Blues clubs are ubiquitous to Chicago and are forever intertwined with both its musical history and broader cultural history. John Lennon, the Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix often credited members of the Chicago blues scene with greatly influencing their music, as well as Rock and Roll as a whole. The African American migration into Chicago during the early 20th century brought gospel, jazz and early blues music with it. And then, artists such as Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, Willie Dixon and Buddy Guy helped transform those styles into what became Chicago Blues.

Don’t ignore such an integral part of Chicago’s history. We at ManScore are providing you with a sample of places, from club to brewer and late nights to brunch.

Buddy Guy’s Legends
http://buddyguy.com

Any list showcasing Chicago blues must start with Buddy Guy’s Legends, where some of the best blues acts from around the country play. Buddy is celebrating 81 years this week, and he’s been part of the electric Chicago blues scene for nearly half of a decade. His reputation helped turn Buddy Guy’s into a place enjoyed by Chicagoans and tourists alike. In addition to great blues, one can enjoy its full bar and a terrific Cajun-focused menu.

Cover: $10 ($20 Friday-Saturday). Seating is limited (purchase tix ahead of time).

Blue Chicago
http://www.bluechicago.com

A good old fashioned hole in the wall; and it is glorious. Blue Chicago opened in 1985 in the heart of the River North district. Numerous blues legends have played here including Koko Taylor, Bonnie Lee, Karen Carroll, Johnny B Moore, Magic Slim, and Eddie Clearwater. There’s no food at Blue, but there’s plenty of good drinks and tons of good music.

Cover: $10 ($12 on Fri and Sat).

Nick’s Beer Garden
http://nicksbeergarden.com/

Nick’s Beer Garden moved from its 1977 Halsted and Armitage location to Wicker Park in 1994.

Nick’s offers heaps of craft beer, live music every weekend, pool tables, TVs, and of course a beer garden. Blues and “bluesy” acts are the predominant form of entertainment at Nick’s.

Cover Charge: None.

House of Blues Chicago
http://www.houseofblues.com/chicago

It may be the most touristy place on the list, but if you’ve avoided it for that reason, you are missing out. The restaurant, the stages, the acts and the memorabilia offer visitors a riveting experience. Even better, attending the Sunday Gospel Brunch is something everyone should do at least once—It’s a blast.

Cover/Tix: Varies

Fitzgeralds
http://www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com/

Nationally recognized as one of the best spots in Chicago for music and good drinks, Fitzgerald's exists simultaneously as a great craft beer and cocktail place, as well as the home to stellar music. The building is around 100 years old, but the Fitzgerald family took over in 1980 and have since bought the spaces on both sides of the original location, running a “get away” sidebar in one space and an Italian Restaurant in the other.

Cover/Tix: Varies

http://riverroastchicago.com/

What could be more Chicago than brews, blues and views of the famous river that bears its name?

River Roast captures the essence of Chicago by appealing to blue collar and high cultured, Southside or Northside and everything in between. Enjoy a burger or anything created by a James Beard Award winner. And, if you like cocktails, order the Social House Smash cocktail (rum, mezcal, blackberry, lemon, oleo saccharum, mint).

For blues lovers, the fun occurs each Saturday and Sunday during its “Chicago Blues and Homestyle Brunch on the River,” from 12pm to 3pm. Acts found on the patio this August, overlooking the river, include Michael Charles, Windy City Rev Ups, Jimmy Burns and Jamiah Rogers (a.k.a “Blues Superman).

Cover: Varies.

Motor Row Brewing
http://www.motorrowbrewing.com/blues/

Every Thursday Night (6pm to 11pm) at Motor Row’s spectacular three-story southside taproom, patrons can head to the third floor to see the legendary Original Chicago Blues All Stars. The All Stars possess an illustrious history and have recorded and performed with such legendary blues musicians as Buddy Guy, The Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry, Eric Clapton, Joe Cocker, James Cotton, B.B. King, Otis Rush, Koko Taylor and Muddy Waters.

The brewery embodies the craft-beer mantra of artisanship combined with embracing its local community. One will find mostly lagers, but there’s a few ales, too. No matter what’s brewed, though, you can be sure it’s exceptionally good.

Cover charge: None.

Kingston Mines
http://kingstonmines.com/

Chicago’s oldest, continuously operating blues club, with a history dating back to 1968, owns innumerable awards from endless sources. Seven days a week, on two stages, Chicagoans can enjoy local and national acts; both big names and new names come to Kingston.

One can also dine on southern food from Doc’s Rib Joint and enjoy anything from its full bar, including beer from Half Acre, Goose, Revolution, Left Hand and Lagunitas. Kingston is the least pretentious place around, thus it’s motto: “Hear Blues – Drink Booze – Talk Loud – You’re Among Friends!” ™

Cover/Tix: Varies.