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Categories: Jazz & Blues, Lounges, Performing Arts
Neighborhood: UptownLawrence (Red)
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go for the poetry slams; stay for the jazz....great for both.....and SO MUCH better without the smoke....hard to believe that you can enjoy jazz without smoke but yes, Virginia, it is possible....
don't miss the Sunday night slam poetry....
This is and has been my long-time favorite place for jazz. As everone else has mentioned, between the history of the place and talent that shows up --- you can't go wrong.
In the last four months, I have discovered one more reason to love the Green Mill: the Sunday Night Poetry Slam hosted by THE poetry slam creator himself - the talented Marc Kelly Smith (so what!).
If you've never been to a poetry slam, picture the opening scene of Mike Meyer's movie "So I Married An Axe Murderer." It's kind of like that except there's no slideshow in the background and there's no one cool like Marc hosting the evening.
The evening begins at 7pm with an open mic performance from various poets - newbies and people who have been around the poetry scene for years. Afterwards, a featured performer or performers share their best with you. Finally, the actual slam starts. I'm not giving anymore details because it's part of the experience.
Seriously. Just go. Try it. This is DIFFERENT.
Bored with the usual sports bar scene? Are you looking for something to lift you out of your uninspired existence? Do you dare to exercise that little noggin of yours on a Sunday night?
Step outside of the norm and check out the Poetry Slam at the Green Mill! Again, it starts at 7pm, so get there a little earlier to grab a seat. Admission is $6.
And now here's an attempt at poetry (no I've never performed any of my stuff in public)... Just picture the band behind me --- piano, standup bass, and jazz drums.
It's a Sunday night
I have a choice
To sit in front of the TV
And be hypnotized by
Meaningless, mindless banter
Blah, blah, blah
Wind down
before the work week begins
Or NOT
I choose the latter
Green Mill
I choose inspiration
Poetry Slam
I choose expression
Smart-clever-shocking
Dirty-sexy-disturbing
Funny-conceited-depressing
I choose right brain stimulation
Fed by poetry and music
Give me
the Green Mill on Sunday!
I went here for the first time on Wednesday night. I'd have to say, I'll definitely be back.
Showed up around 10pm and scored a nice booth with a perfect view of the stage. We saw ALFONSO PONTICELLI and SWING GITAN, which I have to add was incredible. They are there usually every Wednesday. Definitely a must see!
All in all, it made for a great date night and I'm definitely going to make this a once a month kind of relationship. Next time I'm going to go on Sunday for the poetry slam!
An excerpt from Stuff White People Like:
"Historically speaking, the music that white people have kept on life support for the longest period of time is Jazz. Thanks largely to public radio, bookstores, and coffee shops, Jazz has carved out a niche in white culture that is not yet ready to be replaced by Indie Rock. But the biggest role that Jazz plays in white culture is in the white fantasy of leisure. All white people believe that they prefer listening to jazz over watching television. This is not true."
Lololol. Oh well. Maybe I'm too much of a social guy to be surrounded by fun friends, not able to talk, and still be expected to have a good time. The music was good, and I get that it's the focus of why you're there. Definitely a stop for anyone coming through Chicago, but I don't know if I'll come back. Unless New Jack Swing becomes the new Jazz by the time I'm 50.
Protip: When you arrive, chances are you'll be stuck standing. Make sure to be standing near a booth or table so you can grab it once those people leave. You feel kind of dickish, especially if you just got there, but sitting beats standing.
I would hang here five nights a week if it weren't for the cover charge. Their bouncer is one of the most extraordinary looking human beings I've ever seen, and the interior is amazing. Service seems to be great for regulars and condescending to newbies.
Last minute change of travel plans (thank you snow in upstate New York) left us to scramble for NYE plans. Great call by the hubsbie to take in "Battle of the Saxes" at Green Mill! Evidently this is a tradition at Green Mill every NYE. Features Von Freeman and Edward Peterson and the Green Mill All Stars. Cover was $25 per person which we felt was pretty appropriate considering our plans were so last-minute
I loved the dark, cozy atmosphere of the place. We got there early enough to snag a table near the stage and shared it with some different couples. The music was wonderful. I'm not a Jazz expert, but I was totally wowed by all musicians. Willie Pickens on piano was my favorite. Our waitress was really friendly and I didn't think the drink tab (4 vodka drinks and 6 beers) of $45 was all that bad either (especially for NYE) Oh and Hey, every table got its own bottle of champagne to share when Midnight rolled around--wow, that was unexpected.
It was a real treat to meet the musicians after their sets and so refreshing to meet people that feel so passionate about what they love to do. I almost feel like dusting off the ivories on my piano and getting back to playing---well, almost. I think trips to the Green Mill would be easier. Who knows, maybe this will be our NYE tradition now...
Went here for the first time last night and was thoroughly impressed with the Uptown Poetry Slam (which happens every Sunday night from 7 - 10.) The emcee Marc Smith has been running this show for over 20 years and is a fantastic performer and improviser in his own right...the poem he ended the night on, a reflection on how he has fallen short of his ideals, was heavy and genuine. Unexpected, as for most of the night Smith's an affectionate prankster.
The show begins with an open mic, then has a feature performer, and then the slam competition. The feature performers last night (a duo who tossed their individual poems back and forth in frenetic quasi-collaboration ) were very good and I regret that I didn't catch their names. (Note to Green Mill: you should list the names of the feature performers on your website, dig?)
The slam contestants were hot and cold, as they should be. Ultimately you're going there for the energy, to see someone put themselves out there, to catch snippets of feeling....
The band who accompanies the slammers keeps you from drifting away. I was completely won over by the pianist who performed her own song in a sweet-as-honey voice about how quickly you can detest someone who strikes up a conversation with you.
As far as the place itself, it's cozy and laid back. There's a long bar that winds around from the entrance to the stage area as well as tables and chairs that get filled up quick so don't try to be fashionably late--early is better.
For 6 dollars, you'd be hard pressed to find a comparable night of creativity and verve.
The bartender told me to write a bad review on Yelp so here it is. This bartender had the worst attitude ever. If Al Capone was still around and heard how he spoke to his customers, this bartender would be in the direction of Jimma Hoffa (AKA disappear from the face of the earth). All me and my girlfriend wanted to do was take a picture and the first thing he said was "You're not even buying anything." He had not even given us a chance to order a drink before opening his big mouth. If this place keeps a bartender like this and chases its customers away in an economy like we have today, Green Mill will be closed before we know it. Only one can hope so we can save ourselves from such a nonsense business.
Basically, people need to find a much better place to go. The bartenders who work here have an attitude problem. The first time we went here the bartender acted like he had a stick up his rear. They just have no personalities. I've heard numerous stories of Green Mill treating their customers badly. They must not be aware of our economic recession and how many places we've taken for granted over the years are gone forever. Surely, Green Mill does not think they are immune from this economic recession. A steady loss of business and they'll be out of business. Only one can hope that will happen sooner than later.
Seriously, these people need to get out of Chicago because they are putting a blight on my city. Somebody needs to notify the musicians who play here and tell them how they treat their customers...the musicians will find another gig in Chicago with the snap of a finger.
Lastly, dear rude bartender. I hope you learned your lesson. If I ever see you again at Green Mill, I will call a police officer to escort you away for making threats of a criminal nature. We'll see how jail treats you.
My friend and I came just in time to check out Patricia Barber Quartet.
$7 for a melodic jazz show that goes from 9 to 12, not so bad if I say so myself. The intermission was like half an hour, but who's counting!
We came late so ended up seating at the tail end of the bar which provided a miniscule view of the stage. No worries, it's Jazz, not some burlesque show.
Definitely check out this joint if you can, especially with this line up. Patricia's voice is like velvet on smooth cocoa butter crack. Aretha got nothing on you girlllll!
First off I've been to the Green Mill numerous times, it just so happens it's always on a Wednesday. Almost every Wednesday, from 9pm to 1am you can witness Alfonso Ponticelli and Swing Gitan! Being a witness to their performance will not disappoint. They play in the Gypsy Jazz style, a la Django Reinhardt. The music has a folksy swing to it. Plus the absolutely amazing ambiance sets up for an lovely even.
If you've never been to the Green Mill, don't wait!
This place always reminds me of having my tongue ripped out. I suppose this has nothing to do with the music, or the drinks (the only whiskey sour ever worth purchasing. Froth, people!), but Joe E. Lewis. Google that shit.
Anyways, I keep finding myself here more and more often. I have even come enough that the unfriendly doormen are not so rude anymore (or maybe I'm just used to it) and we only get hushed once a night or so. I've even got the cash or amex policy down, so I always arrive with at least 40 bucks (it always seems to cost that much. but once the whiskey starts coming, how can i stop?)
This place is significantly better when you are lucky enough to snag a table and are at a show that allows talking. Quiet shows are great when you aren't with people to actually spend time with them, but don't plan on going to listen to jazz on a Monday and also catch up with a college friend. You will only look askance and bob your head together.
In terms of the best night, always look at the calendar before you go. Do not assume there will be jazz on Sunday; you will be at a poetry slam. Thursday is my favorite night; it's swing night (which sounds lame), but they have a great big band, old people lovingly dance and they have this shtick where an announcer pretends it is on radio broadcast like its 70 years ago and we're at the Aragon. Wednesday is fun too (Gypsy Jazz!) and some weekends they have some awesome special events. Music always goes late into the night.
There is always a cover, so don't be that annoying in group in front of me who didn't know it'd cost $6-12 dollars to get in and then stand there debating for 5 minutes. Get over it.
They have 3 beers on tap, and a full bar, but drinks are kind of pricey and tiny. I know I mentioned this, but the only drink to get here, save for straight whiskey, is a whiskey sour. I know, I know, the drink in general is an abomination of heaven's nectar, but it's really well executed here. They shake the shit out of it, yielding froth abound, it's more citrus than corn syrup, and the orange slice and cherry will occupy you when you feel awkward looking around, not knowing how to react to jazz you really don't get.
psst, they have a parking lot no one seems to know about!
love this place. sucks that they have a cover most nights but the music is top notch. I'm a music ed major and seeing these performers leaves me in awe every time. I want to check out the poetry slam on Sundays. I like this place a lot. Unfortunately most of my friends are dead beats and only listen to punk rock so it's rough getting somebody to accompany me. Heard Al Capone used to hang out here also. I've never been able to get a booth at this place. First time I went I had to stand , second time I went I sat at the bar, third time I got to sit in a chair. Maybe 4th time will be booth night. It's a very nice place. When I've gone, the covers been around $15 . Classy place for dates.
This was my first time out to a jazz club in the city (pathetic? I know...). The place was packed (it was Saturday), but we eventually scored a row of stools at the bar. Drinks were just OK, but the music was amazing.
Went on a Saturday night to see an out of town band from NYC. There was a small cover charge, but that's no different than any other jazz club on the weekends. Gotta pay the musicians! The music was top notch but the Quartet, billed as being from NYC, was 1/2 filled with Chicago ringers. Great players, still, but a bit misleading...
We couldn't get a seat anywhere and it was only 8:30pm. That's my only beef with this Club, it gets crowded, and people end up standing around. The owner did set us up with two flimsy folding chairs, but as soon as bar stools opened up, we made a break for it!
I love the wide age range of the patrons, and the club filled up with young sexy club goers as the night went on. But as full as it got, getting a drink was never a problem!
I hadn't been to the Green Mill in a long time, and in my mind this place has kind of a "tourist attraction" "speakeasy has-been" reputation that's not quite deserved. Well, save for the German tourists that requested "Chattanooga Choo-Choo" from the band playing modern jazz...
We stayed long enough to see the changing of the band guard and the local Deep Blue Organ Trio blew away the "NYC" cats. Kudos to them! I would like to see LESS "shushing" here. I've played jazz plenty of places in the City and it's not like jazz standards needs pin-drop quietness from the patrons. Jazz is not a museum piece and need not be treated as such. Still, everyone at the club was very nice, and the high level of service and the talent of the musicians will bring me back.
I went here on a Friday to meet up with some old friends to celebrate a lads birthday a few months ago and definetely had a great time. I came late and was suprised to find myself paying about $12 cover for the live jazz band. (worth it). My friends arrived earlier and amazingly took over a reserved booth that I eventually learned was Al Capone's booth of choice! The place was standing room only for the majority of the night and for the most part silent. The band was kickass as we downed several pints of beer and cheap bottles of cabernet. The bathroom was hilarious because It was literally the size of a closet and located almost ON STAGE. Its pretty cool when you leave the loo, and everyone goes from staring at the band, to staring at you with your zipper down.
Rock the shiz,
Silky
It's like stepping into a time machine.
Best enjoyed when it's rainy/foggy and very late.
I saw a show here last Sunday night and really enjoyed it. My parents were in town and I wanted to take them to a real Chicago Jazz club that had a lot of history and this was the place. I took them to an 11pm show on a Sunday night and was glad we got there early to find a seat because halfway through the first set, the place was packed. The atmosphere was really something, my dad mentioned how the booths looked exactly like the ones in the gangster films.
All to often I go to see live music that I can't even hear because the people in the bar are talking too loudly, but the Green Mill was refreshingly different. The Green Mill wants to respect the musicians by asking patrons to keep a quiet conversation during performances so people can enjoy the music.
We originally came to see the Kimberley Gordan trio because we heard great things, but Kim was sick and it was just Chris and Andy. They were set up in the center of the bar, which I thought was pretty cool and the music was great. I will definitely be back!
I must have been in the wrong frame of mind to really enjoy this place. I know it's a jazz club and I was totally prepared to pay a pretty hefty cover upon entering. $12 wasn't so bad, but I was highly, highly turned off when the bouncer very bluntly (and meanly) said that there is "absolutely no talking once you enter and the performer begins." Really? No talking at all absolutely ever?
That immediately set the tone of this place for me. Fairly pretentious staff, annoying patrons and insanely expensive drinks. I paid $5 for a diet coke. Awesome. I'm sure I'll be back in the future, hopefully when there's someone that I actually want to see. However, as of my first experience here, I wasn't at all impressed and I just can't see myself coming here to hang out and listen to some jazz.
I can't say much that hasn't already been said here, so just let me say this is THE jazz spot in our fair city. I've been introduced to types of jazz I hadn't previously known existed here.
Plus I get to listen while channeling the bad-ass energy that just flows through the space from the mafioso who used to chill there in Capone's days, including Al himself. The bar obviously recognizes this, as they have a framed picture of Al Capone right next to the bar. Definitely not a jazz hand to be seen here.
I loved it, and apparently lots of other people do too, given the crowd. Suffice to say, I'll return to this cool little spot.
This place is great if you like old bars with history. Al Capone hung out here and Cusack filmed a scene in "High Fidelity" here. It is also conveniently located right off the Lawrence stop of the red line. Just go west a block and it's right on the corner.
Worst bartender service ever. Go out of business and do all of us a favor. The one four-eyed bartender is a real piece of work. I look forward to seeing him working at McDonald's flipping hamburgers. What has this world come to where complete rude jerks without any educations are serving us alcohol and allowed to give us attitude. Al Capone would roll over in his grave. I can't wait to see the day when Green Mill is going out of business. It will be coming soon. The musicians will easily find a new gig to play at, where they actually aren't rude to their customers.
If you haven't been loudly shushed by jazz fans at the Green Mill, you have yet to complete the Chicago experience. For six bucks, this is the best deal for high quality jazz I've ever had.
This place is packed every night without fail by about an hour into the first set, you get the idea that jazz is the focal point of the place when you are asked to be quiet and turn off all cell phones during the show by the leather jacketed, splendidly mustachioed bouncer. I appreciate the reverence to music, but was a bit off put by the reminder.
The place has charm, hasn't been touched since Capone visited (they still advertised their new-fangled air conditioning!), and has fairly comfortable seating, albeit at often horrible sightlines. Drinks miraculously get through the crowd to you if you are seated, and the waitresses never seem to get bothered by the tight spaces and crowds.
It gets a little stuffy because they PACK it in most nights and the crowd is pretty damn pretentious most nights (sometimes I think they shush to act superior), but it does make my top 5 or 10 list of places to take people if they are visiting Chicago
I still like this place but my latest visit makes it hard to not say anything. I was there with some tourist friends of mine since it showed up on their list of places to visit. Why wouldn't it? A cheap cover and live music every night, in a legendary space that has the first poetry slam every?
Not so fast, junior. The staff has always been a bit pretentious but they were helpful this time. Except for one guy, the door dude who said I gave him six when I know that I gave him two fins. I put up a fight but my two guests were already heading towards the front. I can't say that I didn't enjoy myself that evening but it casts a damper on the experience that night and on this place as a whole. Boo
I love the Mill, what's not to love? Cheap cover, great live music-and sometimes you get a surprise… Read more »
I have never had a bad night here.
Love the room, drinks, people and most of all the music.
You could pretty much walk in here any night and see a great band for a very small entrance fee. I especially love the fact they ask you to NOT TALK during the concert.
I especially recommend ALFONSO PONTICELLI and SWING GITAN on Wednesday nights and ALAN GRESIK SWING SHIFT ORCHESTRA on Thursday nights.
ps Don't let the guy with the Dali mustache and a stern face at the door scare you :-)
I wrote this article for my college newspaper. I love this place. Hope this helps!
On nights when Al Capone strode into the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, then co-owned by a henchman of the infamous Windy City mob boss, the house band would break into his favorite song "Rhapsody in Blue". From the time Capone took a seat in his wide booth facing the front door to the time he left out the back, no one was allowed to leave or enter the premises.
The notorious booth isn't the only relic from the roaring '20s that remains in this historic jazz bar--in fact few concessions have been made for changing times, much to the benefit of the bar's time capsule ambience. When the bartenders pull a disappearing act behind the counter, they're vanishing through a trapdoor leading down to the storeroom where in Prohibition days bootlegging tunnels led across Lawrence Ave. to Lake Michigan. The jukebox, which plays songs by legends such as Louis Armstrong and pieces recorded live at the lounge, was last updated to play 45s instead of 78s. As York, a long-time regular at the Green Mill introduced to me by the bartender, put it "they try to keep it as close to the bone as possible here".
The Green Mill was converted in 1986 from a dive bar to a jazz lounge by current owner Dave Jemilo, who also introduced a reverential approach to the bar's music. Live jazz is now performed nightly at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, and during performances the audience is expected to be silent--a policy that will be enforced.
"You can come here for music almost every night of the year," York tells me, "and all of the [musicians] will talk to you...everybody here is friendly." From 5-8 pm organist Chris Foreman, who just returned from a tour opening for Steely Dan, plays on the Hammond B-3 behind the bar. A variety of well known local musicians like the Saber Tooth Quartet and the Green Mill All Stars (brought in by Jemilo in 1986, they've now been featured at the Green Mill for 23 years) play Monday-Thursday nights at 9 pm ($6 cover fee) and styles of jazz at the Mill include bebop, Dixieland, contemporary, progressive, and swing.
Friday and Saturday shows ($12 cover) are sure to be standing room only, but York assures me that you can get a seat right in front of the stage by arriving about an hour early. The Green Mill even allows customers to bring in their own dinner, so pick up at one of many diverse local restaurants like Demera Ethopian Restaurant across the street or Fiesta Mexicana next door while waiting for the main show to start. Every Sunday night at 7 pm jazz is temporarily suspended while the weekly poetry slam, a tradition since '86, commences ($6 cover). After the spoken word artists there's more live music until closing time.
"They take care of their customers here," York maintains, "...and you're never more than 2 minutes away from getting a drink". They also know how to have fun at the Green Mill; Thursday-Saturday come ready to dance! On weekend nights the jam sessions last until 4 or 5 in the morning and Thursdays the Alan Gresik Swing Shift Orchestra delivers its best big band swing (late night post-show sessions also mean a reduced cover, anywhere from free to $6. http://www.greenmillja... provides a detailed calendar).
The Green Mill hosts their annual Toys for Tots benefit Wednesday December 9th. Stop by on this evening when the cost of admission is replaced by the donation of a child's toy--even the band's fees will go directly to charity.
Chicago institution, frequented by Al Capone, now a living beast for jazz and world-class music.
I've been wanting to come here for years upon years and only JUST made it out there. Green Mill looks like a small tiny bar from the outside.... one that I wouldn't make plans to come ahead of time. But inside, the music is bopping and the decore is right out of the old-tyme era.
Wednesday nights host a group that mixes Spanish-style guitar with jazz standards (violin, accordian, upright bass, and rhythm guitar). This group was smoking great and had a great crowd cheering them on the whole night. For a Wednesday night show, it is rare to see a venue THIS packed, THIS frequently. It just shows the quality of the music acts and the love of Chicagoans for great music.
I will undoubtedly come back here for more shows. Arrive early to get the nice velvet booths near the stage (otherwise, you'll be standing near the back and won't see anything).
Midnight on a Thursday and this joint was jumpin'!
There was still a line out the door to get in and the place was packed with young and old alike jostling to find some space. (I wouldn't necessarily get there early to snag a booth since you'll just have folks standing crotch-to-your-eye-level if it's a popular night.)
The big band still had an hour left in their set and it was such a treat to hear standards like "Do Nothing 'Till You Hear From Me." The announcer performing old-fashioned radio-style commercials and 1940s-esque newsreels also set the mood. Loved it! (P.S. Even though the live music ended at 1 a.m., I believe they said the Green Mill didn't close until 4!)
I'll conclude with some unsolicited advice: Just because you think you're a sweet swing dancer does not mean that you should attempt to lindy hop on a crowded dance floor, though it is amusing to watch everyone give you the evil eye when you do.
http://static.px.yelp....
The Green Mill is a "MUST SEE" when coming to Chicago. Especially on Thursday nights when the Alan Gresik Swing Shifr Orchestra is playing.
On Sundays, Kimberly Gordon performs. She's great too.
If you come on Thursday, make sure you order a Long Island Iced Tea from Jason and you will not be disappointed. This is a REAL Long Island, not the mix you're used to from Chili's or TGI Fridays.
Get the full calendar here: http://www.greenmillja...
When you walk in Big Al will take your money. Don't give him any lip even if he gives it to you....I'm just saying.
On Thursdays the cover is only $6!!! A steal for a 20 piece big band.
They play 3 sets from 9-1pm. If you want a seat, get there early. I like to hang out in the back (at the entrance) so that I can hear the music and talk with my friends.
Oh and it's cash only!
the history says it all. drinks are a little overpriced but that the only problem besides the stinky bathrooms but a bar that old cant reallly help that. Best live jazz in town.
Green Mill. I like it tho I don't love it.
I like the decaying exterior with its multitude of flickering lights which entertain the drunken eye. I like that the interior is all dark, sad, and messy like a tough, aging torch singer. I'm not big into poetry slams, but I do enjoy piano jazz. The drinks are only decent. The crowd is only regular (with the exception of spoken word events). It could be worse.
I'm not going to repeat how cool this place is. It is. And it does so in a very real and genuine way. What I will provide is some of the details that make this place an original:
#1 The door man, who looks like a traveling carnival strong man, complete with a handle bar mustache, a throw back tough guy leather jacket, and a gruff take-no-nonsense demeanor.
#2 The no talking and no cell phone policy. They are deadly serious about this. Don't talk and don't even think about answering your cell phone.
#3 Contrary to #2, the single bar phone rings at an impossibly loud level throughout the show. How this can happen, I do not know. But the place is deadly quiet, save the 1970s old school phone ringing like a fire alarm.
#4 The bathroom that is practically on the stage. Ok, if you have to go to the bathroom, plan carefully at the Green Mill. It is literally a foot off the stage, so when you come out you feel like you are getting a round of applause. Very awkward to say the least, but if you have to go there is little choice. However, the entertaining bathroom graffiti partially offsets the location.
That's it - so go ahead and enjoy some of the best jazz and atmosphere in Chicago.
The Green Mill.... This place is an unpretentious place for Jazz. It's dark and narrow and always jam packed. I've been there 10+ times, but never ever sat down for a performance as the seating is very limited and the place always fills up pretty early.
The atmosphere, although historic since Al Capone used to come here, is just okay to me. It's a bit too dark, narrow and a bit run down, but it's all about the music and it's good here.
The Uptown location can be a bit seedy after dark, but the neighborhood is slowly gentrifying. The crowd is surprisingly young for Jazz, but in Chicago, everyone seems to love jazz. If you're more about the music and less about the swanky jazz club environment, this is the place to go.
Slight brusque doorman only adds to the charm, that's how good this place is. I've never seen jazz this fantastic - not for this bargainous an entry charge anyhow ($12). The atmosphere is great, as everyone is there to enjoy the music. The sevice is swift and the drinks aren't too expensive - we enjoyed a decent bottle of cabernet for in the region of $20.
It's not somewhere to spend every Friday - conversation is obviously tricky - but for any visitor to Chicago I'd say it was a must. Head there early - after about half 8, the tables are full and it's standing room only.
I came here back in January with a group of 8, not knowing how this place works. I didn't know it was normal to share your table with strangers and I did not know you should get there early if you want to get a decent seat for a huge party. Sad to say, we wound up leaving after being there for 10 minutes
On Friday a good friend thought it would be a good idea to check it out. We hopped on the red line and it let us off, right by the club. It was about 7:30 when we arrived and there was pretty good seating available. We paid the $12 cover and ordered some not too expensive drinks (great makers & coke here). We were treated to the sounds of the Victor Goines Quartet: Victor Goins (sax), Dana Hall (drums), Melina Rosenburg (bass) and Brian Cohen (piano). They provided us with some of the best jazz tunes I have ever heard.
This place is truly legendary. This place has been around forever and Alphonse Capone was once a frequent visitor here. I love the bright marquee at the entrance and made sure I took a pic in front of it. Very classy 1930's feel on the inside and they tell you to shut off your cell phone and be quiet while the band is playing.
This is a great place and a must do for all Chicagoans that love jazz as well as visitors/tourists.
I'm not here to start trouble, but I didn't enjoy being here at all. I had no idea about the no talking rule, or I wouldn't have come. If you like Jazz, poetry and spoken word entertainment, than this place really is for you. It's just not for me.
The area around the bar isn't good, music and entertainment I don't enjoy, plus limited interaction with friends equals what I think hell would be like. (For me).
But if you enjoy it, more power to you! Have fun!
Ah Green Mill, how I love to hate thee......
You are like a lover I cannot stand, but keep coming back to........you cheat me out of my money with you cover charges....regardless how early one shows up. You always over crowd the place so seating is an issue.......Though your bands are great and keeps drawing me back to my old hood..........yet your bartenders are not the greatest in the world or very attentive to say the least.......but your décor is as authentic as you get for pre-war Chicago.....yet your draw in too many freakin tourist to make it worth my while to visit on weekends...........
Ah...how I wish I could stay away, but alas, I cannot.
So I'm from out of town, and I don't know the history or the amazing-ness of the institution in general, but I can speak to my experience on a Saturday night.
First, the man who works the door is INTENSE, to put it mindly. He yelled at us that NO TALKING WAS ALLOWED and almost shoved us inside when we were trying to wait for all our friends to have paid to get inside. Of course, you shouldn't talk when someone is on stage, but, having never been there, I wondered.. "Is everyone here going to be like this?"
The answer was, yes. The bartender was horrible. We stood at the bar for 15 minutes while he pretended he couldn't see us, trying to get the other bartender to wait on us while he did nothing. The other bartender also would not come over to us. Finally, he lowered himself to help us out, gracing us with his horrible attitude AND his horrible drinks.
I'll give it 3 stars because I'm sure the place is nice and the people lovely, but that night, it was fairly terrible.
Got there in the middle of a monsoon but it only added to the charm of the evening
The door man with the evil henchman mustache gave my lady a hard time due to forgetting her ID but it was cool to get into it with a grizzled chicagoan
was lucky enough to score a booth right to left of the band and we just sat there listening to great jazz and drinking scotch
Great night
Oh snap, I need to re-apply my red lipstick!
Yes, this was my first thought as I walked in the door. It's rare that a place lives up to my expectations--especially when it's a sizzlin' hot speakeasy straight from Al Capone's day. But the music was hot, the drinks were cold, and the ladies were lovely!
Before I get too corny, let me stress I was visiting from Dallas, where our smoky jazz scene leaves much to be desired. So I was just thrilled to be around sloe gin fizz, men in zoot suits, and lots of hair grease.
Being the cheap bastard I am, I was a little disgruntled to shell out 12 bucks, but honestly, it's worth it. Where else can you see an amazing live show in a beautiful club like the Green Mill with a (mostly) awesome audience? (By awesome audience, I mean that the people were old and polite--my favorite combination.)
The only things I would do differently? Wear a fabulous vintage dress, bring a gentleman to dance with, and get there early! We got there right when the show started, and all the tables were already full. Trying to dance, stand, drink a cocktail, and look suave is not easily done.
A beautiful place to wax poetic about the good ole' days...
What a classy little lounge!
I'd been meaning to check out the place since I've always heard good music blaring from the little side door. I hadn't realized how fashionably retro the interior was until I walked in. After ogling at the decor, I went straight for the bar, where I paid $6 for a strong rum and Coke. Just how I like 'em!
My friends and I had a great time listening to the band, who sounded like they were playing music out of a Woody Allen movie, and sipping on our drinks.
We'll definitely be coming back, and I highly recommend it to everyone.
Free Admission Sunday -…
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
$10 Dinner
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Neighborhood: South Loop
Category: Jazz & Blues
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Category: Jazz & Blues
Neighborhood: Near Southside
Category: Lounges
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Category: Jazz & Blues
Neighborhood: North Center
Category: Music Venues
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