Barrio gay chicago
The 34 best Gay bars in Chicago
Photograph: Courtesy Sidetrack
Northalsted, aka "Boystown," is the historical center of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ scene, but great lgbtq+ bars are all over the city.
Chicago has always been a trailblazing town when it comes to spaces for the LGBTQ group. One of the first American LGBT rights organizations, the Society for Human Rights, was founded in Chicago in 1924, more than 40 years before Stonewall. And Northalsted, the gay nightlife hub also recognizable as "Boystown," became the first officially-designated gay village in a major capital in 1997.
These days, while a late hours out on Northalsted is still a joyful blur of boozy slushies and death drops, queer nightlife in Chicago is expansive, creative and thriving all over the city. From Rogers Park to South Shore, from James Beard-nominated cocktail bars to beloved, homey dives, there's a queer block to fit your vibe. Oh, and don't forget about drag brunch. You'll need it after a night out on the town.
RECOMMENDED: Drink at the best bars in Chicago
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Leather bars seem to be behind receding into the past, but the Cell Block in Boystown is bringing it back, or trying to at least on its ever popular “Furr Night” when bellying up to the bar takes on new meaning… On every other night, it’s cheap drinks, darts and pool that draws a predominantly non-leather neighborhood gay crowd.
Not to be confused with the very unbent Lockdown on Western, Cell Block lurks ominously behind darkened windows on Halsted, just north of Waveland and adjacent to Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club. If you blink as you walk by, you might never even notice it.
I must disclose that I was a petty apprehensive about going to Cell Block. I’ve often heard it described as a hook-up lock for older gay men and the name itself is a little intimidating, not to refer the somewhat unwelcoming façade. However, after visiting the bar on several occasions, I discovered that the place is a tiny misunderstood. Although there are some creepy men lurking in the shadows, Cell Block isn’t the hardcore leather bar like everyone thinks. It’s mainly groups of men and women just having a good time.
The bar itself could use a décor up
Northalsted, Chicago's Proudest Neighborhood
The first officially recognized gay village in the United States, Boystown Chicago is the commonly acknowledged nickname for the eclectic East Lakeview neighborhood established as Northalsted that is home to Chicago's visible and active lesbian, gay, multi-attracted and transgender community.
Northalsted, the first official gay neighborhood in the country (credit: northalsted.com)
Northalsted is situated just southeast of Wrigleyville in Lakeview. The area is bordered by Broadway Ave. on the east and Halsted St. on the west, Grace St. to the north and Belmont Ave. to the south.
The two main (north-south) avenues of Halsted St. and Broadway influence the heart of this commercial and entertainment district. Broadway primarily offers a variety of themed shops and restaurants stretching throughout the neighborhood while Halsted caters to a lively nightlife with more than 30 different gay and lesbian bars, nightclubs and restaurants.
The neighborhood is also home to the Center on Halsted, the Midwest’s largest LGBTQ community center that welcomes over 1000 people per day. Northalsted hosts a n
LGBTQ+ nightlife in Chicago: gay and woman loving woman bars, clubs, and more
Chicago’s nightlife is a lot enjoy the city itself — inclusive, diverse, and welcoming to all. It’s also a whole lot of fun. Our gay and female homosexual 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. And each comes with their own one-of-a-kind history and vibe.
Check out some of the best male lover bars and clubs to experience Chicago’s queer nightlife scene.
Jeffery Pub
One of the city’s oldest male lover bars, Jeffery Pub is a neighborhood institution. 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. Don’t overlook the live fun, 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. The walls are plastered with the owner’s personal collection of paintings and photos, including massive names like Diane Arbus. But don’t think for a second that makes the pla