Top 5 Insider Chicago Blues Clubs

I love Chicago blues. As a born and raised Chicagoan with Mississippi roots, the blues is part of my heritage and the soundtrack to a portion of my youth. As a long-time participant and observer of the local Chicago blues scene, I have specific criteria on what makes a blues club worth visiting—a welcoming atmosphere, music that connects with the audience and a respectful and open environment. Here are my personal picks for Chicago blues clubs that deliver:

Rosa’s Blues Lounge

 Located away from the tourist clubs on the northwest side of the city, Rosa’s maintains a distinctive vibe, thanks to its gregarious Italian-born owner, Tony Manguillo., who greets visitors like long lost friends.  An intimate club that serves up a broad range of blues styles, Rosa’s namesake, Tony’s octogenarian mother Mama Rosa, is treated as much as a laidback star as the masterful musicians.

Linda’s Place

You won’t find Linda’s on many local blues listings, which is one reason why it’s such a treat. It’s truly a local neighborhood spot. A Southside institution that feels more like a house party than a club, the owner Linda hugs customers as they enter the small space covered in red vinyl and lined with twinkling glass lights. Linda’s husband leads the house band, the high energy Fantastic L-Roy & The Bulletproof Band. Vocal gymnastics aside, it’s all about the interaction between the musicians and audience at Linda’s, which is the hallmark of authentic blues.

Water Hole Lounge

A quintessential dive blues bar on the West Side of the city, the Waterhole is housed in a nondescript building next to a viaduct. Filled with neighborhood regulars during the week who listen to soul blues classics on the jukebox and munch on seasoned and deep fried chicken wings, the joint turns into a hopping blues showcase on weekends.  A small backroom hosts a varied roster of blues artists who typically inspire lots of dancing and head bopping.

Buddy Guy’s Legend’s

You will find Legend’s listed on every compilation of Chicago blues clubs and you’ll also find it packed with tourists and locals. That’s because owner Buddy Guy is the grand statesman of Chicago blues and the club features an impressive lineup of international artists, including Buddy.

To gain an insider perspective at Legends, you need to go early, before the crowds file in and you need to go on certain days. Lunchtime acoustic sets at 12-2 p.m. are free and feature some stellar local musicians like Fruteland Jackson on Fridays and Mike Wheeler on Saturdays.  You’ll get a more personalized blues experience without the distractions of crowds or even a cover charge.

Blue Chicago

Blue Chicago is another ubiquitous blues club that you’ll find packed with tourists on any day of the week. What separates the club from the other tourist traps is that the owner Gino focuses on highlighting blues women, a perspective so unusual that it qualifies for insider status.

Blues women are a rarity on many main stages so heading to the tiny environs of Blue Chicago will supply you with an up close and personal connection with female powerhouses. Go early, grab a seat at the bar and be prepared to be blown away by the raw energy of some of the city’s best performers.