Guides · Travel · Chicago, IL
Gay Bars in Chicago
Updated October 15, 2026 · 19 places, checked by hand
From Boystown (now Northalsted) to Andersonville and beyond, these are Chicago's LGBTQ+ bars and nightlife spots, checked by hand.
Open each one for hours, address and what's on, and check the Events calendar for drag, dance nights and more.
2Bears TavernLate-night LGBTQIA+ bar on Wilson Avenue in Uptown, Chicago, steps from the Red Line, with games, community events and no cover.
See Their PageVisit Website ↗Atmosphere
Neighborhood gay bar on North Clark Street in Chicago with daily drink specials, regular events and late weekend hours.
See Their PageVisit Website ↗Charlie's Chicago
Western-themed dance club on North Broadway in Northalsted with a daily event lineup and hours running late into the night.
See Their PageVisit Website ↗
Dorothy DownstairsUnderground lesbian bar on West Chicago Avenue with a cocktail menu, events, reservations and merch.
See Their PageVisit Website ↗
FathomQueer dive bar on Belmont in Chicago's Lake View, opened in 2026, with an event calendar, reservations, a photo gallery and digital gift cards.
See Their PageVisit Website ↗Hydrate
Chicago LGBTQ+ nightclub with resident DJs, drag shows and dance nights that run until 4 or 5 in the morning, plus private party rentals.
See Their PageVisit Website ↗
JackhammerRogers Park bar for adults 21 and over with low-priced drinks, pool, darts, leather and gear nights, sports teams and community events.
See Their PageVisit Website ↗
Jarvis Square TavernChicago neighborhood tavern known for an open mic night aimed at a queer crowd while keeping the door open to everyone.
See Their PageVisit Website ↗Meeting House Tavern
Gay bar in Andersonville, Chicago, part of the 2Bears Tavern Group, that hosts bingo nights and sports leagues.
See Their PageVisit Website ↗
My Buddy'sGay bar and restaurant in Andersonville, Chicago, with comfort food, handmade cocktails and a busy calendar of drag shows, comedy, bingo and karaoke.
See Their PageVisit Website ↗Nobody's Darling
Queer cocktail bar in Chicago with a James Beard finalist bar program, a seasonal drinks menu, happy hour and private events.
See Their PageVisit Website ↗R Public House
Queer bar and gastropub in Chicago's Jarvis Square with elevated pub fare, craft beer, happy hour and weekend brunch.
See Their PageVisit Website ↗Roscoe's Tavern
Gay tavern in Chicago, listed in the city tourism guide to drag and cabaret venues.
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SidetrackGay bar on North Halsted in Chicago with eight bar spaces, including a rooftop, and a weekly lineup of themed party nights.
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Splash ChicagoNorthalsted bar on North Halsted Street open Wednesday through Sunday, with reservations and party hosting available.
See Their PageVisit Website ↗The North End
Gay sports bar on North Halsted in Chicago open since 1983, with pool, darts, game-day TVs and a craft beer list.
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The SoFo TapDog-friendly bear bar in Andersonville with weekly bear parties, Bearaoke, trivia and an outdoor patio, with no cover.
See Their PageVisit Website ↗Touche
Gay leather bar in Chicago for late nights with leathermen and bears, and a home for Mister Chicago Leather title events.
See Their PageVisit Website ↗Whiskey Girl Tavern
Lesbian bar in Chicago with craft cocktails, a whiskey collection and women's sports on the screens, all ages until 9pm.
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