Explore Chicago’s best LGBTQ+ bars. Discover a diverse selection of hidden gems and popular spots, from cozy pubs to upscale lounges.
1140 W Wilson | Uptown
(773) 672-4900
Neighborhood, dog-friendly, late-night LGBTQ+ bar located in the Uptown neighborhood.
5355 N Clark | Andersonville
(773) 784-1100
You’ll find an inviting atmosphere, and sexy dancers on the weekends, at this neighborhood club. DJs, dancing, stripper bingo and more.
4713 N Broadway | Uptown
(312) 644-5269
Featuring world-renowned shows with professional impersonators. All are welcome.
5024 N Sheridan | Uptown
(773) 728-5511
Laid-back LGBTQ+ neighborhood bar with basic eats, great drinks and a diverse crowd of all ages.
3729 N Halsted | Northalsted
(773) 525-1200
This quaint neighborhood bar can be a dancing frenzy, or a nice place to hang with friends.
3702 N Halsted | Northalsted
(773) 665-8064
Long known as Chicago’s premiere leather/Levi’s gay club. The front bar has a dance floor, and no dress code.
3726 N Broadway | Northalsted
(773) 871-8887
The popular club has country western music in the evenings and high-energy dance after midnight.
1509 W Balmoral | Andersonville
(773) 654-1751
An inviting, intimate lounge that celebrates the art of the cocktail.
3452 N Halsted | Northalsted
(773) 975-9244
Small, intimate lounge with classic and modern cocktails.
3641 N Halsted | Northalsted
(773) 857-0004
Inclusive nightclub hosting late-night dance parties, drag shows and special events.
1137 W Granville | Edgewater
(773) 973-0006
This unpretentious neighborhood gay bar draws a diverse crowd with cheap – and strong – drinks.
3458 N Halsted | Northalsted
(773) 975-9244
A neighborhood staple featuring late-night dance parties, high-energy beats and drag performances.
6406 N Clark | Rogers Park
(773) 743-5772
Multilevel club with dance floor and multiple bars offering offers pool, drink specials and entertainment.
7041 S Jeffery Blvd | South Side
(773) 363-8555
A welcoming bar playing the hottest Hip-Hop, House, R&B and live entertainment.
2229 S Michigan | South Loop
(312) 815-2662
Dinner, drinks and fabulous drag shows, Lips is the ultimate in drag dining.
3169 N Halsted | Northalsted
(773) 404-3169
All male entertainment dancing on stages in multiple rooms daily (except Mondays).
1511 W Balmoral | Andersonville
(773) 944-0082
Chic, low-lit lounge serving classic cocktails expertly crafted by friendly bartenders. Seasonal patio seating.
5025 N Clark | Andersonville
(773) 696-4211
A one-of-a-kind gathering place offering free darts, pool, Skee-ball, board games and more.
4416 N Clark | Uptown
(773) 728-3397
LGBTQ-friendly American grill and bar featuring high-energy drag shows and theme nights, plus a menu of queen-themed cocktails.
1744 W Balmoral | Andersonville
(312) 544-0993
Black-owned queer bar with a classy, sexy vibe where cocktails are delivered on demand.
3359 N Halsted | Northalsted
(773) 697-9268
Featuring a flashy space, welcoming staff, great DJs, music videos and your favorite libations.
5358 N Clark | Andersonville
(773) 654-1369
Neighborhood sports and arcade bar serving classic comfort foods. Has seasonal outdoor seating.
3439 N Halsted | Northalsted
(773) 661-9632
Replay brings Beer, Bourbon, and Vintage Arcade enthusiasts together in one space.
3356 N Halsted | Northalsted
(773) 281-3355
One of Chicago’s best-known gay bars, featuring a dance floor, pool tables, and good eats.
3320 N Halsted | Northalsted
(773) 348-1053
Known for themed nights and daily drink specials, Scarlet has a great neighborhood vibe.
157 E Ohio #2 | River North
(312) 923-9536
A small dive bar just off the Mag Mile is frequented by regulars, office workers and downtown visitors.
3339 N Halsted | Northalsted
(773) 904-7338
An inclusive neighborhood lounge, serving a diverse and ever-changing crowd.
3325 N Broadway | Lakeview
(773) 477-8533
A fun neighborhood bar with a mix of lesbians, gay boys and allies. Packs in a late night crowd.
6962 N Glenwood | Rogers Park
(773) 764-7363
A neighborhood tavern with a jukebox, bar games, including a pool table, and theme nights.
3733 N Halsted | Northalsted
(773) 477-7999
A neighborhood gay sports bar offering a great beer selection, pool and darts.
4923 N Clark | Andersonville
(773) 784-7636
A neighborhood, dog-friendly, LGBTQ+ bear bar with a friendly staff and spacious patio.
Chicago's LGBTQ Neighborhoods
The first officially recognized gay village in the United States, Boystown is the commonly used nickname for the eclectic East Lakeview neighborhood known as Northalsted that is home to Chicago’s visible and active lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
The neighborhood caters to a lively nightlife with more than 30 different gay and lesbian bars, nightclubs and restaurants. The neighborhood is also home to the Center on Halsted, the Midwest’s largest LGBTQ community center.
Northalsted hosts a number of annual events — Chicago Pride Fest, the Chicago Pride Parade and Northalsted Market Days — drawing over one million people to the North Side neighborhood each summer.
Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood, known for its Swedish roots, historic architecture, and bustling urban main street, has one of the city’s LGBTQ communities, second only to the Northalsted neighborhood.
Andersonville’s commercial district and main shopping street, Clark St., features primarily independent, locally-owned boutiques and specialty stores. In addition, the area features a number of gay and lesbian bars, nightclubs and some of Chicago’s best restaurants.
Andersonville hosts Midsommarfest, one of Chicago’s most legendary street festivals, in early June. The annual event kicks off the summer neighborhood street festival season.
The Uptown neighborhood, and Edgewater to its north, are both LGBTQ-friendly neighborhoods.
A number of LGBTQ bars including Big Chicks and The Baton Show Lounge and health centers including Howard Brown Health, which provide health services to the LGBTQ community and its allies, help residents feel at home in Uptown.
You can also catch a show at the Pride Arts Center, which presents queer theatre, movies, and comedy that resonates with all audiences.
And if you’re looking for a gay-friendly beach in Chicago, it would have to be Kathy Osterman Beach – locals call it Hollywood Beach – in Edgewater.
This welcoming lakefront enclave of Rogers Park on the city’s far north side is home to a fascinating slice of LGBTQ history.
The Gerber/Hart Library and Archives is the largest circulating collection of LGBTQ books and historical items in the Midwest. Their rotating exhibits cover everything from local drag icons to queer sports groups.
Also in Rogers Park, the Leather Archives & Museum, an adults-only museum celebrating the history of leather and fetishism across sexual orientations.
Rogers Park is also home to the Glenwood Avenue Arts District and a number of LGBTQ bars and restaurants.
