Rosa's Lounge

Best Nightlife, Jazz & Blues Clubs: Remember those places where the musicians just want to play to people who love to hear their music? Rosa's Lounge is that kind of place. No frills, just a classic joint to hear great live blues without the unnecessary pretentiousness of a club-like atmosphere. Visitors grab a drink and let themselves enjoy the music and the diverse crowd that flocks to this...

Rosa's is strictly a neighborhood hangout, but it has all the atmosphere required to fuel its heartfelt lamentations. Mama Rosa and her son, Tony Mangiullo, run a homey, lovable spot that, despite its somewhat distant location, is decidedly one of the best joints in town for spirited, authentic Chicago blues. (Because of its off-the-beaten-track location on the northwest side of the city, it...

Rosa's Lounge operates in the hallowed tradition of Chicago blues lounges, family owned and operated by an Italian immigrant who came to Chicago three decades ago.

Chicago is well known as home to many blues greats, and, as a result, plenty of decent blues bars feature respectable music and good bands catering to tourists. But musicians who play at these tourist clubs, they go to Rosa's when they really want to hear the good stuff. A nondescript tavern room located four-five miles from Old Town and Lincoln Park, Rosa's offers the unbeatable combination of...