Blues in the 'burbs
A blues bar, in the suburbs? An actual blues bar? Could this be one of those small, dark and smoky places where a lone blues man just wails on his guitar, professing his despair over money and family?
Well, yes and no. Blues Bar in Mount Prospect does employ live musicians, but it's not some small dark building off the end of an alley.
And the blues theme, for the most part, is as main-stream as it goes: It's all about the Blues Brothers, the characters made famous by Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi on "Saturday Night Live" in the 1970s.
That's right, blues novices, you're more than welcome here, too.
Motif: The Blues Brothers theme is prevalent at Blues Bar. The bar itself extends along a brick-exposed wall next to what must be life-size statues of Jake and Elwood Blues. And above the small performing stage immediately to the left of the entrance is the replica of the very same vintage cop car the Brothers drove during the movie.
One of the coolest parts about Blues Bar is its upper level. The balcony overlooks the downstairs bar area, with clear views of the stage and large projection screens. A vast array of black, sparkly tables adorns the second floor along with even more Blues Brothers memorabilia covering the walls. It's all coated in cool blue light glowing from the blue neon lights align sections of the large, rectangular space. Also, come summer time, Blues Bar will have outdoor seating.
Crowd: The earlier crowds consisted of folks sitting at the bar having a drink and families grouped together having a meal. As the night goes on, the crowd changes from family affair to nightclub swank. Expect to see those looking to gather for a drink, and others who are there to enjoy the sweet, sweet blues.
Service: For a relatively new establishment, the service at Blues Bar was excellent. Most newer bars I've been to tend to either forget my order, or get it completely wrong at least once. But congratulations to Blues Bar, whose servers remembered my order, got it right and did so with a smile. Sure, the bar wasn't especially crowded during my time there, but I have confidence in these guys.
Sounds: On this particular visit, pop music was barely audible over the sound system, and no complaints here about that. Judging from Blues Bar's event calendar, this will not be the norm. Many talented blues acts have been booked, all scheduled most prevalently at the end of the week, Thursdays through Saturdays, including Mike Dangerou today and Saturday and Laura Preston Saturday. Check the Web site's event calendar for specifics.
Liquid consumption: Not bad for a blues joint: full bar, handful of beer choices on tap and top-shelf bottles. Kudos to the management for having Sam Adams Winter on tap. I've never had it before, but it's probably my new favorite Sam Adams selection. Also, in keeping with the Blues-Brothers theme, Blues Bar advertises a signature Blue Martini.
Food: A fairly simple, American-influenced menu is featured at Blues Bar. Sandwiches and pasta, steak and seafood, soups and salads are most prevalent. Also keeping with the theme, the burger I had was called the, wait for it … Blues Burger. It was served on a pretzel roll and was quite delicious.
Parking: You may have to make a few passes around the downtown area until you find a spot. With various lots along the streets, it shouldn't be too much of a challenge.
Bottom line: Blues Bar is a great addition to downtown Mount Prospect. The large Blues Brothers-themed bar is extremely accommodating to all types of bar hoppers, not to mention music-listeners. Whether you're a fan of the blues or the "Blues Brothers" movie, you've found your new home. Either way, Blues Bar is a great place to hang out - theme or no theme.
Blues Bar Where: 2 W. Busse Ave., Mount Prospect Phone:(847) 788-9977 Hours: 11 a.m. - 1 a.m. Sunday-Thursday; 1 a.m. - 2 a.m. Friday-Saturday 1 Web site: blues-bar.com