Lee's Unleaded Blues
Chicago, IL 60619
Phone: (773) 493-3477
- Cross Street:
- East 74th Street
- Directions:
- Bus: 30, 4 to 75th S
- Best of Citysearch:
- Blues Club 2007
- Hours:
- Sun-Mon, Thu-Fri 8pm-2am, Sat 8pm-3am
Editorial Review for Lee's Unleaded Blues – by John Dugan
The Scene
Until 1983, Lee's was known as Queen Bee's, but it's as unselfconscious and lively as a South Side blues joint should be. Decorated in plush style, circa 1970, the padded vinyl stools and furry bar glow in original red under the spotlights. Southsiders who've been coming here for decades sit at the two bars with younger couples and music fans from further afield, all angling for a view of whoever commands the corner stage.
The Draw
This is the real deal--industrious blues and R&B acts show a mastery of timeless American music forms not found under many other mirror balls. Whether it be Johnny Drummer & the Starlighters, or charismatic soul singer Shorty Mack, a good time and more than a bit of audience participation are guaranteed. There are few concessions here, but bartenders and neighborhood folk are warm and welcoming.
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Insider Tips
Save MoneyMonday nights often feature a soul food buffet.
When to GoLive shows begin promptly at 9pm; if the band takes a break, try the soul/blues/R&B-stocked CD jukebox or the electronic dart game.
Know Before You GoWireless microphones allow performers to literally walk right up and sing to patrons at any corner of the small club.
User Reviews for Lee's Unleaded Blues
08/07/2007 Posted by roughhouse
First of all, if you want something to eat, go to one of those fake Northside Blues joints. Lee's is a real blues joint, one of the last jems of this city. I used to love going down to Lee's on Sunday Nights. Everyone got their lesson, now it's time for their blessin'. Still in their Sunday Church suites, kicking back a few and dancin' to real blues music. I really recomend you get to this place before the Mayor wants to build a new condo on the site. Then it will be gone, just like Maxwell Street, and the true Checker Board Lounge. But at least we'll have the House of Blues. Oh almost forgot they are closing, and moving Buddy Guy's too. Get to Lee's before it's gone.
Pros: Real Blues Club
Cons: A little to far south from downtown, but on Sunday Nights it's worth it
03/21/2005 Posted by xerxes13
This place got a little smokey. The only thing to eat was deep fried prok rhines and the decore was old. I loved it. This place was the most original Blues joint I'd ever been to. If you truely like blues, go here. You might just see me. I think I'm buying a house down the street & hnaging here ever night.
Pros: Blues, people, the look
Cons: nothing , none, still nada
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