What it's like
JAX is the Northgate Street live-music bar in Chester for drinks, open mic nights, acoustic sets, cocktails, beer, wine and casual city-centre evenings near Storyhouse and Chester Market.
JAX is the original Northgate Street bar at 100-102 Northgate Street. Keep it separate from JAX on the Square, because Chester already has enough ways to confuse people after two drinks.
The role is drinks and live music: open mic nights, acoustic sets, rhythm-and-blues style listings, beer, wine, cocktails and a central crowd that can go from easy to lively depending on the night.
Worth knowing
JAX is useful when you want central drinks and live music without making the evening too formal. It is not quiet, not food-first, and not the same venue as JAX on the Square.
Plan your visit
- Address
- 100-102 Northgate Street, Chester CH1 2HT.
- Hours
- Hours are not strong enough in the current directory. Older pub listings suggest afternoon / evening trade and later weekends, but check direct before relying on them.
- Drinks
- Cocktails, beer, wine and standard bar drinks.
- Food
- Food gets listed in some pub data, but do not treat JAX as a meal plan without checking direct.
- What to order
- A simple drink and the night's music, rather than overthinking the bar.
- Booking needed?
- Not usually for drinks. Check direct for events, private groups or busy music nights.
- Live music
- Yes. Live music and open mic-style listings are the main point.
- Kids
- Not a child-focused venue. Treat it as adult drinks and music.
- Outdoor seating
- The sister venue has the stronger square-side outdoor angle. For this JAX, check direct.
- Access
- Wheelchair-accessible signals exist in third-party listings, but check direct before relying on details.
- Price feel
- ££. Normal central bar territory.
How to use it
- Check what is on before making it the reason for the night.
- Eat nearby first if food matters.
- Use it after Chester Market, Storyhouse or a Northgate Street wander.
- Make sure you are meeting at JAX Bar, not JAX on the Square.
What's on and practical notes
JAX regularly appears with live-music and open-mic style listings. Check the venue directly for the current week before building the night around a specific act.
No checked TTDC event listings for this place right now. Check its own listings before building a visit around an event.
Nearby plan
Nearby pubs and bars
Nearby food
Nearby attractions
FAQ
Where is JAX Chester?
At 100-102 Northgate Street, close to Storyhouse, Chester Market and Town Hall Square.
Is JAX the same as JAX on the Square?
No. This page is for JAX Bar on Northgate Street. JAX on the Square is a nearby sister venue.
Does JAX have live music?
Yes. Live music and open mic-style nights are a main reason to go.
Does JAX serve food?
Food appears in some listings, but do not rely on it for a meal without checking direct.
Is JAX good before Storyhouse?
Yes for drinks, especially if you want somewhere central and lively. For food, use Chester Market or another nearby venue first.
Nearby alternatives and add-ons.
Chip'd Chip'd Chester is a Dutch-style chip shop on Northgate Street, useful for hot cones, loaded fries, kids' boxes and a quick stop near Storyhouse and the Town Hall. 
Blue Bell The Blue Bell is a Northgate Street old pub building, useful for a quiet pint, low-key drink and a historic stop rather than polished dining. 
Chester Town Hall Chester Town Hall is the Northgate Street civic landmark, useful for first-timer photos, events and orienting yourself near Storyhouse.