Green Dolphin Street

[trotsky]

I've looked for old posts on Green Dolphin and can't find anything. I know it's pricey but I've heard little about the food, and some general reports that the music is good. Do you think it's worth it and if not, does anyone have better ideas for dinner and live music?

[Chicago Mike]

does anyone have better ideas for dinner and live music?
*****

As far as the Live Jazz goes, I'm very partial to the Green Mill at Broadway and Lawrence. Figure on eating at a nearby Vietnamese place on Argyle or at Thai Avenue for great authentic Thai on Broadway just south of Argyle.

The best set is the "late Saturday" set, which honestly doesn't start until midnite. But you can hang out at the Green Mill, have drinks, etc. and listen to the earlier bands.

If you want a "hard-core" focus on world-class jazz, also consider the Jazz Showcase in River North. It only offers drinks and light snacks, however, so you'll have to eat at one of probably 30 places within walking distance.

[Erik M.]

Sheesh. If Joe Segal's is "hard-core," what do you consider The Empty Bottle, The Velvet Lounge, or The Candlestick Maker? ;)

http://www.emptybottle.com
http://www.velvetlounge.net
http://www.candlestickmaker.org

Erik M.

[Chicago Mike]

"Sheesh", you won't find Pharoah Sanders, McCoy Tyner, or James Moody playing the Velvet Lounge...

The point is if you're looking for national touring jazz ensembles, the Showcase has more than any other venue in the city.

[littlechi92]

I ate at the Green Dolphin almost 2 1/2 years ago. The food was decent, not great, very heavy. The music was good. I don't think this is the best place in Chicago for food/jazz, but I don't know where would be the best. Maybe check out the South Loop area, I believe there are some very old jazz restaurants there.

[Eldon Kreider]

Green Dolphin Street changed chefs within the last year, so food may have changed. Haven't been there.

[Hank Baldpate]

I think Green Dolphin Street is probably the best combination overall. Pete Miller's in Evanston has pretty good food but the music is really up and down. As another poster mentioned the Green Mill is obviously not a restaurant but still a great place (though overrun with suburbanites on Saturday nights). The Sunday night Patricia Barber sets used to be awesome.