In the room
The experience
Kingston Mines is the Chicago blues working person's room. Two stages in two adjoining rooms, alternating sets so the music never stops. Open since 1968, 100% blues programming, working musicians from the West Side and South Side residency-rotating through. The kitchen serves catfish and ribs until 3am. Buddy Guy has played here. So has Junior Wells. So have most of the names you would put on a blues record. The cover varies by night but it is always less than dinner. You walk out at 4am with the sound of a Stratocaster still in your ears.
Insider tip
Walk in knowing
Sunday through Thursday, the cover is lower and the rooms feel more intimate. Late-night Sundays are when the regulars play.
Why it fits
Why it is in the atlas
The Chicago blues anchor. Two stages, no gaps, 56 years. The format Chicago invented.
Plan the trip
When to go, hours, getting there
Best time to go
Sunday through Thursday for quieter rooms. Friday and Saturday for the full electric experience. Late sets (post-midnight) are the unpolished real thing.
Hours
Open Wed-Sun, 7:30pm to 4am. Closed Mon-Tue (occasionally). Kitchen runs until 3am.
Getting there
Red Line to Fullerton, walk five blocks west on Halsted Street. Halsted at Lincoln Avenue, west side, look for the neon.
FAQ
Questions people ask
Where is Kingston Mines?
Kingston Mines is in Chicago (Lincoln Park), United States. Coordinates: 41.9251, -87.6635.
What kind of music is at Kingston Mines?
Kingston Mines programmes Chicago Blues, Electric Blues. Chicago's oldest continuously-operating blues club, open since 1968 in Lincoln Park. Two stages running simultaneously, one rotates while the other plays. Open until 4am.
When is the best time to visit Kingston Mines?
Sunday through Thursday for quieter rooms. Friday and Saturday for the full electric experience. Late sets (post-midnight) are the unpolished real thing.
How do I get to Kingston Mines?
Red Line to Fullerton, walk five blocks west on Halsted Street. Halsted at Lincoln Avenue, west side, look for the neon.
Why is Kingston Mines in the Sonic Paths atlas?
The Chicago blues anchor. Two stages, no gaps, 56 years. The format Chicago invented.
On the atlas
Where it sits
41.93° N
87.66° WChicago (Lincoln Park), United States
41.9251, -87.6635 · Open in OpenStreetMap
