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Chicago, sometimes referred to as the “Windy City,” is a thriving city situated in the Midwest.
It is a vibrant city with a diverse population that draws visitors from all over the world for a variety of reasons.
Chicago offers something for everyone, regardless of your interests in food, sports, or the arts.
In this article, we’ll be focusing on the best gay bars in Chicago, Illinois celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and highlighting the best spots to dance, socialize, and have a good time.
So keep reading for our top bar recommendations if you’re searching for a fun night out in Chicago!
Nobody’s Darling
1744 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
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Nobody’s Darling is a popular gay bar located in the Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago.
The area is known for its LGBTQ+ community and welcoming atmosphere.
This cozy and intimate bar has a laid-back vibe and friendly staff, making it a great place to relax and socialize.
The drinks menu features a variety of craft beers, cocktails, and types of wines, and they also offer a small selection of snacks and appetizers.
Whether you’re looking for a night out with friends or a low-key evening, Nobody’s Darling is a great spot to check out.
Big Chicks
5024 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60640
Phone: (773) 728-5511
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Big Chicks is a beloved gay bar located in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago.
The atmosphere is friendly and laid-back, with a diverse and inclusive crowd.
The drinks are affordable, and the bar also serves up a selection of comfort food favorites.
Big Chicks is known for its welcoming atmosphere and community spirit, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Sidetrack
3349 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: (773) 477-9189
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Sidetrack is a popular gay bar located in the Boystown neighborhood of Chicago, which is known for being a hub of LGBTQ+ culture and nightlife.
The bar has a fun and lively atmosphere, with multiple levels and themed rooms.
The drinks are reasonably priced, and the bar also serves up a small selection of snacks and sandwiches.
Sidetrack is known for its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, making it a staple of the Chicago LGBTQ+ community.
Roscoe’s Tavern
3356 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: (773) 281-3355
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Roscoe’s Tavern is a lively gay bar located in the heart of Chicago’s Boystown neighborhood, which is known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community and nightlife.
The bar has a fun and energetic atmosphere, with multiple levels and themed rooms.
The drinks are affordable. They serve delicious Guinness, and the bar also serves up a selection of pub-style food.
Roscoe’s is a popular spot for dancing and socializing, and is known for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
Marty’s
1511 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
Phone: (773) 944-0082
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Marty’s is a cozy and welcoming gay bar located in the Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago.
The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with dim lighting and cozy seating areas.
The bar specializes in martinis, with a wide selection of creative and classic options. They also offer a small selection of appetizers and snacks.
Marty’s is a great spot for a romantic date or a low-key night out.
Farraguts on Clark
5240 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
Phone: (773) 728-4903
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Farraguts on Clark is a casual and friendly gay bar located in the Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago.
The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, with a mix of locals and visitors.
The bar offers affordable drinks, including beer and cocktails, and a selection of pub-style food.
Farraguts on Clark is a great spot for a casual night out or to catch up with friends.
The SoFo Tap
4923 N Clark St 1st floor, Chicago, IL 60640
Phone: (773) 784-7636
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The SoFo Tap is a popular gay bar located near Winnemac.
The bar has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, with a mix of locals and visitors.
The drinks are reasonably priced, including a rotating selection of bottled & canned beer, hard seltzers, cocktails, and wine.
The bar also offers a selection of snacks and sandwiches.
The SoFo Tap is known for its friendly staff and lively events, making it a popular spot for a night out with friends.
Scarlet Bar
3320 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: (773) 348-1053
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Scarlet Bar is a popular gay bar located in the Northalsted neighborhood of Chicago.
The atmosphere is energetic and lively, with a mix of locals and visitors.
The bar offers a wide variety of drinks, including cocktails, some whiskey, beer, vodka, tequila, scotch, and also serves a selection of pub-style food.
Scarlet Bar is known for its fun events and drag shows, making it a staple of the Chicago LGBTQ+ community.
Atmosphere
5355 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
Phone: (773) 784-1100
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Atmosphere is a friendly and inclusive neighborhood bar located in Andersonville, a vibrant area known for its LGBTQ+ community.
The bar features karaoke and trivia for weekly events, and offers a variety of drinks, including craft beers and cocktails.
With a laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff, Atmosphere is a great spot for catching up with friends or meeting new people.
The North End
3733 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60613
Phone: (773) 477-7999
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The North End is a well-known gay sports bar in the heart of Boystown, Chicago’s premier LGBTQ+ neighborhood.
This welcoming bar boasts a friendly vibe and an energetic atmosphere, perfect for mingling with locals and visitors alike.
Offering a diverse selection of drinks including beers and cocktails, The North End caters to various tastes.
The bar’s cozy ambiance, delicious pub fare, and multiple screens for sports viewing create a lively and inclusive experience.
Dorothy
2500 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
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Dorothy is a cozy, inclusive neighborhood bar located West Town.
The bar is welcoming and they ensure that everyone feels safe, especially the LGBTQ+ community.
They have a wide selection of drinks, including cocktails, beer, and wine.
The bar doesn’t serve food, but they allow patrons to bring in outside food or order from nearby restaurants.
Bobby Love’s
3729 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60613
Phone: (773) 525-1200
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Bobby Love’s is a gay bar located in the heart of Boystown, a popular LGBTQ+ neighborhood in Chicago.
The atmosphere is fun and lively, with a dance floor and regular drag shows.
The drink menu offers a variety of options, including cocktails, beer, and wine.
Meeting House Tavern
5025 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
Phone: (773) 696-4211
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Meeting House Tavern is located in the vibrant neighborhood of Andersonville, known for its diversity and LGBTQ+ community.
As a gay bar, Meeting House Tavern offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere with friendly staff and patrons.
They serve a variety of beers, cocktails, and comfort food with a Southern twist.
It’s a great spot to grab a drink with friends or catch up on the latest sports game.
2Bears Tavern Uptown
1140 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
Phone: (773) 672-4900
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2Bears Tavern Uptown is a friendly gay bar located in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago.
The bar features a spacious outdoor patio and offers a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies.
The bar offers a variety of drink options, including beer, wine, and cocktails, and occasionally hosts events such as trivia nights and drag shows.
Granville Anvil
1137 W Granville Ave, Chicago, IL 60660
Phone: (773) 973-0006
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Granville Anvil is a neighborhood gay bar located in the Edgewater area of Chicago.
It offers a welcoming atmosphere for everyone, especially the LGBTQ+ community and they have a friendly staff.
The bar has a divey, casual vibe and features classic bar food and drinks.
It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, who enjoy its laid-back and unpretentious atmosphere.
Jackhammer
6406 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60626
Phone: (773) 743-5772
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Jackhammer is a popular gay bar located in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago.
The bar has a divey atmosphere with pool tables and a dance floor.
It’s known for its friendly staff and welcoming environment.
The bar also hosts a variety of events, including drag shows and karaoke nights.
The drinks are reasonably priced, and there’s a good selection of beer and cocktails.
Club Escape
1530 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60619
Phone: (872) 228-1567
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Club Escape is a popular gay nightclub located in the South Shore neighborhood of Chicago.
Known for its lively atmosphere, this club offers drag shows, karaoke, and dancing on multiple floors.
The drink menu features a variety of cocktails and beers, and there are often food vendors on site.
The vibe is fun and welcoming, with a diverse crowd of people from all walks of life.
Final Thoughts
The LGBTQ+ community in Chicago has a thriving and varied bar scene, with a variety of gay bars and clubs that accommodate all tastes and preferences.
In the Windy City, there are gay bars for you to choose from, ranging from low-key lounges to active dance floors.
Be sure to visit other famous locations while you’re in the area, like Millennium Park or the Adler Planetarium.
Have you visited any of the best gay bars in Chicago, Illinois? What’s your favorite location?
Celebrate the thriving LGBTQ+ community in Chicago by leaving your ideas and suggestions in the comments below.
Best Gay Bars in Chicago, Illinois
- Nobody’s Darling
- Big Chicks
- Sidetrack
- Roscoe’s Tavern
- Marty’s
- Farraguts on Clark
- The SoFo Tap
- Scarlet Bar
- Atmosphere
- The North End
- Dorothy
- Bobby Love’s
- Meeting House Tavern
- 2Bears Tavern Uptown
- Granville Anvil
- Jackhammer
- Club Escape
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