The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge
4.3(4.6K)google
3.6(1.2K)yelp
JazzLive MusicNight-FriendlyHistoric Building
Overview
The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge is an incredibly legendary, historic jazz tavern located on Chicago's North Side in the Uptown neighborhood. Operating continuously since 1907, this majestic, neon-lit relic famously served as a notorious speakeasy headquarters for Al Capone during the roaring 1920s, and visitors can still sit in the mobster's favorite historic booth. Today, the venue remains an atmospheric temple of live jazz music, featuring a grand vintage mahogany bar, velvet-draped walls, and a pristine listening policy that transports patrons back to a romantic era of late-night bebop, classic mixology, and gangster lore.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 2-4 hours
Best TimeArrive before 8:00 PM on a weekend night to secure a booth (Cash only, no reservations). Operational since the 1910s and a notorious historical hangout for mobster Al Capone, this legendary jazz lounge features incredible live quartets under neon glow, preserving a timeless slice of vintage speakeasy grit.
Getting ThereLocated in the historic Uptown neighborhood on the North Side. Take the 'L' Red Line to the Lawrence station. Upon exiting, walk west along W Lawrence Avenue for just 2 minutes to the N Broadway intersection to find the massive, iconic green neon marquee.
Travel Tips
- This historic tavern is strictly cash-only; credit cards or digital mobile wallets are flatly rejected. On-site ATMs charge heavy fees, so carry ample paper cash. Tips for musicians and staff are heavily expected up front.
- Under strict Chicago tavern regulations, entry is barred to anyone under 21 years old, with absolutely no exceptions for accompanied minors or infants. A valid physical international passport is required for entry.
- Reservations are not accepted; seating is strictly first-come, first-served. To score Al Capone’s historic favorite 'Booth 3', you must queue outside long before the 4:00 PM doors open.
Reviews
Positive
- This legendary jazz lounge perfectly retains its 1920s Al Capone-era vintage plush decor; its historic visual impact is fully real and legendary.
- The premier live jazz ensembles paired with dim, ambient mood lighting capture an authentic, raw Prohibition-era speakeasy vibe, offering immense fun.
- The signature classic cocktails and beverages are highly affordable among iconic landmarks, and the bar staff are diligent and expert.
- Set on a historic thoroughfare steps from the train, transit links are seamless; its iconic neon marquee looks spectacular at night.
Heads up
- As an active historic lounge, it enforces a strict cash-only policy; walking in without greenbacks causes massive hassle at settlement.
- During peak weekend nights, patron density is massive and packed; the layout is loud and cramped, and flash photography is strictly banned to maintain order.
- During top-tier sets, a mandatory cash cover charge is added for seated patrons, increasing the total secondary spending cost.
- The century-old historic structure features aging ventilation hardware that leaves the air smoky; accessible facilities are limited by narrow rows.