Gay chicago clubs

As the co-founder of Back Lot Bash, Christina Roberts stewarded one of Chicago Pride season’s destination parties. Sidetrack

Address: 3349 N Halsted St.

Chicago, IL 60657

Situated in the heart of Boystown, Sidetrack is a legendary gay bar known for its friendly atmosphere, diverse crowd, and lively entertainment. Our gay and lesbian bars have a little bit of something for everyone, with late-night lounges, dance clubs,burlesque and drag shows, and long-standing neighborhood watering holes in almost every corner of the city.

Fantasy is over the top, from the pounding beats and go-go boys to the elaborate performances from contestants of Survivor and So You Think You Can Drag, the cutthroat drag competitions hosted here.

This lesbian-owned Rogers Park watering hole keeps it simple and relaxed with craft beer, live music and friendly vibes.

Check their events calendar to see when they’re open to the public!

2. It features a spacious outdoor beer garden, classic jams on the jukebox, and a selection of works by local artists. Tucked away above the bustling streets of Streeterville, Second Story is a relaxed refuge that’s remained virtually unchanged since it opened 35 years ago.

Come for the enticing, creative rotating cocktails named for trailblazers like Bessie Coleman and Celia Cruz; stay for the camaraderie and the bustling sidewalk cafe. Create an Event and get friends (read some tips on finding new queer friends here) together to check out a queer bar in your city. Drag enthusiasts flock to the Baton every Labor Day Weekend for the Miss Continental Pageant, one of the most prestigious honors in the drag pageantry world, but even outside of pageant season, the recurring drag, burlesque and variety shows are worth the trip.

Read more

The Andersonville outpost of the multi-location beer-and-bourbon arcade bar adds food to the mix, with burgers, brunch and more to fuel your retro gaming.

If you’re not into alcohol, they’ve also got a fair amount of spirit-free mocktail offerings. Nothing speaking to you?

It’s also a whole lot of fun. A sports pub at heart, RPH is also one of the best spots on the far north side to watch the Red Stars and Fire, Premier League soccer and even rugby.

Lex's Guide to Queer Chicago Nightlife | LGBTQ+ Bars and Clubs

Welcome to our queer city guide series! Come for the colorful, well-curated space, stay for the creative and irresistible fresh cocktails.

Read more

4. Dorothy

What can possibly be said about Dorothy that hasn’t already been said in every article, TikTok or Lex post singing its praises? One of the city’s newest lesbian hot spots, it’s quickly becoming known for its classy, sexy vibe and great cocktail menu that includes elevated classic, extra boozy drinks, and alcohol-free/CBD options.

Whether you're a local or just visiting and looking for queer nightlife, here are some top-notch gay and lesbian cocktail bars, dance clubs and dive bars in the Windy City.

Get ready to paint the town rainbow, Chicago! The laidback spot is primarily known as a lesbian bar, but all are welcome. Either way, you'll have a great night out at this lesbian bar staple in the Windy City.

6.

The bar runs down the center of the space, though it's just one-sided—the other side of its rear wall is lined with video game consoles. Nobody’s Darling

Address: 1744 W. Balmoral Ave. Chicago, IL 60640

This sexy Nina Simone-inspired cocktail lounge serves incredible drinks and cocktails on demand while providing a relaxing, classy space for the queer people of Chicago.

To complement the music from local artists and weekly queer-centric open mic (known as "Jarvis Squear") on Wednesdays, there's a craft beer menu (including 16 taps) that skews hyper-local with selections from Marz, Spiteful and Casa Humilde. And Northalsted, the gay nightlife hub also known as "Boystown," became the first officially-designated gay village in a major city in 1997.

These days, while a night out on Northalsted is still a joyful blur of boozy slushies and death drops, queer nightlife in Chicago is expansive, creative and thriving all over the city.