What are the Best Gay Bars in Chicago?

Chicago has one of the best gay bar scenes in the country, concentrated in Northalsted (Boystown) with additional gems in Andersonville and beyond.

Northalsted (Boystown) Bars

• Sidetrack (3349 N Halsted St) is the undisputed anchor of the scene. Open since 1982, it's the largest gay bar in the Midwest with multiple rooms, massive video screens playing themed music nights (showtunes, '80s, pop), a rooftop deck, and signature frozen cocktails. If you visit one bar in Chicago, this is it.
• Roscoe's Tavern (3356 N Halsted St) has been a staple for over 30 years with a dance floor, pool tables, outdoor patio, and strong drink specials. Best known for Roscoe's Drag Race on Tuesday nights — the city's longest-running weekly amateur drag competition.
• Hydrate Nightclub (3458 N Halsted St) is Chicago's premier gay dance club. Drag performances early in the evening give way to high-energy DJ sets after 11 PM, with the party running until 4 AM on weekends.
• Scarlet Bar (3320 N Halsted St) is a stylish, high-energy spot popular for dancing and themed DJ nights.
• Progress Bar (3359 N Halsted St) stands out with its voice-reactive cloud sculpture made of 19,000 light bulbs and craft cocktails.
• Cell Block (3702 N Halsted St) is a laid-back leather and bear bar.
• Lucky Horseshoe Lounge (3169 N Halsted St) has featured male dancers seven days a week since 1989.

Andersonville & Beyond

• Meeting House Tavern (5025 N Clark St) in Andersonville offers themed nights, rotating cocktails, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
• Nobody's Darling (1744 W Balmoral Ave) is a queer women's cocktail lounge.
• Dorothy (2500 W Chicago Ave) in Humboldt Park is a neighborhood lesbian bar.

Browse all gay bars and venues in Chicago on our Chicago venues page.