The Green Mill is a historic jazz club and cocktail lounge at 4802 N Broadway in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. Live music is the main event, with styles ranging from traditional jazz and swing to bebop and improvisation. Inside, vintage decor, intimate booths and the famous booth associated with Al Capone give the room its old-time character. Order a martini or a beer, then settle in for a set. Tuesdays bring the Chicago Cellar Boys’ 1920s-style jazz. The club is cash-only, and seating is limited, so arriving early can help.
A Uptown club with a long past
The Green Mill opened in 1907 and has been part of Chicago’s Uptown nightlife for more than a century. It began as one of the city’s early beer gardens and later became a jazz club and Prohibition-era speakeasy. Al Capone was among its regulars, and the booth associated with him remains inside.
The club’s history is part of the room, not a separate exhibit. Vintage decor, intimate booths and the old stage set the scene for an evening of music. Accounts of the venue also describe an escape hatch behind the bar and tunnels once used to move alcohol, but these are not a feature of a visit today.
The music takes centre stage
Live performances are the reason to come. The lineup spans traditional jazz, swing, bebop, improvisation and contemporary styles, with local and visiting musicians appearing at the club. The Chicago Cellar Boys play 1920s-style jazz on Tuesdays. Check the club’s website for the current schedule, since the performers and styles change.
This is a listening room during a set. Keep conversation low and give the musicians your attention; talking during performances is not allowed. Seating is limited, and the room can get crowded, so arriving early gives you a better chance of finding a place to sit. If seats are full, some people stand along the wall.
Drinks and the evening setup
The Green Mill is a cocktail lounge as well as a music venue. Order a martini, an Old Fashioned, whiskey soda or beer at the bar, then stay for the performance. An espresso martini is also on the menu. The music is the focus, so this is a better choice for a night out built around a set than for a quiet catch-up over drinks.
Bring cash: the club does not accept card payments. Check the website before setting out to see who is playing, and plan to arrive early if having a seat matters to you. The club also hosts comedy and poetry events, including a Sunday poetry slam described as a long-running weekly event.
FAQ
Where is The Green Mill in Chicago?
It is at 4802 N Broadway in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood.
Is The Green Mill cash-only?
Yes. Bring cash, as the club does not accept card payments.
What kind of music does The Green Mill have?
The lineup includes live jazz in styles such as traditional jazz, swing, bebop and improvisation. The Chicago Cellar Boys play 1920s-style jazz on Tuesdays.
Do you need to arrive early at The Green Mill?
Arrive early if you want a seat. Seating is limited, and the club can fill up quickly.
