Gay bar in chicago

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From Rogers Park to South Shore, from James Beard-nominated cocktail bars to beloved, homey dives, there's a queer bar to fit your vibe. This neighborhood institution has been welcoming bar-goers since 1978. Don’t miss the live entertainment, like karaoke nights, Silky Soul Sundays, and a lively dance floor featuring everything from pop to house music.

Big Chicks

This lively and colorful spot is part LGBTQ hangout, part art gallery.

Take charge and make your own! Either way, you'll have a great night out at this lesbian bar staple in the Windy City.

6. It also boasts a better selection of craft beers on tap than most bars on the Halsted strip.

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LGBTQ+ nightlife in Chicago: gay and lesbian bars, clubs, and more

Chicago’s nightlife is a lot like the city itself — inclusive, diverse, and welcoming to all.

gay bar in chicago

La Cueva is a go-to for dancing, with regular karaoke and drag events. Nothing speaking to you? Things get a little rowdier later in the evening, especially during themed events like Frat Night and Chicago’s Best Bear Night. If you’re not into alcohol, they’ve also got a fair amount of spirit-free mocktail offerings.

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. 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.

Now, she and her wife Heather are keeping the good times going in all weathers with their women’s sports-centric Edgewater bar, where locals can enjoy pizzas and creative cocktails while cheering on the Red Stars or Sky. If sports aren’t your jam, stop by for regular events like karaoke, open pool and trivia nights. 

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17. Progress Bar

Progress, located in the former Cocktail space, features a cloud-like overhead sculpture installation made up of 19,000 twinkling light bulbs.

Like its neighbor, RPH is highly collaborative and neighborhood-oriented, co-hosting events with and promoting other nearby shops and local businesses. 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.


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Play Skee-ball, shuffleboard, darts or board games like giant Jenga upstairs, or hang out downstairs for theme nights like the lively Thursday karaoke (be warned that some performers can actually sing), the Tuesday “Big Gay Gayme Show” and Dungeons & Dragons meetups. 

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7. The Closet

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8. Roscoe’s Tavern

This longstanding Boystown destination has multiple bars, a dance floor, an outdoor patio and all the music you want to hear, with theme nights dedicated to Madonna, Taylor Swift and more.

It was not to be.

The staff stepped up to take on larger roles in helping run the two businesses. The laidback spot is primarily known as a lesbian bar, but all are welcome. If you are craving our delicious food, call us and we will take your order. We love to see it.

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15. Rogers Park Social

Rogers Park continues to grow its roster of nightlife options for the LGBTQ+ community, including this friendly queer-owned cocktail lounge.

Grab a drink, play some free darts, and mingle with the diverse crowd of regulars.

Sidetrack

This LGBTQ-owned hotspot is one of the most popular bars in Northalsted. 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!

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.