Redhead Piano Bar

I stopped in after having an amazing dinner in the area.And it was a really nice hidden gem. The crowd was lively enjoying the singer at the piano who was playing some really cool throwback songs that everybody was singing to. I sat at a table for a small amount of time and didn't drink anything. But the server came to check on me 3 times just to see if I wanted water or anything. So I'm gonna give it great service because it was packed in there. But the server still came to make sure that I want anything while I was sitting there kind of just enjoying the atmosphere. Listening to the music if I ever come back to Chicago. I'm definitely going Going back there again.

This bar is open till 4 AM, so if you want some late night drinks, this is the place to hit. We turned to this place after getting rejected by a speakeasy, but this place lifted our spirits. There was live music towards the front of the bar, and people were vibing but there are some seats towards the end of the bar. The drinks were pretty good and not crazy expensive. They also have smoking room which is detached in case you want to smoke.

The Redhead Piano Bar is an absolute hidden gem and a perfect spot for a late-night experience. From the moment you arrive, the vibe feels special—especially discovering the outdoor cigar-smoking area tucked away through a secret pathway. It adds such a cool, exclusive feel to the night. Inside, the live piano performance is phenomenal. The piano player can literally play any song you request, which makes the experience interactive, fun, and unforgettable. Whether you’re into classics, modern hits, or something in between, they deliver every time. It’s a great place for after-dinner drinks, late-night cocktails, and just soaking in great music and atmosphere. The ambience is warm, lively, and inviting—perfect for a relaxed but upscale night out. If you’re looking for a unique piano bar with great drinks, live music, and a hidden cigar-friendly outdoor space, The Redhead is a must-visit. Highly recommend for a memorable late-night stop!

My favorite place to go whenever I visit Chicago. The music is great, the overall vibe is great - but the best part is the staff and the awesome speak-easy style cigar lounge. I've been here several times and always have a blast. They have a walk-in humidor with an excellent cigar selection, one of the best Old Fashions I've found, and Larry (the bathroom attendant) is an amazing person - chat him up if you get a chance. Highly recommend checking this place out, as I guarantee you'll have fun and it will become a place you visit regularly. The last time I was here I met the management, George and Christine (hello Pam!), who were hanging out in the lounge, and they were the coolest, most down to earth people. It was clear that their focus is on creating a safe, unique, well-run place where everyone feels welcome. And the staff there is clearly like family to them. Amazing, well run place that hits all the marks, and I look forward to my next visit. Highly recommend.

This place was so much fun. The piano players were so talented.

Very busy on the Thursday night we went! It was great music and great bar service. Got lucky with a seat at the bar, otherwise it was standing room! The music was great!

Really good pianist, but he didn't know either of the songs that we requested 😔. Yummy Chardonnay! The bar is a nice place to listen and enjoy a cocktail.

This piano bar has a lot of potential, and you can tell the idea behind it could make for a great spot. But during my visit, it didn’t quite hit the mark. The place looked a bit run-down, and there was a strong chlorine smell that made it hard to relax. Even the cigar lounge in the back, which could’ve been a standout area, felt a little tired and not very inviting. I really hope they invest in a refresh, because with some updates and attention to atmosphere, this place could become something special.

What an incredible experience! We came here to celebrate a special occasion, and everything exceeded our expectations. Our server, Emily, was phenomenal--attentive, friendly, and completely in sync with our group's energy. She made sure everything ran smoothly from start to finish. Highly recommend--11/10!

We had such a fun night at Redhead Piano Bar! We came around 7:20 on a weeknight and were able to grab seats close to the piano since it was still pretty empty, perfect timing. It definitely started filling up later in the evening, so getting there early paid off. If you're not seated at the bar, you get table service, which was great. Our server was super sweet and attentive the whole night. Mike was on the piano and brought so much fun energy to the room. He sounded great and was open to requests if you left a tip. We'd read mixed things online about a dress code, but there didn't seem to be one when we went. Maybe it's stricter on weekends? Either way, we felt comfortable. The mixed drinks were all $16. They weren't fancy or craft-style, more basic and very strong. No extra touches like a cherry in the whiskey sour or espresso beans in the martini. All in all, a memorable night with lots of singing, dancing, and great vibes. We'd definitely come back!

I love coming here for the late night vibe. Been coming here for years and it's usually really fun. The piano player last night was so awful. Absolutely robbing people of their money. He would take requests $25 and up and announced who gave him what amount and say the highest bidder gets the next song. So classless. The bar itself is fine, but if you go and "Dario Radio" is playing don't tip him. Also saw someone Venmo him $50 for 30 seconds of a song. Just a total loser of a human. I normally never write reviews but wanted to give him a shout out for being a total sleaze. Also want to note that I'm not upset because he didn't play a song I wanted or something of that nature, but the experience itself was so bad and so hard to watch him literally rob people. So if you ever go hopefully it's the other piano player who actually knows how to play and treats others with respect (:

Musty and smells like sewage. Rude bartender only allowing one drink. Wouldn't allow me to purchase 3 drinks for my friends. Wouldn't allow me to start a tab. Another bartender allowed it. Now sure what the issue was. Great performer. Otherwise had a blast!

The is a low key spot that has a bar with seating and a few tables placed around. I came here with some friends that wanted to smoke some cigars. So, we went to the bar's cigar smoking area, even though I do not smoke. It is an enclosed area, with an outdoor feel. I know its weird. It gets rather smokey in there as you would imagine. They have a television that has a live feed of the bar's piano performer and they also have music playing in the area. They have reasonable prices for Chicago and offer a Happy Hour, Monday through Thursdays from 7 to 9 PM. The restaurant has a selection of cigars if you plan on smoking and a small selection of signature cocktails. The inside of the joint is dimly lit, adding to the chill/laid back vibe. The server was very friendly and attentive. One thing to note, this is a credit card only establishment, which was not a problem for me because that is what I mostly use anyway.

What a fun place to listen to great music. It definitely has a dive bar feel, but the might we went the piano player Rachel Brumfield was doing a fantastic job playing all kinds of requests (you can either leave money and a note or do request on Venmo @pianorequests ). It is definitely very crowded. By a miracle, we were able to find a table and they had TV screen so that you could see Rachel. Service is very slow. When the waitress comes by, be ready to order (they have QR code with menu). Drinks are fine, but you should mainly go for the music. One odd/annoying thing is that the men's room is small and has kind of an aggressive attendant. Maybe they put him in there to dissuade people from using it

We had a group of 11 for a bachelorette here and we had the best time. Every member of the staff was so helpful and went above and beyond to ensure that the bride felt like it was a special celebration. Definitely recommend for your next girls night out!

This is one of my favorite bars i've ever been to. The drinks were good, priced around $18, which isn't cheap but I don't mind paying if it's worth it. The people here were great, lots of people knew eachother, music was great, crowded in a good way, and dark.

A true Chicago/River North staple with the iconic redhead chick signage out front. Been here quite a few times over the years due to friends wanting to drop in due to its iconic nature and some friends are cigar smokers and want to smoke on their pretty cool cigar smoke laced patio. Place can get very crowded at night so beware as I've seen long lines after 11pm. Drinks are decent and staff works hard to make sure drinks are turned around fast.

If you're looking for a piano bar in Chicago, give Redhead a look. The piano players are top notch, the drinks aren't expensive, and it's a good spot for mingling. My favorite aspect of the bar is the back room which allows cigar smoking. It's essentially an outdoor area that is covered with several couches and ashtrays. They even have a decently stocked humidor, so no need to bring anything but yourself. Any place in Chicago that serves drinks, has live music and has a cigar section will have me as a patron for life. The only drag here is it's not super big. Around 10pm pm a Friday/Saturday night, the place will be PACKED. there is some seating, but you need to arrive early for that.

We arrived around 8:30pm and there was plenty of space at the tables though it got more crowded and louder as the night went on. Seating is a first come first serve basis.

Looking for a piano bar open late for some fun? This is the spot. The piano players are talented and the vibe is fun. One night we were there, the bathrooms stopped working (which was a problem), but we enjoy stopping by every time we are in Chicago.

I'm torn on this because when I was here in 2023, I absolutely loved it. We were here this past weekend, and it was so crowded. They took out the bar stools that surrounded the bar. And I'm sure that was to accommodate more people, but it kind of changed the quaint vibe of the bar. The piano player was fantastic, and it was easy to get a song request in. The bartenders were working hard to accommodate a lot of people. I think it has gotten so popular that it's just a different vibe.

We went to the Redhead Piano Bar to celebrate a birthday and we had a blast. Rachel was playing that night and she did a fantastic job. We drank, we laughed, we sang, and we danced. What a perfect way to celebrate my friend's birthday.

I was introduced to Redhead Piano Bar during a friends birthday! I have never been so it was a awesome to experience a staple in the community. Pros: - The live music is fantastic! I love that you can submit songs to be played by the performer. - The vibe is so fun at Redhead Piano Bar. It is jam packed with people singing along to the music and dancing. It is the prefect place to visit if you don't want to dress casually and avoid the busy places in River North. Cons: - Our group was able to score a table near the back but the waitress was very pushy. My group hadn't originally planned to get a reserved table so we were all excited to be able to sit but previously ordered drinks from the bar. The waitress was trying to make sure we ordered from her and even when we reassured her that we would she almost kicked us from the table even though we had several people place orders prior. Overall, it was a fun time but I would opt to stand if I can avoid the pushy service.

Stopped here for the first time and it was a great experience. The pianist played old school music and even hip hop. The drinks were also really good. Although the place was crowded near the piano, the back was really spacious. I would definitely come back.

The Redhead Piano Bar in Chicago is an absolute blast -- what a vibe! Whether you're up dancing, singing along, or just relaxing by the piano with a beer in hand, the energy is infectious. The talented pianists know exactly how to keep the crowd engaged, playing everything from classic singalongs to unexpected hits that get everyone involved. I made best friends. lol

Love a piano bar. Good drinks but definitely gets super crowded. Great music though and bartenders are nice

We had THE BEST night. We were there for hours. Not a restaurant so eat before you go. Old-school Chicago. You will meet an entire new set of friends! Nicest crowd I've been in. Amazing service and music! Bring ear protection (I had Loops so I could still converse). Get ready to let loose- when was the last time you did that?

Every year the MEG Conference flies into Chicago in May right before the National Restaurant Association Show. And EVERY year we make a point of getting our crew down to the Redhead. And EVERY year we make sure it's on the night that Kaleen is playing! She is the absolute best!!

For the past decade, a group of us journey to this Chicago staple on the Thursday of our conference to sing, dance, and celebrate with one another. When I think about community, it is about coming together to share a common experience. The Redhead is where drinks are had, voices get lost from singing at the top of our lungs, and most importantly where the best memories get made. And while we create a lot of this together, Kaleen is the orchestrator of the experience. For years we have gone on Thursdays because that is when she is working. She is so talented, wickedly funny, and has the gift of curating the vibe that keeps us coming back year after year. Thank you Redhead and I can't wait to create new memories with you next year!

Natalie is the sweetest bartender . She is attentive and sweet I went to the bathroom and she kept an eye on my belongings :)

I can't believe how many times I have passed by this place and never stopped in. So glad I finally did. Recommended by a friend to hang out with colleagues from out of town. Full bar, dimly lit, except for the red light beaming on the piano players singing all the tunes we know and love, by request. Small tables and chairs lined the walls. The Waitress told us to sit where we liked and if interested in cigars let her know. That's all I needed to hear. There is a small humidor room a a small collection of premium cigars and a patio out back to smoke your own stogies. After a few music selection request, we moved to the patio for cigars and cocktails. Manhattans, Old Fashions and Expresso Martinis were the choices for the evening, paired with Liga Privada #9, Bolivar Belicoso and Plasencia 149. We arrived around 8pm with only a few customers present, by the time we left at midnight, it was a packed house, on a weeknight. What a great time. See you when I come back

THE BEST TIME!!!! This Piano bar was so fun! We got in most of our requests before the bar became packed. Everyone was dancing and singing along! Full bar, but note that they do not take cash! The piano player was fantastic, she played every song that came her way! What a great voice as well! I will be back again and again!!!

Stumbled upon this piano bar on a visit to Chicago, and ended up having a lot of fun! It was quite crowded on a Saturday night but had a lot of fun energy. The pianists are talented and transitioned to the next song well.

Redhead piano is a typical neighborhood piano bar that you would casually go to on a weekend after drinks. We did just that! The atmosphere was fun. The pianist was taking in requests and we requested for a wide range of songs. He put his own twist on the songs, which was interesting. The service does need a bit of work though. It took a long time for us to get our beers. The ambience is very dated, I am not a fan! But overall, it's a nice casual place to end the night after a long night of drinking or dining out with your friends.

I used to love this bar but the service has really gone downhill. My friend and I were given attitude while other patrons were treated much more politely. Avoid, especially if you are a person of color.

I had been here a few times in my past when visiting Chicago. We went here after a great dinner and luckily found a seat in the back. Later we got a great break and got seats right at the piano and just had the best time. Jillie the pianist was super fun and amazingly talented with both her piano playing and her voice for singing and making musical instrument sounds. We tipped her very well and got a fair amount of songs played that we requested. The wait staff was great. We had Molly at the bar and she was attentive and sweet which is hard to do with the bar getting so crowded as it always seems to do. It was a memory for our books for sure and we thank everyone who made it so fun. The sing along songs were like right out of a movie - including of course Sweet Caroline. There was one dude who seemed to be drunk and overly enamored with the piano player who was constantly calling out here name and overly praising her telling her how much he loved her. So that was very odd and we guess that he is a regular as she did not seem phased. Again - We had the best experience! Thank you so much!

The happenest place on a weekend. Saturday was amazing! The artist was so good. We went back Sunday not the best but still nice. My husband got frustrated Sunday we wanted to sit away from the piano and enjoy the music but they told us no it was for large parties however the place was dead. So Sunday we were only there a couple hrs. Drinks were expensive and Saturday you had to go to the bar and get your own. I'd go back depending on the artist and the crowd. It's a great piano bar. It lost some stars due to the Sunday experience sadly. Saturday was a strong 4.5 Sunday was a solid 2

This was a spontaneous stop as we were walking back to the hotel from dinner. The piano player was good and joked and had a great voice. The service was a little slow, but the place was jam packed with barely any room to move. It was fun and entertaining. Would definitely go back.

Came here late for some drinks and had a great time! Awesome live music, the 6 of us grabbed a table in the back. Service was ok but the venue was good

As a frequent patron of this establishment, I've had the pleasure of enjoying the enchanting melodies of the talented piano singer Kaleen Dolan for quite some time now. Her performances have consistently elevated the ambiance of this venue, adding a layer of sophistication and charm that keeps me coming back. her pianist's skillful interpretations have always left me in awe, each note delivered with precision and emotion. Her musical talent has truly been the soul of this place, transforming ordinary evenings into unforgettable experiences. And last time I was there (on a Thursday night) that happene.

My partners and I came here around the holidays after walking around downtown and enjoying a fun Friday. We came fairly early, but over the course of our time there, the place really filled up. Lauren Caí (I think her name was) performed that night and we had a great experience listening to her piano work and humor. Drinks were good, although I have to say our bartender wasn't overly friendly or anything. We didn't have to pay a cover for this piano bar, but we also came early, so not sure if they charge later in the night.

This is my go to piano bar in River North. I love this place. Always a great time. Kaleen is the best. She is always friendly and ready to have a good time!!

fun place to go and listen to some piano. good service and fun. It was loud in there but we expected nothing less. again fun place to go.

Great spot for a team outing! I reserved their private booth near the piano player for a team outing when some of our execs were in town and it was a huge hit! Everyone from out of town and even locals had a great time. Would definitely do this again!

I knew going into this place that it would be packed. And it definitely was, luckily we were able to find a smallspot to stand. I was surprised to see such a variety in age range from the crowd. I was not a big fan of the pianist. When I first arrived, there was a female pianist. I thought she had a good voice, but in general, I don't prefer a female pianist at a piano bar. That's just my personal preference so I'm not going to judge this place based on that. The other pianist, which is a male was a little disappointing to me. I am from out of town and I found this place on the Internet read the reviews and had high hopes for this place. I bring two other friends with me who also have never been and I wanted to show them a good time. The male pianist did a good job playing the piano however, his singing wasn't the best. He did not have the best vocals and later in the evening, his voice kinda just cracked. Maybe he was having an off night I don't know. Next time I'm in town, I will get this place. another shot. All these good reviews can't be wrong. I might of just went on an off night.

Tried to go here last night.. it smelled like a sewer. The men's restroom smelled like someone urinated all over the walls/floors and hasn't been cleaned in years. I have no idea how people can actually stand to be in there with that smell.

The feeling is good and has a good mannerism class and style comfort zone that draws attention

Kaleen was awesome! She brought the best energy and played such awesome songs, not to mention she has a killer voice and is so skilled on the keys. Cool that she had backup vocals/kit too! (Devon? Darren? I can't remember his name but he was also great!) Super fun time, thx Kaleen

I started coming here regularly after turning 21 and it's great. Kaleen is the best performer I've had so far and she is able to perform songs very well that she doesn't even know which is amazing. I'm planning on coming here every Thursday night because it is so much fun. With friends or alone, it is a blast!!!

Fun place for live music and drinks and a cigar lounge on the 2nd level. The live music is so much fun bc the artists will take requests and you can add to their list and the singer who was also playing the piano and the backup piano player played perfectly together and there were endless requests all night. It was great how they interacted with the crowd. It's nice and cool inside the bar but the cigar lounge is basically part of an outdoor patio extension so no AC for summer so it was a bit hot and sticky. The live music was the best part and the lively crowd.

This was a super quaint little spot that was recommended to us at a nearby restaurant. They feature a pianist in the front who can sing almost anything to your hearts desire. Not much room for seating so if you're lucky you can grab a bar stool or a small booth

Came here to check it out and have our last drink of the evening. Gal at the piano was playing all the hits and sounded great! I mean she ROCKED it! Got the crowd involved and everyone was singing along! Great bar, great experience! Drinks are good! Place is clean and the staff are friendly!

This bar was amazing!! Stopped in the city for a few days with some buddies and spent a few nights enjoying this cute little bar! I had they best bartender, her name was Bird/Bridgette. She was so nice and was the main reason we came back! Along with the amazing security who was also very nice . Drinks were amazing! I would definitely recommend and I will definitely be back!

This is one of me and my partners fav spots to go and sing our lil hearts out! 10/10 recommend for bachelorette parties, the gays, the theys, and of course the girls! You will hear pink pony club be played ab 10times and it never gets old

This place was awesome except i wish we'd had a more experienced better, more knowledgeable of music piano player.

Me and my mid 40s man friends were out for a wifeless weekend in Chicago. We wanted something classier than a dive bar or loud dance club...Redhead Piano Bar was PERFECT! Dark, classy, mostly good looking upscale crowd of folks aged 30 to 70+. The two female singers and the pianist were talented and a delight on the ears, and eyes! Lot of popular songs were sung in a singalong fashion with the entire clientele. Thursday night was still packed! Bartenders were mobbed but still fast and friendly, i think that's a normal Chicago attitude. Speciality cocktails were $16, Gin & Tonics $10, beers for $8, and cover charge was $0, thanks! Great to way to start the weekend, and this is a great place overall.

I absolutely love this place. I lived in Chicago several years back and frequented The Red Head often. On a recent visit with friends we insured to make a stop. Thank you Kaleen Dolan for the fun evening! You managed to juggle ALL of our requests! One of my friends is a huge broadway fan and it was his Birthday Eve... thanks for making it fun!