Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: great (20) piano (17) time (16) cigar (14) Chicago (13) drinks (13) people (13) music (12) atmosphere (9) pianist (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Cassie C. 1 year ago on Google
    I was visiting Chicago for the weekend and the Redhead Piano Bar was on my husband's list of things he really wanted to do. It sounded cool, but I was not ready for the amazing experience I had. I thought I'd have one drink and then we'd leave, but I was pleasantly surprised at the atmosphere, amazing drinks, and fantastic pianist - Elisa Carlson! TAKE ALL MY MONEY! This place is a FOR SURE stop WHEN we come back in town, and we WILL be back! Do not second guess going here, and sit at the piano if you can, hands down, best night I've had in a while.
    13 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rhiannon M. 2 years ago on Google
    SO SO GOOD!!! My friend and I went on Friday and loved it so much that we went back again on Saturday - we weren’t the only ones, it turned out, as we saw a lot of the same people there coming back for more. We were there for Laura Cai and she was absolutely incredible. So much joy was had, singing and dancing all night, lots of camaraderie. Door staff are very nice too and the cocktails were delicious (we just had Sonya’s Peaches the whole time bc they were so good). Highly recommend! I’ll be going again next time I’m in the city. Stays open so late too and we couldn’t tear ourselves away!
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel H. 4 months ago on Google • 958 reviews
    I had lots of fun here! Drinks are pricey but isn't everything nowadays.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kerry B. 1 year ago on Google
    One of my regular spots! THE BEST STAFF anywhere in the city! The clientele are from all walks yet mesh together like old friends. Live music, AWESOME STAFF, huge cigar selection, giant heated outdoor patio (for smoking), good people, and cheap drinks! HIGHLY recommend you start your evening here, or come in after dinner since they stay open 'til 4am. I promise I'm not affiliated with them other than visiting multiple times a week, but I seriously feel like I could do a free commercial for them, LOL!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cecilia W. 3 months ago on Google • 39 reviews New
    We love the redhead piano bar, the live music is fantastic and it’s a small place so it’s not awkwardly open, it’s dimly lit and drinks are fast. Theres an outdoor area as well if you want to cool down, we ended up climbing stairs that led to the top of the building and you can see the city from up there! there’s a cigar lounge in the back too and you can buy and pick out your own cigar there (nice experience).
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Catrina E. 1 year ago on Google
    My wife and i have been visiting red head for almost 2 decades and we have always loved stopping in when we are in Chicago. However this week we did not enjoy the air quality as there were two different people constantly vaping. One was sitting right at the piano making it sasy for staff to see the exhale. I really hope they step up the game. We hope to visit again soon. This is a very fun and unique place to visit.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 karina k. 7 months ago on Google • 280 reviews
    Fun place for live music and drinks and a cigar lounge on the 2nd level. The live music is so much fun bc the artists will take requests and you can add to their list and the singer who was also playing the piano and the backup piano player played perfectly together and there were endless requests all night. It was great how they interacted with the crowd. It’s nice and cool inside the bar but the cigar lounge is basically part of an outdoor patio extension so no AC for summer so it was a bit hot and sticky. The live music was the best part and the lively crowd.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Lisa W. 2 years ago on Google
    Come early to grab the seat you want. We came here after dinner next door. It was right before 8 and we grabbed a seat in front of the bar and can see the stage. The drinks were good but a little pricey for a dive like bar. The pianist was Kathleen Dolan and she was amazing! She was really good and we enjoyed her show. When we left at 10 there was a huge line. Due to Covid there was no standing room (in April). Not sure now.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Julie P. 5 months ago on Google
    This place is SO FUN!!! Frank was playing piano and was KILLING IT!! He took requests all night and the whole place was loving it. Very very fun energy at this bar, great place to come sing along and dance your heart out. Met a lot of amazing people
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Daniel G. 9 months ago on Google
    Our young waitress 5 June was not happy to serve sober me and colleagues for no reason what so ever. And she stated that we had to pay 20% tip to sit at the table. This never happens in Europe. And we would have paid 20% anyway. The place is great besides this. Cheers from Sweden
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Max S. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice chill atmosphere, friendly and helpful staff. Me and my friends went there not expecting anything but definitely had a good time. Would be great if you enjoy a chill bar with vibe piano music. Dan was helpful in choosing out a cigar, and the outdoor cigar lounge was very nice. Met some people there, shoutout Franklin. One thing however is we notices some inconsistency in the cocktails.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Doug N. 1 year ago on Google
    I have been coming to Redhead every time I have visited Chicago (from Cincinnati) for almost 30 years. Every friend or relative I bring falls in love with the place--there's just something about the cheer there that makes it My Happy Place. Labor Day Weekend, my girlfriend and I were there Thu, Fri and Sun. You MUST see Kaleen Dolan play...we will always go out of our way to attend her nights.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bobby K. 1 year ago on Google
    Fun place featuring immensely talented musicians capable of performing masterful renditions of requested songs. Weekends can get very busy as people of all ages come together belting out the timeless lyrics in unison. A little bonus for those of us who enjoy the occasional smoke. There is a cigar lounge attached to the back of the bar with a surprisingly respectable selection of stogies.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Miguel (. 1 year ago on Google
    Very relaxed atmosphere, with a central bar where you can watch great pianist singers livening up the night. I recommend!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 carly m. 2 years ago on Google
    We had a fantastic time at the Redhead! It was one of the highlights of our trip. Kaleen was great and the atmosphere was lively and exciting. The music was great and they played a variety of genres. We had read about there being a dress code and were a little worried but had no issues getting in whatsoever.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 luis pimentel f. 1 year ago on Google
    Staff is top shelf and amazing pianist . This place makes me feel a whole another world. Also Jason, who took care of me with my cigar needs made me feel home in my back yard. If could move to Chicago and drop everything where I live, it’s because of this bar. Been to most cities in the United States but never experienced anything like this here. Definitely 100% recommend this place. Hope this place is around generations after generations.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 James M. 1 year ago on Google
    I had an amazing experience attending the redhead piano bar. It was lively and fun the bartenders were super friendly and constantly attentive. I don't drink so they had my club soda and lime in no time. But the one person who stood out the most was Christian the man who greeted me at the door. He put in the effort to tell me about the cigar bar in the back which was awesome and he just seems like a guy you can trust to get you home at the end of the night. Thanks Christian and Michelle the bar tender for taking great care of me.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Scott C. 2 years ago on Google
    LOVE this place. Always a great time: live piano players after 8, singing, requesting the best songs. For those who wish: there is a cigar bar attached for enjoyment. I recommend coming early to avoid a line (especially with covid restrictions). I wish their beer selection was more expansive, but they have Stella, which is a great option. Can’t wait to return!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Brent G. 2 months ago on Google • 78 reviews New
    Friendly staff. Good vibes from the patrons. Decor is not great in my opinion. Regularly has live music, hence piano bar. Good quality beverages, I like scotch and was spoiled for choice.

  • 5/5 Dana M. 3 months ago on Google • 62 reviews New
    This place was a blast, my sister and her boyfriend went to sing together while this guy played the piano. I noticed they have VIP booth seating available and an area up front to dance. Great atmosphere and nice people.

  • 5/5 Jason J. 2 months ago on Google • 47 reviews New
    We always enjoy are time here. It’s remained a staple of my Chicago itinerary for almost 20 years.

  • 5/5 Tina P. 2 months ago on Google • 20 reviews New
    Had the BEST time here! Staff were very welcoming. Entertainment was a 10! Highly recommend!

  • 5/5 Eric P. 4 months ago on Google
    Can't comment on the food since I've only ever been here after the kitchen closes. Fun spot to stop by on a Friday/Saturday out - I'm guessing the ambiance is completely different if you're going there for dinner on a Tuesday though

  • 5/5 Gracie B. 4 months ago on Google
    I pretty much love all the lodge management bars and they’ve been my go to for the past 13 yrs I’ve lived in Chicago. One of the biggest reasons I love RedHead is because of the bartenders. Dan G. is hands down one of the nicest and most accommodating. I never see the guy stay still as he’s always serving someone/working. Definitely recommend the Red Head!

  • 5/5 bill c. 6 months ago on Google
    We stumbled in to this place after googling and finding it has live entertainment and wine (take hold of your wine expectations). This place with the singing piano man exceeded on every level. You feel at home no matter how many miles away. This place is reason enough for a revisit to Chicago.

  • 5/5 Travis z. 5 months ago on Google
    Fun atmosphere, extremely busy. Very talented pianist. Good luck getting a seat at the bar and ordering a drink.

  • 5/5 Lisa C. 6 months ago on Google
    Was staying in Chicago and my two adult children asked me to join them.We had a great time. Great entertainment!

  • 5/5 Tamara K. 5 months ago on Google
    I visited here based on two recommendations. My coworkers and myself had a great evening. Good music and drinks with a cigar. Mr. Muhammad provided excellent customer service to all of us. He was personable and is knowledgeable about his cigar selection. Virginia Nurse

  • 2/5 Naomi L. 1 year ago on Google
    Piano doe not start until 8pm???? We got there at 630pm they dont' accept cash. the lemon drops were awful. Other guests had their feet on the seats. I spent over $100.00 didn't have a good drink or hear piano. Not going back

  • 5/5 Erik C. 1 year ago on Google
    Was there for a surprise birthday party and had a blast. The pianist was incredible and the staff was great! Definitely coming back!

  • 5/5 Judit V. 10 months ago on Google
    First time at the Redhead Piano Bar but definitely not the last. We had a reserved table, so at 9 pm on Saturday we were sitting at the table and 5 minutes later got our first drinks. The manager was very helpful while a month earlier she helped me through the options for reseving a table or not. I appreciated her honest help. The atmosphere was very lively although a bit too loud, but people were having a grand time! We quickly got friendly with another group of people and even danced a little with them. The music and the pianist were both great, everyone was singing along. Our drinks were yummy and reasonably priced, and because the reservation fee was good for merchandise too, we ended up getting some champagne flutes and other glasses in addition to the drinks. The packaging was professional. Our waitress was fast, helpful, and very friendly. We will go again for sure when we are Chicago.

  • 4/5 Christina G. 8 months ago on Google
    I know that the atmosphere is also based on the people there so that is why I went with 4 stars. Honestly I don't know if it makes a difference on which night you go. The music was great. She is very talented, and it would have been so enjoyable if we had been able to hear it. There were so many people there that were screaming just to talk to each other. It made it very hard to even have a normal conversation with the person next me or hear the piano/song itself. Maybe it really is just the crowd on any given day but it was not enjoyable when we were there. Service was great through.

  • 5/5 mark W. 1 year ago on Google
    I travelled to Chicago on business from the UK. In November 2021 I visited here for the very first time. I have now visited another ten times taking different colleagues with me, everyone has had the greatest experience from the start when Christian on the door was polite, respectful and helpful; to the bar staff who are super fast to the amazing music from the pianist. I always spend too much but keep going back!

  • 5/5 brittany r. 1 year ago on Google
    Dan was the best bartender I have ever encountered! I felt so welcomed by him! He was super busy, yet he made me feel like I was the only person in the bar. What an outgoing, fun bartender ya'll have on your hands! I will be coming back just to see him!

  • 3/5 Wuliao H. 1 year ago on Google
    A little bit too loud that’s not what I expected. Drinks are fine. The food is ordered from the restaurant next to it.

  • 1/5 Michael M. 2 years ago on Google
    It's nothing more than a dive bar trying to masquerade as a high end swanky venue. The bouncers are the complete opposite of who you'd want to be the first person a potential customer talks to when they come visit your business. They are rude, impersonal, and make it obvious that they are just looking for you to slip them some cash to let you in. Don't bother, there are plenty of other great places within walking distance.

  • 5/5 Antoine C. 2 years ago on Google
    I had one hell of an evening there. The staff is AMAZING. Super courteous and helpful. The bar looks good and the ambiance was top notch. The piano guy was super entertaining. We went and had a cigar, the selection was great and the crowd in the smoking area was super friendly and chill. Great place, we loved it, we want to go back.

  • 5/5 Matt H. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a classic. If you're even reading this you have to go. The bouncers outside fancy themselves very serious. As soon as you get in you will have a great time if you like to sing along and meet friendly people!

  • 5/5 Mack B. 2 years ago on Google
    This bar is the best in Chicago. It is historic but not only that, accommodating and welcoming. Last but not least, when you go here - ask for the Bartendress breanna! She is the best old fashioned Bartendress in Chicago. Tell her Mack and Emma sent you ❤️

  • 1/5 Devin H. 2 years ago on Google
    After a day of sightseeing, I wanted to get some drinks with my husband. We were staying on the Magnificent Mile and this place was close to our hotel, so decided to go before turning in for the night. We were greeted by a doorman that shined a flashlight on us up and down who did not let us in due to not meeting dress code. That part was embarrassing. I will give him this, at least he said it nice but I was surprised. I had on a sundress and my husband had on shorts and sneakers...typical summer attire when it's 90 degrees out. I saw no signs in reference to dress code, but did not fight this and moved on. I get ambience and wanting to create atmosphere, so this was the choice of this establishment. We packed nicer clothes but really didnt feel like going back and changing just for a few drinks. I came from an older generation where you dress to go out, but these days people really dont anymore. The art of dressing up, although appreciated, is somewhat a dying form with the new generation. Even at nicer restaurants on our trip, my cocktail dress and husbands dress shirt and tie attired seemed out of place on this trip (compared to other patrons at those places) so we were surprised we were denied at a piano bar for a few drinks. Let's do the math....average drink is about $20 in this area of Chicago. We would have each had 2 or 3...then the 20% tip on top of that. So low estimate of this place missing out on $100 for 2 drinks each with tip...just because my husband is in shorts and sneakers? That's fine. An upscale bar within walking distance to our hotel welcomed us in casual attire right away and gladly took our money.

  • 1/5 Graham S. 2 months ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    I have been to redhead a couple times and the piano player is the only thing that makes this place worth visiting. Impossible to have a fun time with a large group because of overcrowding. It took a very long time to get a drink. The bartenders do work hard which I respect. Also, my group recently had a very negative experience with the door men who turned us away when we were celebrating a 60th birthday because they assumed the birthday boy had too much to drink. I understand the right to refuse service but nothing was out of the ordinary. They were threatening and rude as they turned us away. Be completely sober before visiting these door men or you will have a similar experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍


Call +1 312-640-1000 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Dancing
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Food at bar
    • ✓️ Happy-hour drinks
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✗ Takeaway
  • From the business
    • ✓️ Identifies as women-owned

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