Part of the Gay Chicago Guide — bars, events & things to do.
Chicago, Illinois
Boystown's tiny dive bar since 1978, with late-night karaoke.
The Closet opened in 1978 and is one of Chicago's first LGBTQ+ bars — Lakeview's original lesbian bar, founded by Rose Pohl and Judi Petrovsky in a former straight tavern a block off the main Halsted strip in Northalsted. It's about as small as the name suggests: a narrow, cash-only video bar with stools, string lights and decades of patron photos on the walls. The crowd is still mixed lesbian and gay and heavy on regulars, with a low-key feel compared to the bigger clubs down the street. Karaoke runs Thursdays, with rotating drag and the occasional bingo or open-mic night, and the bar keeps some of the latest hours around — open into the early morning daily and until 5am on Saturdays. After 45 years the founders sold in 2024 to new owner Jay Bell, who kept the staff and the character intact.
Have feedback on this description? Let us knowGet the full experience — check in, follow this venue, and connect with the community.
No upcoming events
Try checking a later date or browse events in the app
Catch your city's vibe or the global LGBTQ+ scene.
No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Your complete guide to LGBTQ+ Chicago — the best gay bars, annual events, neighborhoods, hotels, and things to do in the Windy City.
This week in gay Chicago: four days of Pride-season nightlife, from Sidetrack's anniversary party to dance floors across Boystown and Andersonville. Plus Windy City Times' new 30 Under 30 class, Patagonia's lawsuit against Pattie Gonia, the Tonys' gayest moments, and our full Capital Pride 2026 guide.
Every Chicago pro team's Pride Night in one place — Cubs, White Sox, Sky, Fire FC, the Pride Bowl tournament, plus the Bulls and Blackhawks games that fall outside Pride Month.
Memorial Day weekend means three of the year's biggest gay events happening at the same time. Here's how to pick — plus every other LGBTQ+ event worth your May 2026.
$89
Experiences powered by Viator
