Awesome awesome bar!
$15 cover unless you have a student id, then it's $10, but it's worth it. Two rooms with two bands but they take turns playing which is great because it gives you a little down time from dancing or to visit with friends. Both bands were so good, plenty of room to dance. Great drink specials even on the weekends. Great mix of people.
Kingston Mines is a good place to listen to some live blues music but it's a bit of a hike from the nearest CTA stop. I went on a weeknight so it was pretty easy getting in, had a couple of local beers and listened to two different bands on their two stages. The bands that night were local musicians and both bands were excellent. I spent more time in the room with less cigarette smoke. If it were smoke-free, I would enjoy the music even more and I would gladly lose some atmosphere for the sake of my lung health.
Review Source:I've never in my entire life stayed at a bar until 4 AM until I came here.
I was there for a work function so I didn't have to pay for my drinks, but I wouldn't need drinks to enjoy this place anyway. The band was awesome, the dancing was so much fun, the bartenders were very good at their jobs, and the atmosphere is great.
I think anyone could walk in here and no one looks out of place. I saw people dancing who had probably never danced before having a great time, and I saw some experienced dancers doing their thing.
I will definitely be back! I had an amazing time!
3.5 stars? Like Justin L. said, IF you really like blues, than this is a good bar to go to..
$15 cover charge and $10 if you are a student.
No doubt about the talent, but you need to be in the mood or to like the blues somewhat to really appreciate the art that takes place on stage. Or, you can drink more and that might develop your interest.
Otherwise, I'm sorry to say you can get bored after the initial 15 minutes. I tried to be cultured, but couldn't get into it!
This is a good bar if you like live blues.
The place was packed when we went on a Saturday night. Cover was $15?! Good thing I have a student ID. haha! Save myself $5 for a beer. Went there around 11? and left after an hour... Did we come on a wrong night or time? For me, it just wasn't my thing. I guess I'm a little on the 'mainstream' end of the spectrum cause the bands they had that night were blah for me. I also didn't like that one band played on one side and the other side didn't have music until the band across was done.
"Higher ground"
"I feel good"
"I'll take you there"
Just a few of the covers by Carl Weathersby, and
Jw and the chi town hustlers
After spending hours at guitar center across the street, beforehand, testing out the $2,000 + gibsons (wich there were 18 of) Â its easy to tell an expensive, tuned guitar from the rest. Â These guys quip was on point.
Sick murals, bomb jambalaya, $15 buckets of beer, and every cognac that Champagne has to offer was what we were swimmin in. With the other 60 people that were there(on a Monday mind you) pics on instagram and vids on my socialcam. Â
The Fare:  andouille sausage and pulled chicken made this New Orleans classic a savory snack. I prefer peeled, roasted tomato chunks over their raw slices, but it didn't ruin the experience. Being spoiled by living in microbrew capital of the worlds always makes me have to try local beers  in new places. the Daisy Cutter pale ale by Half Acre brewing company (just north of Chi Town near Lakeview) was a little bitter at first and didn't have a round finish that would have taken the edge off. But when your used to drinking Sculpin IPA straight from the source in SD it's hard to compare anything to the gold medal winning beverage of choice for most Charger fans. Â
The Help: Â nothin makes you feel like your in the south quite like unhappy black women.
The Ambiance: Â Somebody call the nursing home and alert Goodwill that we found the old guys that robbed the vintage store. Stereotypical blues charicatures at their finest galore. Epic. Old school. Yes!
Bet your momas cornbread I'll need a calculator to add up all the tallies on my bank statement from this place by 2014. Yes ma'am.
This place evokes the type music played; gritty, old-school and full of soul.
They have two stages sectioned off in each room, so that one act can immediately, leaving you a second without grooving to some smooth jamz. The drinks here are plentiful, craft and local brews, all set at the right price to keep you going into the night.
It's an underrated experience, to come to Chicago and witness raw & real talent. I was not disappointed.
Big funky blues dive with two stages. Â Right near DuPaul University, so there are quite a few college aged kids there with the usual middleaged blues audiance. Â Of course you have to get there early to snag a seat, but you can sit through a set in one room and then go hear a new band in the next room. Â Service was good. Â It's crowded even the tables in some sections are only about a foot wide, but a great blues scene.
Review Source:Wow.
I have never had so much fun in my life.
This place can show you a great cross-section of Chicago. You had people of all ages and all backgrounds who probably have nothing in common except they're really passionate about live music, dancing around, and just forgetting their troubles for the night.
This pathetic review does not do it justice, but seriously, if you ever have just one night in Chicago, this is where you need to go. Forget the tourist attractions, rooftop lounges, artisanal whiskey bars, or novel little coffee shops. Come here, you won't be sorry.
I feel a little bad about leaving a 4 star review - but considering I've only been there once.
But, let's start with the a little history about my Sunday Adventure. I came to Chicago with a native who said that if I liked blues, this was the place to go. So we planned on venturing out Sunday evening to visit KM.
Lunch was pizza and a long island or three - it was a pizza place.
Fast forward to about 9:30 - we went to get dinner at a mexican place down the street. Not exactly sure where it was - but we went there.
Lastly, to the ATM to take money out to pay the cover - which was actually 12 if I'm not mistaken.
Then - inside the bar. For a Sunday night, it was happening. A lot of people enjoying the music. It was a bit crowded - but we were able to find a seat Up to the bar for our first drink
Long island for me - beer for my buddy - new castle I think.
Linsey Alexander is playing, walking around and schmoozing the ladies.
After a few songs - over to stage two where another band is playing. I'm not sure what they are singing - but they are definitely energetic. Maybe 100 - 150 people in the bar.
Drinks #2 and #3.
Things are grooving right a long. Back to stage 1.
I'm not exactly sure where things went after that. I wanted to get a picture with the female lead of the group on stage 2. She was kind of ... rude ... wanted to socialize with friends. But, it's fine. I didn't care that much - just went back to stage 1.
Linsey alexander was grooving right along.
Drink #4
Linsey Alexander is having an ass shaking contest with about 4 girls. One is shy - she gets kicked off pretty quickly - but she gave it a good effort. I'm right along cheering with the other guests
Things are beginning to get hazy
I buy a CD
Not sure what happened on Stage 2.
Left shortly there after while drinking Long Island #5 - but didn't finish it. My buddy had my money/id/cell phone. Â Walked back 7 miles to the hotel. Â Ouch
Drinks were cheap - a top shelf long island was only 6 bucks. Beer 2.50 or 3 bucks
Overall ... I had a great time. Definitely is on my list of places to go back to the second time around - maybe with a leash or a note pinned on my shirt "If this dumbass begins to drink too much, call his mother in California"
Oh, and I don't think I'm going to drink for a long long time.
If you want to see a bunch of white suburban kids who moved to the city and think they're now cultured, then this is the place for you. But that's what you get for trying to see jazz/blues in Lincoln Park. If you want a true jazz/blues experience, go elsewhere. I can't really comment on the music because the vapid crowd was so distracting.
Review Source:Excellent! Two stages means you have to change rooms but it also means you don't have to endure the set up and tuning of the second band and the breakdown of the first. Please go on a Tuesday and hear Kenny Vance and the Backroom Candy Lickers. I think they're the best I've ever heard!!!!!! Plan to stay until 4am!
Review Source:I had an amazing time here. Even though most of my other friends that stopped by didn't dig it and went somewhere else, one of my girls stayed with me and I'm so glad we stayed.
It was about 11p and there weren't that many people there on a Sunday night, but it was a pretty mixed crowd. They charged us $12 to get in. We sat down and enjoyed the music over some drinks. Shortly after, we moved to the next room for the next band. Anyway, fast forward through the night after eating and just enjoying the music, more people came and it became more livelier. The guitarist was killing it on his electric guitar and he comes around and gathered 6 girls in the crowd to go up on the stage including me. I did not want to go up there and thought I'd be a good sport about it.
Next thing you know he says we're having a booty shaking contest! Oh hell no! How embarrassing! I've never done anything like this in my life! But then when it was my turn, I thought 'F* it, I'm gonna kill this', and shook it, popped it, dropped it, and all that good stuff... Â the whole time thinking, 'WTF am I doing?! LOL' I was voted top two out of the six ladies by audience applause and had to battle it out with the other chick. Guess what? Your girl from Seattle won! I got a Kingston Mines t-shirt for it. That whole experience was hilarious! I laughed so hard and had so much fun.
After the booty shakin' contest, everyone hit the dance floor and danced the night away. I kept getting props for winning and met most of the band members who were all really cool and we took a bunch of pics. Anyway, the whole night felt like we were in a movie. It kicked ass!
We went on a Friday night, and there was a long line to enter. The cover was $15, which didn't 'cover' anything! It was an entry charge.
Once inside, this place had a great atmosphere. The blues band playing that night was great (not that I know a lot about blues), and it was pretty crowded. I liked how they had TV screens to see the stage if you were sitting far away. Also, the lone waitress serving the whole floor was super efficient and very pleasant. I can't imagine how she remembered all the orders and got everyone the right drinks.
The food was great too - we got some kind of veggie platter which was ginormous! It had french fries, onion rings and jalapeno poppers. Fried food heaven.
The bathrooms were pretty dirty, but then what do you expect in a bar which seats 500+ people....
My favorite Blues venue in Chicago. Â The place is huge and the performances always bring down the house. Â The bar itself isn't all that fancy but what it lacks in glamour it makes up for in character. Â They have a wide range of fried food offerings, perfect to tame that hunger that sneaks up after a long night of beer and blues! Â Add in a bunch of friendly staff and you've got yourself the perfect night out in the city-great for dates, large groups, and really anyone with a love for great live music!
Review Source:Great blues bar experience! Granted I don't have any to compare it to, but it was an experience.
The bar itself isn't all that glamorous looking, but it makes everything feel more authentic. They have two rooms, and after two different performers, we moved to the other room. The singers and bands are talented and are entertaining as well.
Cheap drinks too although there is a $10 cover charge on Sunday (although this allows you to enter B.L.U.E.S. across the street). It's free if you show your college I.D.
If you want a place to have a great time while listening to awesome music, sipping on reasonably priced drinks and eating delicious food, then this is the place for you.
I went to Kingston Mines last night with a group of people, not really sure what to expect. My friends had given rave reviews, but I wasn't sure I'd necessarily "fit in". I mean I'm not some huge blues aficionado so I was a little apprehensive even though I generally love live music no matter what. I ended up having a wonderful time.
It's free for college students Sunday-Thursday, so that was a huge plus. There are two stages and when we walked in the band was playing in the other room. Since the other set was going to start in about 20 minutes we got great seats in the first room and ordered our drinks. I wouldn't say this place is cheap, but it's not ridiculous either. My boyfriend ordered wings and fries and seemed to be enjoying them, so I had a taste. Yum! I attempted to eat all his fries whenever he wasn't looking and managed to snag a bite or two of the wings as well.
The music was amazing. I love live music and this place does not disappoint. Those guys are real musicians talented and very interactive. They were clearly having a great time playing for the crowd, which in turn was having a great time listening to them. The two stages were really nice. If you were in the room the band was not playing you could still here the music but be able to talk to someone at a normal voice level.
All in all it was a great place to go and have a good time. I will definitely be back.
Kingston Mines is an awesome alternative to the usual movie, dinner out, etc.
Admission is free with student ID, the musicians are phenomenal, and the crowd eclectic and lots of fun. The service is friendly and the drinks strong and relatively cheap. I actually like the switching between sides. I don't know if this is always the case, but the night I was there our side was actually empty for some time while one band took a break, and it gave my friend and I plenty of time to catch up (we enjoyed the music but it was nice to get a chance to chat as well).
They also serve really great food! I've tried the rib tips, which were juicy and coated with a yummy sauce, and came with fries, coleslaw, and cornbread- big portions. I love how late Kingston stays open on weeknights, and it's a great place to entertain visitors!
My friend and I came on a Monday night with a group from our hostel. My Spanish friend said that she felt the place seemed very "American" with the neon beer lights, American flag, photo of Obama. It certainly has a dive bar type feel.
The first act we saw was more traditional blues with standard covers from Stevie Wonder, BB King, etc. The second band was a bit edgier, soulful maybe (?) The talent was amazing though and they did a great job interacting and joking with the crowd. The two bands play back and forth the whole night so what's annoying is that you have to switch rooms to follow them. Still, it was a very social environment, so you could bond with other folks.
I didn't order any drinks, but the waitress was friendly and came out with orders pretty quickly. The crowd is a bit older, but fun. We had a blast! Although we came on a weekday it was still super lively. If you're in town, be sure to check out Kingston for some live blues!
Do you love blues? Hell! Do you love music? Are you in Chicago? Well then stop reading this and head over there immediately. I promise you wont be disappointed.
What's really awesome and sort of frustrating about this place is its layout. There are two separate stages in two separate rooms and on any given night they host two or more bands. Instead of those bands playing simultaneously, they switch off back and forth and the entire establishment moves from one room to the next..bothersome, cool, whatevs...
any night is good and blues legends are known to pop their head in for a jam sesh.
If you have a student ID and there's no clear distinction that it's expired (like me) you can fore-go the often $10-$15 cover and get in for FREE99. I believe military gets in free too.
The spot does pull more age-ed peoples like my parents age, but they hang till midnight or later which is cool. It's blues and I guess most 20somethings dont like it but the bands they pull are oh so talented so if you like MUSIC, again,you will not be disappointed. Guaranteed.
And if you're in Chicago and you've never been its a must-see.
Live music - ahmaazzing. Been here many times. Great date spot, first-date spot (to figure out if he's lame or not), or to chill out with a group of friends. The venue is outdated but who cares?
I've never been here on weekend nights but I think there's free cover on Sundays & random weeknights are good so it's not too busy. I'm looking forward to going there soon!
p.s. another great one is Buddy Guy's Legends
First of all, the music is out of this world. If you like blues or rock and roll, you will enjoy the best live music here. Just pay a $15 cover, or $10 if a student. Totally worth it. I was blown away by the music. They cover a lot of oldies, and also some stuff too obscure to be heard on the radio - REAL BLUES!
Drinks - cheap - I got a bucket of 5 coronas for $20 on a Friday night - not bad! Service is attentive and polite.
Crowd - about half  - older people (40s) and the other half - 20s. there's dancing by the stages. May be hard to find a place to sit - so you may need to share a table and make friends.
Parking - on the street - be prepared to drive around the block a few times. I parked about 10 minutes away...
Cleanliness - this particular category more than any, in my mind, is a deciding factor in how I rate a place. This place, overall isn't bad. The only issue is that the long tables, littered with cups and bottles, is covered in water/beer/who knows. So, you may have wet elbows if you lean on a table without taking care. But I realize most people don't care as much as me, and the other categories - booze and music - are the deciding facors. If that's the case with you - I guarantee you won't be disappointed!
Went there for the first time last night and LOVED it. The music is amazing, and there's room to dance in both rooms. It gets extremely packed and the waitresses really know how to elbow you out of the way when they want to get through; the regulars have adopted this rude technique as well. But besides that, a great, great, great place. On Friday and Saturdays, bucket of 5 coronas for $20 -- not too shabby.
If you're cool enough, you might even get a VIP card to get in for free... :p
Came out to the North side for a little blues and got blown away!!
Kingston Mines has a nice layout, I'm a fan of the smaller dive blues clubs, but I must admit, I love this place. Â $12 cover gets you two stages of live music with virtually no break in the music all night long. Â While one band plays the other is on break. Â There is a large room with a big stage and a large full bar. Then you walk through the doorway at the end of the bar into a smaller room with a small stage. This was a Thursday night and both rooms were nearly full until 300am, the club is open til 4am every night, except Saturday, open to 5am then! Â My kind of club. Â
They also have a kitchen that's open until 230am, the food is above the typical Chicago blues grub; Po' boys, Ribs, Burgers, Steaks, and lots more. Â We had rib tips and chicken wings. The food was really good. Â Next time I'll have to try more of the menu.
The music was unbelievably good on both stages. Plenty of blues and blues-rock for everybody. The people in the club were really enjoying the music and dancing. This is what the blues is all about, having a good time! Â I really liked the interaction between the people in the club, it great.
Kingston Mines is a most stop when you're in Chicago and looking for a good time and the blues!
It's like I stepped into New Orleans in 1984. What a great club. They have constant blues on two stages and the most talented blues/jazz/rock musicians in Chicago. The house performer, Joanna is such an incredibly talented musician and singer.
Reasonably priced for a blues/jazz bar and plenty of space. Friendly service and reasonable prices! The $15 cover is a bit-steep, but you're paying for almost 6.5 hours of music.
Had some of the fried food - what you'd expect but pretty good for bar food!
So my friend Frank insists on paying this little joint a visit. I've never been a huge fan of jazz, but as it is a Chicago tradition, I might as well get cultured, no?
Talk about a pleasant suprise! They have an excellent selection of craft beers, including Matilda Belgium. If you like those style of ales, make sure to grab a couple. The cover was $15 for non-students and $10 students on  the weekends, but students get in for free several nights of the week.
The dance floor was quite packed in both rooms. Both acts make a point of trying to interact with the crowd and at one point handed the mic to me and the girl I was tagging along with to finish one of the chorus lines. Crowded, bumping into each other, and singing poorly to some passionate jazz music? Was it fun? Absolutely, and as Arnold says, we'll be back!
Fun place. Almost got into a fight here, but the guy apologized. The bouncer's said they were betting the guy's friend $100 that I would knock him out. I hate when drunken morons think they're tough. Anyway. I ate:
Spicy Buffalo Wings: Good, crispy and were not cold, which was better than most at 2:30AM.
Fries: In the bottom of the wing basket, kind of weird.
I drank:
2 shots of Makers - 13.50, not bad considering they put them in tumbler's and it was more like 2 fingers of whiskey rather than a shot.
Gin & Tonic: tasty, not sure the price, someone bought this for me don't remember who.
Nice mix of younger and older crowd, $15 cover is a bit steep, but the music inside is really good always. I was watching some woman perform, Joanna? She is great. Fun place for a Saturd night and the kitchen is open till 3:30AM which rocks.
Did not see a pool table.
Kingston Mines is the definition of a good time. Â It's an all inclusive atmosphere where you just go with the flow and dance like nobody is watching. Â The music is always great and if you're a student of any kind with an ID you can get in free most nights. Â And if you're days of academia happen to be over, 12 dollars isn't too shoddy for a long night of great music.
You can't say you've visited or lived in Chicago until you've been to Kingston Mines. Â Period.
Kingston Mines has a special place in my heart.
Every summer my dad comes to visit, and we trek to the Mines for a night of boozin' and bluesin'. Every year we vow to make it til 5am...and every year we make it til about 2am, then get burritos and go home. It's become a tradition, Hoochie Man is our fav performer.
My tips for a good time;
1. Eat before you go, the food is nothing special. Lots of great places in the area to get your fill before you head over.
2. Go early and get situated in some decent seats. There are 2 stages, so pick one...stick with it. If you move back and forth, no saving seats!
3. Tip your waitresses well.
4. Drink well. It makes the blues better. (they are good to start with, however).
5. Dance. Seriously, even if you just sway your head and tap your foot...move. Let the music persuade you. By the end of the night the crowd is happily buzzed and into the show. No one cares if you look dumb, the only thing you'll remember in the morning is how fun it was to let loose.
6. Maybe buy the CD of a local blues guy in the gift shop.
7. Get a burrito. Smile. Hum the tunes in your head for a few weeks.
8. Repeat next year. :)
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