Backroom

Doesn't Recommend

LauraLLL

Joined 5 years ago

Bad customer service. Very very unhappy with a service. The entrance charge was $30 per person, however on the website it says $20-$25. The band was great, however I didn't understand why the band was keeping asking for tip when we already paid $30 for coming in and also there is a requirement to buy a minimum 2 drinks per person? Oh well, the best part was when we received the bill - a total for entrance cover, drinks, and tip. We were 5 people and our bill total was $293 ($150 entrance,

$98 for drinks, $45 tip). I don't get it how the tip was calculated? Considering that we bought a total of 12 drinks for $98, we paid almost $4 tip per drink, or if you like restaurant calculation, it was a nice 46% tip.... The worst part - we didn't notice that at the bar and ended up paying this... I am used to Chicago nightlife prices, but this was over the top.

Doesn't Recommend

WASnype

Joined 5 years ago

Avoid at ALL costs!. We were visiting from Ohio to the Taste of Chicago and I would NOT recommend The Back Room to anyone visiting Chicago. We were charged a $25 per person entrance fee (others were charged $30, others less than $25). The drinks were EXTREMELY pricey, a cup of coffee, $5 and a coke, $5 - other alcoholic drinks ranged from $12 - $15. Upon entering we were only told that there was a 2 drink minimum - not 2 drink per set minimum (isn't it illegal to FORCE people to continue drinking alcohol). We were told it was pricey because we had the pleasure of enjoying a concert. A concert it was NOT! Yes, the band was okay, but upon taking requests, the singer didn't know half of the songs people were requesting. Some concert, huh? Our final bill was $201 but after complaining loudly, $40 was reduced from the bill - WOW! Hey, they even called the police on us - such excitement! WE WILL NOT BE GOING BACK TO THE BACK ROOM ON OUR NEXT VISIT TO CHICAGO, a city which we dearly love.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

This nearly hidden jazz club attracts savvy locals and visitors with nightly shows and an attitude befitting its affluent neighborhood.. The Scene
At the end of a long, brick gangway, this intimate, dimly lit venue comfortably entertains a genially mixed crowd--from chic Gold Coasters to herringbone-jacketed professorial types to black-clad hipsters. There are two levels of clubby accommodations. Stools, banquettes and candle-topped tables fill the first floor, which also has a full bar that offers proximity to the brick-backed stage. Up a spiral staircase, the balcony--formerly an area exclusively for VIPs--affords a bird's-eye view of the action downstairs at several railing-side tables and a second bar.

The Draw
All seats have great sightlines for the stage; superior acoustics and sound system ensure every musical nuance is heard. The Back Room has been around for decades, but music fans these days can catch mainstream performers wailing out jazz and blues standards. Catch acts like Bobby Lewis Quartet and Detour, plus newer "smooth jazz" and some original material during three sets nightly (four Saturdays).

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djsmooth

Joined 7 years ago

The Best Entertainment. This is a small jazz/blues/motown/etc. club that will really knock your socks off. I was there a couple of weeks ago and saw Bobby Lewis perform. Let me tell you, this cat really loves music and it shows in his performance. The club itself was very classy and welcomed my cigar smoke (upstairs only). Great decor and the club is well taken care of. My only complaint is the drinks were a little pricey. A Captain and coke should not cost $8. I will be returning the next time I am in the city.

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shallcase

Joined 10 years ago

Fun. Great Music, cozy atmosphere, and fun people. The Jazz band playing was one of the best I've seen and really got the crowd going.

Recommends

4039k

Joined 11 years ago

phenominial!!. My first time there was about three weeks ago, I went there through word of moouth. A quartet called the Charlie Johnson quartet was playing there. They blew us away.....i can't say enough about everyone of them, edspecially that 'smokin bass player.' I wanted to leave my e-mail adress with Miss Margaret, but forgot to, would you give it to her for me, so i can follow them. Keep up the good work, we'll be back in december. Guaranteed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The jazz buffs from

INDIANA

Doesn't Recommend

Juanita_Mother

Joined 11 years ago

Great Atmosphere but. During the winter went there to see an artist, made reservations. The artist cancelled that day. We didn't find out until we arrived from the western suburbs, and didn't have a second plan. Complained to the manager, and we were told that cover would be waived since we didn't know what to expect from the band. We were pleasantly surprised, the band was great. When it came to to close out our bill, the manager renigged saying he told us would charge us half. We argued, paid our $100+ bar tab and were escorted out. I will never return because of the treatment we received.