Gay Bars in Chicago: For this guide, I am focusing on the best gay bars in Chicago broken down into the gay bars in Boystown (now known as Northalsted) and the gay bars in Andersonville.
Chicago is one of my favourite places in the US. I arrived with no expectations and was completely blown away.
Not only does Chicago have a huge and vibrant gay scene, it is a beautiful city with incredibly friendly people and so much to do beyond the gay bars in Chicago.
For a full guide on everything to do in Chicago (hotels, activities, pride etc), check out my ‘Complete Gay Travel Guide to Chicago‘.
Northalsted (previously known as Boystown) and Andersonville are the main gay areas in Chicago and therefore where the majority of the gay bars in Chicago can be found.
Best Gay Bars in Chicago (Northalsted & Andersonville)
You can find gay bars all across Chicago but the majority are found in Northalsted (people do still say Boystown) and Andersonville. I went to Sidetrack twice during my trip and loved it!
I have broken this into two sections, one for Northalsted and one for Andersonville.
Gay Bars in Northalsted, Chicago
Sidetrack
This is the best gay bar in Chicago, it has won awards after all.
Sidetrack was a finalist in Logo Tvs ‘Best Gay Bar in the World’ and I can see why! The bar has a lot of queer history and has been a core part of the gay rights movement in Chicago – quite simply you need to go here to dance, kiss boys and pay honour to all the work they have done for the community.
It has plenty of rooms to explore depending whether you want to chill, chat, or dance the night away!
I was mainly on the dance floor which has a huge screen playing music videos to go alongside the music.
Sidetrack plays a lot of pop, retro and throws the occasional show tune in there to!
Drinks are reasonable and the crowd is relatively young and mixed.
Address: 3349 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657, USA
Kit Kat Club
Formerly Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club, Kit Kat Club is best for a drag brunch!
This is a popular gay bar in Boystown and has performances from local drag queens.
In particular see if you can time it so that you can attend one of their drag brunches, this was a lot of fun when I went.
Address: 3524 N Halsted Street.
Roscoes
Best for cheap drink offers and drag.
Another great gay bar in Chicago and one for Boystown. Roscoes offers Djs and drag to a young fun crowd.
In particular, one of th draws here is their drink prices, they have $1 drink nights so make sure to follow their socials to see what events are coming up.
This bar is opposite sidetrack so you can easily pop between the two.
Address: 3356 N Halsted St
Charlies Chicago
Best for country vibes!
Charlies has a wild west vibe with cowboys dancing to country and western music. However, come 1am on a weekend this turns into a go-go boy after hours dance club!
They also do plenty of happy hours, drag bingo, bubbles and brunch and so on.
Address: 3726 N Broadway
Hydrate
Best for the circuit scene.
This is one of the bars to head to if you are looking to go all night.
It starts to get busy from midnight onwards and you can expect DJs and the occasional drag show. Hydrate is open until 4am Friday/Sunday and 5am Saturday.
Address: 3458 N Halsted St
Cell Block
Best for a naughty night in Chicago.
A slightly more cheeky gay bar in Northalsted. Cell Block has different theme nights, often with a place to check your clothes.
Address: 3702 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60613, United States
The North End
Best for craft beer and sports.
The North End is a long running gay sports bar in Northalsted with an extensive craft beer menu. Expect the latest games to be playing on big screens – go sports!
Address: 3733 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60613, United States
Progress Bar Chicago
Best for a cool setting.
Progress Bar is one of the newer gay bars in Chicago, set up to be a really cool visual space, of course with drag shows and go go dancers taking you through to the early hours of the morning!
Address: 3359 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657, United States
Splash Chicago
Best for a little bit of everything!
Splash is another popular gay bar with a full schedule of trivia nights, drag brunches with bottomless food and drink options, watch party nights and open drag competitions. There is plenty to keep you entertained here.
Address: 3339 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657, United States
The Belmont/Decibel
Best for great cocktails and late night vibes.
A new gay bar in Northalsted, and around the corner from Sidetrack.
The Belmont/Decibel is an inclusive cocktail bar and late-night queer club that opened in May 2026.
The venue opens as The Belmont earlier in the evening before transforming into Decibel after 10pm, with DJs and performers.
Address: 954 W Belmont Avenue.
Best Gay Bars in Andersonville, Chicago
Nobodys Darling
Best for cocktails in Andersonville.
This is a great option in Andersonville if you are looking for a relaxed vibe and good cocktails.
Address: 1744 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60640, United States
Atmosphere
Atmosphere is known for its scantily clad dancers, drink specials, large dancefloor and upscale dive bar vibes. One to check out if you are in Andersonville.
Address: 5355 N Clark St
Meeting House Tavern
Best for beer and board games.
The Meeting House Tavern is a cute gay bar just south and Andersonville. They have weekly events including Trivia Is A Drag, LET’S GET GLAM Bingo, Karaoke Cabaret, Friday Night House Party, and Poker In The Bottom!
Address: 5025 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640, United States
The SoFo Tap
Best for a outdoor beer garden.
The SOFO Tap is another cute neighbourhood gay bar with an outdoor patio areas. They have lots of events including GRRR, DILF, KOK, Bear Trap, Doggy Days, SUNDAY FUNDAY, Bearaoke, Nerd Bear Trivia and more!
Address: 4923 N Clark St 1st floor, Chicago, IL 60640, United States
Chicago has one of the best gay bar scenes in the US, the city is incredibly gay friendly and you are guaranteed to have a great time.