Bill's Blues Bar: User Reviews

The Real Thang
By Blujazhound from North/Evanston, April 5, 2008

Overall rating:

I have been hitting Bill's Blues since it opened back in August 2003. The club has evolved over time, but the one consistent factor is its focus on LIVE MUSIC and it is almost always high quality live music. The jazz jam led by Mike Finnerty on Wednesdays is terrific (check out the recent review by the Trib for their take on the jazz jam). There is a very fine blues jam session on Tuesdays. Bill's Blues has booked Magic Slim, James Cotton, Lurrie Bell, Eddy Clearwater, L'il Ed and the Blues Imperials, Jason Ricci, Rod Piazza, Otis Clay and a host of other fine acts. Blues is the theme, but the folk music on Sundays is cool, and there is rock or hip hop on Thursdays. The drinks are not that expensive. Sometimes the staffing is a little inadequate for the size of the crowd. This is a great joint, deserving of community support.

Greatest bar in Evanston!!! The...
By BluesLover from Evanston, IL, April 23, 2007

Overall rating:

Greatest bar in Evanston!!! The drinks are priced well, music is unbeatable, bartender is hot and she knows how to make unbelievable martinis, just ask her to make up something!!! Friday and Saturday nights are the best because Bill books amazing Chicago blues veterans. I reccommend getting there early to snag a good seat. See ya there! (I'm definitely becoming a regular)

This place is one of...
By d. shiz from chicago, IL, February 28, 2007

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This place is one of the worst, if not THE worst live music venues I have ever been to. On top of that, the cover was way too high, the drinks were overpriced, and the service was absolutely horrendous. AVOID this place!

The brightest jewel on the...
By Brandt from Highland Park, IL, September 13, 2004

Overall rating:

The brightest jewel on the Northshore - Best Blues anywhere on the northside. Bill's a great guy, and doing us a great service by bringing world class talent to E-town.

I went for the first...
By Troy Forbes from Elmhurst, IL, May 3, 2004

Overall rating:

I went for the first time on May 1 to see Melvin Taylor. He was unbelievably great! He continues to be one of the best around. The seating was a little tight, but my wife actually enjoyed the closeness, and the crowd was very good (not abnoxious, but not dead either). We stayed for the first two sets, it got a little too smokey at the end of the second, so we left. Other than that, the service, sandwiches, and drinks were great, and of course the music was superb. It's a great little blues bar! I will definitely go again!

I went for the first...
By Troy Forbes from Elmhurst, IL, May 1, 2004

Overall rating:

I went for the first time on May 1 to see Melvin Taylor. Unbelievably great show, Melvin's as good as anybody I've seen and heard. Atmosphere was great for the first set and halfway through the second, but got a little too smokey, so I left after the second set. Other than that, it's a great little blues bar. I will most definitely go again, especially when Melvin playing.

I was at the club...
By Eddie Washington from Skokie, IL, January 22, 2004

Overall rating:

I was at the club for the first time on Jan. 17 for the Melvin Taylor show. He was great!.. There was a birthday party for two of the bartenders and the club provided a free barbecue buffet - tasty! It was real crowded, but that made it more fun. This is a truly wonderful blues club!!