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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Lake View East's best

Bars with Live Music

A bar where the live music is the main event, not just background noise you have to shout over.

Based on 665 Opinions
+662
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Updated May 2026
01
Barrel cheese & wine | cocktails | Event Space image 1
Barrel cheese & wine | cocktails | Event Space image 2
Barrel cheese & wine | cocktails | Event Space image 3
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Speak-easy bar with dim lighting and comfortable lounge seating creates an intimate, cozy atmosphere ideal for quiet conversation. Upstairs event space offers a mingle-friendly setup with leather couches and high-top tables. Outdoor patio is dog friendly and opens to the sidewalk, blending indoor and street vibes.

Dim lighting and comfortable lounge seats create a relaxed vibe. A full service bar, loud speakers, and a pool table add to the atmosphere, which stays open late and stays quiet enough for talking.

Talented live music plays regularly, including on Wednesdays. The setting features sultry decor and pairs well with quality drinks and yummy charcuterie.

People are saying

"I loved the wine selection, especially with the cheese boards."

"The bar's dim lighting and cozy atmosphere make it perfect for a chill night."

"I loved the talented live music that matched the wine selection."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Live music performances occur on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

3

The venue offers a spacious event space suitable for 40-50 guests.

02
Underground Lounge image 1

Underground space with moody lighting and phenomenal acoustics creates a chill vibe suited for live music and local shows. Small size offers comfortable seating and a pool table area, making it a cozy spot to relax and hear conversations clearly despite occasional loudness.

A cool basement bar with a lively atmosphere and live music that is not overpowering. It has a pool table and private bathrooms, making it a solid spot to enjoy bands and good service.

A basement bar hosts live music sometimes, creating a cool vibe with its setup. The music adds a lively touch to the atmosphere.

People are saying

"It's a cool basement bar with live music and a great vibe."

"I loved the live music at this bar."

"I found live music in this cool basement bar."

Good to know

1

There is a cover charge for entry, so bring cash.

2

Ear plugs are recommended due to the loud music.

3

The venue has only one bathroom, which can get crowded.

03
Tin Roof image 1

Two main areas host live bands in front and a DJ with dance floor in the back, creating a high-energy atmosphere with fun vibes. Spacious layout prevents crowding despite lively scenes. Decor adds to the engaging environment.

Spacious layout keeps the crowd comfortable during bar crawls and big groups. Helpful staff and security create a safe, welcoming vibe. Craft cocktails, refreshing beers, and hearty bites come from a skilled kitchen and bar team.

Live music features several different bands and DJs performing throughout the day and night in the main bar. It creates an electric atmosphere that keeps the energy going without overpowering conversation.

People are saying

"The live music here is fantastic and adds the perfect vibe."

"The atmosphere here is so lively and energetic."

"The live music at this bar is fantastic and adds the perfect vibe."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great drink deals.

2

Karaoke happens every Wednesday night, attracting a lively crowd.

3

On Thursdays, enjoy $1 hot dogs during the happy hour.

04
The Gman Tavern image 1

Wood-themed dive bar with an intimate, quirky atmosphere and handmade wooden bar. Mellow and relaxed vibe with live music performances and great acoustics during shows. Crowd is local and diverse, resisting typical corporate or sports bar energy.

Wood-lined walls and a dive bar atmosphere set the scene with records spinning on a turntable. Friendly service and a full bar with an excellent beer selection create a relaxed vibe, supported by a strict no-assholes policy and attentive security.

A small venue inside the bar hosts live music and other performances occasionally. The setup creates an intimate space for enjoying music.

People are saying

"The bar staff here are super kind and handle things professionally."

"I enjoyed the excellent beer selection here."

"I enjoyed the intimate and atmospheric live music here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

The Gman Tavern hosts Jeopardy games every Wednesday at 8pm.

3

The bar is adults only, so no minors are allowed.

05
Monsignor Murphy's image 1

Eclectic dive bar with free popcorn, darts, and a patio creates a casual, neighborhood vibe. Atmosphere ranges from friendly and fun during games and live music to occasionally unwelcoming. Regulars gather for cheap drinks and a relaxed place to watch sports.

Dive bar vibe shines with cheap drinks, darts, and popcorn. Friendly neighborhood feel with ample seating and a bartender named Annie behind the bar.

Live music happens on Wednesday nights with a casual vibe. Free popcorn adds a fun touch to the experience.

People are saying

"It's a fun dive bar with cheap drinks and free popcorn."

"The staff here is super friendly and looks out for each other."

"I enjoyed the live music on a Wednesday night."

Good to know

1

Free food is offered on game days.

2

Live music happens on Wednesdays.

3

Food is available from a hotdog place downstairs.

06
Metro image 1
Live music venue

Small, intimate live music venue with great acoustics and clear sightlines from every seat. The space features an ornate interior and a balcony that enhances the experience. It hosts a lively crowd enjoying punk, pop punk, and alternative bands with a well-functioning sound system.

Strong drinks come from bar staff who match their strength. Two bars sit on the main floor with one more in the balcony. The bar operates on a cash only basis.

A cozy little venue with a historic building design offers a great setting for live music. The space feels well suited for concerts and creates an enjoyable atmosphere for performances.

People are saying

"It's a small and intimate venue for shows."

"The bar is cash only, but there's an ATM."

"I considered this one of the best live music venues in Chicago."

Good to know

1

Metro is a cash-only venue, so bring cash for drinks and entry.

2

There are no ADA accommodations, making it difficult for those with disabilities.

3

The venue often oversells tickets, leading to overcrowding during events.

07
The Cubby Bear Chicago image 1

Sports bar with live music and a DJ-driven dance floor creates a nightclub-like atmosphere. The space includes multiple sections and a top floor with a stadium view. The vibe is electric and busy, especially after games.

A single bartender manages the packed bar efficiently while waitstaff handle table service. Drinks come at reasonable prices and the bar also serves food, creating a solid spot for visitors.

An electric atmosphere fills the space with fans vibing to live music and salsa dance socials. The venue features a stage area with a live band and a DJ playing occasionally.

People are saying

"The atmosphere during live sports here is electric and so much fun."

"This bar is super fun and full of sports pride."

"The live music here is really good and the atmosphere is electric."

Good to know

1

Salsa Sundays feature live music and dancing, starting at 8pm.

2

Cover charge applies for entry on event nights.

3

Happy hour offers $5 Corona and Modelo cans with half-off appetizers.

08
Stolen Saddle image 1

Multi-leveled bar with mechanical bull and live music creates a lively, spacious environment. Atmosphere blends cool Southern vibe with rustic charm and energetic fun. Crowd enjoys games and dancing, making it feel like a vibrant country-themed club.

A country bar with tequila cocktails and Tex-mex food creates a lively atmosphere. The main bar offers excellent service even when packed, making it a popular spot for game days.

Live music fills the second floor with a lively, country-themed vibe. The space includes a patio and three floors, creating a spacious spot for dancing and enjoying performances.

People are saying

"The bartenders here make great drinks and keep them flowing."

"The atmosphere here is so cool with its rustic cowboy vibe."

"The live music here creates a great summer vibe."

Good to know

1

Happy hour menu includes tacos, quesadillas, chips & salsa, margaritas, and espresso martinis.

2

Food and drink specials are available during home games.

3

Children are welcome until 8 p.m.

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Lake View East, Chicago

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