Other popular events include dueling pianos, themed dance nights, and karaoke hosted by Chicago cabaret legend Honey West. Come for the drink specials, pool table, and outdoor patio - and stay for their famous Roscoe’s Drag Race, billed as the city’s longest-running amateur weekly drag competition. Roscoe’s TavernĪ Northalsted essential, the welcoming Roscoe’s Tavern has been a go-to for the local LGBTQ community for more than 30 years. The bar is one of the last remnants of “Tower Town”, a former bohemian enclave that was known as an epicenter of LGBTQ life in 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. Looking for a gay bar near downtown Chicago? This old-school spot is the place. Come for happy hour, Sunday afternoon mimosas, or late night. One of the city’s newest lesbian hot spots, it’s quickly becoming known for its classy, sexy vibe and great cocktail menu that includes elevated classic, extra boozy drinks, and alcohol-free/CBD options. In Andersonville, Nobody’s Darling is a black-owned, queer cocktail bar designed for women. The owners are also local activists who helped pass local anti-discrimination legislation in the 1980s.
Open since 1982, Sidetrack is famous for their sprawling layout (it encompasses multiple levels and rooms that fit more than 1,000 party-goers), huge video screens playing new and classic music videos, and an endless supply of boozy slushie drinks. This LGBTQ-owned hotspot is one of the most popular bars in Northalsted.
Grab a drink, play some free darts, and mingle with the diverse crowd of regulars. The laidback spot is primarily known as a lesbian bar, but all are welcome. This neighborhood institution has been welcoming bar-goers since 1978. This LGBTQ nightlife mecca has a bar or club on every corner, and The Closet is one of the originals. You can’t talk about gay bars in Chicago without talking about Northalsted (also known as Boystown). Come for trivia, the free Sunday night buffet, and the themed dance parties - then come back the next morning for brunch at attached sister restaurant Tweet. But don’t think for a second that makes the place feel pretentious - everyone is welcome at Big Chicks and everybody has a good time. The walls are plastered with the owner’s personal collection of paintings and photos, including big names like Diane Arbus. This lively and colorful spot is part LGBTQ hangout, part art gallery. Don’t miss the live entertainment, like karaoke nights, Silky Soul Sundays, and a lively dance floor featuring everything from pop to house music. The South Shore staple is also one of Chicago’s first black-owned gay bars, making it all the more meaningful for the spot’s many regulars. One of the city’s oldest gay bars, Jeffery Pub is a neighborhood institution. And each comes with their own unique history and vibe.Ĭheck out some of the best gay bars and clubs to experience Chicago’s LGBTQ+ nightlife scene. 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. So, let’s take a moment to shine a spotlight on the men of Hollywood who are out and proud - and gorgeous.Ī version of this article was originally published in April 2015.Chicago’s nightlife is a lot like the city itself - inclusive, diverse, and welcoming to all. There is this very insidious casual homophobia that exists in the fabric of everything, including the music industry.” Particularly for less privileged members of the queer community. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without all the gay artists that have come before us and broken down so many barriers.
“In many ways, this is the very best time to be a gay artist ever,” he said. In an interview, he hit the nail on the head. In the music space, Years & Years vocalist Olly Alexander looked amazing on the cover of Paper magazine. Even if you don’t know if you’re loved by yourself & by others in a community that are waiting for you.” And now we love him more than ever. “Whoever you are & wherever you are in a coming out process you are loved. “ Coming out can be scary, it also can be completely life affirming, both or neither,” Van Ness said. In particular, Jonathan Van Ness has emerged from the Fab Five as an activist for queer community - and we can’t forget about his gorgeous hair. The revival was a huge success, resonating with virtually everyone, spreading the message that beauty truly comes from within, regardless of your background, sexuality or gender.