House of Blues
Chicago, IL 60610-4381
Phone: (312) 923-2000
- Cross Street:
- Kinzie Street
- Directions:
- El: Brown Line to Merchandise Mart or Clark/Lake, Red Line to Lake
- Hours:
- Box office: daily 10:30am-10pm
Editorial Review for House of Blues – by Citysearch Staff
The Scene
House of Blues opened its fourth restaurant-concert hall at the base of the famous "corn cob" buildings of Marina City in 1996. Host to a mix of blues, jazz, funk, rap and world musicians of varying notoriety, this spot is also a popular dining spot. HOB's upstairs music hall is decorated with Southern outsider art. Sight lines on the main floor are terrific, sound is almost as stunning, and if you don't mind standing (little seating is available), this is the place to be. There are private boxes reserved for VIPs and industry folks, but standing room in the lower balcony is open.
The Experience
Don't let the name fool you. Everyone under the sun plays here: hip-hop groups, alterna-rockers, "Behind the Music" bands cashing in and blues giants like R.L. Burnside, Taj Mahal.
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Insider Tips
Know Before You GoThe House of Blues often books acts that attract a younger crowd; all-ages and 18 and up shows are common.
The ExtrasDon't miss the Sunday Gospel Brunch with seatings at 9am and noon. It's $38 (ages 12 and up); $15 for kids (6-12); free for kids under 6 and includes an all-you-can-eat buffet, gospel performance, tax, tip, coffee and juice.
User Reviews for House of Blues
03/22/2008 Posted by hobiscorporatescum
The music venue is nice, everything else about HOB is quite miserable. I went to a show over the summer, and the security staff is one of the worst you will ever have to deal with. These knuckledraggers were roughing up kids left and right for slam dancing. It got to the point where I literally was tempted to jump in, in defense of the kids getting beat up. The whole thing kind of ruined the night for me. Drinks are way over priced, but what else is new. Also, do not bring cameras because they are not allowed in, they do not print this on the tickets, so if you bring one you have to check it.
02/28/2008 Posted by markbergs
House of Blues Chicago provided me with one of the worst nights of my life. Went to a punk show last weekend and got BEAT by a group of the security staff. Apparently I was too drunk in the mosh pit from the WAY OVERPRICED alcohol they served me. I have witnesses stating I was leaving peacefully with them telling my friends I'd meet them outside after the show. I was being asked to leave, no big deal even though I dont think I was deserving of even that. Next thing I know I'm in a back room, my brother gets put into handcuffs and has his head smashed against a wall and when I try to protest (vocally) I was on the ground getting stomped, punched and kicked by the security staff. Not just body shots, but hits to the head. I was in law enforcement and that is called LETHAL FORCE. And no surprise the staff had a Chicago police sargent on the team. I managed to snap a picture of one of the guys and my injuries. Eventually this place will go down. I strongly recommend going anywhere else. Even if you dont get beat up like me, your wallet will and its all gonna go to the lousy staff.
Pros: good bands booked
Cons: Security with rage, beatings, overpriced drinks, possible death
Schedule
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