Walk into 3419 West Irving Park Road and you’ll notice it immediately. It’s the smell. Not a bad smell, mind you—just that specific, heavy scent of paper, cardboard, and old plastic that only exists in places where music has been allowed to settle for decades. This is Bob’s Blues & Jazz Mart, and honestly, it shouldn’t really exist in 2026.
In a world where everything is a stream or a digital file, this place is a defiant, dusty thumb in the eye of the future.
People always get the history mixed up. They think this is just a smaller version of the old Jazz Record Mart that used to sit downtown. It’s not. Well, it is, but it’s more like the distilled essence of it. When Bob Koester—the absolute legend who started Delmark Records—had to close the giant downtown shop in 2016 because the rent got stupidly high, everyone thought that was the end.
It wasn't.
Bob was in his 80s then. Most people would have just retired to a porch somewhere. Instead, he opened this spot. He basically took his favorite parts of his life's work and crammed them into a storefront in Irving Park. Even after Bob passed away in 2021 at the age of 88, the shop kept breathing. His son, Bob Jr., took over the reins, making sure the bins stayed full and the vibe stayed grumpy-but-welcoming.
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The Delmark Connection Nobody Talks About
You can't really talk about Bob’s Blues & Jazz Mart without talking about Delmark Records. It’s the oldest independent jazz and blues label in the country, and for a long time, the store and the label were essentially the same thing.
If you’re looking for a specific pressing of Junior Wells' Hoodoo Man Blues or some obscure Magic Sam tracks, this is the source. Literally. Bob recorded those guys. He sat in the booth while the legends of Chicago blues were making the music that would eventually change rock and roll.
It’s weirdly intimate. You’re browsing bins of vinyl that were often curated by the guy who actually produced the records. While Delmark itself was sold to Julia A. Miller and Elbio Barilari back in 2018, the shop remains the spiritual headquarters. It’s the one place where you can find the entire catalog—along with Sackville and Jump titles—without having to fight through some corporate algorithm.
The selection here is heavy on:
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- 78s that look like they've seen some things.
- Rare LPs from labels you’ve never heard of.
- CDs for the folks who still like physical media but aren't "vinyl snobs."
- Actual 45s and even some old cylinders.
Why Irving Park is the Real Chicago
There’s a misconception that you have to go to the South Side or the Loop to find the "real" Chicago music scene. That’s just not true anymore. Bob’s Blues & Jazz Mart sits in a neighborhood that feels lived-in. There’s no flashy neon or "Instagrammable" mural outside. You could drive right past it if you weren't looking.
That’s the point.
The people who come here aren't looking for a "lifestyle experience." They’re looking for a specific Albert Nicholas record or maybe a Mosaic box set. Honestly, it’s one of the few places left where the person behind the counter actually knows what they’re talking about. You can ask for a recommendation based on a weirdly specific sub-genre of 1940s jazz, and they won't look at you like you’re crazy.
They might bark at you if you leave the door open too long, though. That’s just part of the charm. Bob used to do that to keep the traffic noise out and the heat in. It's a tradition.
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What to Actually Do When You Visit
If you're planning a trip, don't just rush in and out. This isn't a "pick up a gift card" kind of place. It’s a "dig for two hours and find something that changes your life" kind of place.
- Check the 78s first. Most shops treat 78s like junk. Here, they are treated like the artifacts they are.
- Talk to the staff. They aren't there to upsell you. They’re there because they love the music. If you show a genuine interest, they’ll point you toward the stuff that isn't sitting on the top shelves.
- Look for the Delmark Rarities. Since this was Bob’s personal project, you’ll often find pressings or items that just don't show up at the big-box record stores.
- Bring Cash. They take cards, sure, but there’s something about buying a 50-year-old blues record with physical bills that just feels right.
The store is usually open Monday through Saturday, roughly 10:30 am to 6:30 pm. But it’s a small operation. If there’s a blizzard or a holiday, maybe give them a call at 773-539-5002 before you trek out there.
The Future of the Mart
There was a lot of worry after 2021. People thought the shop would vanish. But Bob’s Blues & Jazz Mart is still standing. It’s a survivor, much like the blues itself. It’s survived the death of its founder, the rise of Spotify, and the gentrification of Chicago’s retail landscape.
It stays open because there is still a core group of people who understand that music isn't just something you hear—it’s something you hold. It’s the weight of the sleeve. It’s the crackle before the first note.
If you want to support what’s left of the real Chicago, skip the mall. Go to Irving Park. Buy something that sounds like it was recorded in a basement in 1955.
To make the most of your visit, start by browsing their Discogs page or eBay store to see the recent arrivals, but save your real energy for the in-store bins where the "unlisted" gems live. Once you're there, ask about the Mosaic box sets; they often have out-of-print collections that are impossible to find elsewhere. After you've picked your haul, take a walk down Irving Park Road—there are a few solid spots nearby to grab a coffee and actually read the liner notes of whatever treasure you just found.