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Chicago Entertainment

1 reviews | Write a review

Good for: live music, jazz, authenticity, Live Jazz

Not good for: Loud socializing, Cell phones, Flash Photography

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Lonely Planet review for Green Mill

You can sit in Al Capone’s favorite spot at the timeless Green Mill, a true cocktail lounge that comes complete with curved leather booths and colorful tales about mob henchmen who owned shares in the place (a trap door behind the bar leads to tunnels where they hid their bootlegged booze). Little has changed in over 70 years – the club still books top local and national jazz acts. On Sunday night it hosts a nationally known poetry slam, where would-be poets try out their best work on the openly skeptical crowd.

 

Traveller reviews for Green Mill (1)

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    Historic Jazz Club, Authentic Chicago

    jrizzo recommends this,

    The Green Mill is one of Chicago's true gems. Walk through the green tinged doors in the shadow of the club's iconic neon sign above and you'll be instantly transported back to the 1930's. The bar, the jukebox, the murals on the walls have seen and heard so much through the decades, you can almost hear them whispering their stories as the place fills up before the first set.

    Further in, as you reach the point where the bar curves to the left, you'll see two semi-circular booths facing opposite the stage. The one on the right, closest to the main aisle, is where Al Capone and his men sat; their attention more focused on any unwelcome guests who might come through the club's two entryways rather than what was happening on stage.

    If you are at all interested in jazz and looking for a place far from the city's main tourist traps, the Green Mill deserves a high rank of your to-do list.

    A few things to note:

    1) Most folks who decide to spend their night at the Green Mill take their music listening experience pretty seriously. If you're talking too loud, using your cell phone, snapping photos with the flash, or doing anything to interrupt the listening pleasure of others around you, someone will let you know about it. This is especially true on week nights and the closer you are to the stage. Weekends are a bit more relaxed in this regard due to the sheer number of people the place packs in, and it's entirely acceptable to carry on a quiet conversation if your seated at the tail end of the bar or at one of the booths situated away from the stage.

    2) The Green Mill currently accepts cash or American Express credit cards only. There's an ATM located inside the club, as well as a Bank of America ATM located across the street on the west side of Broadway.

    3) If you'd like a descent seat at a table or booth, it's advisable to arrive at least 30-45 minutes before the first set begins.

    4) While the Green Mill is not located directly downtown, it is very easy to reach. Take the Redline "L" to the Lawrence stop, about a 40-45 minute ride from the loop. You'll be able to see the club's lighted sign from the platform as you exit the train. A cab ride from downtown will set you back about US$20.

    Good for: live music, jazz, authenticity, Live Jazz

    Not good for: Loud socializing, Cell phones, Flash Photography

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