By The Editors By The Editors | May 21, 2024 | Food & Drink, Feature, Guides,
Before Stonewall, Chicago was home to one of the first American gay rights organizations, the Society for Human Rights. Now, it’s a vibrant center for LGBTQ+ nightlife, with an entire neighborhood dedicated to it known as Northalsted or “Boystown”—though the fun doesn’t stop there. Whether a booming nightclub or casual dive bar is calling your name, Chicago has it. Here are the top LGBTQ-friendly nightlife spots for a spectacular time in Chi-town.
3349 N. Halsted St. / Website
For fabulous nightlife and equally fabulous frozen cocktails, head to Sidetrack. The massive location has multiple lounge areas, dance floors and bars, along with colorful lights and ample Insta-worthy locations. There’s even a rooftop deck for warm days. Check out their lengthy drink menu, which features multiple flavors of mules, various cocktails, nonalcoholic CBD drinks and the spot’s famous frozen cocktails.
5024 N. Sheridan Road / Website
An Uptown institution since 1986, this quirky, eclectic neighborhood bar and grill features a relaxed vibe, an expansive menu of satisfying pub grub and a jaw-dropping collection of art covering nearly every inch of the walls. Pair customizable cocktails like bloody marys, mimosas and bellinis with bites like bacon and avocado-topped burgers, breakfast burritos, loaded nachos and more. Next door, weekend brunch crowds pack sister restaurant Tweet (get it?) while the fun continues in the bar.
2500 W. Chicago Ave. / Website
This extremely popular ‘70s-inspired cocktail lounge is for the ladies and “every friend of Dorothy.” It’s located in a kitschy basement that regularly hosts open mics, viewing parties and collaboration events—many of which provide funding for local LGBTQ+ artists and organizations.
3458 N. Halsted St. / Website
Things can get a little rowdy at this Boystown late-night dance club, where dancing shirtless on elevated surfaces is often the norm. If you’re looking for a high-energy rave spot, look no further. Make sure to check their Instagram for the latest events, drag nights and weekly Sunday Funday festivities.
6406 N. Clark St. / Website
Head to Jackhammer for the ultimate kinky nightlife. The main level features a dance floor and bar, while the basement is home to The Hole, a leather and fetish club. All guests over 21 are welcome in the bar, and safety is highly championed throughout the BDSM club. The inclusive club even offers classes for patrons to get educated about kinks and determine their own. To plan your fit, head next door to the conveniently located leather and kink shop, Leather 64Ten. Check Jackhammer’s Instagram to stay up to date on closures and events.
7041 S. Jeffery Ave. / Website
Hailed one of the oldest LGBTQ bars in the country and one of the only Black-owned gay bars in Chicago, this bar is definitely worth a stop. The dance floor is always lit with revelers, strobing lights, and professional and amateur drag queens. Open every day of the week, there’s always a dance and a drink to be had at Jeffery Pub.
1511 W. Balmoral Ave. / Website
Enjoy a variety of classy martinis at this tiny hot spot. Its calm, vintage interiors are a far cry from the strobing lights of other Chicago LGBTQ establishments. Between the wooden bar, ornate artwork, warm multi-tier chandeliers and large wine bottle display, drinking martinis in Marty’s just feels right.
1744 W. Balmoral Ave. / Website
Known as one of Chicago’s few lesbian bars, Nobody’s Darling offers so much more. Try an array of aptly named, tasty craft cocktails, such as the fruity, vodka-infused “Lipstick Lover,” the “Kahlo” margarita, the grapefruit and rose-flavored “Southside Lychee Martini 2.0,” and many more. The menu also has a section for alcohol-free cocktails sure to please your whole crew.
3356 N. Halsted St. / Website
Head to Roscoe’s for classic drinks and drag shows galore. With a bar in the front and a dance floor and nightclub in the back, the bar is known for regularly hosting boisterous viewing parties for RuPaul’s Drag Race and its own drag events weekly as well.
1508 W. Jarvis Ave. / Website
Watch sports, dig into a burger and chug craft beer in a friendly, casual environment at R Public House, located in quaint Jarvis Square. Widely loved by the local community, this female-owned joint serves up mouthwatering entrees like cognac mushroom sauce-topped pan-roasted New York strip steak, mac & cheese pizza and seared salmon with mashed potatoes made from scratch.
3320 N. Halsted St. / Website
Scarlet is known for its themed nights and dancey vibe, where the drink specials flow and the DJs spin in a vintage atmosphere. Visit for listening and viewing parties showcasing artists like Chappell Roan, Lady Gaga, Queen Bey, Rihanna and more.
157 E. Ohio St., Second Floor / Website
Tucked away just off the Mag Mile, this shoebox of a watering hole draws a diverse crowd of downtown workers drawn by the promise of potent cocktails and an unpretentious scene.
3733 N. Halsted St. / Website
Another cozy spot for cheering on your favorite Chicago sports teams, The North End in Boystown is exactly where you want to be for sporty comradery while shooting some darts. Try brews on tap like the Leinenkugel Summer Shandy, or switch things up with Lagunitas IPA and Goose Island Green Line cans.
6318 N. Clark St. / Website
Kick back and snag a pint at this Andersonville sports bar, complete with an extensive draft list and shareable bar bites like hand-breaded chicken tenders, blistered green beans with sweet chili sauce and house “Buffalo Blue Mushroom” pizza. Keep an eye on their calendar for upcoming happy hours, trivia nights, monologue slams, game-day viewings and more.
See also: The 17 Best Summer Festivals In Chicago
Photography by: KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP/GETTY IMAGES