Buddy Guy's Legends
A legendary Chicago blues club since 1989, offering iconic live music, Cajun fare, and a historic atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Buddy Guy's Legends
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary Chicago blues club since 1989, offering iconic live music, Cajun fare, and a historic atmosphere.
"Everything was spectacular! Thoroughly enjoyed the venue and its intimacy and atmosphere."
Arrive early for seating
Secure a good table for evening shows by arriving early; shows typically start at 8 pm.
Free daytime shows
Enjoy free acoustic blues or jazz shows during lunchtime before the main evening performances.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Blues Club, American, Cajun
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Legendary Live Blues Performances
Experience world-class blues music performed by both up-and-coming talents and legendary artists.
Authentic Cajun-Inspired Cuisine
Savor delicious New Orleans-inspired dishes like rich gumbo and hearty po'boys.
Historic Blues Atmosphere
Immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere filled with music memorabilia.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive early for seating
Secure a good table for evening shows by arriving early; shows typically start at 8 pm.
Free daytime shows
Enjoy free acoustic blues or jazz shows during lunchtime before the main evening performances.
Authentic Chicago Experience
Offers a non-touristy, authentic local experience for those seeking genuine Chicago fun.
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive early for seating
Secure a good table for evening shows by arriving early; shows typically start at 8 pm.
Free daytime shows
Enjoy free acoustic blues or jazz shows during lunchtime before the main evening performances.
Authentic Chicago Experience
Offers a non-touristy, authentic local experience for those seeking genuine Chicago fun.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners rave about the spectacular live blues music and the intimate, energetic atmosphere. The Cajun-inspired food and drinks are also frequently praised, as is the welcoming and helpful staff. While the music and ambiance are consistent highlights, some guests note that table service can be slow, and ordering food might be less straightforward than drinks.
"Came from across the pond to enjoy the blues. Food was good, music even better. Unexpectedly Buddy treated us to a few songs. I feel lucky to have been there. A solid 10/10
NB. Security went the extra mile to keep the peace without enforcing. Nice to see civilized understanding people working a club. 07"
Jaap Strijbis
"Everything was spectacular! Thoroughly enjoyed the venue and its intimacy and atmosphere. The food and drinks were amazing as well. Not to mention a staff that was very welcoming and helpful."
Grant Hughes
"There are very few places that can rival a live Blues performance at Buddy Guy’s Legends. It has a great live music atmosphere and has seating and dining options available, if you want them. Our server took great care of us, but it is much easier to order drinks than food."
Dave Boyer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
While evening shows may have an entrance fee ($15+), it's advisable to check the club's website for specific show details and ticketing information.
The restaurant serves delicious Cajun-inspired food, including Louisiana gumbo, po'boys, and signature burgers.
Buddy Guy occasionally performs at his club, especially in January. Check the club's lineup for his appearances.
Yes, there are often free acoustic blues or jazz shows during lunchtime and before the main evening performances.
All ages are welcome for the free daytime shows, but evening performances are typically for ages 21 and over.
The atmosphere is historic and vibrant, filled with blues memorabilia, creating an authentic music experience.
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Chicago’s musical claim to fame is the electric blues — and Buddy Guy’s is the place to hear a fret-bending set for nothing. While evening shows cost $15 to $25, musicians often play free acoustic blues or jazz at the restaurant/club during lunch and before the main performance starts at 8pm. Planning tip: All ages are welcome for these free shows, but it's strictly over-21 only for the main performances in the evening.
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Chicago has deep ties to blues music, and one of the best places to hear live blues is at the club owned by the local, Grammy-winning blues legend Buddy Guy. Your head will nod along to the fantastic bands and performers, and it’s fun to peruse the jazz memorabilia hanging on the walls. Go early to snag a table.
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Owned by one of the city's few remaining musical legends, this club mixes up live blues music with a menu of classic Cajun fare. There are performances most nights, spanning a variety of genres, so there's always a new act to discover.
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Perfect for music lovers, Buddy Guy’s is famous for its blues performances and great Cajun-derived fare, making it a great night out for a Chicago birthday dinner of any size (including an upstairs private room for larger groups). This classic blues club was founded a few doors down from its current locale in 1989 by the blues legend Buddy Guy, who still makes occasional appearances. Take in a world-class blues performance while sampling a huge bar and menu selection including classics like Louisiana gumbo, po’boys and a selection of signature burgers.
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Buddy Guy’s Legends (700 S. Wabash Ave.): Tourists love electric guitars and long jams, and Legends, near the L tracks in the South Loop, has been serving it to them since 1989. The owner has been the most legendary (heh) bluesman in Chicago since the days of Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf, and has used his show business connections to draw rock stars from The Rolling Stones to Eric Clapton. Today’s headliners are local talents like guitarists Toronzo Cannon, Wayne Baker Brooks and veteran Jimmy Burns, who oversees a Wednesday night jam.
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Dubbed "the greatest living guitarist" by Eric Clapton, Chicago legend Buddy Guy opened his eponymous downtown live music venue in 1989. Throughout the years, the club has hosted a who's who in show biz: Willie Dixon, Koko Taylor, Otis Rush, Albert Collins, B.B. King, Johnny Winter, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bo Diddley, Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, ZZ Top, Gregg Allman, Slash, John Mayer, Sheila E.
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With B.L.U.E.S., the Mines, Buddy Guy’s Legends, Rosa’s, and Blue Chicago still presenting blues nightly and the historic Green Mill, Andy’s, the Jazz Showcase, and several more clubs similarly devoted to jazz also keeping the torch burning brightly, Chicago’s live music scene continues to thrive. Still, its many defunct music joints from decades past continue to echo distantly through the nighttime air.
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If this club worked for Bowie and Clapton, it'll do you just fine. Buddy Guy, a hero to Clapton, plays at his club in January but don't let that stop you from enjoying local and national musicians performing seven nights a week. Don't be shy because of the club's exterior - it's polished inside and more than a few bros and tourists fill the seats along with lifelong lovers of the blues.
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Step into the heart of Chicago blues at this legendary venue. 📍 Google Maps | Phone: (312) 427-1190 | Buddy Guy’s Legends Website | Hours: 5 pm – 12 am Wed-Thu, & Sun, 5 pm – 12:30 am Fri, 5 pm -1:30 am Sat, Closed Mon, Tue | Entrance: $15+ each show may vary. If you’re a fan of classic American blues, then visiting Buddy Guy’s famous Legends Blues Club is a must.
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Buddy Guy's Legends is the home of the blues, made famous around the world by its namesake Grammy-award winning guitarist Buddy Guy. There's live music every night of the week, with free acoustic shows during the lunch and dinner hour as well. Established in 1947, Jazz Showcase has hosted the greatest names in the business and has a seat waiting for you too.
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Founded by blues legend Buddy Guy, this club is a living museum of the blues genre, offering live music every night. The venue has a casual atmosphere filled with memorabilia. If you buy tickets early enough, you can actually catch Buddy Guy himself on stage—Buddy performs around 16 shows per year throughout the month of January.
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At Buddy Guy’s legends in the South Loop, a new live act is featured each night, so you can enjoy real Blues music Wednesday through Sunday. Not only does Buddy Guy’s showcase the best that Chicago Blues music has to offer, but their expansive Cajun menu is made up of classics like gumbo, jambalaya, and po-boy sandwiches.
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See a show at Buddy Guy’s Legends Blues music is one of the few great American art forms. Buddy Guy is the master of Chicago blues. And Chicago is maybe the only city left in the country where you can see an incredible blues band any night of the week in a small club at a reasonable price.
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In a town known for its blues, Buddy Guy's Legends is the premier spot. The man on the marquee needs no introduction and the amazing musicians that perform here live up to the same high standard. Buddy Guy's is an attraction for local blues lovers and tourists.
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· Buddy Guy’s Legends: With a name like that, people know what to expect, and this club delivers. Catch Buddy Guy or any of the local, national, and international artists that appear nightly.
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