Best Chicago Blues & Comedy Clubs

Chicago built its name on electric blues and improv comedy, and this guide points to the rooms for a classic night out. The clubs cover the South Loop, River North, Lincoln Park, Logan Square, Old Town and Lakeview.

Buddy Guy's Legends is the city's flagship blues room, with live bands every night and Louisiana-style food. Kingston Mines alternates bands across two stages so the music never stops. Rosa's Lounge, family-run in Logan Square since 1984, brings top Chicago players to a small stage. On the comedy side, The Second City runs its revues on the mainstage, and iO, where long-form improv grew up, puts on several shows a night. Zanies sits a few doors from Second City, so the two pair well in one Old Town night. Come to Buddy Guy's on a Wednesday for the blues jam, and stay after select Second City shows for the free improv set.