The Green Mill: User Reviews

A $12 cover in Uptown is why people go to Lakeview
By Bornlucky07 from Uptown / lakeview, February 9, 2008

Overall rating:

Last night a friend and I were searching for some great new bars in uptown.
Like many people from the area, we typically go to lakeview/ Lincoln park on the weekends....every weekend. We did find some excellent spots, however the
Green mill was not one of them. To be fair, we never did make it inside, so take this
with a grain of salt. The crowd inside was very sparse so we were hoping that it
would be a cool laid back place where you can talk. Instead they tried to hit us with
a twelve dollar cover! Granted this isn't a huge sum of money, I just dislike the idea of
paying for the privilege of admittance to a bar in uptown. So unless the next
Louis Armstrong is playing this place, is a waste of time. There are much better places
if your looking for something local. Holiday Club on Irving/ Sheridan is great!

Always a good time
By Alpha_Beta_Gaga from Lincoln Park, February 5, 2008

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I don't make it here often, but when I do, I have a fantastic time. Love the atmosphere and music!

Skip this place! Not worth the time...
By jonathan1974 from river west, December 9, 2007

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It was raining and very cold and we had to wait outside for 10 minutes even though there was plenty of room inside. I guess they wanted there to be an appearance of a line? The bouncer was extremely rude and made everyone very umcomfortable upon entering. They also only take American Express and the whole silence thing is just too much. I will not return as there has to be a better place in Chicago to hear jazz where you are treated with respect???

I went to the Sunday...
By J from Bolingbrook, IL, June 18, 2007

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I went to the Sunday Poetry Slam on 6/17/07 and I was not impressed. I respect the host but he, as well as some of the other perfomers, was entirely too long winded.

Great place for music, but...
By Marcella from Chicago, il, March 1, 2007

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Great place for music, but i don't like the shushing. the "manager" actually came up to someone i was with & said "how does it feel to be the only loud person in here?" when she wasn't even saying a word! it's funny to see what happens to people when they think they have a little authority. Also, don't run a tab w/the bartender, they can't produce a bill and always overcharge. other than that it's an awesome old club that is great to bring music fans to.

Why go to a jazz...
By Audrey from Chicago, IL, January 10, 2007

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Why go to a jazz club to talk? Go for the music or don't go at all. That's what the Green Mill is about! This bar has lots of character, great drinks and offers awesome live jazz. The poetry slams on Sunday nights are also a blast. One of my favorite places in the city!

Great bar..if you're an introvert...
By west loop from chicago, January 14, 2006

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Great bar..if you're an introvert and have no social skills. I agree about the gestapo bouncer not even allowing you to whisper to your date. I can understand this if you're in a music hall or auditorium. But this is bar after all. I don't see any harm in talking while you're sitting at the bar---we weren't even at a table by the stage! I think now they "Shh" you just because they think it's their schtick. I'd much rather go to B.L.U.E.S on Halsted. Better music, better atmosphere, livelier and more diverse crowd, and you can (gasp) talk as much as you want. And have a great time doing so.

Drinks: unexpensive and always...
By Laura from Chicago, IL, December 11, 2005

Overall rating:

Drinks: unexpensive and always flowing.

Excellent music, you can't help but feel the history of the place seeping through its walls. Seating is hard to grab after 10pm, but the crowd is pleasant and will usually let you join the table with any available seats. The bartenders are lovely. I always meet great ppl between sets and enjoy the quiet focus on the music during sets.

My favorite night is Friday, when the house band plays, you never know what to expect. They allow walk ons musicians. . and you never know who will walk in, from famous jazz musicians, to incredible homeless trumpet players. Regardless, the improv is amazing and I find myself fully submersing into the music an atmosphere.

If you want to talk during music sets, try around the corner at the Kinnetic Playground. . that is probably a better fit for you.