The 16 Best Gay Bars in Chicago

• Friendly and welcoming atmosphere
• Great beer selection
• Fast and attentive service

Whether you're looking to enjoy a cocktail, grab a bite to eat, or simply soak in the casual and trendy atmosphere, Big Chicks has something for everyone. Plus, with options like outdoor seating, takeaway, and dine-in service, customers have plenty of choices when it comes to how they want to enjoy their experience. So, why not stop by and see for yourself what makes Big Chicks a standout bar in the Chicago area?

Customers rave about their experiences at the bar, leaving positive reviews. Here are a few key points summarizing their feedback:

• Outstanding food, including the watermelon salad and gouda burger
• Great service during events like the Friday Night Lights with RuPaul's Drag Race
• Lovely atmosphere, perfect for a night out
• Delicious drinks and food options, especially during special events like viewing parties

The bar is also known for its accessibility, offering wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and toilets. The casual and trendy atmosphere attracts a diverse crowd, including groups, LGBTQ+ individuals, tourists, and provides a safe space for the transgender community.

Roscoe's Tavern caters to a wide range of preferences, from serving alcohol, beer, and cocktails, to providing an opportunity for dancing and enjoying food. The bar is an ideal spot for a fun and entertaining night out, promising an unforgettable experience for all customers.

With a rating of 4.3 stars based on 512 reviews, Sidetrack has received positive feedback from its patrons. Here are some key points summarized from the reviews:

• Fun and free-spirited atmosphere with a great drag show and themed nights like Beyoncé night.
• Fast service, busy but lively environment, and a variety of drink options to choose from.
• Never a dull moment with live band show tunes sing-alongs and a welcoming space for the LGBTQIA+ community.
• Spacious and clean venue with friendly staff, multiple areas to explore, and delicious frozen margaritas.

• A customer mentioned the fun atmosphere, friendly staff, and great music.
• Another highlighted the diverse and welcoming environment, with fantastic theme nights and amazing drag performances.
• One review praised the security team and the cleanliness of the bathrooms.
• A patron recommended Scarlet Bar as a place for a great time with friends or for a solo adventure.

Don't miss out on the great cocktails, fast service, and live performances at Scarlet Bar. Plan your visit now!

Some key points from customer reviews include:

• Warm and friendly atmosphere with a chill laid-back 70's glam vibe
• Super cute bar with nice bartenders and comforting environment, although drinks may take a minute to get
• Extremely queer-friendly space with impeccable decor and strong, good drinks
• Hidden gem with great cocktails, beers, and non-alcoholic options in a welcoming environment

Whether you're looking for a fun night out with friends or a relaxing evening in a cozy setting, Dorothy promises an unforgettable experience filled with good vibes and good company. Come visit and immerse yourself in the unique charm of this special spot!

• Great location with friendly and customer-oriented bartenders
• Fun atmosphere with a variety of activities like darts and pool
• Diverse crowd and bumpin' music
• Comfortable and welcoming environment for all

The bar offers various amenities including gender-neutral toilets and wi-fi, making it an inclusive space. If you're looking for a place to relax with friends, enjoy unique cocktails, and experience live performances, Cell Block Chicago is the place to be.

Customer reviews highlight key points about the bar:

• The atmosphere is amazing, with great music and ultra-kind service.
• Customers appreciate the strong drinks and the mix of people at the bar.
• Some visitors experienced instances of rude behavior from bartenders, impacting their overall experience.
• While the ambiance is lovely, some guests were put off by the demand for cash-only payments and perceived unfriendliness towards newcomers.

If you're looking for a hidden gem of a gay bar in Chicago, Second Story Bar might just be the place for you to enjoy a memorable night out with friends or to make new ones in a welcoming setting.

Customer reviews highlight some key points:

• Strong drinks and a cute atmosphere.
• Varied music selection, but in need of better air circulation and cleaner bathrooms.
• Appreciation for the longstanding safe space it offers for the local LGBTQ+ community.
• Enjoyable environment with cheap, strong drinks, drag shows, and friendly staff.

Overall, Jeffery Pub stands out for its inclusive atmosphere, lively entertainment options, and dedicated service to its patrons.

Customer reviews highlight the following key points:

• Great employees and service
• Clean environment with efficient handling of unwanted behavior
• Diverse and inclusive crowd, making everyone feel welcome
• Fun events like dance parties and karaoke nights

Whether you're enjoying a night out with friends or looking for a place to relax and have a good time, Jackhammer is the perfect spot to visit in Chicago.

Charlie's Chicago is a popular Gay bar located in Chicago, offering a variety of services and features to its customers. With a rating of 3.9, this bar is known for its fast service, great cocktails, and karaoke nights. The bar is wheelchair-accessible and offers a range of alcoholic beverages including beer, cocktails, spirits, and wine. Customers appreciate the casual and trendy atmosphere of Charlie's.

• Country Line Dancing is the best at Charlie’s! Such an amazing community of people and so much fun to learn something new! The drinks are super affordable too!
• Love that this place has stayed true to its self. It’s smaller but it makes the atmosphere more intimate. A must stop for gay rugged boys and bears and their fans.
• Great place. I’m a line dancer from CA and Bartender gave my 12 dances list to DJ and he played many of them. You’re never alone on the floor because others want to learn your dance if they don’t know it.
• I love this bar! Fun drag shows and great music. Come invite your friends to see the fabulous queens and gogo boys! Cheap drinks and amazing staff.

Customer reviews highlight some key points about Touché:

• An old-school atmosphere that has remained unchanged over the years, offering a friendly environment.
• A negative experience involving an incident with a bartender who questioned the reviewer's age, leading to dissatisfaction with the service.
• A positive experience defending the bar's inclusive nature and questioning the sensitivity of some patrons.
• A critical review concerning the hosting of a bigoted show, indicating a lack of concern for diversity and inclusivity.

Overall, despite some mixed reviews, Touché continues to attract customers with its unique offerings and welcoming atmosphere.

Customer reviews reflect the positive experiences at The North End:

• Professional and gracious staff handled a difficult situation with composure, ensuring a positive atmosphere for all guests.
• Relaxing environment to enjoy a beer, play pool or darts, and watch sports.
• Great service, good darts and pool, and plenty of street parking available.

Customers have shared mixed reviews online, with the majority praising the fun environment and friendly staff, while some have raised concerns about the attitude of certain employees. Here are some key points summarizing customer feedback:

• This place is amazing on Mondays, with awesome staff, music, and a great crowd. Arriving early to avoid cover charges is recommended.
• The atmosphere and vibe of the bar are enjoyable, particularly the drag shows, but some customers wish for a more diverse music selection.
• Highly recommended for those looking for a nightlife spot that takes COVID protocols seriously, with mandatory vaccination cards and masks for entry. Customers appreciated the drag performances and friendly staff.
• Sporadic negative feedback regarding unprofessional bouncers and unwelcoming experiences.

Despite some mixed reviews, Hydrate Nightclub remains a popular choice for those seeking an energetic and inclusive nightlife experience in the heart of Chicago.

Customers have left reviews praising Progress Bar Chicago for various reasons:

• Welcoming atmosphere with great music and affordable drinks.
• Non-existent cover charge, diverse music selection, and quick service.
• Enjoyable experience with friendly patrons, good vibes, and visually pleasing decorations.
• Miss crowd usually with good DJs and a great staff.

Patrons can enjoy a variety of offerings including alcohol, beer, cocktails, dancing, food, and happy-hour drinks. The atmosphere at Splash Chicago is described as casual and trendy, making it a perfect spot for groups and tourists to unwind and have a great time.

Customer reviews highlight the following key points:

• Celebrated a birthday during Sunday drag brunch - a fantastic experience!
• Aggressive last call policy caused inconvenience to patrons.
• Unique and cool fish tanks, but drinks were slightly overpriced.
• Enjoyed the vibe, but a strong odor on the dance floor affected the experience.

Despite some challenges highlighted in reviews, Splash Chicago continues to be a popular destination for those looking to enjoy a lively atmosphere and great drinks in the heart of Chicago.

Here are some key points from customer reviews:

• HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE!!! The vibes are dark and depressing. Bartenders will steal from you if you’re not paying attention!
• The worst bar experience in Chicago. Do not come here!
• Chill sapphic vibe with stern bartending. Generally a good place for a drink and chat in the neighborhood.
• Vibe is nice. A chill place to grab a drink.

If you're looking for a place to enjoy alcohol, beer, cocktails, dancing, happy-hour drinks, spirits, or wine, head over to The Closet for a memorable time.