The Back Room

07/20/2008 Posted by LauraLLL

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.

Pros: Good band

Cons: service overall

06/30/2008 Posted by WASnype

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.

09/26/2006 Posted by djsmooth

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.

Pros: Everything but the drink prices

Cons: Drink prices a little high

01/02/2003 Posted by shallcase

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.

Pros: Good Music, Quaint

Cons: Loud, Small, Expensive

11/30/2002 Posted by 4039k

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

Pros: every damn thing, close parking garage, the energy

Cons: too smokey, bar stools hurt my bo

07/07/2002 Posted by Juanita_Mother

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.

Pros: good artists, great atmosphere

Cons: parking, service