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American food and jazz in Chicago

American food that lets you hear the jazz, not just a place where the music is background noise for a loud crowd.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
The Soul Food Lounge image 1
The Soul Food Lounge image 2
The Soul Food Lounge image 3
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American restaurant

Small, contemporary space combines live jazz saxophone with beautiful decor to create an inviting atmosphere. The vibe feels intimate and soulful, drawing a crowd that appreciates well-crafted soul food and a relaxed setting.

Fire Maple Glazed Fried Chicken stands out with its bold flavor. The lobster Mac and cheese offers a rich twist, and the cornbread comes out moist and flavorful.

Live jazz music fills the room with a soft, smooth vibe that enhances the atmosphere without overpowering conversation. A jazz saxophonist adds an excellent ambiance to the lively setting.

People are saying

"The American Food here is phenomenal, especially the perfectly seasoned yams."

"I loved the Creole Seafood Dressing; it was very good."

"The Jazz here is spectacular and delicious."

Good to know

1

Restaurant Week 2024 offers a $59 deal for three entrees of your choice.

2

The lounge does not serve liquor, but customers can BYOB with a corkage fee.

3

Reservations are recommended, but tables are often available without one.

02
TNT Rooftop Restaurant image 1

Rooftop setting offers beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere with top-tier music from DJs playing 90s and 2000s hits. The vibe suits date nights and small parties, featuring a semi-private room. Food and drinks include flavorful seafood and cocktails, with standout items like lamb chops and lemon drop cocktails.

Fried chicken comes out perfectly seasoned and crispy. Grits stand out as creamy with scallions, winning over even those who usually dislike them. Cornbread and sweet potato pie offer rich, flavorful sides that complement dishes like salmon and Cajun-spiced shrimp.

Smooth jazz music plays at a comfortable volume, creating a pleasant atmosphere. The tunes blend well with the beautiful decor during meals.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was amazing."

"The American food, especially the shrimp and grits, was amazing."

"I loved the smooth jazz music playing during my visit."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all night on Thursdays for ladies with special pricing.

2

Wine Wednesday offers three tastings and a full glass for $20.

3

An 18% gratuity is added for all parties, regardless of size.

03
The SoulFood Lounge 2 image 1
Soul food restaurant

Small soul food restaurant offers an intimate atmosphere with an all-black aesthetic and live music featuring jazz and saxophone. The vibe stays laid back and refreshing, suited for quiet dinners or date nights. Space is limited, creating a cozy but sometimes cramped setting.

Hearty portions of Tuscany Mac and Crรจme Surf and Turf and Chinese Orange Fried Chicken stand out. The menu also features Dominican Coconut Catfish, Argentinean Chimichurri Pot Roast, and Peach Cobbler Pound Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream.

Live jazz music plays softly, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. It suits a family outing with its calm and enjoyable vibe.

People are saying

"The American Food here, like the turkey leg, is off the bone and delicious."

"The food here is excellent and generously portioned."

"I loved the live jazz music, especially the saxophone player."

Good to know

1

Reservations are necessary to secure a spot inside the restaurant.

2

Parking can be difficult, often requiring a walk from 1-3 blocks away.

3

The restaurant has a 'No Share Policy' for events like 'The Grand Tasting'.

04
Tortoise Supper Club image 1
American restaurant

Elegant supper club blends live jazz music with a cozy, lively atmosphere featuring dark wood and colorful jazz-inspired wallpaper. Dining spaces include a private room with a bar, creating intimate vibes amid a bustling crowd. The setting combines elements of a jazz club and restaurant for a unique experience.

Prime rib stands out for being cooked to perfection. Meatloaf serves as a definitive American classic. Other notable dishes include cobb salad, steak au poivre, and sea bass.

Combines a jazz club, supper club, and restaurant for a unique vibe. Features live jazz bands that deliver great performances throughout the evening.

People are saying

"The food at these dinner spots was spectacular and delicious."

"I enjoyed the amazing jazz music during my visit."

"The American Food here, especially the prime rib, is cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for private events and should be made well in advance.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Valet parking costs $16 for three hours, making it convenient for guests.

05
Grill on 21 image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant occupies a sleek, upscale space on the 21st floor with an art deco and speakeasy vibe. Ambient live jazz music plays softly, creating a lively yet inviting atmosphere. Booths accommodate small groups comfortably, enhancing the overall elegant dining experience.

Steak and eggs come out cooked to perfection and stand out alongside the chicken pot pie and lobster bisque. The lobster roll features just lobster salad, paired with Parmesan fries, and the hamburger offers a generous portion.

Live jazz plays softly, creating a pleasant atmosphere without chaos or loudness. The ambient music blends well with the setting, adding a wonderful touch to the dining experience.

People are saying

"The food here tasted lovely and was outstanding."

"The steak here is cooked to perfection, tender and juicy."

"The steak and eggs here are cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

Live jazz performances happen every Friday and Saturday evening.

2

A 20% gratuity is automatically added to bills for parties of two.

3

Sourdough bread is often out of stock, so consider alternatives.

06
Woodlawn Tap image 1

Old school dive bar with a slightly updated vibe offers a cozy, laid back atmosphere and intimate space. Jazz and blues performances on Sundays add to the wholesome, lively energy. Cash-only policy and student clientele shape the experience near campus.

Menus feature tasty burgers, hot dogs, and vegan sandwiches. Tater tots also appear as a side option.

Jazz bands and quartets play regularly, especially on Sundays. Performances feature local artists and college graduates, creating a steady jazz and blues scene.

People are saying

"This neighborhood bar is a timeless, friendly staple."

"The American Food here has great prices and is excellent."

"I love the jazz band on Sundays."

Good to know

1

Woodlawn Tap is a cash-only bar, so bring cash for your visit.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere, especially on weekends with a college crowd.

3

Live music events occur on certain nights, adding to the bar's vibe.

07
Pour Decisions Chicago image 1

Live jazz music fills the space with top-tier performances while multiple large TVs broadcast sports loudly, creating a conflicted atmosphere. Upstairs offers a speakeasy vibe with a pool table, piano, and private party rooms featuring stylish decor and a full bar. The crowd enjoys specialty cocktails and highly praised wings, blending lively energy with casual comfort.

Chicken wings fall right off the bone and stand out as a must have. Tater tots are amazing, while the cheeseburger is decent.

Live jazz music plays on weekends with an incredible jazz trio performing. The group features top players delivering amazing jazz that draws attention on Friday nights.

People are saying

"The bar staff here really make sure you're taken care of."

"You have to try the bottomless wings; they just melt off the bone."

"You have to try the fall-off-the-bone chicken wings; they're the best American food."

Good to know

1

Wednesdays feature $20 all-you-can-eat wings, a popular deal.

2

Thursdays offer an $8 burger with fries and $5 domestic drafts.

3

Trivia night happens every Wednesday, adding to the midweek fun.

08
Chemistry Chicago image 1

Restaurant features live music and staff in lab coats creating a chemistry-themed atmosphere with stylish decor. Energy runs high with a loud, chaotic vibe and a crowded space. Food includes standout dishes like wagyu fettuccine and lamb chops, while cocktails are notably overpriced.

Surf and turf stands out with a phenomenal taste. The cowboy ribeye steak comes cooked rare, and the mac and cheese pairs well with salmon and other dishes.

Live jazz performances happen here, offering authentic jazz music experiences. Occasionally, a DJ plays, but the focus remains on live jazz.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The American Food here, especially the mac and cheese and wings, is amazing."

"The jazz here is amazing, especially the salmon."

Good to know

1

Sunday brunch ends at 3:00 PM, so arrive early.

2

A 20% gratuity and a 5% entertainment fee are automatically added to bills.

3

Reservations are for 1.5 hours, so plan accordingly.

09
Norman's Bistro image 1

Live jazz and DJ performances create a laid-back music scene with stepper dancing in a separate bar area. The space includes a cozy bar and an open patio that supports a relaxed, friendly vibe. Seating is comfortable, and the atmosphere feels welcoming and warm.

Gumbo features plenty of seafood in every bite. Fried catfish and fried chicken come hot out of the grease, paired with tomatoes and rice.

Live jazz performances happen on Sunday evenings starting at 8 pm. The front dining area gets loud during the live jazz, making it a lively spot to enjoy music while eating.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and cooked to perfection."

"The bar's food, like the gumbo and poboys, is delicious."

"The American food here is amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Brunch is served on Sundays, but expect a wait during peak hours.

2

Live jazz performances start at 8 pm on weekends.

3

Reservations are recommended for busy evenings to avoid long waits.

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