Chicago's oldest jazz club, open since 1907, with Al Capone-era booths and a live jazz lineup nightly. Cash-friendly cover, no-talking-during-sets etiquette, and the legendary Uptown Poetry Slam on Sundays. A genuine local institution, not a tourist trap. Open daily; music most nights.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon 4:00 PM - 1:00 AM Tue 4:00 PM - 1:00 AM Wed 4:00 PM - 1:00 AM Thu 4:00 PM - 1:00 AM Fri 4:00 PM - 1:00 AM Sat 2:00 PM - 1:00 AM Sun 4:00 PM - 1:00 AM |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | CTA Red Line to Lawrence (2-min walk); buses 36, 81, 145 |
| Time needed | 2-3 hours for a set or two |
| Best time to go | Weeknights for a seat; Sunday night for the Poetry Slam |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.6/10- Value8.5
- iconic8.0
- Freshness9.2
- excellence8.5
- Crowd level6.5
- Authenticity9.4
- Accessibility7.5
Frequently asked questions
- What's the deal with talking during sets?
- The Green Mill takes its music seriously. Talking during performances is genuinely frowned upon and staff will shush you. Save the conversation for between sets.
- Do I need a reservation?
- No reservations. It's first-come, first-served, and tables fill fast for weekend headliners and the Sunday slam. Arrive 30-45 minutes before showtime to claim a booth.
- Is it really connected to Al Capone?
- Yes. The Green Mill was a Prohibition-era hangout tied to Capone's outfit, and the booth by the bar was reportedly his. There's still a trap door behind the bar to the tunnels.
- Can I eat there?
- No kitchen. It's a cocktail lounge, so eat before you come. There are plenty of Uptown and Argyle Street spots nearby for dinner first.
- What time does the music start?
- Sets usually begin around 9pm on weeknights and run late, with weekend headliners going past midnight. The Sunday Uptown Poetry Slam starts at 7pm.
- Is it cash only?
- The door cover is typically cash, and cash moves faster at the bar on busy nights. They do take cards inside, but bring cash for the cover and tips.
- Is there a cover charge at the Green Mill?
- Yes, most nights carry a modest cover, typically $8-$15 depending on the act, and it's often cash-only at the door. The Sunday Poetry Slam has its own small cover. Bring cash to be safe.
- Is it safe in Uptown at night?
- The immediate area around Broadway and Lawrence is busy and generally fine at night, with the Red Line stop steps away. Use normal city awareness walking to your car or train.
Nearby in Ask Chicago
- The Green MillBar0.05 km · 1 min walk
- First Sip CafeCafé0.45 km · 6 min walk
- AndersonvilleNeighborhood1.15 km · 14 min walk
- Foster BeachBeach1.33 km · 17 min walk
- Montrose BeachBeach1.76 km · 22 min walk
Where to stay near Green Mill Cocktail Lounge
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