The Best Piano Bars In Chicago

25 October 2016

Whether you’re looking for live entertainment or a swanky night out on the town, this guide to the top piano bars in the city will have you itching to hear a local Chicagoan tickle the ivories. The bars chosen either exude a ritzy, posh vibe or a jazzy, dive-y feel. Regardless, it’s always a lively night when there are live pianos present – especially if there are dueling pianos with an unpredictable lineup.

The Joynt On State

Bar, Beer, Wine, Cocktails, Pub Grub, American, $$$

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The Joynt On State, IL | © Moyan Brenn/Flickr

The newest piano bar on the Chicago scene, The Joynt on State just had a location change, and its Grand Opening on State Street was in January 2016. The Joynt is guaranteed to have lively entertainment every night and will vary from performing jazz to funk to old-school R&B. Although there is a $10 cover, there is also an option to enjoy the music in the main bar or head towards a stairwell by the bathrooms that goes to a speakeasy in the basement. The revamped bar is more upscale than the old location, and the regulars have noted that unlike other piano bars, you can still hold a conversation because the music is not overly loud.

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440 North State Street, River North, Chicago, Illinois, 60654, USA

+13126460660

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The Redhead Piano Bar

The Redhead Piano Bar is for all the old souls out there that are yearning for a night accompanied by Billy Joel. This piano bar is full of the classics, and musicians are will willing and prepared to play a wide range of requests. It’s noted that the dress code tends to be strict, especially with men’s shoes. If men are wearing sneakers, the bar even offers an alternative pair that have been donated back in the day. The customers should come prepared to dance in a party atmosphere and possibly even smoke a cigar on the deck outside.

The Redhead Piano Bar, 16 W Ontario St, Chicago, IL, USA, +1312 640 1000

Howl at the Moon

A top choice, Howl at the Moon will not disappoint. Tip from the pros: you will want to go early to avoid the long line and to have a higher chance of your song being selected by the pianists. It’s noted to have some of the best buckets of alcohol. The bar is prepared to accompany the copious amounts of alcohol by serving a variety of hearty appetizers like meatballs, spring rolls, Caprese skewers, and more. If you’re heading there for a nightcap, expect to run into multiple people you know, a few bachelorettes and be ready to dance.

Howl at the Moon, 26 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 312 644 2262

Shakers on Clark

At Shakers on Clark, there is always live music and events going on. While it’s generally known as a low-key sports and gay bar, it captures a variety of people with its location in Lakeview. Shakers holds events like ‘Stripper Bingo’ and ‘Couples of Shakers,’ where the staff will give away shots and gift cards. Even better, the bar has phone chargers available to the public in case your phone is about to die. If Shakers does not have a live music performance, there will always be something else going on, and if worse comes to worse, you can grab yourself one of their infamous 23-ounce iced teas and play some darts.

Shakers on Clark, 3160 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, USA, +1773 327 5969

Brando’s Speakeasy

Selected to join this list as a final contender, Brando’s Speakeasy is a guaranteed fun night out, but it’s known because of its epic karaoke lounge. While there may not be a live pianist every night, this is a great place to warm up the vocals with an audience. It’s noted that the crowd may not cheer every time, but it’s one of the best karaoke bars – and there is nothing like it in the South Loop area. Brando’s may not live up to the definition of a ‘speakeasy,’ but it is a spot for regulars that do karaoke!

Brando’s Speakeasy, 343 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 773 216 3213