Rocco
Chicago is one of the biggest metropolises in the US and, as such, is a beacon of diversity.
So unsurprisingly, there’s a bar for every taste and preference.
And if you take “preference” to mean sexual preference, Chicago’s bar scene also has every orientation covered.
If you are looking for a fun place to go out and mingle with fellow lesbians, Chicago has numerous options that range from casual taverns to extravagant drag cabarets.
Check out my list of the best lesbian bars in Chicago below.
Kit Kat Lounge
3700 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60613
Phone: (773) 525-1111
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Located in Lakeview East, a few blocks from Wrigley Field, Kit Kat Lounge is a sleek and modern bar, supper club, and entertainment venue.
There are nightly drag shows to accompany craft cocktails and dinner. They also offer an upscale boozy brunch.
The high-end cocktail menu features over 200 martinis, cocktails, and spirit offerings.
I went on Wednesday to take advantage of their Burger and Martini night.
Sidetrack
3349 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: (773) 477-9189
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Sidetrack is a longstanding Chicago LGBTQ+ bar that opened in the 1980s and has grown into a massive nightclub.
Located in a sleek, neon-lit space in Lakeview, Sidetrack is a lively bar for socializing, dancing, and community events.
They offer a large menu of beer, frozen cocktails, spirits, and seasonal cocktails.
Big Chicks
5024 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60640
Phone: (773) 728-5511
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Big Chicks is a casual and cozy neighborhood bar and restaurant located in Margate Park.
Its welcoming atmosphere, decadent food and drink menu, and passionate owners have garnered Big Chicks praise from Bon Appetit, Chicago Magazine, and the Michelin Guide.
There’s an entire menu of Bloody Mary cocktails alone. I recommend Smokin’ Maria Bloody Mary with Mezcal instead of vodka.
Roscoe’s Tavern
3356 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: (773) 281-3355
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Roscoe’s Tavern is a lively Lakeview East bar and restaurant famous for its extravagant drag shows.
They’re open to all ages for lunch, brunch, and dinner. At night, the bar turns from a tavern to a dance club, starting with a fabulous drag show.
They offer one of the best boozy brunches in town, with a bubbles and brunch package that includes bottomless mimosas with your brunch entree.
Berlin
954 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: (773) 348-4975
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Another Lakeview East LGBTQ+ bar, Berlin, is an industrial-meets-sparkly nightclub with techno-fueled dance parties, drag shows, and nightly-themed events.
Berlin has been an LGBTQ fixture and a creative outlet in Chicago since 1983.
The massive multi-room space includes a dance floor, two bars, and wacky, colorful decor.
Nobody’s Darling
1744 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
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Nobody’s Darling is a James Beard-nominated cocktail lounge in Andersonville with chic industrial decor and a funky, fun atmosphere.
Their incredible bar program features the most creative and delicious cocktails in town, hence the James Beard nomination.
Nobody’s Darling is female-owned and run, offering a menu of high-end spirits along with a rotating specialty cocktail menu.
Glenwood
6962 N Glenwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60626
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The Glenwood is a friendly and casual neighborhood bar in the heart of Roger’s Park, a few blocks from Loyola Park.
The Glenwood is both an Irish pub and an LGBTQ-friendly bar with a great selection of draft beers and fun events like evening bingo.
They offer a full bar with craft cocktails, beer, and wine.
They also offer bar snacks and guest chefs on select days to sell specialized dishes like paninis.
The Closet
3325 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: (773) 477-8533
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This is one closet you’ll want to stay inside if you’re an LGBT! Joking aside, The Closet is a lesbian-owned gay bar in Lakeview East.
The Closet has a festive atmosphere in a dimly lit space adorned with colorful lights strewn along the ceiling.
The Closet also has Karaoke, bingo, darts, and also with other games to enjoy with a cocktail.
Dorothy
2500 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
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Located a few blocks from Smith Park in West Town, Dorothy is a classy, vintage-chic lesbian cocktail lounge.
Disco balls and mid-century modern, velvet upholstered furniture create a 70s vibe.
Their high-end cocktails are expertly crafted. They also offer a list of bubbly wines and a rotating draft beer and cocktail list.
Final Thoughts
The best lesbian bars in Chicago run the gamut from vintage cocktail lounges to casual neighborhood bars and everything in between.
After bar hopping around the Windy City, let me know in the comments below which lesbian bar you enjoyed most!
Best Lesbian Bars in Chicago
- Kit Kat Lounge
- Sidetrack
- Big Chicks
- Roscoe’s Tavern
- Berlin
- Nobody’s Darling
- Glenwood
- The Closet
- Dorothy
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