The end of the week is finally upon you, and if you don’t already have plans for the weekend, we’ve got nine amazing restaurants for you that play live music while you dine. As much fun as staying in with a pizza and movie sounds, weekends are for living it up and socializing with your amazing Illinois neighbors.
See what all the hype is about at these excellent dives and bars. Scroll on for all the best places in the Land of Lincoln to find yourself on a Friday or Saturday night.
- Austin’s Saloon & Eatery, 481 Peterson Road in Libertyville.
Facebook/Austin’s Saloon & Eatery
Google/Susanne Ball
Facebook/Austin’s Saloon & Eatery This casual, family-style eatery is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as for late night snacks and drinks. It has been around since 1990 and serves classic American pub fare and even offers delivery. The interior is rustic with wood paneling and fixtures that make you feel right at home in the country. Events happen regularly at this joint, and there is even a summer concert series that hosts live entertainment every Thursday.
- 9th Street Pub, 253 9th Street in LaSalle.
Facebook/NINTH STREET PUB
Facebook/NINTH STREET PUB
Facebook/NINTH STREET PUB Locals can’t get enough of this fun restaurant. It is open daily from 8 or 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. most nights and has been around since 1977. The eatery offers daily specials and will even deliver your meal to your door. We highly recommend stopping in though. Guests enjoy live music three nights a week, plus a live video gaming area, and free bingo on Wednesdays.
- Rhythm Kitchen Music Cafe, 305 SW Water Street in Peoria.
Google/Andy Moon
Facebook/Rhythm Kitchen Music Cafe
Facebook/Rhythm Kitchen Music Cafe In operation since 1999, this riverfront restaurant is currently open Tuesday through Saturday and features homemade southern favorites like shrimp creole, jerk chicken, burgers, pasta, pizza, and more. The historic eatery is furnished with original art, family photos, chandeliers, and other eclectic decor, and it features live jazz on Friday and Saturday nights.
- Schooner’s, 810 E Grove Street in Bloomington.
Google/Ralph Grsham
Facebook/Schooners Bloomington
Facebook/Schooners Bloomington Known for serving one of the biggest tenderloins in the state, this popular eatery is open daily, typically from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. It is a casual pub with outdoor seating and a rustic, family-friendly atmosphere. It has been around since 1983 and hosts live music on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the beer garden.
- The Stray Bar, 17 Old Frankfort Way in Frankfort.
Facebook/The Stray Bar
Facebook/The Stray Bar
Facebook/The Stray Bar This upscale bar has been around since 2015. It is open Monday through Saturday with live entertainment happening often. In addition to live music, comedy nights are popular here. Guests enjoy martinis and craft beer as well as wine and specialty drinks.
- Watson’s Shack & Rail, 211 N Neil Street in Champaign.
Facebook/Watson’s Shack & Rail
Facebook/Watson’s Shack & Rail
Facebook/Watson’s Shack & Rail Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch, dinner, and late night drinks and pub fare, this restaurant is known for soul food and other American delights. It is most popular for its rotisserie-style and fried chicken plus sides like mac and cheese, greens, and potato wedges. Live music takes place over the weekends throughout the year.
- River House Bar & Grill, 1510 River Drive in Moline.
Google/Rosina P.
Google/Kevin Allchin
Google/Andrew Hopkins This one-of-a-kind steakhouse opens daily at 11 a.m. and serves drinks until about 11 p.m with the kitchen closing at 10 p.m. Menu items include classic American fare from southern favorites to seafood, sandwiches, pasta, salads, and more. The restaurant features live music all summer long which you can enjoy on its outdoor patio.
- Frank O’Dowd’s Irish Pub, 9853 US Highway 20 in Galena.
Google/Jeff Fuhrman
Facebook/Frank O’Dowds Irish Pub
Google/Debbie Weichman This incredibly authentic Irish pub is open daily and is attached to The Irish Cottage Boutique Hotel in one of Illinois’ best resort towns. It features live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays, which includes true Irish dancing and music. The menu is also true to tradition with favorites like fish ’n chips, Reuben sandwiches, shepherd’s pies, and much more.
- Andy’s Jazz Cafe, 11 E Hubbard Street in Chicago.
Facebook/Andy’s Jazz Club
Facebook/Andy’s Jazz Club
Facebook/Andy’s Jazz Club If you find yourself in the the big city on a weekend and you’re looking for some entertainment, try this wonderful spot. It has been around since 1951 and is open daily from 4:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Enjoy sophisticated dining and nightly live tunes that will have you jamming until the morning comes. Stop by any night of the week for an experience you’ll never forget.
For more great places to eat, check out the 10 best riverside restaurants in Illinois you need to visit ASAP.
Facebook/Austin’s Saloon & Eatery
Google/Susanne Ball
This casual, family-style eatery is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as for late night snacks and drinks. It has been around since 1990 and serves classic American pub fare and even offers delivery. The interior is rustic with wood paneling and fixtures that make you feel right at home in the country. Events happen regularly at this joint, and there is even a summer concert series that hosts live entertainment every Thursday.
Facebook/NINTH STREET PUB
Locals can’t get enough of this fun restaurant. It is open daily from 8 or 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. most nights and has been around since 1977. The eatery offers daily specials and will even deliver your meal to your door. We highly recommend stopping in though. Guests enjoy live music three nights a week, plus a live video gaming area, and free bingo on Wednesdays.
Google/Andy Moon
Facebook/Rhythm Kitchen Music Cafe
In operation since 1999, this riverfront restaurant is currently open Tuesday through Saturday and features homemade southern favorites like shrimp creole, jerk chicken, burgers, pasta, pizza, and more. The historic eatery is furnished with original art, family photos, chandeliers, and other eclectic decor, and it features live jazz on Friday and Saturday nights.
Google/Ralph Grsham
Facebook/Schooners Bloomington
Known for serving one of the biggest tenderloins in the state, this popular eatery is open daily, typically from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. It is a casual pub with outdoor seating and a rustic, family-friendly atmosphere. It has been around since 1983 and hosts live music on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the beer garden.
Facebook/The Stray Bar
This upscale bar has been around since 2015. It is open Monday through Saturday with live entertainment happening often. In addition to live music, comedy nights are popular here. Guests enjoy martinis and craft beer as well as wine and specialty drinks.
Facebook/Watson’s Shack & Rail
Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch, dinner, and late night drinks and pub fare, this restaurant is known for soul food and other American delights. It is most popular for its rotisserie-style and fried chicken plus sides like mac and cheese, greens, and potato wedges. Live music takes place over the weekends throughout the year.
Google/Rosina P.
Google/Kevin Allchin
Google/Andrew Hopkins
This one-of-a-kind steakhouse opens daily at 11 a.m. and serves drinks until about 11 p.m with the kitchen closing at 10 p.m. Menu items include classic American fare from southern favorites to seafood, sandwiches, pasta, salads, and more. The restaurant features live music all summer long which you can enjoy on its outdoor patio.
Google/Jeff Fuhrman
Facebook/Frank O’Dowds Irish Pub
Google/Debbie Weichman
This incredibly authentic Irish pub is open daily and is attached to The Irish Cottage Boutique Hotel in one of Illinois’ best resort towns. It features live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays, which includes true Irish dancing and music. The menu is also true to tradition with favorites like fish ’n chips, Reuben sandwiches, shepherd’s pies, and much more.
Facebook/Andy’s Jazz Club
If you find yourself in the the big city on a weekend and you’re looking for some entertainment, try this wonderful spot. It has been around since 1951 and is open daily from 4:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Enjoy sophisticated dining and nightly live tunes that will have you jamming until the morning comes. Stop by any night of the week for an experience you’ll never forget.
What other restaurants in Illinois host live music events on the weekends? Share your favorite dives with us in the comments below!
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