Green Mill Cocktail Lounge

Green Mill Cocktail Lounge Chicago: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and History Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge is a living monument to the city’s dynamic cultural and musical heritage. Founded in 1907, this iconic venue has evolved from a Prohibition-era speakeasy frequented by legendary gangsters into one of the country’s most celebrated and longest-running jazz clubs. With a meticulously preserved Art Deco interior, storied gangster connections, and a thriving live music scene, the Green Mill transports visitors into the heart of Chicago’s jazz age and cultural legacy (Saving Places; Green Mill Jazz; Chicago Music).

This comprehensive guide explores the Green Mill’s storied past, ongoing significance, and everything you need to know for an unforgettable visit—including hours, ticketing, accessibility, travel tips, and nearby attractions.

Prohibition-Era Legacy and Gangster Lore
Jazz Heritage and Musical Influence
Preserving Historic Atmosphere
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
Accessibility, Location, and Travel Tips
Seating, The Al Capone Booth, and Service
Dress Code and Patron Behavior
Special Events and Pop Culture Presence
Community Impact and Ongoing Legacy
FAQ
Summary Table: Visitor Information
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

Prohibition-Era Legacy and Gangster Lore

The Green Mill’s history is inseparable from Chicago’s Prohibition-era drama. Originally opened as Pop Morse’s Roadhouse in 1907, it was renamed Green Mill Gardens in 1910, inspired by the Moulin Rouge in Paris but with a uniquely Chicago twist (Saving Places). During the Roaring Twenties and early 1930s, it became a magnet for the city’s underworld.

Al Capone, the city’s most infamous gangster, was a regular, favoring a booth with a clear view of the entrances for both comfort and security (Chicago Music). The club also featured secret tunnels and trapdoors, reportedly used for bootlegging and as escape routes during police raids, which can still be seen today (Time Out Chicago).

Another notable figure, Jack “Machine Gun” McGurn, an associate of Capone, was allegedly a part-owner. The Green Mill was even the site of a notorious altercation between McGurn and entertainer Joe E. Lewis, later immortalized in the Frank Sinatra film The Joker Is Wild. These stories infuse the Green Mill with an aura of intrigue and contribute to its status as a living time capsule of Chicago’s tumultuous past (Saving Places).

Jazz Heritage and Musical Influence

The Green Mill’s reputation as a jazz institution developed alongside its gangster history. The club has welcomed legendary performers such as Billie Holiday, Al Jolson, Benny Goodman, and Texas Guinan (Secret Chicago). Since Dave Jemilo acquired and restored the club in 1986, it has maintained a strong focus on traditional and bebop jazz, showcasing both local talent and internationally renowned artists (Saving Places).

The Green Mill is also the birthplace of the global poetry slam movement. The Uptown Poetry Slam, hosted every Sunday, blends jazz and spoken word, adding another layer to the club’s cultural significance (Time Out Chicago).

Preserving Historic Atmosphere

Walking into the Green Mill is like stepping back in time. The lounge’s iconic curved wooden bar, gold velvet booths, pressed tin ceilings, and neon “Green Mill” sign have been lovingly maintained (Chicago Music). Restoration efforts have focused on authenticity, with original fixtures and vintage details preserved.

Jemilo’s philosophy was to restore, not renovate, resulting in a venue that old-timers recognize from decades past (Saving Places). The venue’s landmark status ensures that its unique character will be protected for generations to come (Secret Chicago).

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Hours:
- Sunday–Thursday: 4:00 PM to 1:11 AM
- Friday: 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM
- Saturday: 1:00 PM to 2:00 AM
  (Green Mill Jazz)
Cover Charge:
- Typically $15–$20 during live performances.
- Pay at the door; no online ticket sales.
Age Requirement:
- 21+ with valid government-issued photo ID.
Payment:
- Cash only. No ATM on site; plan accordingly.

Accessibility, Location, and Travel Tips

Address: 4802 N. Broadway Ave., Uptown, Chicago
Public Transit: CTA Red Line—Lawrence stop, just half a block away (Quirky Travel Guy)
Parking: Limited street parking; rideshare or public transit recommended.
Wheelchair Access:
- Entrance is mostly street level; may have small steps.
- Restrooms are not ADA-compliant.
- Call ahead for specific accessibility needs (Rogers Edge Reporter).
Safety: Uptown is generally lively and safe. The Green Mill enforces ID checks and maintains a secure, welcoming atmosphere (Travellers Worldwide).

Seating, The Al Capone Booth, and Service

Seating: First-come, first-served. Arrive early—by 7 p.m. is recommended—especially for booths.
Al Capone Booth: Located to the right of the bar, across from the side door, offering a strategic view of the entrances. Highly sought after due to its history.
Drinks: Classic cocktails only—martinis, Manhattans, old fashioneds. No cocktail menu; focus is on straightforward, strong drinks.
Food: Not served. Dine at nearby restaurants such as Fiesta Mexicana, Demera, or Golden House Restaurant & Pancake House.
Service: Cash-only bar. ATM by the entrance if needed.

Dress Code and Patron Behavior

Dress Code: No formal code, but retro or semi-formal attire is encouraged, especially on weekends.
Atmosphere: Respectful listening during performances is expected. Loud conversations and phone use during sets are discouraged.

Special Events and Pop Culture Presence

Regular Events:
- Nightly live jazz
- Uptown Poetry Slam every Sunday
Special Events: Themed jazz nights and holiday celebrations
Pop Culture:
- Featured in films like High Fidelity and The Untouchables
- Frequently referenced in books, documentaries, and travel guides (Saving Places)

Community Impact and Ongoing Legacy

The Green Mill is a cultural anchor in Uptown, fostering community among musicians, poets, and visitors. It remains resilient despite changing ownership and neighborhood dynamics, thanks to its landmark status and enduring popularity (Secret Chicago; Time Out Chicago). Its commitment to live performance and creative programming ensures its continued relevance in Chicago’s cultural landscape.

FAQ

Q: What are the Green Mill’s visiting hours?
A: Sunday–Thursday: 4pm–1:11am; Friday: 4pm–2am; Saturday: 1pm–2am.

Q: How much is the cover charge?
A: Typically $15–$20 for live performances, paid at the door.

Q: Is the club wheelchair accessible?
A: Accessibility is limited. Call ahead to discuss accommodations.

Q: Can I reserve a booth?
A: Seating is first-come, first-served. No reservations.

Q: Is there a dress code?
A: No formal code; retro or semi-formal attire is encouraged.

Q: Is there food service?
A: No food is served; plan to eat at nearby restaurants.

Q: Are minors allowed?
A: The venue is 21+ only.

Summary Table: Visitor Information

Feature	Details
Location	4802 N. Broadway Ave., Uptown, Chicago
Visiting Hours	Sun–Thu: 4pm–1:11am; Fri: 4pm–2am; Sat: 1pm–2am (Green Mill Jazz)
Cover Charge	$15–$20, cash-only
Public Transit	CTA Red Line, Lawrence stop
Parking	Limited; street or rideshare recommended
Wheelchair Access	Limited; call ahead
Restrooms	Small, not fully accessible
Safety	IDs checked, attentive staff
Food	Not served
Dress Code	No formal code; retro/casual attire
Photography	Allowed, be respectful

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge stands as a unique intersection of Chicago’s jazz heritage, Prohibition intrigue, and vibrant community spirit. Its authentic atmosphere, historic features, and world-class live performances make it a must-see for both visitors and locals. To make the most of your visit, check the latest hours and event schedules on the official Green Mill website, bring cash, and arrive early for the best seating.

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