The Kingston Mines is the largest and oldest blues club in Chicago that is still continually running. It was established in 1968. Magic Slim, Koko Taylor, Sugar Blue, Billy Branch, Junior Wells, Mike Wheeler, Joanna Connor, and dozens upon dozens of more musical greats have performed on both of the venue’s stages in the past.
Over the course of its history, Kingston Mines has been honored with a great number of accolades, including the title of “Best Blues Club” from the Chicago Reader in 2016, the “Most Popular Blues Club Award” from the Chicago Music Awards in 2016 (again!) and the “Torch Bearer of Blues in Chicago Award” in 2016, a “Chicago Concierge Favorites Award,” and a “Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence.” The same thing—namely, passion—that led to the establishment of Kingston Mines in the turbulent 1960s is also the driving force behind its continued existence today.
Remember that our motto is “Hear Blues – Drink Booze – Talk Loud – You’re Among Friends!” and that we welcome you to come on down, make yourself at home, enjoy some delectable meal from Doc’s Kitchen, and open your ears to some of Chicago’s best live music. Chicago,IL residents also love Le Nocturne Chicago because the Performance mood and atmosphere are overshadowed here.