Green Mill Chicago
Step back in time at Chicago's iconic Green Mill, a historic jazz club once frequented by Al Capone, now alive with nightly music.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Alan Gresik's Swing Orchestra
Green Mill Chicago
Best Time
Alan Gresik's Swing Orchestra
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Chicago's iconic Green Mill, a historic jazz club once frequented by Al Capone, now alive with nightly music.
"A real gem with a wonderful, old-school ambiance perfect for live music."
🎯 Bring Cash for Everything
The Green Mill is strictly cash-only. Come prepared for drinks and cover charges!
⏰ Arrive Early for Seats
To snag a good spot, aim to arrive by 8 PM. It fills up fast!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Live Jazz Performances
Main stage
Experience the soulful sounds of jazz legends and local artists in an intimate, historic setting.
Al Capone's Speakeasy Vibe
Throughout the lounge
Soak in the Prohibition-era atmosphere, once a notorious hangout for Al Capone and his associates.
Uptown Poetry Slam
Main stage
Witness the raw energy and powerful performances of Chicago's renowned poetry slam.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cash is King at The Green Mill
Arrive Early for Prime Seating
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bring Cash for Everything
The Green Mill is strictly cash-only. Come prepared for drinks and cover charges!
⏰ Arrive Early for Seats
To snag a good spot, aim to arrive by 8 PM. It fills up fast!
🎶 Check the Schedule
See who's playing and what the cover charge is for your visit.
🍸 Drinks are Strong
Expect potent pours, though taste can be just okay.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bring Cash for Everything
The Green Mill is strictly cash-only. Come prepared for drinks and cover charges!
⏰ Arrive Early for Seats
To snag a good spot, aim to arrive by 8 PM. It fills up fast!
🎶 Check the Schedule
See who's playing and what the cover charge is for your visit.
🍸 Drinks are Strong
Expect potent pours, though taste can be just okay.
🎤 Poetry Slam Experience
A unique, unforgettable event if you catch it live.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise The Green Mill for its incredible historical ambiance and the quality of its live jazz music, often calling it a must-visit Chicago gem. However, some find the venue can become uncomfortably crowded, impacting the overall experience, and the cash-only policy can be an inconvenience for some.
"Lived up to the hype for its historical vibe. The ambiance has a cool, old-school charm especially knowing Al Capone used to frequent it. Drinks are strong with a heavy pour, but just okay in taste. Cash-only bar, so come prepared. I’m not a jazz fan, so I won’t speak on the music, but it draws a loyal crowd. Worth visiting once for the history alone, but not somewhere I’d personally return."
Lester Lesavoy
"Went for the Uptown Poetry Slam and it is a unique experience not available anywhere in the world. Marc Smith is a Chicago institution and extraordinary host. Band was fantastic. Some poetry was good, some was…who cares really. Just a very memorable afternoon on an iconic venue (with a classic tunes jukebox even!)"
Michael
"This place is a real gem. I went on a Wednesday night for Alan Gresik’s Swing Orchestra and the music was absolutely fantastic! It's a small, intimate venue with limited seating, but it has a wonderful, old-school ambiance that's perfect for live music. You can grab a seat at a table or at the bar.
A few important things to know before you go: First and foremost, it's CASH ONLY, so make sure you come prepared. Also, their drink menu is straightforward - they have a limited selection but cover all the basics.
The cover charge was only $10, which is an incredible value for the quality of the performance. The vibe is focused on the music, so it’s best for those who want to actively listen and enjoy the show. I highly recommend checking their website beforehand for the schedule and specific cover charge for the night. I had a very pleasant time here."
Jacob Celestine
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Green Mill is easily accessible via public transportation. The CTA Red Line (Howard branch) is a good option, with the Lawrence or Argyle stations being the closest. From there, it's a short walk or bus ride. Many visitors also find the CTA buses convenient for reaching the Uptown neighborhood. +1
Street parking can be challenging in the Uptown area due to its popularity. While some metered street parking might be available, it's often limited. Consider using ride-sharing services or public transit to avoid parking hassles.
The CTA Red Line is a popular choice, with the Lawrence or Argyle stations being the most convenient. From these stations, you can walk or take a short bus ride to the venue.
Yes, several CTA bus routes serve the Uptown neighborhood, making The Green Mill accessible by bus. Check the CTA website for specific routes and schedules that best suit your starting point.
Chicago natives and frequent visitors strongly advise against renting a car for exploring the city, including visiting The Green Mill. Traffic and parking can be extremely difficult.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, The Green Mill is strictly cash-only for all transactions, including drinks and cover charges. Make sure to bring enough cash with you.
The cover charge typically ranges around $10, but it can vary depending on the night and the performers. It's best to check their website for the most up-to-date information.
For most regular jazz nights, advance tickets are not required, but arriving early is crucial for seating. For special events like the Uptown Poetry Slam, it's advisable to check their schedule and purchase tickets in advance if available.
The Green Mill typically opens around 8 PM and features live music nightly until midnight. Specific hours can vary, so checking their official website or social media is recommended.
Reservations are generally not taken for tables. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving early is the best way to secure a table or a good spot at the bar.
🎫 🎶 Onsite Experience
The Green Mill is renowned for its live jazz music, featuring everything from big bands to late-night jam sessions. They also host other events like the Uptown Poetry Slam.
The atmosphere is historic and intimate, reminiscent of the Prohibition era. It's known for its old-school charm and is a popular spot for those who appreciate live music and a unique vibe. +1
Absolutely! The romantic, historic ambiance and live jazz music make The Green Mill a fantastic choice for a date night in Chicago. 
Seating includes tables and bar stools. Due to its popularity, it can get crowded, and some standing room may be available. Arriving early is key for the best seating options.
There isn't a strict dress code, but many patrons dress in a smart-casual or vintage-inspired style to match the historic ambiance.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Green Mill primarily focuses on drinks and live music. While they may offer some light snacks, it's not a full-service restaurant. Nearby, you can find excellent dining options.
For casual dining, Sun Wah BBQ is a popular choice. You're also close to Argyle Street, known for its fantastic Vietnamese cuisine. Demera offers excellent Ethiopian food nearby.
The Green Mill is more of a bar and music venue than a dining establishment. It's best to enjoy drinks and music there and explore nearby restaurants for a full meal.
Yes, Demera, an Ethiopian restaurant nearby, offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes. The Vietnamese restaurants on Argyle Street also have many plant-based options.
The Green Mill offers a straightforward drink menu with classic cocktails and basic bar selections. Drinks are known for being strong.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of performers and other patrons. Avoid using flash, especially during performances, to respect the atmosphere and the artists.
The Al Capone booth, the ornate bar, and the stage area during a performance offer great photo opportunities. Capturing the vintage decor and the musicians in action can create memorable shots.
You can take photos of the musicians, but it's polite to do so without flash and without disrupting the performance or other guests. Some performers might appreciate it, while others may prefer not to be photographed extensively.
The main restriction is to be respectful. Avoid intrusive flash photography and be mindful of the intimate setting. Some special events might have specific photography policies.
A camera with good low-light performance is ideal, as the venue is dimly lit. A smartphone with a good night mode can also capture great shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
❤️ Couples
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into The Green Mill's Storied Past
+2Beyond its gangster connections, The Green Mill has a rich musical legacy. It provided a stage for legendary jazz musicians like Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, and Duke Ellington. This history continues to be honored nightly with live jazz performances, ranging from established artists to emerging talents. The club's commitment to preserving the authentic jazz club experience is a major draw for visitors seeking a genuine taste of Chicago's musical heritage.
+1Today, The Green Mill maintains its status as an iconic Chicago destination. While it has seen its share of crowds, especially on popular nights, the core experience of enjoying live music in a historically significant setting remains. It's a place where the swinging sounds of jazz and the whispers of the past create a truly unique and memorable atmosphere.
Navigating The Green Mill Experience
To make the most of the live music, arriving early is highly recommended. The venue is intimate, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Aiming to get there around 8 PM will significantly increase your chances of securing a good seat at the bar or a table with a clear view of the stage. By 9 PM, the place often fills up, and standing room can become crowded, potentially obstructing views.
The Green Mill offers a straightforward drink menu with classic cocktails and standard bar offerings, known for their generous pours. While food is not the main focus, the nearby Argyle Street and surrounding areas offer a diverse range of dining options, from Vietnamese to Ethiopian cuisine, perfect for a pre- or post-show meal.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit