Rosa's Lounge
- Neighborhood: Logan Square
- 3420 W. Armitage Ave.
- Chicago, IL 60647
- 773-342-0452
Rosa's is a very personal statement of the owners, drummer Tony Mangiullo and his mother, Rosa. The facility is not impressive -- just another long tavern room -- but the club bills itself as the "friendliest blues lounge" and
actively pursues both blues purists (by booking acoustic and traditional performers and occasionally risky out-of-town acts) and the rock fringe (avant-garde artists like guitarist Melvin Taylor and blues harp wizard Sugar Blue). Regardless of which group Rosa's regulars are in, they are passionate. The graffiti in the bathrooms argues about which Sonny Boy Williamson was a better musician and the thin line between tribute and the rip-off of traditional artists. Occasionally, Rosa cooks food for patrons. The club is a bit off the beaten path (though not far from Boulevard Cafe and Abril restaurants), but as Tony proudly points out, even national magazines like Rolling Stone have taken notice and raved about the place, and Czech President Vaclav Havel made a point of visiting when he was in town for a conference.
Getting There
- Cross Streets:
- Armitage and Kimball.
- Parking:
- Street
- Public Transportation:
- Accessible by city bus (73-Armitage, 82-Kimball-Homan)
- Wheelchair Access:
- Yes
The Basics
- Hours:
- 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Tuesday through Friday; 8 p.m.-3 a.m. Saturday; music begins at 9:30 p.m. or 10 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday except for special events.
- Alcohol:
- Full bar.
- Smoking:
- No
- Bar Style:
- Chicago classic.
- Music Style:
- Blues
Features
- Live Music:
- Yes
- Games:
- Pool Tables
- Facilities:
- Private Party and Banquet Facilities. Can be rented for private parties Sunday and Monday.
- Worth Noting:
- Recommended
- Specialties:
- Live blues every night except Sunday and Monday; drink prices are cheaper than downtown, Mama Rosa herself tends bar; summer blues cruises on Lake Michigan.
- Payment Methods:
- American Express, Mastercard, and Visa
Write a review
Rate Rosa's Lounge
"all i have to say..."
Nick from chicago, il - February 22, 2006
all i have to say about rosa's is, it's the last original blues house in the city. it's been worth every trip
Report This Comment 
"The homespun, family-owned feeling lends..."
wayfarer6114 from Arlington Heights, IL - February 6, 2005
The homespun, family-owned feeling lends great atmosphere to the club, as humble as its facilities are, i.e., tiny bathroom, narrow room. The soun...
Report This Comment
"Forget all the overpriced tourist..."
Ari Lauren from Chicago, IL - July 10, 2003
Forget all the overpriced tourist traps in the Loop and River North. People who really know the city and dig the blues genre go to Rosa's. Av...
Report This CommentOTHER Blue Music Venues YOU MIGHT LIKE
-
Lee's Unleaded Blues
(1 rating)
- Park Manor/Grand Crossing 7401 S. South Chicago Ave. Chicago IL 60619 773-493-3477
-
B.L.U.E.S.
(6 ratings)
- Sheffield/De Paul 2519 N. Halsted St. Chicago IL 60614 773-528-1012
-
Ravinia Festival
(1 rating)
- 200-231 Ravinia Park Rd. Highland Park IL 60035 847-266-5100
-
Hideout
(6 ratings)
- 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. Chicago IL 60622 773-227-4433
-
Buddy Guy's Legends
(5 ratings)
- South Loop 754 S. Wabash Ave. Chicago IL 60605 312-427-0333
What's nearby?
Calendar of Events
Rosa's Lounge
-
Pete Galanis Band with Marty Sammon
7/15/2008 - 9:30 PM -
Killer Ray Allison
7/16/2008 - 9:30 PM -
James Wheeler Blues Jam
7/17/2008 - 9:30 PM
