The Scene
The entrance is on the east side of the brick building, next to White Castle. The compact room, replete with wood paneling and a black-and-white-check linoleum floor, is nearly consumed by the large Formica-topped bar, around which blues-lovers sit on torn vinyl swivel chairs.
The Draw
Mostly local blues acts, plus an occasional visiting band, take the tiny stage at the back of the bar. There's a weekly open mic where you might find guitarists for Koko Taylor or Buddy Guy jamming (Guy's drummer has shown up to try his hand at the guitar); Tuesday and Saturday night shows' headliners include regulars Studebaker John and bands that often play at other local blues palaces like the Checker Board Lounge and Kingston Mines. There's also a juke stocked with blues, a pool table ("No gambling," a helpful sign warns), darts and pinball.