The bar follows the room and there are several four-person booths across from the bar with some tables and chairs in front of the stage. The bathrooms are two skinny doors to the right of the intimate stage. Most people wait until set breaks to take care of business, but for those who can't, your presence is not too much of a distraction to the crowd.

CROWD

There really isn't a set crowd, per se. It changes like the music does every night. There are audience regulars in this place that cycle along with the stable of artists that regularly appear on stage. More times than not a good percentage of the crowd knows the band. The mere mention of The Green Mill has most Chicagoans telling their own personal experience of stopping in at this place. This place bonds people for life.

ENTERTAINMENT

You are going to see some of the best Jazz, Blues, Soul and Big Band music in an intimate setting. Even though it may be 9:00 pm the feel of this place is like an after hours grotto where musicians come to unwind from their other gigs. Jam sessions are very frequent. If you can only go one night, I suggest it be Sunday. If you come early you can see the Uptown Poetry Slam. Heck, after a few drinks you may be reciting your own poetic works on stage, they take new comers. Don't worry, if you suck, the crowd will immediately let you know, but if you're good they will praise you. Don't worry about hecklers because the MC for the evening has a tendency to go after troublemakers in the audience, so be forewarned. The late show on Sunday is the Kimberly Gordon Trio, a staple for the Green Mill. It great when an artist gets a continuing gig where fans can just chill. It's much better than staying home and listening to Jazz records, though there is nothing wrong with that. This music needs to be enjoyed live.

FOOD

The Green Mill offers no food.

PRICES

There is a cover per show (usually $6 to $10), so if you are there on a night when two performances are occurring you will be charged twice. Drinks are a little pricy, but you would expect that in a small place like this. Very good selection at the bar, including champagne.

WHY IT'S UNIQUE

In this city of ever changing bar theme's it's comforting to know that this place has been around for a long while. It's a cultural icon that has lead many a person down the righteous path of Jazz, Blues, Big Band and Soul, with some creative works thrown in for good measure. With hometown greats like Patricia Barber & Kurt Elling and a slew of other greats it's no wonder why the Green Mill is one of the hot spots in the Windy City.

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