Roscoe’s TavernĪ Northalsted essential, the welcoming Roscoe’s Tavern has been a go-to for the local LGBTQ community for more than 30 years. The bar is one of the last remnants of “Tower Town”, a former bohemian enclave that was known as an epicenter of LGBTQ life in Chicago. 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. Looking for a gay bar near downtown Chicago? This old-school spot is the place. Come for happy hour, Sunday afternoon mimosas, or late night. 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. In Andersonville, Nobody’s Darling is a black-owned, queer cocktail bar designed for women. The owners are also local activists who helped pass local anti-discrimination legislation in the 1980s. Open since 1982, Sidetrack is famous for their sprawling layout (it encompasses multiple levels and rooms that fit more than 1,000 party-goers), huge video screens playing new and classic music videos, and an endless supply of boozy slushie drinks. This LGBTQ-owned hotspot is one of the most popular bars in Northalsted.
Grab a drink, play some free darts, and mingle with the diverse crowd of regulars. The laidback spot is primarily known as a lesbian bar, but all are welcome. This neighborhood institution has been welcoming bar-goers since 1978. This LGBTQ nightlife mecca has a bar or club on every corner, and The Closet is one of the originals. You can’t talk about gay bars in Chicago without talking about Northalsted (also known as Boystown). Come for trivia, the free Sunday night buffet, and the themed dance parties - then come back the next morning for brunch at attached sister restaurant Tweet. But don’t think for a second that makes the place feel pretentious - everyone is welcome at Big Chicks and everybody has a good time. The walls are plastered with the owner’s personal collection of paintings and photos, including big names like Diane Arbus. This lively and colorful spot is part LGBTQ hangout, part art gallery. Don’t miss the live entertainment, like karaoke nights, Silky Soul Sundays, and a lively dance floor featuring everything from pop to house music. The South Shore staple is also one of Chicago’s first black-owned gay bars, making it all the more meaningful for the spot’s many regulars. One of the city’s oldest gay bars, Jeffery Pub is a neighborhood institution. And each comes with their own unique history and vibe.Ĭheck out some of the best gay bars and clubs to experience Chicago’s LGBTQ+ nightlife scene. 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. Neither The Alley Bar nor dbar responded to requests for comment.Chicago’s nightlife is a lot like the city itself - inclusive, diverse, and welcoming to all. “Any threat is always concerning, but we’re here for the folks.” “We like to be cognizant of any threat,” he said. “Captain (Steven) McLaughlin, area C-11 and Captain (Kenneth) Fong have been notified, as well as Captain (Steven) Sweeney. “If we receive calls for threats, we’re going to investigate it, we’re going to investigate it to the fullest potential and hope we get the individual making those threats,” Gross said. Gross, however, assured both businesses that “all of the areas will be covered” in the investigation. The police department wouldn’t say whether the incidents were linked and didn’t release any further information about the nature of the threats. The calls came into the bars about 7:30 on both nights. Whether it’s the Alley or the dbar, you should be able to enjoy yourself peacefully.”Ī spokesman for the department confirmed that a threatening call was answered by an employee at dbar, a full-service restaurant and nightclub on Dorchester Avenue, Friday night.Īnother call targeted The Alley Bar, a nightclub located downtown, Saturday night. “Everybody should be able to enjoy any establishment that they wish to go into in the City of Boston. “We don't take any threats lightly,” Police Commissioner William G. Two gay bars in the city received threatening phone calls this weekend at about the same time on consecutive nights, prompting police investigations into both.