.
Andrew RohmDecember 28, 2018
See the Paper Machete show here, and show up early to get a spot!
OliverFebruary 2, 2018
Spectacular place, amazing music! Hint: leave 30% tip, otherwise you could be called "a dick" by a poor paid bartender
DavSeptember 3, 2014
Green mill is awesome laid back...great place to converse and listen to live jazz...
InterContinental ChicagoSeptember 22, 2011
Chicago gangsters used the Green Mill as a headquarters back in the Prohibition days. Today it is frequented by young hipsters and fervent jazz lovers.
An PhanAugust 3, 2014
Sunday Night features the Uptown Poetry Slam. Get there early to secure a seat!
Nick GDecember 3, 2011
Great Jazz. Al Capone used to live here? Work here? Frequent here? They have a B3 organ that is amazing.
Scott BoniOctober 14, 2013
One of the coolest jazz clubs I've ever been to. Amazing atmosphere.
Melvin McenteeApril 29, 2016
Great live jazz music, CASH ONLY so hit the atm before you go
Doug CouchSeptember 3, 2015
The home of Slam Poetry. Stop in and say hello to the Ghost of Christmas Expectation.
ISC ChicagoJanuary 29, 2018
Cheap drinks and live music, cash only (don’t go for the drinks)
Russ ZwolinskiJuly 5, 2013
Hey just heads up.... if u r trying to check in for Green Mill Jazz lounge on lawrence and broadway this is not it from what i can tell..the map is location is incorrect.
Showtime NetworkJune 4, 2010
Chicago is also a music town. Stop into The Green Mill for cocktails and jazz and keep your fingers crossed that Patricia Barber is playing that night. Wow, what a voice. - Nikki
interactiveAmyMarch 6, 2011
Make sure you catch Sabertooth's late night jazz sets every Saturday night! Amy Beth is my favorite cocktail waitress, take good care of her!
Eric WheelerApril 8, 2013
The place is a little quite, but it definitely has that classic jazz club feel, minus the smoke. You'll actually get in trouble for talking too loud.

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