Chicago Gay Bars

The biggest and perhaps the most popular gay bar in Chicago. Sidetrack has multiple bars and a rooftop deck - great for people watching.

Mixed/gay crowd, mostly 30's-40's. Regular themed events range from a Beyonce Dance & Lip-sync Party to a Tony Awards Viewing Night. The bar upstairs serves celebrated slushy cocktails.

Located in Boystown gay village. This is the place where locals and visitors usually end up on a night out.

A proud LGBTQ bar in Chicago's Laketown. Allow your inhibitions to escape you in this buzzy neon-lit space, with exposed brick walls, disco ball and funky décor.

Music is the main highlight at Scarlet with 5 resident DJ’s on rotation. Check their website or Facebook for details of their weekly themed events.

Voted 'Best Gay Bar' by Chicago Magazine, Mint Male Magazine and Top 100 Bars in Chicago.

This classy gay bar in the heart of Chicago's Boystown creatively mixes up premium cocktails that showcase eclectic, fresh ingredients in an accessible and delicious way.

In addition to cocktails, Elixir Lounge serves a variety of craft beer and premium wine that will satisfy even the pickiest of imbibers. Small plates and sophisticated bar snacks are available.

One of the premier gay bars in Boystown. Progress Bar features a massive, voice-reactive cloud sculpture made of 19,000 light bulbs, and serves craft beer and seasonal cocktails.

Mixed/LGBT crowd gather in the low-lit, rustic-industrial setting with a two bars and a dance floor. The bar hosts weekly themed events, details of which can be found on their website.

Smartbar is a late night queer bar, hosting their regular Queen! event on Sundays. With opening time being 10pm, Smartbar is a great early morning club experience. Smartbar hosts events every day they open with varying themes and activities; it's a fun and unique Chicago spot.

Long-running gay sports bar in Boystown, Chicago. Gays love their sports too - as well as Drag Race and Gaga, obvs! This is a laidback, unpretentious bar. If you like sport and you have "masc, non-scene" on your dating profile, you'll do well here.

Small gay bar in Boystown that attracts a prominently lesbian crowd, although everyone is welcome. The Closet has been in business since 1978, and it's a great place if you're looking for a more intimate atmosphere.

Open 7 days a week until the early hours.

The Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club provides interactive entertainment and food six days a week. The style is ‘Old Hollywood meets South Beach’.

You can dine on a range of cuisine, from hearty American to European fare, and choose from over 200 cocktails. Drag queens perform as eat. Cocktails include the Berry Manilow and the Lady Gaga.

Cell Block Bar is a gay bar that draws a clientele of bears and leather lovers. With cheap drinks and dark interiors, as well as themed nights, it's a bar worth visiting for those looking for a more thrilling night out.

Since 1989, The Lucky Horseshoe Lounge in Chicago's Northalsted offers nights filled with the hottest male dancers, good drinks, and a friendly atmosphere. Located at Belmont and Halsted, it's a place for lively go-go shows and casual hangouts.

Charlie's Chicago brings a Western flair to the gay bar scene, promising an unforgettable time any night of the week with activities like drag bingo and dancing cowboys. The vibrant community, affordable drinks, and constant fun make it a must-visit for an adventurous night out.

Granville Anvil offers a no-frills experience with its strong pours, low prices, and welcoming atmosphere. Located near Granville and Broadway, this cash-only bar is perfect for those looking to enjoy a drink in peace or engage in lively conversation.

Bobby Loves, a cozy bar in the heart of Northalsted, is where the vibe of Cheers meets the energy of Boystown. Known for its friendly atmosphere, karaoke nights, and diverse music selection, it's where everyone ends up as friends, united by the joy of music and community events.

Gay bar in the Anderson outpost of Chicago's Boystown. REPLAY is a great spot to meet friends, mingle with the locals, enjoy a great drink and arcade games.

REPLAY has an extensive craft beer list, with 26 beers on tap and a huge selection of bourbon and whiskey.

The SoFo Tap is your neighborhood, dog-friendly, LGBTQIA+ Bear Bar South of Foster. Located at the southeast corner of Clark and Argyle in the Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago.

Marty's is a gay-popular bar in Andersonville that draws a mixed crowd. It's a small, intimate setting with friendly - dare we say, handsome, bartenders. Not to mention strong drinks. The martinis will get you ready for a proper kiki.

A good place to start your gay night out in Chicago.

Meeting House Tavern offers a one-of-a-kind gathering space in the Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago. Offering multiple types of interactive and passive entertainment; a rotating selection of reasonably-priced, locally-crafted and domestic beers; mixed drinks and daily drink specials.

Old school gay strip bar in Andersonville. It's a small and unpretentious place to have a drink, but it can get livelier at the weekends.

Cash only.

Nobody's Darling in Andersonville is a quirky, James Beard-nominated cocktail lounge. It's a Black lesbian-owned establishment, rocking a funky industrial vibe. Known for creative cocktails and a welcoming atmosphere, it's a hit with queer women and nonbinary folks. Expect cool pop-ups with live DJs, making every visit a blast!

Lively, colourful, cash-only LGBT bar in Chicago with basic eats & weekend DJs amid art-lined walls.

There's a small dance floor that is almost always in use, a convenient coat check, a small pool table, and benches along the wall for all the non-dancers and cheap drinks.

The Baton Show Lounge, a cornerstone in Chicago's drag scene for over 50 years, dazzles with its laugh out loud drag shows. A tradition for bachelorette parties, the Baton offers a night of extravagant performances where guests are encouraged to dress comfortably and enjoy the spectacle.

The Glenwood is a gay sports bar in Chicago. Although it's a gay bar it does a mixed crowd. It's popular with locals. The drinks are also fairly cheap.

Worth checking out if you're in the Glenwood area.

2Bears Tavern Uptown is your neighborhood, dog-friendly, late-night LGBTQIA+ bar. Located in the former Nick’s on Wilson space at 1140 West Wilson Avenue in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago.

Second Story is a small, dingy gay dive bar. It's unpretentious, not remotely fancy but lots of fun. All kinds of Windy City gays end up in here, so you'll often find a real mix of people.

It's close to the Mag Mile so you can pop in here for a drink after a shopping binge. You'll find it above Sayat Nova restaurant. Cash only.

Rogers Park Social is an inclusive neighborhood bar in Chicago, offering happy hour from 4 pm to 7 pm, Monday to Friday, with $7 mules, $7 select wines, and $1 off all Illinois draft beers. Known for its craft beers and freshly prepared cocktails, it's a welcoming spot for friends and neighbors.

Dorothy is a 70s-inspired lesbian cocktail lounge in Chicago's West Town, offering creative cocktails and weekly themed nights. It's a cozy spot for friends and themed gatherings.

Lips combines opulent decor with stunning drag performances and surprisingly good food. A popular spot for drag brunches, it offers a full entertainment and dining experience that exceeds expectations.