Live Bands and Vinyl for Chicago Weekend Nights

4.7 (1,625)

Mon – Wed, 17:00 – 02:00 (+1); Thu, Sun, 17:00 – 01:00 (+1); Fri, 16:00 – 02:00 (+1); Sat, 17:00 – 03:00 (+1)

1035 N. Western Ave.

Empty Bottle hosts emerging alternative bands and experimental acts in its unchanged 1993 room. Exposed brick and a stamped tin ceiling surround the stage floor. A raised upper floor accommodates packed crowds. Weekend cover runs 15 to 20 USD. Entry is for ages 21 and older. The dive bar closes at 2 AM on Fridays and 3 AM on Saturdays.

4.6 (811)

Tue – Thu, Sun, 18:00 – 02:00 (+1); Fri, 16:00 – 02:00 (+1); Sat, 16:00 – 03:00 (+1)

1002 N. California Ave.

The California Clipper has operated in Humboldt Park since 1937. Red lighting washes over vintage decor and booth seating. Nightly live music typically carries a 5 USD cover. Happy hour runs from 6 to 8 PM Tuesday through Sunday. Basil gimlets, martinis and margaritas cost 8 USD during happy hour. Entry is for ages 21 and older.

4.5 (138)

Wed, 17:00 – 23:00; Thu – Sat, 18:00 – 02:00 (+1); Sun, 18:00 – 00:00 (+1)

1549 W Chicago Ave

Wax Vinyl Bar draws on Japanese jazz kissas for its West Town listening room. Guest DJs play vinyl spanning jazz, house, hip-hop, funk and rock through a high-end sound system. Signature cocktails accompany dinner. Reviewers praise the wings. Entry is free for guests 21 and older. Friday and Saturday hours run from 6 PM to 2 AM.

4.0 (1,666)

Thu, 12:00 – 04:00 (+1); Fri, 22:00 – 04:00 (+1); Sat, 22:00 – 05:00 (+1)

1431 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA

The Mine Chicago divides its warehouse into the main room, the Penthouse and the BLÜ Room. DJs and live regional Mexican acts provide music for dancing. Music spans reggaetón, Latin house and tropical rhythms. Friday hours run from 10 PM to 4 AM. Saturdays run from 10 PM to 5 AM. Entry requires a valid physical ID and age 21 or older.