Chicago may be famous for blues and jazz, but this multifaceted city serves up lots of other genres, including reggae. No, the city doesn't have the palm trees and salty breezes to accompany the cool rhythms, but we do have the musicians, the laidback vibe and all the Red Stripe you can drink. Whether you like to sway to the easy melodies of Lovers Rock or you prefer the driving beats of Dancehall, Chicago has got you covered. Although many bars include reggae in their regular music mix, these are the places to go to experience the city's small reggae scene in the flesh.
The Wild Hare
An iconic club that helped established Chicago's reggae scene 30 years ago, The Wild Hare and Singing Armadillo Frog Sanctuary is the ultimate place to hear live reggae. This is the place where Nina and Darius danced seductively in the classic movie, "Love Jones" and it's also where a lot of touring Jamaican bands perform when they visit the city. Although this isn't the original, slightly grungy Wrigleyville spot, the new Lincoln Park location has upped the game with an extensive food menu (jerk chicken, red snapper escovitch, oxtails) and a roomier space. The Wild Hare is the go-to spot for major reggae acts including the Marleys, Morgan Heritage and Beres Hammond, as well as local players like Gizzae and Devon Brown.
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Exedus II
This dimly lit dive bar is a fave of the local Caribbean community. Exedus II features DJs and bands that deliver hard driving dancehall rhythms and cheap drinks. A Wrigleyville highlight for over 30 years, this bar is not for the casual reggae fan but for culture aficionados familiar with reggae traditions like "wine up" dancing. The bar doesn't typically start jumping until midnight so it's a great place to end the night.
Mr. Brown's Lounge
With a name snatched from a Bob Marley tune, you can expect great music and authentic food at Mr. Brown's Lounge. This lounge and restaurant features well-prepared Jamaican dishes and reggae classics in two locations. The West Town spot offers up a charming neighborhood eatery and the weekly music events Real Vibes Friday for an explosive mix of roots reggae, dancehall, hip hop and soca by reining local DJ Boom Bostic and Extreme Caribbean Nights on Saturdays for the latest hits.
At the Loop location next to the Hard Rock Hotel, grab a plate of brown stew chicken and take in Live Reggae Thursdays or Lush Fridays for reggae, soca, afrobeat and reggaeton spins. And if you can't make it for the events, both locations keep a steady soundtrack of old school reggae playing for diners.
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Subterranean
This Wicker Park mainstay just debuted an annual reggae fest but for a weekly dose of hits, you can't beat Subterranean's legendary Reggae Gold dance parties. This basement bar serves up a diverse selection of music every night but Thursdays are when it's all about slinky rhythms. Head downstairs and DJ Papa G plays non-stop reggae enjoyment.
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