Harlem Avenue Lounge

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

A hard-driving blues saloon that you might not even know exists.. The Scene
The entrance is on the east side of the brick building, next to White Castle. The compact room, replete with wood paneling and a black-and-white-check linoleum floor, is nearly consumed by the large Formica-topped bar, around which blues-lovers sit on torn vinyl swivel chairs.

The Draw
Mostly local blues acts, plus an occasional visiting band, take the tiny stage at the back of the bar. There's a weekly open mic where you might find guitarists for Koko Taylor or Buddy Guy jamming (Guy's drummer has shown up to try his hand at the guitar); Tuesday and Saturday night shows' headliners include regulars Studebaker John and bands that often play at other local blues palaces like the Checker Board Lounge and Kingston Mines. There's also a juke stocked with blues, a pool table ("No gambling," a helpful sign warns), darts and pinball.