UPTOWN, CHICAGO — One of Chicago’s most legendary music venues — the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge — could soon have a new landlord. But fans of the 117-year-old jazz haunt can breathe easy: the club itself is expected to remain unchanged.
The historic building at the northwest corner of Broadway and Lawrence Avenue, which houses the Green Mill and other businesses like Birrieria Zaragoza, Le Nocturne, and Carmela’s Taqueria, was recently listed for sale by the Kudan Group. Although no asking price was listed, Cook County property records show the building was purchased for $5 million in 2021 by a venture connected to Green Mill owner Dave Jemilo.
Jemilo, who’s run the Green Mill since 1986, is credited with reviving the club’s vintage ambiance — transforming it into a hub for live jazz and cinematic nostalgia.
A Hangout With History: Capone, Sinatra, & Hollywood
First opened in 1907, the Green Mill has long attracted a storied clientele. During the Prohibition era, it was a known favorite of Al Capone, who reportedly sat in a booth with a direct view of both entrances — a strategic spot still preserved today.
The club’s vintage interior and storied past have made it a favorite of filmmakers. It has appeared in several movies, including:
- “Soul Food”
- “High Fidelity”
- “Thief”
- “Prelude to a Kiss”
Underground Secrets Beneath the Green Mill
Beneath the bar lies an intricate network of underground tunnels, some of which connected to neighboring businesses. These passageways — originally designed to move coal — were later used by bootleggers and gangsters during Prohibition to escape police raids.
A trapdoor behind the wooden bar still leads to these historic tunnels, which now attract directors looking for authentic period settings.
A Protected Chicago Landmark
Even with the building up for sale, major changes aren’t expected. That’s because the structure is protected as an official Chicago landmark, a designation that prevents demolition or significant alterations without city oversight.
In a report by Crain’s Chicago Business, sources familiar with the sale said the Green Mill’s operations are not expected to be impacted, meaning the music will likely keep playing well into the future.
The Property Today
The two-story building spans more than 21,000 square feet, with eight commercial units and several office spaces. It formerly housed Fiesta Mexicana, one of Uptown’s oldest restaurants, which closed in late 2024 after more than 40 years in business.
What’s Next For The Green Mill?
While Dave Jemilo hasn’t commented publicly on the decision to sell, the listing signals a transition in ownership rather than operation. For fans and performers alike, that’s good news.
The Green Mill has survived the rise and fall of jazz eras, prohibition raids, and urban redevelopment. If history is any guide, it will continue to do what it does best: offer Chicagoans and tourists alike a timeless, smoky escape filled with music, history, and soul.
