You have some good suggestions here, but I am surprised that no one mentioned Rosa's Lounge. It is unlike the others listed, not as upscale, very local, very "authentic", out of the Loop, located on the West side. The neighborhood is not frequented by tourists. It is small. But the music is the real thing. The Stones performed at Rosa's before their stadium shows in Chicago.
If you seek a local, authentic epxerience, very diverse crowd, gritty, then check out Rosa's Lounge.
http://centerstage.net/music/clubs/rosas.html
If you seek a local, authentic epxerience, very diverse crowd, gritty, then check out Rosa's Lounge.
http://centerstage.net/music/clubs/rosas.html