list of gay bars in chicago

Chicago's Premier Gay Bars: A Guide to Boystown & Beyond

Chicago, a city known for its vibrant culture and welcoming spirit, boasts a thriving LGBTQ+ nightlife scene. Whether you're looking for a high-energy dance club, a cozy neighborhood pub, or a themed bar experience, Chicago's diverse venues have something for everyone. This comprehensive guide explores some of the best gay bars in the city, highlighting their unique atmospheres, entertainment, and what makes them special.

Boystown: The Heart of Chicago's LGBTQ+ Nightlife

Boystown, located in the Lakeview neighborhood, is arguably the epicenter of Chicago's gay nightlife. Home to a high concentration of bars and clubs, it's a vibrant hub for socializing, dancing, and enjoying a variety of entertainment.

Roscoe's Tavern: A Boystown Icon

Roscoe's Tavern has been a Boystown staple for over three decades. More than just a bar, it's a community gathering place, known for its friendly atmosphere, outdoor seating, and diverse crowd. Whether you're looking for a casual drink, a lively dance floor, or a place to catch up with friends, Roscoe's delivers. They also frequently host drag shows and special events.

Sidetrack: The Ultimate Video Bar Experience

Sidetrack, a sprawling multi-level bar, is another Boystown favorite. This venue is famous for its video screens, playing new and classic music videos, a large lounge, multiple fully stocked bars, and a rooftop deck which is great for people watching. With its diverse range of themed events, from dance parties to viewing nights, Sidetrack promises a memorable experience for everyone. Their legendary slushy cocktails are a must-try!

Scarlet Bar: Dancing, Fun, and Community

Known for its lively atmosphere and welcoming staff, Scarlet Bar has cemented its reputation as a favorite of the community. Scarlet Bar hosts legendary nights such as Frat Night, Liquid Brunch, and Monster Rave so there is always something going on here for those who want to party at a community favourite.

Hydrate Nightclub: High-Energy Entertainment

For those seeking a high-energy dance experience, Hydrate Nightclub is a must-visit. This club has developed a reputation for hosting Chicago's best DJs, delivering a powerful sound and light experience. With drag acts and dancers, Hydrate guarantees a night of fun and excitement.

The Closet: A Lesbian Bar with Community Spirit

The Closet is a classic sports bar at heart with a modern and stylish twist that suits the local gay community. This venue offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, The Closet walls have been a second home to many since .This is a great place to kick back with friends or meet new people, whether you're looking to relax after work, or kick start your night.

Progress Bar: Cocktails and Craft Brews

For a more upscale and artsy experience, Progress Bar offers an extensive selection of craft beers and imaginative cocktails in a stylish setting. The cloud-like overhead sculpture makes it a great place to take pictures. Mixed crowds gather in the low-lit, rustic-industrial setting complete with two bars and a dance floor.

Lucky Horseshoe Lounge: A Night of Entertainment

Lucky Horseshoe Lounge offers plenty of boys dancing on stages throughout the venue, multiple types of entertainment along with a rotating selection of cocktails, nightly drinks specials and regular themed nights.

Beyond Boystown: Exploring Chicago's Diverse Scene

While Boystown is a central hub, Chicago's gay nightlife extends far beyond, with unique bars and clubs found throughout the city, each with its own character and appeal.

Jeffery Pub: A South Side Institution

Jeffery Pub is a classic south-side institution that caters to a mixed crowd, offering brightly colored cocktails and lively music from a range of genres, this bar is a vibrant and fun space for parties or getting together with friends for a night out. The atmosphere is always welcoming thanks to friendly patrons and staff, so people keep coming back for great value happy hours and nights of dancing.

Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club: Drag and Dining

For a memorable evening of entertainment, Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club is a must-visit. An imaginative and extensive cocktail list coupled with upscale contemporary cuisine makes for a super stylish night in even more stylish surroundings. Entertainment is provided by world famous drag queens, and Kit Kat Lounge is known across the country as a destination for a memorable meal and night out.

Big Chicks: A Relaxed Uptown Destination

If you're looking for a low-key and inclusive environment, Big Chicks is an excellent choice. The bar is always crowded on weekends with live DJs at the weekends, but despite this, Big Chicks tends to be a more low-key destination that other bars in the area. Its laid-back atmosphere welcomes people of all genders and ages.

The SoFo Tap: A Classic Neighborhood Bar

Your classic neighbourhood bar where you can enjoy a game of darts, hang out in the dog friendly beer garden, play your favourite song on the jukebox or check out the videos on flat screen TVs, is the The SoFo Tap. Friendly staff are always on hand to pour your favourite drink and make you feel at home. The laid-back atmosphere lets you relax and feel part of the community of regulars.

Touche: A Bar for the Leather Community

If you're interested in a more specialized bar experience, Touche caters specifically to the leather and fetish community. Touche has a neighbourhood bar vibe with draught beers on tap, pool table, darts, and pinball machines, but it also offers a less traditional back room where you can spend time with the leathermen you just met. Themed events are held here regularly.

Meeting House: Arcade Fun

Alongside traditional pub and arcade games, Meeting House also offers a range of board games and video entertainment, which allows for big groups to hang out and play their favourite games or just have a drink with bar snacks and pizza.

Granville Anvil: A Manly Bar

The Granville Anvil is a dimly lit and manly bar that draws a small community crowd particularly on weekends. There are no frills, just a good old fashioned gay pub with faded basement vibes that appeals to those who want a simple beer with down to earth people and none of the fuss that you might find elsewhere on the gay scene.

Atmosphere Dancing: An Upscale Dive

Atmosphere Dancing is an upscale gay dive bar in Andersonville filled with neon lights and male dancers. You can dance the night away on the dance floor, take advantage of regular drinks specials, and of course admire the dancers!

Second Story: An Old-School Spot

Second Story is a go-to spot for dancing, with regular karaoke and drag events. It features a spacious outdoor beer garden, classic jams on the jukebox, and a selection of works by local artists. Their motto — no cover, no attitude — applies every night of the week.

La Cueva: Karaoke and Drag

This old-school spot is the place, La Cueva is a go-to for dancing, with regular karaoke and drag events.

Planning Your Night Out

With so many fantastic options, planning a night out in Chicago can be an exciting adventure. Consider these tips:

Chicago's Legacy of Inclusion

Chicago's gay bar scene is a testament to the city's commitment to diversity and inclusion. These establishments offer a safe and welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community and allies, contributing to the rich tapestry of Chicago's vibrant culture. So, gather your friends, explore these fantastic venues, and experience the warmth and excitement of Chicago's gay nightlife!