Stellar place, and it's mentioned everywhere, so I'm glad I finally got to go.

Apparently, Al Capone used to come here often, and it starts to make sense once you see how serious they are about Jazz. I wouldn't call it a speakeasy, hence this location not being shown on the main list we have - it just doesn't care to hide itself - but it's certainly an out of the way joint.

I went with a friend on a Monday evening, and I'll admit, it's much smaller and more intimate than you think it is. We had to share a table with another group because it was still so jammed, so make sure to get there early if you care about choosing where you sit.

The music had started by the time we arrived, it's a cash only bar, and there was a $10 cover. Because they only hire a smaller jazz group on Mondays, they were playing behind the bar instead of on the larger stage at the back. (though, I believe on more popular nights, there will be larger jazz bands playing on the stage.

There are paintings on the walls that have clearly been there forever, and a strange statue in the back that they've also prominently features on their website homepage.

The music was excellent, the 3-man band was quite the crew, and they were clearly having fun up there. They were called the Joel Patterson trio for those interested, and the organist in the band was apparently blind - I only learned that by the time I was leaving, so I was extra surprised.

What struck me most about this location was how seriously they take the music. At every other musical performance I've seen in a nightlife setting, the music itself is just there for ambiance. Here at the Green Mill, it's the main attraction.

You DO NOT want to be caught talking above a whisper while the music is playing. There is a woman who's entire job seems to be walking around yelling "SIR." to patrons who don't manage their volume well enough.

All the workers at The Green Mill were truly a cast of characters. There was a very fit, late 40s looking man bartending in a while collared shirt and a formal tie. There was a younger bartender constantly chewing on a toothpick and dancing along to the music. And of course, the shusher-woman who tolerates absolutely no amount of nonsense.

Despite how historical the location is, they make no effort to harken back to the establishment's past. It just seems like the bar has always been there, and they'll always be doing their thing. There weren't newspaper clippings on the wall bragging about the press they got. There was nothing but a small plaque outside the front door, briefly mentioning how long the establishment has been around.

All the workers seemed to be good friends, and as a result, seemed to make a great team. They all also seemed not to give a damn, and I appreciated that energy.

If you decide to go, just whisper while the music is playing, and they'll treat you very respectfully. It's a great show on Mondays, but I'm sure the bigger bands are even more fun.

I'll be back for sure.

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You can check out their website at: http://www.greenmilljazz.com/