Chicago's Best Places to Hear the Blues

Chicago is a magnet for blues music. You can hit a different club every night of the week to see and hear some of the greats play alongside the up-and-comers in the field. I visited a few fabulous spots on my recent visit, here are some of my favorites:
   
In downtown, Blue Chicago has two locations, both on North Clark Street. Go to the more northerly club, at 736, for a roomier feel and some cool artwork as well as great performers like John Primer.
   
In the South Loop, Buddy Guy's Legends has shows every night and sometimes at lunch as well. The club is full of blues memorabilia, and you can catch the man himself holding court near the bar many an evening, especially in this, the 20th anniversary of the club.

Further north, the Lincoln Park neighborhood has its own Blues Alley with two clubs, one across the street from the other. Kingston Mines is larger, with two stages and forty years of history behind it, while B.L.U.E.S. is a small juke joint with an intimate feel and a homey atmosphere.
   
On the west side, From Thursday to Sunday nights, Tony Mangiullo is the host -- and often the entertainment -- at Rosa's Lounge. Hailing from Italy, Tony and his mother Rosa came to Chicago 25 years ago at the invitation of Junior Wells and their club has been going strong ever since.  

Have another blues club on your own list? Let us know! And for more things to do in Chicago, check out our 48 Hours guide.

Video Slideshow by Bob Krist