Kingston Mines

You cannot visit Chicago without stopping by a live music bar/​venue! One of the many things I love about Chicago is the diversity and friendliness of everyone. Kingston Mines is a perfect example of this. You will see a variety of people that all come together for the love of blue’s music. The musicians are talented and know how to interact with the crowd. In case you are seating towards the back of the stage, there is a TV along the side wall so you have a clear picture of the band.
There was a $ 12 fee at the door, which I don’t usually mind because I like to support local musicians. They are allow in and out privileges, in case you wanted to check out another bar and return later or if you need to step outside for a smoke break. Near the entrance is also a merch room where you can purchase Kingston Mines shirts, hats, and other memorabilia. Drinks were also relatively cheap!

Terrific live music, free admission with student id, drinks are delicious and not as expensive as they could be (though not cheap). Loved the atmosphere and so glad I came here during my one night in Chicago. Overall great experience!

I’ve gone to KM several times over the years, and never enjoyed myself. The negative experience began before I even walked in the first time, with uncalled-​for insults from the bouncer. But I was with a group, so I brushed it off, paid my cover, and went in. The multistage setup and whole layout of the place is strange, which I wouldn’t mind, except if you go near the stages, you’ll be packed in with dozens of others. If you get away from the stages for a drink or some space, you’ll lose your spot, plus it’s hard to hear/​see from the back. I don’t remember drinks being especially cheap, and the food is nothing special. At one of my trips here, the musician on stage spent a good amount of time spouting his personal political views. I paid to hear music, not a political rant!

Coming here on a Sunday night was one of the best things I did while in Chicago. I don’t know if I have much to add from what the other reviewers said, but I wanted one more Unilocaler on here letting everyone know that this place rules! I think I especially loved the setup of two stages so that I was never more than 15 minutes without live music going. That was a genius idea and I love it. Beer was a decent price. The servers were totally awesome, always getting us whatever we needed! The food from the back window was good too. I try to one of the ribs, it ranks up there with some of the pretty good ribs. I wouldn’t go here just for the food, but if hungry while at a show, this will hit the spot. Go here. Go here. Go here. Did I make myself clear?

Awesome place! Very spacious and great for large groups. Awesome food! Love the ambiance and the music is so so so good! Blues in Chicago, what more could you ask for?

This was recommended to me by a handsome waiter named Kelly at The Publican. I asked about a place I could go where he would go and the drinks were cheap (I was done spending $ 12.00 per drink).
I jumped into a cab and after a very interesting conversation about drunk passengers, I ended up at Kingston Mines.
Cover charge. $ 15.00. Student discounts (this should have been a warning). I walked into a very dingy, lookin like a yocal local, packed in like sardine, dark and musty bar. Crap, I think. Where am I?!
Then I hear… the music.
Then I see… the attentive bartenders…
Then I order a shot and a beer and it’s cheap…
Ok.I can do this. I find a seat at a communal table and drink my beer which is constantly refilled by a roving waitress… not bad… it’s late… it’s like 11pm…
The music is awesome. It just is. Come here for the music…
then walk around. and if you’re a 30-​something, prepare for it to get real weird at like 12am.
COLLEGE KIDS LIKE COCKROACHES!!!
I actually saw the bartender yell at one boy to put his shirt back on… he didn’t seem to comprehend…
One boy was dressed as a pimp… cane and all… this was not Halloween…
One girl had a halfshirt on and booty shorts… it was April 15…
Ahhhhh College, I miss you. I’m sure if I was 21 again, this would be a place I would spend many confusing nights…
Go for the music… stay for the entertainment… stay for the college entertainment if you dare (I left shortly after the shirtless wonder).

The place for blues and soul food in Chicago, but as usual one must try to enjoy their self-​serve meal in a space designed for someone the size of a moonbeam.
Beware of bathroom lurking strangers, but otherwise sit back and enjoy your music and food experience.

We were out of town visitors making the most of our last night there, which happened to be a Monday. While it certainly was nowhere near crowded, it had a lively atmosphere with enough people for a good time.
Because they have a great free entry with student ID deal, we only had to pay one cover of $ 12. There is also a military discount, I believe, and they seemed to be advertising a Sunday special of one cover for both Kingston Mines and BLUES, down the street.
This is a two stage music venue, so there was always someone performing (on one side or the other). Whenever one band breaks, the other seems to be on. I thought the music was great, the waitresses were attentive, the drinks were reasonably priced and seating was beyond easy to find on a Monday night. If you want to dance, you won’t be alone; multiple couples were dancing right up near the stage. Plus, there’s a BBQ place connected to it for late night hunger!

This bar is nirvana for blues fans. How can you go wrong! Two sides, with alternating bands, with real true Chicago blues legends. Even on a Saturday night — the wait to get in was only 10 minutes and there was room to stand. (Obviously get there early if you want to sit)
The patrons are there to have fun and it is great to see so many fans of the blues. It was also great to see a hard working staff that looked like they were having as much fun as the crowd.
These are the kinds of places that we need to support because the city would not be the same without them.
This place is an institution and is doing it right.

Great place for dancing and overall good time. Good for going on a date or in a group.
We got there around 10:30−11pm on a Friday night and were able to find seats in the room where the band wasn’t playing. Service was great, we were never empty handed despite how busy it was. Dance floor is bit tight, but nonetheless fun. Attire was casual and it’s a super diverse crowd. We didn’t try the food, but it looked like good late night bbq.
Would definitely come back!

My uncle used to live in this part of town about 13 years ago. He said to stop by Kingston’s because it was a happenin’ place. Man was he right about that! Everything you could ask for: two stages of quality music, full bar, an open late kitchen (we had buffalo wings and fries at 1:00 am) and shut-​down at 4:00 am! Worth the visit while in Chicago. Bring your student ID if you have one.

Open late, fantastic music and always a lively crowd.
As a tip, get there around 9 and go to the main room. You’ll get a great seat.

The Corey Dennison band keeps me coming back for high energy blues. There’s good grub, reasonably priced drinks and 2 stages for non-​stop entertainment. What’s not to like?

Wow– this place is a blast from the past. The music is so good. I came here and waited in line about 10 – 15 min, which is pretty usual and paid about $ 15 to get in. There was a very old fashioned feel, as in, it was really 60s and 70s décor. They haven’t changed much, and they don’t need to, this place clearly has the winning formula.
Once inside there is almost no seating but plenty of room to stand and dance. The wait for drinks is long and they seem very understaffed inside.
Though the money you pay is for the music and atmosphere. Everything about this place oozed vintage and rustic vibes. Really a great place! A great place especially for tourist to come get a taste of Chicago blues and jazz.

Had a sweet time.
–friendly staff.
–two band rooms that alternate with a set change.
–blues rock
Would visit again.

I love this place. I feel so at home here. Maybe because I used to come very often. My favorite night is Sunday’s when LIndsey is playing. He’s very good and entertaining musician that gets the crowd going and laughing.

Great place — the perfect way to get acclimated with the Chicago blues scene.

Pretty chill atmosphere. The venue was not too packed, but then again it was a Tuesday night with 18 degree weather. Bring a student ID to get in for free on weekdays (except Friday).
There was a live band to enjoy while eating my wings.

Man did I hear some great blues at this club. I hit this spot with a friend of mine as well as my mom and aunties so it’s good for all ages. It is a casual joint, not too much flair. First I’ll fill you in on why 4 stars. Great music, the drinks were good and strong and the food was as good as bar food should be. They are courteous enough to let you know before you pay if you will have to stand or if there are seats. We got in a little early so we found the last seat in the building. Closer to show time it was standing room only so reserve a table. I didn’t know I could reserve a table prior to coming, I should have called.
If you want good LIVE music and some stiff drinks, this is your next outing.
Now, why not 5 stars. I hated our cocktail waitress. She didn’t really pay attention to us «Black Folks» even though she was black herself. She probably thought as females and black females at that that we wouldn’t tip well. Jokes on her, I was a waitress as a teenager for a few years so I know the struggle and always OVER tip, 25 – 30 percent, more if they are awesome so she got the bare minimum 15%, cause she did bring the drinks. They don’t bring food though. You have to go to the back area and order food and bring it to your table on you own. Considering the heels I had on that sucked.
But yeah, I’ll be back.

When one club is recommended to you by everybody you ask, you go. Kingston Mines was that club. My only regret is that we were leaving Chicago the next day and couldn’t stay until 4 a.m. closing time.
The two-​stage continuous music format is ingenious! The music never stops, alternating between two bands all night long; you just pick up your drink and move to the other side where the next band and another bartender await. They can hold crowd, the sight lines are good, and the long tables encourage you to talk to folks you don’t know.
And the music! Joana Connor put down some blazing blues-​rock guitar licks, and the Chicago Blues Allstars on the other side had everybody dancing their asses off. This is what live music is all about! Don’t miss it!

Hosting out of towners I had to show them the real Chicago. Even though the neighbors are now yuppie boxes and asian fusion joints, this place keeps it safe, simple, and most of all FUN!
The artists on stage are serious in their craft. An acquaintance told me to look out for Joana Connor; that she was a «beast.» Truth to measure, this lady puts on a show. Dazzling in her athletic ability to make that guitar twang like a sombitch.
The audience, for their part are mostly well mannered. Well I guess that depends on how much alcohol they’ve imbibed. Judging by the slow, uncoordinated movements of the clientele ingesting the establishment’s kitchen fare, they tend to get hammered here. All the more fun for those people watchers reading this. Something hilarious about watching people shake their «moneymakers» and then four hours later see them try to shove chilifries into their gobhole with the accuracy of a bulldozer.
The bathrooms could use some lovin. I guess the ladies have more to complain about, since the lads piss all over the place to begin with.
Go here. Duh.

I gave them 2 stars because the music was awesome. New Years Eve 2016 was a nasty experience. The ladies room was slippery with vomit and that was to say the least. It may have been the food. The girls taking the orders obviously hates her job. Management should give her raise or a vacation because she was awful! Thank goodness there are other amazing Blues options in Chicago!

Kingston Mines makes for a fun night out in Lincoln Park!
The setup is great: there are two rooms with a stage, bar, and seating in each one. Bands perform in alternating rooms, one right after the other. Even though there is plenty of seating, the space fills up very quickly some nights, so you may have to stand or sit in the other room. Fortunately, you can hear the music from both rooms. What I love the most about this place is the diversity of the crowd. There seems to be people from all walks of life and from all over the city, all enjoying live music!
They have music every day of the week! The cover is pretty high, but keep in mind that there are significant discounts for students, military personnel, and seniors. Inside, the drinks are pretty cheap and the food is not bad. The area is bustling, so it is easy to find a cab or walk over to the train.

Nice Thurday nights with Joana Connor.
They have cheap special buckets every day and they open until late on weekdays.
Awesome option to go out with a date or friends.
Must try the buffalo wings.

This used to be 5 stars. Now you can only dance in the back. At a Blues club? Are you f#$ING kidding? A blues club with dancing rules… that’s like an ice cream parlor that doesn’t allow toppings. All pomp, and no circumstance.
According to the management, this is the first night this rule has been in place because people who paid to see live music complained about the crowds. Again, fat old f÷xcks who want music but are afraid of the south side is not the crowd that keeps this place in business.
After a decade of loving this place, be warned. It’s not what it was last week.
To management: know where you make your money — atmosphere. No way that you did a typical Friday’s bar money with tonight’s crowd. To the bands that play here: keep your soul and say, forget you.

Super awesome place to fit in with the locals and listen to some great artist play some of the best blues ever. We popped in here onion Halloween night and had the chance to toss back a few drinks and lit stem to some tunes played by Joanna Connor. Man was I pleased!!! Drinks are always stiff and sting and the beers ice cold making your experience that much better. If you visit Chi town and don’t make a stop here you wasted your time and missed out on a real true Chicago experience!!!

Fun night out in Chicago! Had a friend visiting from Sydney and felt like doing something a bit different, so came to Kingston Mines on a Sunday night. It was actually pretty cool b/​c it was an open mic night of sorts. There were a bunch of different musicians who brought their own guitars/​keyboard/​etc. and took turns getting called up to jam with the group. It was pretty impressive how they hadn’t played together and were able to just kind of figure out the songs. There were even these younger HS boys playing that was really cute they got the chance to get up there. There was no cover charge on Sunday night, which was great as well. For food, we got the wings and the rib tips. Both were alright, came out a little cold and just pretty standard. But don’t think you really come here for the food, more than entertained by the music!

No need to get here early, no need to come hungry, this is a straight up bar with lots of seating and a PBR vibe. You can certainly see some great blues music here and even dance on the dancefloor if you want, but I would come here with a big group to slam some beers with great background music and then move on.

I totally followed Unilocal here to celebrate the hubbyz Birthday and OMG is all I have to say. the flick of Joanna Connors wrist on the guitar is far far more than anyone’s eyes can imagine… this is down round yonder kinda blues!!! Hell Yes! Every night all night I could happily witness this real ass sh:@! The foods fab considering I’m in a bar and we are both feeling it. Be back soon… put this on your to do list. No joke if your into this scene.
This is a must do in Chicago!

This place is super cool to go see some live blues music. I’d suggest getting there on a Saturday as opposed to any other day. The food here is surprisingly good! It’s bar food, but not the kind that will make you regret it the next day,
KM is definitely affordable. You won’t break the bank by going here. Cover is reasonable, so is food and drinks.
As you might expect with places like this, service is a bit slow as it starts to get crowded. That would be the only room for improvement that I could point out.
I will definitely continue to go here periodically. As we have visitors in town, this will continue to be a go-​to place as long as they can hang in the late-​night crowd.

You gotta love this joint. The cover is friggin obscene, but I guess that’s the price of being over 22, since a student I.D. gets you in for free. If you don’t like crowds, you should avoid this place– it’s ass-​to-​elbows in here on the weekends. Since they’re open to 4am, it seems like the whole north side ends up there on a Saturday night.
But it’s so worth it. Once you actually get inside, the beer is cheap and the music is everything you hoped it was. There really isn’t as fun and lively a blues bar anywhere else in the city as far as I know. They’re sometimes rude, the place is kind of messy, and you can’t hear worth a damn, and I love every minute of it.
If your on the north side and you’re closing your tab out somewhere else, head here. If you can stomach the mud and the blood and the beer, you’re in for a treat.

We had SO much fun here! This is definitely a must-​see if you are in Chicago.
AMAZING live music, that you can chill to or dance to, depending on your mood.
The service is so-​so but it doesn’t even matter. The caliber of musicians that they have here is phenomenal. I will definitely be stopping by again the next time I’m in Chicago!

Preface: Bars in Chicago have last call at 4 AM, which to me is insane. Kitchen closes at 3 AM. Yeah, I left at 2:30 AM ’cause I can’t hang.
Cover was $ 12 on a Monday night — free with student ID. Surprisingly, there was quite a crowd. At first, I didn’t think my paying for cover was justified, but the live jazz is pretty impressive. I’m talking saxophone and percussion, along with singing and witty banter with audience. Would have been interesting to see this place on a Friday or Saturday night.
There are two rooms; one reminds me of a camp auditorium with a bar, while the other is longer with a dance floor near the stage and lots of seating near the back. Ambiance is divey, and everyone kind of keeps to themselves which is nice. Pretty cool that they have local 312 beers (Chicago area code) but I opted for Magic Hat. Waitress was super nice and chatty, but I forget her name.

The line to get in wasn’t bad. I only waited 5 minutes and the dress code was casual. Cover is $ 15 per person. This bar was really cool inside. The bar is split in two. Each area is for one band, so what the place does is rotate bands. One band would play, yesterday’s wasEddie shaw and wolf gang, and afterwards everyone would shuffle to the next area for the next band to play, Joanna Connor. They would flip flop sides back and forth, just those two bands.
Both bands were spectacular, especially Joanna Connor. Her fingers were magic sliding up and down that guitar. She also had an amazing voice. There was a lot of dancing near the stage.
Also, my friends and I kept ordering the beer bucket, which was 21 dollars for 5 bottled beers of your choice. Lastly, coat check was 3 dollars per jacket. The guy kept it organized and was able to find our jackets quickly.