Kingston Mines is a blues nightclub at 2548 N. Halsted St. in Lincoln Park, a short walk from the Fullerton L station. Open since 1968, it calls itself the largest and oldest continuously operating blues club in Chicago.
What it’s known for
The club has two stages, the North Stage and the Main Stage, which have hosted artists including Magic Slim, Koko Taylor, Junior Wells and Billy Branch. Its motto is “Hear Blues – Drink Booze – Talk Loud – You’re Among Friends!” The Chicago Reader named it Best Blues Club in 2016.
Doc’s Kitchen, at the back of the club, serves catfish, burgers, red beans and rice, gumbo, salad and dessert, and keeps the same hours as the club.
Good to know
- Hours: Thursday 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Friday and Saturday 7 p.m. to 4 a.m.; Sunday 5:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.; closed Monday to Wednesday, per the official site, October 2026.
- Cover: $15 on Thursday and $20 on Friday and Saturday; seating is general admission.
- Ages: No minors; a valid photo ID is required.
- Reservations: Not taken, and advance tickets do not guarantee a seat, so arriving early helps.
- CTA: The #8 Halsted bus or the Fullerton Red/Brown Line station.
- Discount tip: Students 21+ and faculty get in free on Thursday, and guests arriving within three days of their birthday are free; discounts apply at the ticket window only.
See the Lincoln Park theater and live music guide and the bars and nightlife directory.
Sources: kingstonmines.com, kingstonmines.com/about, kingstonmines.com/faq
