Explore the best gay bars and restaurants in Chicago's Downtown, Near North, and South Side, including one of the oldest gay clubs in the midwest. Our gay and lesbian bars have a little bit of something for everyone, with late-night lounges, dance clubs, burlesque and drag shows , and long-standing neighborhood watering holes in almost every corner of the city. And each comes with their own unique history and vibe. This lively and colorful spot is part LGBTQ hangout, part art gallery.
Find the best gay bars, dance clubs, gay-rated hotels, gay saunas and gay cruise clubs in Chicago. Check reviews, photos, and more on For the first hour of a recent Saturday night at Downtown—a new bar in the space once occupied by Gentry and, ever so briefly, The Lucky Lady—I was the only lady in the room. Among the lounges that dot River North, Downtown stands as the sole gay bar save for the stalwart dive Second Story in nearby Streeterville. Next we watched a husband and wife, no doubt guests at a nearby hotel, walk in and stand for a long, confused moment before taking two seats at the end of the bar.
Best Gay Bars in Chicago, IL - Sidetrack, Cell Block, Jackhammer, Dick's R U Crazy, Second Story Bar, La Cueva, Big Chicks, The Closet, Touche, 2Bears Tavern Uptown. Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities.
Welcome to Chicago, even if it's just for a short trip. You're in for a treat with our LGBTQ+ scene. These are some of the more well-known see and be seen places, which I have a slant toward. Sidetrack - This is a staple in the Boystown area. It's huge, with multiple bars and a rooftop deck. CHI Guide. Abby Keller. The sun feels brighter, those iconic colorful tank tops resurface, and the sense of community is palpable.