Chicago Jazz Bar — It Would Break My Heart if Anyone Misses This

Every friend visiting Chicago, every friend living in Chicago — please come here. Come for the live jazz. Come once, come again and again. I’ve decided: from now on, whenever friends or family visit Chicago, this is the place I’ll enthusiastically recommend or personally take them to. Especially if you love music and jazz — this spot is magical. 📍 Andy’s Jazz Club & Restaurant 📌 11 E Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60611 Andy’s is a long-renowned jazz bar in Chicago, tucked away on a quiet street in River North / downtown. The exterior is modest, but inside it’s a whole vibe — decorated with jazz posters, vintage photos, drum kits, and memorabilia. Three shows every night: 6 PM, 8 PM, and 10 PM. Each set lasts about 1.5 hours, with a $20 cover charge. Reservations are required (one show per reservation). You can check the performing bands on their website. It’s not just a jazz bar — it’s also a restaurant. This time, I snagged a 5:30 PM slot, enjoying dinner during the show. The performance was fantastic, and the food was surprisingly good! My mouth, eyes, and ears were all busy — head nodding, hands clapping, mouth trying to keep up with chewing 😄. ‼️ If you want to focus on the music like I do, book the 8 PM or 10 PM show! Just order a drink and immerse yourself in the jazz. I sat in the front row — the keyboardist played with his eyes closed most of the time, even humming along. Watching musicians get lost in creation is truly moving. The drummer’s solo was incredible, balancing power and softness alongside Doug Lawrence’s soulful sax. Lawrence mentioned that even after playing at New York’s Blue Note, Andy’s still feels the most special to him. ⏳ If you’re short on time or simply want the live jazz experience, having dinner here is still a great option! Back to food blogger mode — recommendations: 🦑 Fried Calamari – Fresh, chewy, generous portion. 🍝 Homemade Ravioli – Go for the lemon butter sauce — rich and tangy. 🍚 Cajun Shrimp Risotto – Well-seasoned grilled shrimp. I go to Chicago’s Jazz Festival every year — I really do love jazz. After the show, I didn’t want to leave. I found vintage posters on the walls — from the first Chicago Jazz Fest, the 15th in 1993, and loads of old performance photos. Was Grant Park back then just as lively and packed as it is now? Felt like stepping through time. #ChicagoEats #ChicagoJazz #AndysJazzClub #LiveMusic #JazzLovers #ChicagoNightlife