i’ve been here twice and really like it. the bathroom never seems to have a line. the bar staff are all courteous. there is a kitty that lives on site! but she hides a lot (probably due to noise). the sound is really quite good — if you forget ear plugs they have them at the bar for $1.

Tried to come here for a show last night with my friend and the bouncer wouldn’t accept my friends ID saying it was fake just because her ID was dirty! My friend (who’s 23) really wanted to take me there since I just turned 21 a few months ago and never had the chance to go to a bar for the first time and then we get denied just because my friends ID is dirty. I wanted to vouch for my friend to the bouncer but my friend was so upset we just decided to leave. We were both big fans of the artists preforming last night so we’re both very disappointed that we were denied entry. Don’t go here!

We have spent many an evening here dancing the night away. It’s a great place for friends to reconnect or meet new people. There’s very few places in Chicago that feel like the empty bottle- it is definitely one of a kind and not to be replicated! Great staff as well.

I have never seen a bad show here. The sound is always top notch, the acts they book are lots of fun and are not necessarily mainstream. I have seen a lot of bands here before they have blown up big and sell out larger venues. Staying on the bleeding edge of the music scene is a tough thing to do and Empty Bottle never disappoints.

Awesome experience. Seen Puma Blue and Harvey Dweller LIVE. Probably will be my favorite Venue to visit. Staff was attentive, professional, and sometimes you may even find the band/artist walking around the venue too. Bar: Cash/Card.

the only downside is the sound system. good bar service and staff, but unless you are able to find space up front or in the side area during a crowded show, the sound really falls flat. the speaker in the main hall points straight down at the first 6-7 rows of people. well mixed, but the lack of sound projection allowed the people in the back comfort to speak loudly while bands perform. I had to bend my ears forward with my hands in order to hear the music over the crowd's chatter at times.

Great place for live music! Intimate feel yet not so small you feel packed in. Good bar with plenty of drink options.

Came in on a rare quiet night this time around. It felt pretty novel just talking with the Blake, chillest bartender around, and enjoying a few new beers at the bar. Empty bottle is 5/5 with music and without, who knew.

Really love this place. Only negative experience was when seeing The Spits which is a fast punk band and people were crowd surfing (as is common at shows such as this), one lady employee was AGGRESSIVELY ripping them out of the venue without warning. None of these folks were belligerent and would have gladly stopped if told.

The evening could not have been better. I saw three great female fronted bands (including daisychain and Boybrain) with no cover charge and there was no pressure to buy drinks. Also the neighboring pizza place gave free pizza slices to anyone offering proof they were at the club ( this is only on Mondays.). I also ran into some old friends.

Cool place to see a band. Not super big, standing room only so get there early if you want to be close to the stage. Regardless though, because it is small, it will be an intimate show. Acoustics are good! They have a bar there for before and during the show. If you want food, the venue is attached to the pizza shop next door. Parking isn't horrible, we used Spothero to find cheap street parking nearby.

This is my favorite music venue in Chicago. I've seen so many great shows here over the years.

really chill bar with affordable drink options and live music. they buddy up with Pizza Friendly Pizza next door so you can order their pizza without leaving the bar.

Bri was a fantastic bartender. I showed up with me 6 twins, and she knew immediately whose tab was whose. Like, I'm not going to venmo ALL my twins for their fuzzy navel drinks. I'm not a monster.

Went here to see Meat Wave, which was packed shoulder to shoulder. Still, the stage was easy to see, the sound was good, the place has a cool vibe, and the drinks at the bar were good and priced well. I'd definitely like to see more shows here.

The Empty Bottle has limited seating but a great atmosphere. I'd definitely recommend making it out on Tuesdays and Thursdays when there are bands scheduled, as it will probably be busier than most other places and introduce you to some genuinely wonderful artists ✨

I’ll preface this by saying that I’m not a prude. I enjoy different types of music. I enjoy to have a few drinks and mingle. However, I’ve never been in such an awkward place like this. Everyone was underage, and I mean EVERYONE, or they have somehow found the fountain of youth. Apparently the checking of the ID’s is just a formality. Ok, so, even before walking in there were a group of judgy children smoking cigarettes and laughing at my partner and I; red flags number one. Reg flag number 2: EVERYONE was wearing the exact same clothing. There was nothing but butt cracks and bulges. Red flag 3: The music was absolutely awful. I’m a musician, I can put forks into a garbage disposal and it would sound better than the absolute garbage that was playing at this place. It was like being in the midst of a Hellraiser film. Any second I expecting a gateway to open, and the chains to rip the flesh from my bones while everyone laughed. No one was smiling, they were just aimlessly walking around with a sour expression. Did I enter another dimension? I sure felt like it. Despite this, I was willing to have a few drinks, maybe I would have fun. We walked up to the bar, no one would move out of our way, and they weren’t even drinking! After twenty minutes of trying to get the bartender’s attention, I spent $50 on an Uber and left. The Uber driver laughed because he has to rescue adults from this place EVERY-NIGHT. Anyway, do not go here if you’re over 22 years old; even if you are, I highly recommend another establishment. This is not a place for camaraderie and entertainment. Regular down to earth people ARE NOT WELCOME at this place. Do not expect a warm greeting at the door.

Cute, quaint, fun place to go to a show. Found parking both times i went recently. Decent sound and great view albeit we were in front.

I saw the band Sorry here and it was a really great experience. Audio was great, packed house but everyone was cool. Sorry was better than I expected they might be live, and this venue was a great place to see them. Really great show. If I lived in Chicago I'd be here all the time.

Lively, toilet circuit-esque music venue. Could easily be the 70s, 90s or 2020’s inside. Solid sound system, and loads of space for the crowd. Booze fairly priced - and decent selection of beers — although not sure why they switch between pint glasses and plastic 3/4 size cups randomly…

This in my Top 5 venues in Chicago. Let the good times roll. 🔥

All staff from the door to the bar to the stage are all very patient well informed and nice.

The sound guy Patrick is super good at his job. Obviously good hearing. Hes in a real sick band called Rezn too. I'd check them out if i were you.

Came here in the early evening for a drink with an old friend. Only people here were 1 bartender and some band members loading in. Had a nice chat with some of the band guys who were hanging out but the bartender kept ducking into the back room anytime my friend and I tried to get his attention to ask for another beer. We left to drink elsewhere since this place clearly wasn't interested in serving us. Was a few months ago but I still think about this interaction (or lack thereof, I should say) because it was so awkward and rude.

I’m probably a little biased since my son’s band kangaroo played the night we visited the empty bottle; but every time we’ve come, it’s been an enjoyable experience with no hassles. The staff is very cordial and considerate and it’s a great vibe.