Schubas Tavern is a Lakeview bar and live music venue at 3159 N Southport Ave, in a former Schlitz tied house with its brewery emblem and period decor still visible. The small performance room brings you close to local and touring artists, often in indie, acoustic and singer-songwriter styles. You can also settle into the front bar without a ticket, or arrive early for a meal and drinks at the adjoining Tied House brewpub. Check the venue’s mailing list for upcoming shows.
A former Schlitz tied house
Schubas occupies a building constructed as a Schlitz Brewery tied house in 1903, at the corner of Belmont and Southport avenues in Lakeview. Tied houses were bars connected to a brewery. The Schlitz emblem on the building marks that past, and brewery-era decor remains part of the venue’s interior.
The old bar now brings together a concert room, a front bar and a restaurant next door. Its historic details give the music venue a distinct setting, while the compact scale keeps the performance space close to the stage.
Music in a small room
The concert calendar includes local bands and touring artists across genres, with indie, acoustic and singer-songwriter performances a common fit. The room’s close layout and strong acoustics suit listeners who want to hear a band from nearby rather than across a large hall. Schubas has also hosted comedy shows and podcasts.
Concert tickets are for the music room. If you prefer a more casual stop, the front bar is accessible without paying the concert cover, so you can have a drink and enjoy the setting from outside the performance space. Check the schedule before you go if you have a particular artist or style in mind.
Food before the show
The adjoining Tied House brewpub gives you a place to eat before a performance. The material notes craft beer, Midwestern food and Schubas’ mac and cheese among its offerings. Food stays outside the music room, so plan to finish your meal before heading in.
Schubas and Lincoln Hall, its sister venue, also hold the Tomorrow Never Knows festival in January. Check their mailing list for event announcements and show details before planning a visit.
FAQ
Where is Schubas Tavern?
It is at 3159 N Southport Ave in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, near the corner of Belmont and Southport avenues.
Can you visit without a concert ticket?
Yes. The front bar is accessible without paying the cover for the music room.
What kind of music does Schubas book?
Its calendar includes local and touring acts across genres, with indie, acoustic and singer-songwriter performances among the common styles.
Can you eat inside the concert room?
No. Food is not allowed in the performance space, so eat at the adjoining Tied House before the show.
