Hang Out At The Iconic Spot In Illinois Where Al Capone Drank Cocktails
By Linze Rice|Published March 21, 2023
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Linze Rice
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Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
It’s always a strange, but exciting, feeling to be able to actually stand in the place where history happened. For some, that could mean visiting a historic home or a trip to a state landmark. But sometimes, the backstory is a little more feisty — and in Chicago, that usually means mobsters were involved. If you want to check out one of the state’s longest-running and most historic bars, this Al Capone hangout in Chicago, Illinois is the perfect place to start. Even Frank Sinatra was known to frequent here when he wasn’t at nearby Twin Anchors enjoying some ribs.
The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, 4802 N. Broadway, is located in Chicago's historic Uptown neighborhood. Founded in 1907, the former speakeasy has been a community staple for more than 100 years.
The nightclub is famous locally and internationally as a destination for jazz and slam poetry. It's also well-known for being a favorite hangout of infamous Chicago mobster Al "Scarface" Capone, who ran an illegal alcohol business there during the Prohibition Era.
In fact, Capone's preferred booth is still intact and can be sat in — if you get there early enough. It was his booth of choice because he could see the front door, stage, and back door, so he was always able to see both his enemies and his friends.
The lounge still has a series of underground tunnels and a trap door behind the bar that was used to haul alcohol up from the basement during Prohibition.
The historic spot is cash-only and doesn't have a cocktail menu, so come prepared with your favorite classic drink in mind and its knowledgeable bartenders can craft it. If you prefer beer or wine there is a short list, but locals know to grab a Schlitz.
The Green Mill took its name from the Moulin Rouge in Paris, which means "red mill." Its iconic green neon sign and warm, candle-lit interior instantly transport you to another time.
The club has played jazz nightly since 1942 and has seen a number of high-profile people come through its doors as both performers and patrons. Charlie Chaplin, Billie Holiday, Benny Goodman, Bill Gates, and Frank Sinatra have all been spotted there.
However, Al Capone's favorite song to hear at the club was "Rhapsody in Blue," so it was usually played when he entered. His favorite singer, Joe E. Lewis, was a regular performer there — until one day he left the club after receiving an offer for more pay at another establishment. Shortly thereafter, Lewis was roughed up badly in his dressing room, but survived and ultimately returned to the Green Mill as a comedian.
The wild tale is depicted in a drawing that sits inside the club. The lesson was: Even if he was your biggest fan, don't cross Capone.
Have you ever been to the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge? How did it feel spending time in this infamous Al Capone hangout in Chicago, Illinois? Tell us in the comments! Take a look at their website and social media page to see what events are coming up, and while you’re hungry for history — check out these other historic bars and restaurants in Illinois!
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