Gay Bars in Chicago, IL

“Intimate, welcoming and fun atmosphere. Karaoke night is a great time. 10/10“

“I love coming here! There’s tons to do and lots of really cool events on the weekly and monthly calendars. The bartenders are all very friendly and shoutout to Taylor who hosts Texas Hold’em on Sundays here and Reggay Boots hosting Glam Bingo on Wednesdays! They let you bring in food and they have a popcorn machine!“

“I never believed my life will change in such a manner. I saw a review on Facebook about Mrs Craig Vanessa trading skills and before then I have never risk money doing anything online with anybody because I think I was so wise and never want to be cheated but when I contacted Mrs. Craig Vanessa, she explained everything to me concerning trading and the profit I can make within a week I was convinced to give a trial and risked to invest $1,000 and I made a withdrawal profit of $9,000 within a week. I am so happy that I trusted her and she didn't fail me. You can reach her through WhatsApp via her Facebook: Mrs Craig Vanessa“

“They’re very nice here being my first time here I love the customer service here thank you guys I’m having a blast here thank you“

“Super friendly managers and bar staff. Highly recommend“

“Toda una experiencia agradable! Bien divertido el bar!“

“Friendly staff, great place to be and the chips and salsa are so good!!!!“

“The Lucky Horseshoe is a Chicago gay institution that must be protected at all costs. No cover, no outrageous drink prices, no pushy dancers, just a wholesome old school gogo boy bar experience. And as much as some gay guys complain, I love that women enjoy coming here, too. An inclusive LGBTQ space means folks who aren't just cis men appreciating hot guys. At the very least, bring $20 in cash to tip, we gotta thank these troops for their service.“

“Really love this place. Great atmosphere, strong drinks, and it's not terribly overstimulating like I find so many gay bars to be (spoken as a gay man). Service is good, drinks are cheap, what more can I ask for.

To people who complain in the reviews about Second Story only accepting cash: IT'S A CASH BAR!!! Not only is this fact publicly available online, there's an ATM downstairs AND every time I've been in here they've warned me at the door.“

“3 day weekend in Chicago & driving post Out of the Closet jaunt, seeing world famous Roscoe's, I screamed, had 2 go! Met 👍🏻 staff 2/20/26. Bartender Nick (?) & 20s blonde gal who multitasked & the clientele, all witty & warm! Stage was visible to most & 🎶 was 🔊📢, but that's what u want on a Fri night in Chicago! Thanks queens Kim Chi, Naomi Smalls & locals doing even more, even better performances.“

“I mostly come these days in my later years for an off weekend affair. I absolutely love bingo on Monday and the hosts. It’s full of banter, crowd participation, laughter, and community. It’s like a live pod cast with bingo. Absolutely recommend for an early weeknight activity!“

“Great bar with a fun vibe, clean space, and friendly staff. I had a really good time overall.

The only downside was that the ordering felt a little up-sell heavy. When I ordered a vodka soda, I was automatically given Tito’s instead of a house vodka, which came at a higher price that wasn’t mentioned. I also asked for a black cherry White Claw and was told they only had it in the more expensive High Noon, which felt a little off.

Still a great spot and I’d definitely come back — I just wish pricing and drink options were a bit more transparent.“

“Drinks are cost too much money in these club and they don't have no way to sit down after spending money the music is just all trap music.

I wasn't feeling it at all and the cover charges are 20 dollars.To have good time with drinks and cover at the door you spend easily 100dollars before you know it.i won't be back soon.“

“I wish I could remember what the name of the my bartender was but she was hilarious and a joy to talk to! My partner and I came on a Thursday night and we had a great time. The vibes were good and the entire staff was extremely nice. Not sure if it's every night but they were giving out popcorn with the drinks. One of the bartenders would routinely come by our table and refill our popcorn which was a little cherry on top that I didn't expect.

Overall I definitely look forward to coming back =)“

“Loved it . Really friendly , relaxed vibe.“

“Two of my best friends just got an apartment a couple blocks away from Big chicks and we can't stop eating there and hanging out there it's so nice to have a local place in the neighborhood that is friendly and opening and inclusive and just what a what a treat and their carrot cake is to die for looking forward to my next meal looking forward to becoming a regular“

“Atmosphere is one of my favorite bars in Chicago! Love the staff, the DJ’s, and the different themed nights they put on from Club Kylie to Madonnarama to Y2Gay to my recent fave Drag Race viewing parties. There’s a real sense of community here as any time I come here I see so many friends stop in throughout the night.“

“Legendary kink bar, nightly events.“

“Cozy wooden saloon bar with friendly bartenders and good drinks.
You can see from the art and historical posters that this has been a true community asset since 1971. It’s important we hold our spaces to account while still protecting them for their history and for future generations.“

“Vibe is unfiltered and inclusive 🏳️‍🌈🔥—multi‑level LGBTQ+ bar with drinks, darts, pool & great DJs keeping the dance floor bumpin’ late 🍸🎶. Rogers Park crowd is friendly and welcoming. Bathrooms and some spaces could use love 😅, and it’s definitely loud and wild. Worth a visit if you want fun with edge! 💥“

“Best bar in Boystown with the best staff!!“

“Decided not to be a sad sack alone by myself on Christmas Eve and made my second visit here last night. My first time back in November was perfectly nice, very quiet, good drinks, just a few groups chatting idly. But last night the place was decked out to the nines in all manner of fabulous Christmas decor—including Brandon the bartender in a reindeer onesie—and packed with an array of patrons bringing some really great energy.

The 3 gin and tonics and mystery peppermint shot Brandon made me were not only excellent, but lasted me well until 4 am, all for a fraction of what it would have cost at other bars.

Really was just a lovely few hours I spent here, especially the conversation. It's very refreshing to go to a bar where you can actually hear people and make real connections rather than shouting at each other.

Altogether a great little spot, truly a hidden gem to have just a train stop away, and I will definitely be back!“

“I like their drinks, music and Service“

“ok don't come for me! so about 2 weeks ago was my first time ever in boystown ( im 39 ) 😆 I KNOOOOW! Anyway i had come into town early and ended up exploring chicago allll on my own for the day. Now keep in mind, i went to ALL the places in boystown 😆 WOW! I had asked around about karaoke and everyone said this was the place to go. I make my way there and i walk in and instantly was welcomed and people were talking to me and it was just so nice! yes its a BAR not a club, I loved that lol i was "Josh from Peoria " that night and i have never sang karaoke anywhere else but my hometown bar, i was so freekin nervous lol. but after a few of the THC drinks well i was good to go. im sober so it was really awsome that they have non alcohol drinks. overall i spent most of my night there. it was so welcoming and people were so nice and told me different places to go and things. I will definitely be back and ive soooo told my Peoria friends about yall!“

“Pretty layback Music is great Ambiance nice and friendly I wish we have more places like this south side ❤️“

“Vacationed in Boystown & stumbled in. Music was 10/10+videos add to the scene. Drinks were killer. BF & I were having a great time before a belligerently drunk man began harassing us/threatening us. I don’t want a charge on vacation so I went to leave.
Upon telling the bartender(Theo), he IMMEDIATELY swung around the bar & kicked the drunk man out. I didn’t know it, but he was watching out the whole time. We continued our night& had a blast :)

Special thanks to Theo. Almost had our night ruined but instead got the best service in town. Will definitely be back to Progress🩷“