(312) 266-7761
10 E Walton St
Chicago,
IL
60611
41.9
-87.628
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, Central
What People Are Saying About Underground Wonder Bar
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
As area bars announce last call, this one's just warming up, welcoming late-night lovers of jazz and blues. It's the kind of place where you could stumble into a jam session with some celebrity players. Artists such as Liza Minelli, Herbie Hancock and Joe Sample have sat in with co-owner and featured performer Lonie Walker (nowadays, however, local musicians are more likely). A pianist and singer, Walker performs with the Big Bad Ass Company Band every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night.
09/11/08
Best Live music in Chicago!
by njs29
This is my favorite live music spot in Chicago. Owned and operated by Lonnie Walker for nearly 20 years, Underground Wonder Bar features blues, jazz, funk, R&B, and folk. They live by the motto "Live 365" b/c there is live music there 365 days a year! the place is small, but the atmosphere is just what I expected for a local jazz/music club.... dimly lit with small tables close together, almost making the audience feel like one big family...Overall, this is a fabulous undiscovered gem... and that is what gives it its charm. Regualrs dominate the place b/c once people go, they almost always want to go back again... The acts I have seen here have been great, but if you go for the first time, try to go on a Wednesday, Friday or Saturday when Lonnie Walker and her Big Bad A$$ Co. Band are playing... her energy and enthusiasm make you realize that she really loves what she does which is why she created Undground Wonder Bar in the first place. Other suggestions for live music: Howl at the Moon, Buddy Guy's Legends
Avoid: House of Blues (tourist trap and music is not good); If you want blues, go to Buddy Guy's or "Blues Chicago"
07/22/07
Legendary and fun fun fun!
by abbeyroad85
My boyfriend and I went here based on the reviews from this site and we were not dissapointed. In fact it exceeded my expectations in every way. The place is definitely a dive, but that only adds to its charm. The music was great (Lonnie and her big a** company band are fantastic!) If you can make it to the 5 a.m. last call I applaud you- their specialty martinis are designed to f*** you up. Plan to take a cab home from this one!
- Pros: Lonnie!, late night hours
- Cons: You might not get much done the next day!
11/17/06
Best atmosphere
by ppeter54
I have been going to this bar for years. I never travel to Chicago without going here. Lonnie is a fantastic muscian and I love the small intimate setting. This place is the BEST
The Details on Underground Wonder Bar
Know Before You Go:
Novice comics try out their acts during open mic before Walker's Saturday evening set; she creates laughs of her own by spontaneously yelling out, "Wonder Bar!" This is the cue for audience members to throw their hands in the air to make a "W." Expect full participation.
Save Money:
There's no cover Mon-Thu till 9pm and Fri-Sun till 8pm. Otherwise, you'll pay $8 Sun-Thu, $8 Fri-Sat till 9pm and $15 after 9pm.
Category:
Smoking Permitted:
Yes
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