Description: "Well, this is a neat bit of packaging," I observed as we stepped into the
House of Blues. Make no mistake: this concert venue/ restaurant/bar/hotel/ entertainment complex is definitely
packaged, although I mean that in the nicest possible way. If you’re expecting the bare-bones aesthetic of a genuine blues joint, this isn’t it. Actually, if you’re after authentic Chicago-style blues, go elsewhere.
If, however, you’re looking for a dinner-and-music spot with a lighthearted (if admittedly "engineered") vibe, then this may just be the place for you. A lot will depend on which act you catch and what the audience is like that night. Rumor has it that House of Blues can be outrageously crowded at times, not to mention that drink prices are some of the highest in town. That’s probably to be expected in a place that brings in so many out-of-towners. But what House of Blues does best is showcase bands that can’t fill a major concert hall (yet) or performers who - how shall we say this? –
once filled major halls but now play the House of Blues. Know what I mean?
You’ll either love or hate the faux folk art decor, all distressed wood, funky colors, and voodoo motifs on literally every surface. At least you won’t be bored by it. If it smacks a bit of the pre-packaged aesthetic of chains such as Hard Rock Café, well, House of Blues
is a chain. No getting around that. And, yeah, you can buy T-shirts and other paraphernalia to prove you were there, if that makes you happy. At least this is the original HOB opened by Dan Akroyd and Jim Belushi in 1996. The showbiz connection is apt, as there is a certain show-busy-ness to HOB.
My advice? Go with the flow. Let yourself be entertained. Resistance is futile.
We began our HOB experience on a Friday night by having dinner in the downstairs restaurant, which is dubbed "The Back Porch" for some obscure reason. Unfortunately, the main hall was booked with some act we had no interest in. However, a house band (or lesser band) plays on the small stage in the Back Porch starting around 9pm. If you’ve already had or are having dinner when the band starts, you won’t have to pay a cover charge. The Back Porch’s menu runs to southern fried/New Orleans specialties, such as jambalaya and catfish. My turkey sausage gumbo was decent but not spectacular, as was my husband’s "Elwood," a blackened chicken breast sandwich. We shared (actually, we fought over) a side order of amazing rosemary cornbread served with maple butter.
Everyone seemed to be having a good time – not in that slightly hysterical "thank god it’s Friday – I’m gonna to get lit" way, but in a more relaxed manner. Before the band came on, we moved to a table closer to the stage and struck up a conversation with the people next to us. And then, yes, we let ourselves be entertained.
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