Part of the Gay Chicago Guide — bars, events & things to do.
Chicago, Illinois
Boystown's country-western bar with line dancing and late-night DJs.
Charlie's is Chicago's country-western gay bar, a Broadway fixture since 1993 that swaps the usual club playlist for line dancing and two-step. Early in the evening it runs on country music and structured dancing, with two-step and line-dance lessons on Wednesdays and Saturdays that are beginner-friendly and a genuine draw; after midnight it flips to high-energy dance and gets loud. Drag shows, karaoke, and bingo round out the week. It's the only country-western gay bar in the city, which makes it a specific kind of night out rather than another Halsted-style video bar. The crowd is a friendly mix of serious dancers and people there to watch and join in, and the drinks stay affordable. Show up for a lesson if you want to learn the floor, or just come late for the dancing.
Have feedback on this description? Let us knowDrag brunches, circuit nights & every party worth knowing in Chicago — in your inbox every week.
$42
$508
$35
$35
$90
$169
$33
$35
Experiences powered by Viator
Get the full experience — check in, follow this venue, and connect with the community.
Your complete guide to LGBTQ+ Chicago — the best gay bars, annual events, neighborhoods, hotels, and things to do in the Windy City.
Robbie S.
Everything you need for Chicago's Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade — the route, the costume contest, the Northalsted bars that go all out, and where to stay that's gay.
Robbie S.
Parvati Shallow's Survivor brunch, Queen! celebrates Lucy's birthday, and G.E.M. turns five at Jackhammer — plus 92 ways to fill your weekend.
Robbie S.
A citywide guide to the best gay bars and clubs in Chicago — Northalsted's neon-lit video bars, Andersonville's laid-back locals, historic South Side spots and everything between.
Robbie S.
Laid-back patios, karaoke, and the least pretentious crowd in the city — here's where Chicago's bears, cubs, and otters actually hang out, night by night.
Robbie S.
From cruise bars in Rogers Park to the Chicago Eagle, here's every corner of Chicago's leather and kink scene — the birthplace of IML.
Robbie S.
