There are plenty of places around town in which you can take in live music, but if you're in the St. Charles area and want to hit a fantastic venue then the Bottleneck Blues Bar at Ameristar Casino is the place for you! Big enough to bring in a great crowd but small enough to still feel intimate, Bottleneck offers a full bar and a great atmosphere for people of all ages.

Set up to resemble a theater from the 1930s that's transformed itself into a blues club, Bottleneck is full of interesting and vintage-style décor. The bar has plenty of televisions, and brings in acts ranging from local free concerts to some national acts that require tickets. But no matter who's performing, BBB offers the perfect environment for music fans to have a great time.

There are a few things you should know before hitting BBB, none of which should stop you from going, but all of which should be noted. There is no menu at Bottleneck - in other words, no food. You can, however, bring in food from other casino restaurants, which happen to be both plentiful and nearby. Patrons should also consider being proactive when it comes to getting their drinks. This isn't to say that there are not a few very hard-working servers roaming the floor - there are.

That said, for some of the more popular shows (including last weekend's performances by That 80's Band) BBB can be incredibly crowded. Don't hesitate to step up to the bar to get what you need or to look for the tub from which bottled beer can be found just inside the front door. And speaking of crowds you are definitely going to want to be on time! Or, better yet, be early.

For Saturday night's performance by That 80's Band, if you weren't there by 9 p.m. (at the absolute latest) you faced a potentially very long wait to get in. In some cases, mind you, up to an hour. Interestingly enough, though, people are more than happy to wait in that line for the right act. Just beware - that line does not move much. People don't leave! Which says plenty about BBB and the acts they bring in.

And on that note, last weekend's shows by That 80's Band brought out everything that's fun about the Bottleneck Blues Bar. In a bar that was built for live performances, you would be hard-pressed to find a venue in which you can get better sound, a more entertaining show or a better or more diverse crowd than this particular combination.

There's a good sized dance floor in front of the stage - a stage large enough for acts to spread out a little and really enjoy the night whether it's one of their top free shows like this one or Joe Dirt, or a ticketed show like the Little River Band.

You're free to come and go from the bar as long as you're hand is stamped - and you're going to have to leave the bar if you want to gamble (obviously) or if you want to use the restroom (not so obvious). While the restrooms are close - just outside the front door of the bar - they are indeed OUTSIDE the bar in the main lobby of the casino complex. This isn't a big deal at all but don't spend a lot of time looking around the bar them - you won't find them.

Bottleneck Blues Bar is open Tuesday - Thursday: 6 pm - 12 am and Friday and Saturday: 6 pm - 1 am and they're closed on Sunday and Monday. For a list of upcoming shows, check out their website - you won't be disappointed!