Kingston Mines

Kingston Mines calls itself Chicago's blues centre since 1968, making it a long-standing name in the city's blues scene. The club on North Halsted Street in Lincoln Park has two stages, the North Stage and the Main Stage, so there is often music in more than one room on the same night.

The line-up draws on Chicago's working blues musicians, and the calendar shows a rotation of regular names alongside visiting acts. Recent schedules have included Joanna Connor, Toronzo Cannon, Mike Wheeler, Nora Jean, Omar Coleman and Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials, with acoustic sets earlier in the evening on many nights. All shows are subject to change, so check the website for who is playing during your visit.

Opening hours make Kingston Mines one of the latest nights out in the city. Recent hours are Thursday 6pm to 2am, Friday and Saturday 7pm to 4am and Sunday 5:30pm to 1am, with the club closed from Monday to Wednesday. The atmosphere tends to build as the night goes on, and late on Friday and Saturday is the liveliest time.

Discounts or free entry are offered to students, seniors, US military, police, firefighters, people celebrating birthdays and hospitality workers, among others; the club's FAQ explains the details. Food and drinks menus are available, so you can eat during the evening rather than before.

Kingston Mines suits groups of friends, couples and solo travellers who want an unpretentious night of live music. Allow at least a couple of hours to hear both stages. If you are not a night owl, arrive early in the evening, when it is calmer and easier to find a seat near the stage. A night at Kingston Mines works best without a fixed plan. Check the calendar for the evening, pick the act you most want to hear, and arrive in time for it, then let the rest of the night follow. Late arrivals on Friday and Saturday should expect the rooms to be full, while Thursday and Sunday are generally easier.

For enquiries, call +1 773-477-4646. The club is in Lincoln Park on the North Side, and Pequod's Pizza on Clybourn Avenue, which serves until 2am most nights, is a good choice for dinner before or a late meal after. Alinea is on the same street for anyone who wants to start the evening with a very different kind of meal.