The Blues Brothers instantly became a special piece of cinema and Chicago history from the moment it hit the silver screen in 1980. Even today, it’s not unusual to go to a Chicago sporting event and see two men wearing the jet black suits, fedoras, and wayfarer sunglasses combo that made John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd instant icons. Every Halloween, I see at least five sets of Jake and Elwood ringing doorbells and asking for candy.

The Blues Brothers has become part of Chicago history, and has stood the test of time. Time, however, has changed Chicago quite a bit. So let’s take a look at some of the Blues Brothers’ film locations today.

Elwood’s apartment


Elwood’s noisy, shaky ‘L’ level apartment was one of the locations that didn’t stand the test of time. Today, it’s a small park that sits in front of Plymouth Restaurant and Roof Top Bar (327 S. Plymouth Court). Much quieter than Elwood’s apartment, the three-level Plymouth offers one of Chicago’s best year-round rooftop spots in the city. Grab a drink and propose a toast to Jake and Elwood. 22 W. Van Buren St.

Soul Food Cafe


Who could forget Aretha Franklin busting out in song after she was disrespected by her husband for being a woman? She just wanted a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T! This location was known by Nate’s Deli for over 70 years, but closed its doors in 1995 when the University of Illinois in Chicago expanded. Nate says after the Blues Brother’s scene was filmed and until it closed, its floor was packed with customers. 807 W. Maxwell St.

James Brown church scene


“Do you see the light?!”

The church in which Jake and Elwood receive the divine intervention, with the help of pastor James Brown, happens at Triple Rock Church. The actual location is modern day Pilgrim Baptist on the South Side of Chicago. The interior shots, where Jake glows in a heavenly blue light and back-flips down the aisle to the altar, were filmed in Los Angeles. The Pilgrim pastor at the time wondered if the crew snuck into his church in Chicago to get the shots, since it looked so very similar on screen. The church still stands today, but looks much different after a fire and renovation in 2006. 9114 S. Burley Ave.

The nazis take a swim


“I hate Illinois Nazis!”

The Nazis block a bridge to protest at the beginning of The Blues Brothers. The duo take matters into their own hands and drive them off the bridge to take a swim. The leader of the Nazis vows to kill The Blues Brothers, and boy, does he try. This bridge is located at Jackson Park in Chicago. Today, Jackson Park is part of the Chicago Park District and offers great programming for the city’s youth. Oh, and it’s Nazi free.

Chez Paul Restaurant


“How much for the girls?”

Infamously known as “The Restaurant Scene,” Jake and Elwood make a rude ruckus at the fancy Chez Paul in Chicago. Many see the resemblance in this scene and the restaurant scene in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. This is because both were set at Chez Paul in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood. Chez Paul has since closed, but lives on in two of the best Chicago comedies ever made. 660 N. Rush St.

Police car pileup


Who could possibly forget the cop car pileup? This hilariously overdone police chase ends with one of the biggest car crashes in cinema history. Okay, maybe comedy cinema history. None the less, an epic scene for any genre, this crash took place on Lake and LaSalle. So next time you drive by, reminisce about the pileup scene, but pay attention to the road; you don’t want a little fender bender of your own! Lake St. and LaSalle St., Lower Wacker

The finale: Richard J. Daley Plaza and City Hall


Jake and Elwood scramble through Daley Plaza and into City Hall in order to pay off the $5,000 needed for St. Helen of the Blessed Shroud Orphanage. These Chicago landmarks are displayed throughout the finale as they are covered in light blue by surrounding Chicago cops. Towards the end of this clip, if you look closely at the man who helps approve the check in the clerk’s office, you might be able to tell that it’s a young Steven Spielberg making a cameo appearance. 121 N. LaSalle St.

So there ya have it. Go out and visit the locations from this iconic movie!