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.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Redhead Piano Bar – 5 Stars Redhead Piano Bar is one of those places that instantly pulls you in with great energy, live music, and a fun crowd. The atmosphere is lively without feeling overwhelming, making it a perfect spot for a night out with friends, a date, or just enjoying live entertainment with a drink in hand. The piano performances are the highlight. The musicians are incredibly talented, interactive, and know how to read the room. From classic sing-alongs to modern favorites, they keep the crowd engaged and entertained all night long. It’s the kind of place where you find yourself singing along even if you didn’t plan to. The bar service is solid and efficient. Drinks are well-made, served quickly, and priced fairly for the experience you’re getting. The bartenders and staff are friendly, upbeat, and contribute to the overall positive vibe of the place. What really makes Redhead Piano Bar stand out is the sense of fun and connection. Everyone feels welcome, the crowd is social, and the energy stays high throughout the night. It’s not just about the music or the drinks, but the experience as a whole. If you’re looking for a spot with great live music, good drinks, and an unforgettable night out, Redhead Piano Bar is absolutely worth checking out

RedHead Piano Bar isn’t necessarily the place I’d start my night, but when it comes to late-night vibes, it’s hard to beat. There aren’t many better spots in the city at 3 a.m. or to cap off a great night of going out. The live piano music keeps the energy alive, the crowd is always into it, and it has that classic, sing-along atmosphere that just works when the night is winding down. If you’re looking for a fun, memorable way to end the night, this place always delivers.

Attentive staff and decent drinks. The place is dark and could use an update. We were there on a weeknight and the performer was good on the piano but less so with his voice. Worth a visit if you like piano bars. Probably not a destination on its own.

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!

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.

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 to visit, being from out of town, it felt like I was apart of Chicago. The food and service was great and the music was even better. The main singer on one of the nights was great, her name was Kaleen, she sang so many different kinds of song requests and was spot on! Will definitely be coming back.

Sorry! No pictures. We were vacationing in Chicago when the big redhead sign caught our attention. We LOVE piano bars. You walk in, find your seat, and enjoy the night. The selection of drinks is pretty good. Happy hour features cocktails that are a few bucks cheaper than normal. You can order from the menu or ask for your own favorite cocktail. Wine too. Plenty of spirits. The pianist performing on our night is apparently a regular. He was a lot of fun and interacted with the crowd awesomely! He knows his music. Our only gripe is that you may not know how much a tip is expected when you request a song. The guy would publicly say how much was tipped and who tipped it. That was uncomfortable to hear. The staff was friendly. You can sit up close and enjoy the music or sit toward the back and have a private conversation.

Dive-y. The smell of stale water really hits you as soon as you step in. The pianist was great but it was very loud in there and her voice was already pretty high pitched so it felt rather piercing. The service was good. Staff was very busy (even on a Tuesday at 9pm) and very kind - tip them well! There was a well utilized cigar patio out back too so that is nice if you like that kind of thing

Kaleen Dolan Your voice is incredibly powerful, with a beautiful tone that really captivated the audience We have a blast every time we're there Your performance was incredibly moving, and I could feel the passion you put into every note. Catch you this weekend. Peace and love

So much fun!! I was visiting Chicago and we happened to pass by and decided to check it out. The pianist was so talented and played a good variety of music, both old-school and newer, but all sing-along-able. The bar was busy but not too packed with room enough to stand and sing along. I loved how cozy and welcoming this bar felt and will definitely be coming back.

My perfect Chicago night out includes dinner at the Chicago Chophouse and a stroll down to the Redhead piano bar. This place always delivers on the fun. They even added a cigar "lounge" which is just a small balcony on the side of the building but I'm a sucker for a cigar after a nice steak dinner.

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!

Everybody's best friends. It's almost like a cheers place drinks are awesome. We're living our best life.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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 (:

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.

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

I love this place but the 'VIP bouncer' unprompted shoved my friends and I. We instinctively said we were so sorry and that we didn't know we were in his way. He proceeded to say 'Shut up and move'. Everyone around us was shocked by how he spoke to us and it appeared as though there were no repercussions for him being so disrespectful.

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 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.

This place was a disappointment. Went there Nov 14, 130ish am. This place has gone downhill. From what used to be a classy piano bar, it has turned into a haven for rednecks in their pjs, and from what looks like a shelter for homeless. The singer/piano player seemed drunk herself and kept screaming in the mike with hardly any modulation and just kept smashing the keys on the piano. This is a place for people who have nowhere else to go bec it s late and a place for people with zero standards. And lastly, the ventilation was bad. The hovering cigar smoke is upon everyone and after washing my hair my hair still smells of a nasty stench. Hard and fast no to this place.

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?

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

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!!!

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

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.

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!

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 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!

This used to be a fun piano bar that I have patronized for more years than I can recall. It has gone way down hill. First the stench of bleach, must and what can only be described as human waste was nauseating. If that wasn't bad enough they had some older pseudo bouncer standing in front of a ridiculously located so called VIP table literally screaming in my wife's face to move away from the table in what can only be described as a drugged rage. Mind you the space is extremely cramped with no room to move. This guy even pushed my wife and put his hand on her to get here moved. Lastly the talent was just ok. I will never go back and they have lost my business.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Terrible service. Bought drinks and they refused to let us sit. Served warm water. Escorted my boyfriend out because he sat down. Rude people, would not recommend.

I love this place! It's a great place to enjoy live music, and grab some drinks with friends. Especially when Kaleen Dolan is performing. She is truly an amazing! her voice is absolutely stunning and really draws you in, She has a special gift for connecting with the audience, making each song feel personal and engaging . O.J

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.

The service was great, everyone was very respectful and kind. Amazing and talented piano playing from the_eldest_millennial!!

Went for entertainment and Jazz music. The performer played Billy Joel, Elton John and a few other songs poorly. Not a jazz experience at all. Facility was dark and musty smelling like a Jazz club should be :-) but just a horrible experience. Staff was meh.

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!!

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.

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.

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.