Welcome to Chicago, the vibrant and diverse city known for its thriving LGBTQ+ community. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring the city’s renowned gay bars is a must. From lively dance floors to cozy cocktail lounges, Chicago offers an array of venues that cater to people of all walks of life. In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of the most popular gay bars in Chicago so you can plan your next night out with confidence.
1. Sidetrack
Situated in the Boystown area of Chicago Sidetrack is a gay bar that has been catering for the gay community for more than 30 years. One of the best known for its atmosphere which is friendly and music which will always remain unexpected, Sidetrack has several bars and a roof terrace. These are great because Sidetrack is always fun to go to, as there are always nights dedicated to certain themes like Broadway and music videos.
2. Roscoe’s
Photograph by Denise Clark Another classic Boystown bar, Roscoe’s is an active venue with two dance areas, an open-air terrace, and performances by drag queens. Located mid-town, this large multi-level club is open for customers of all sorts and organizes special events from time to time. For those who like to dance the night away there is everything from Latin nights to karaoke at Roscoe’s.
3. The Lucky Horseshoe Lounge
However, it is recommended that those interested in something out-of-the-usual visit the Lucky Horseshoe Lounge located in the North Center area. This male strip club is popular among the residents and the tourists having the club as their favorite spot. Featuring some talented and suave dancers, the centralized major entertainment scenario that is this bar provides amazing performance that will make you come back for more.
4. Berlin Nightclub
Berlin Nightclub is situated in the diversively rich area of Lakeview and is a goose for people looking for an offbeat party. This daring venue offers different themed evenings, stage performances, as well as an outstanding variety of the provided music genres. Everyone who likes electronic, industrial or new wave will surely have a good time in Berlin Nightclub.
5. The Call
A little more of a relaxed environment can be found at The Call in Andersonville. This pub located in a local residential area provides a familiar atmosphere for one, two or more persons to dine or have a cup of beer in the evening after work. From weekly karaoke to reasonable drink prices, everyone will be comfortable at The Call.
6. Progress Bar
The venue with colourful interior and friendly atmosphere, which is located in Boystown is Progress Bar, the place that is loved by representatives of the LGBTQ+ community. Kingpin is a contemporary bar with entertainment consisting of drag debacles, trivia nights and arts. This bar especially has large dancing area, terrific cocktail and is definitely worth to visit in Chicago.
7. Jackhammer
Another place that people go to depending with the kind of preferences that they have, if you are the kind that is, let us say into the darker types of gays bars, then you need to visit Jackhammer in Rogers Park. This bar and a nightclub are meant for gay men, with specific focus on the bear and BDSM subcultures. Starting with themed parties to loud and jumping DJs Jackhammer guarantees a great night life.
Inclusivity and Safety
Perhaps the energy and fun of the venues entail that one should always be careful and never forget personal space, more so, these are gay bars. People from the LGBTQ+ community in Chicago are mindful of inclusive and safe spaces, and place an effort to welcoming by both bar staff and themselves.
It is my encouragement that the out-LGBTQ+ scene of Chicago is not limited to the bars highlighted in this article. If its dancing, drag queen shows, cruising or merely just a place to meet new friends, the gay bars in Chicago have it all.
In Summary
Chicago has a fairly vast and vibrant population of the gay clubbing scene. Although latin flavored bars where open before, it was not until the opening of Sidetrack and Roscoe’s in Boystown that a distinct gay neighborhood started to form The old Berlin Nightclub had an artsy, Retrofit feel The edgy, Industrial sensation of Jackhammer reflects more of today’s gay community. Whether you live in the area or are just planning on temporary stay in the Windy City, a gay bar tour in Chicago is always a blast.
