Andy's Jazz Club & Restaurant
A historic Chicago jazz club offering live music and a respectable American menu in an intimate, classy lounge setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Andy's Jazz Club & Restaurant
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Chicago jazz club offering live music and a respectable American menu in an intimate, classy lounge setting.
"Experience soulful, high-caliber jazz paired with a delicious dinner in Chicago's iconic jazz haven."
Book Reservations
Secure your spot, especially on weekends, by making reservations in advance.
Respect the Silence
Minimize noise; whispering or phone use is discouraged to maintain the immersive musical experience.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Immersive Live Jazz Experience
Talented musicians create an authentic, intimate atmosphere for true jazz enthusiasts.
Cozy Ambiance & Delicious Food
Enjoy a respectable American dinner menu in a comfortable, intimate space, perfect for a night out.
Classic Cocktails and Bites
Savor classic cocktails and satisfying appetizers like guacamole and fries, complementing the live music.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Reservations
Secure your spot, especially on weekends, by making reservations in advance.
Respect the Silence
Minimize noise; whispering or phone use is discouraged to maintain the immersive musical experience.
Tip Generously
Bring small bills to tip the talented band members and staff.
No Flash Photography
Capture memories without using flash to avoid disrupting the performance.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Reservations
Secure your spot, especially on weekends, by making reservations in advance.
Respect the Silence
Minimize noise; whispering or phone use is discouraged to maintain the immersive musical experience.
Tip Generously
Bring small bills to tip the talented band members and staff.
No Flash Photography
Capture memories without using flash to avoid disrupting the performance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Andy's Jazz Club & Restaurant is lauded as a gem for its authentic live jazz and intimate atmosphere. Diners praise the talented musicians, respectful crowd, and the seamless service that allows for an enjoyable dinner and show experience. While the food is considered decent with some standout dishes, the primary draw is the immersive musical performance, which demands quiet appreciation from its patrons.
"Andy’s Jazz Club and Restaurant – 204-Word Review
Andy’s Jazz Club and Restaurant is a gem in the heart of Chicago for those who truly appreciate live music. From the moment we arrived, the experience was seamless. The staff was impressively punctual and efficient—seating us immediately and ensuring everything flowed without delay. In just two hours, we were treated to an unforgettable evening of soulful, high-caliber jazz paired with a perfectly paced and delicious dinner.
The music is the heartbeat of Andy’s. The artists were phenomenal, delivering rich, authentic soul that kept the audience captivated. But take note: this is a venue for serious music lovers. Silence is golden here, and it’s expected. Whispering or phone use is met with visible disapproval from staff and patrons alike—rightfully so, as any disruption would take away from the immersive musical experience.
The crowd was respectful and clearly passionate about jazz, creating an atmosphere of quiet appreciation. It’s refreshing to be in a place where the music truly comes first. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, Andy’s is a must-visit for a short but powerful night of rhythm, flavor, and class. Just remember to take pictures without the flash on, or you will be asked to turn it off quickly."
Brenda Betancourt
"We loved our experience last night. Definitely make a reservation. We loved our high top booth in the back. The club is small and intimate, so there isn't a bad seat in the house. We just preferred the private elevated booth. The menu was great, and we had good service. There's a $20 cover charge, and be mindful of the tipping. (The total recommended amount includes alcohol)"
John Abrahamson
"As a tourist visiting Chicago and a piano player myself, I knew I had to check out some live jazz while I was in town and Andys Jazz Club absolutely delivered. Located right in the heart of the city, just a short walk from the Magnificent Mile, the club is super easy to get to, whether you’re staying downtown or coming in by public transportation.
The atmosphere is authentic, and full of character. From the moment I walked in, I could feel the deep appreciation for jazz that lives in the walls of this place. The musicians were incredibly talented, and as a fellow pianist, I was especially drawn to the pianist’s performance. The way they played was both technically brilliant and emotionally expressive, truly inspiring to watch.
The sound quality was great, and the balance between the instruments made every note easy to appreciate. The staff were friendly and made the experience even more enjoyable, and the food and drinks were also a pleasant.
One tip, make sure to book a reservation in advance, especially on weekends. The place fills up quickly, and you won’t want to miss out on a great seat. Whether you’re a musician or just a music lover, Andy’s is a must visit."
Can Akcali
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, making a reservation in advance is highly recommended to secure good seats, especially on weekends.
The atmosphere is casual enough to feel comfortable in a T-shirt, though the white tablecloths add a touch of class.
Yes, you can order from the respectable menu, but it's advised to arrive 30-45 minutes before the show to be seated and order.
Yes, there is typically a cover charge per person, around $10-$20, for entry.
Yes, under 21s are allowed in the main seating area, making it suitable for ages 12 and up.
While there isn't a bad seat, some prefer high-top booths in the back for a more private experience.
The restaurant offers some vegetarian options, but there's a desire for more vegan choices.
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Located a stone’s throw away from the Magnificent Mile, Andy’s has been a go-to destination for Chicago jazz since it opened in 1951. With live acts taking the stage at noon, five, and nine, you can listen to traditional bebop and swing day or night. For a full night out, book reservations in the dining room to feast on braised beef short ribs or jambalaya while you listen to the music.
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Andy’s is a massive River North Jazz club with a full food menu and plenty of tables if you’re hoping for dinner and a show. And though you’ll find a white tablecloth on every table, the high-ceilinged space is casual enough that you can feel comfortable in a T-shirt. The food is pretty decent, with entrees like braised short rib and shrimp risotto.
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This mainstream jazz haven runs regular, low-key residencies with some of Chicago’s most respected scene elders, Marques Carroll and Thaddeus Tukes among them. It’s a comfortable, intimate space where you can drop by for a cocktail, or make an evening of it by ordering something from the restaurant's respectable menu.
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Andy’s Jazz Club has a long, rich history of becoming one of Chicago’s most beloved restaurants with live music. Starting as a small lounge where hordes of employees from Chicago’s newspaper industry would gather and sip beers after work. It wasn’t until the mid-1970s that ownership changed, with jazz promoter Penny Tyler and guitarist John Defauw swiftly transforming the Andy’s into an iconic jazz hangout that people come from all over the city and suburbs to hear.
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Whereas most other jazz clubs are strictly a listen and drink experience, Andy's Jazz Club, originally opened in 1951 to entertain the pressman from the burgeoning newspaper industry, also offers an American dinner menu. The options range from steak and salmon to nice bites like chips and guac or truffle fries to nibble with a cocktail. Local performers cover a range of styles from traditional and swing to bop, fusion, Latin and even beatbox sax seven nights a week.
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Situated in the heart of downtown Chicago, Andy’s Jazz Club has been a staple of the city’s music scene since the 1970s. Offering live jazz seven nights a week, Andy’s serves up a mix of local talent and international acts across a variety of jazz styles. The venue’s cozy atmosphere, coupled with a full dining menu, makes it a perfect spot for those looking to enjoy great music alongside delicious food and drinks.
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With B.L.U.E.S., the Mines, Buddy Guy’s Legends, Rosa’s, and Blue Chicago still presenting blues nightly and the historic Green Mill, Andy’s, the Jazz Showcase, and several more clubs similarly devoted to jazz also keeping the torch burning brightly, Chicago’s live music scene continues to thrive. Still, its many defunct music joints from decades past continue to echo distantly through the nighttime air.
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One of Chicago’s most respected jazz venues, Andy’s Jazz Club sits on the city’s East Hubbard Street. Formed in the 1950s as an outlet for The Second City’s newspaper employees, the site did not become a jazz venue until 1977. Traditional jazz promoter Penny Tyler & guitarist John Defauw arrived at the club and proposed showcasing jazz bands at a lunchtime slot.
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Andy’s Jazz Club, situated near the Magnificent Mile, offers jazz enthusiasts a vibrant and lively atmosphere. Established in 1951, Andy’s has become a staple in Chicago’s jazz community, known for its diverse lineup of talented musicians. The club features live jazz performances twice nightly, with genres ranging from classic jazz to contemporary fusion.
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Historic and well-known, this establishment on the near north side of Chicago provides a unique dining experience. It’s one of the city’s most respected venues for casual-yet-sophisticated dining and live jazz performances by top Chicago artists. You will feel the toe-tapping rhythm all night long as you sit just feet away from the performers.
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Hubbard, Andy’s Jazz club and restaurant offers comfort, good music and food to die for. Originally, Andy’s Jazz club offered jazz sessions every Friday at noon, but after the positive response, Jazz is now played five days a week, bringing together jazz lovers from all corners of the city to this wonderful jazz venue.
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Live performances at 6pm, 8:15pm & 10:30pm nightly (NO 10:30pm Mon/Tue). Chicago is home to legendary jazz scenes so your visit will be incomplete without a trip to a jazz club. Andy’s, located in the River North area just a short walk away from the Magnificent Mile, is a jazz club as well as a restaurant.
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This establishment has been around for a long time and offers a more swing style of jazz. Andy’s tends to draw the more well-known artists and combos in the area. People like David Sanchez and Dave Specter have graced the stage, while Kim Cusack and Eric Schneider are regulars here.
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Andy’s is my pick for one of the best bars in Chicago for live Jazz music. The environment is comfortable and unpretentious. It respects the club’s roots as a getaway for the working-class dating back to the ’70s as the go-to spot for employees of the newspaper business.
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The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, a former prohibition-era speakeasy, is now host to great jazz every night of the week. You will love the warm, atmosphere. It is believed to be the oldest continuously run jazz club in the US.
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Top Chicago jazz artists can be found here seven days a week. With 2-3 seatings per night, you can eat early, or close down the joint. This is a great place to hear great jazz, and eat great food all at the same time.
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Andy’s Jazz Club and Restaurant is located in the River North district, and it was first known as a hangout for journalists and other newspaper professionals. The establishment adopted jazz in the mid-70s.
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For music lovers, head to Andy’s Jazz Club or Blue Chicago to listen to some of the best blues musicians that Chicago has to offer. For theatre lovers, check out a performance at The Chicago Theatre.
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This River North spot stands out for its long history of live music and for dinners of braised short rib and shrimp risotto.
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