Best Live Latin Music In Chicago
Havana
412 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 644-1900
www.havanachicago.com
Hours: Mon to Thurs – 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fri – 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sat – 4 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Although open six days a week, this Latin and Cuban-American influenced restaurant only offers live Latin music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. A live salsa band always performs at Havana on Thursday nights, and every Friday and Saturday you can catch live Latin music starting at 11 p.m. until last call. If you're looking to eat, drink and dance, then Havana is the perfect Chicago spot. Margarita pitchers are half price on Thursdays, and every Friday and Saturday the house mojito is half price. Havana also offers a full menu of Latin-American and Cuban-American food.
Carnivale
702 W Fulton St.
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 850-5005
www.carnivalechicago.com
Hours: Mon to Tues – 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Wed to Thurs – 11:30 a.m. to 12 a.m., Fri – 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., Sat – 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., Sun – 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
While walking the West Loop area, it's hard to miss the Central American-inspired vividness of Carnivale. The building is bright pink with a Carnivale sign that hangs above the bright, multi-colored doorway. The interior is an explosion of colors that makes you feel as though you were transported into a different world. Carnivale has both a dining and bar area, which makes it easy for patrons to go without feeling obligated to eat a meal. Every Wednesday night from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., this Chicago restaurant transforms into a Caribbean oasis and offers the best in live Latin music.
Cafe Laguardia
2111 W. Armitage Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 862-5996
www.cafelaguardia.com
Hours: Mon to Sat – 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sun – 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cafe Laguardia offers live music every Tuesday and Wednesday night. There is a rotating lineup of bands which gives you a new experience upon each visit. The different bands and artists perform Latin, Cuban jazz or gypsy influenced music each night of the week, so be sure to check the music lineup so that you don't miss your favorite tunes. The full menu consists of both Cuban and Latin American cuisines. Located in Bucktown, this live Latin music restaurant is near the Western blue line stop.
Related: Best Latin American Food In Chicago
D'Noche
2710 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 289-4274
www.dnochechicago.com
Hours: Sun to Thurs – 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., Fri to Sat – 4:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Located in Logan Square, this local establishment offers some of the best live Latin music in Chicago from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday nights. While enjoying free live salsa and Latin rock at D'Noche, you can eat Latin American and Caribbean inspired food. On Sundays, the restaurant also offers $20 pitchers of homemade sangria, which can be created with either white wine, brandy, and vodka or red wine, brandy and tequila. Enjoy your sangria in D'Noche's trendy, yet comfortable setting next to a large fireplace for the perfect accompaniments to your live music experience. This Chicago hotspot takes reservations, so take advantage, because the restaurant gets packed on live music Sundays.
Coobah
3423 N Southport Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 528-2220
www.coobah.com
Hours: Tues to Thurs – 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Fri – 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Sat – 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sun – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
This Lakeview restaurant offers live Latin music every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night. If you like a little alcohol with your rumba, Coobah has cheap drink specials including $6 pitchers of Sangria on Tuesdays, 50 percent off all bottled wine on Wednesdays and $5 mojitos on Thursdays. During warmer months, enjoy Coobah's outdoor patio complete with blooming flowers and patio umbrellas reminiscent of a Caribbean bar. Reservations can be made either online or over the phone, and there is a free parking lot. If you're looking to take public transportation, Coobah is located near both the Southport and Paulina brown line stops.
