The Green Mill is one of the oldest and most famous jazz clubs in Chicago, with a rich and colorful past. Originally opened in 1907 as Pop Morse’s Roadhouse, the bar was renamed the Green Mill Gardens in 1910 by Tom Chamales, a real estate developer and tavern owner. The Green Mill Gardens became a popular hangout for movie actors from Essanay Studios, including Charlie Chaplin, Gloria Swanson, and Wallace Beery. During the Prohibition era, the Green Mill was partly owned by “Machine Gun” Jack McGurn, a member of Al Capone’s Chicago Outfit. He reserved a booth for Capone, where he could watch both doors. The bar also had tunnels under the street that were used to smuggle in booze and escape from the authorities. After Prohibition ended, the Green Mill became a more reputable establishment, attracting many famous jazz acts such as Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Al Jolson, Benny Goodman, and Nat King Cole. In 1988, the Green Mill was bought by Dave Jemilo, who restored the original art deco/art nouveau décor and brought back live jazz music every night. The club maintains its vintage charm with dimly lit ambiance, plush seating, and an intimate stage that continues to showcase jazz, blues, and live music acts.