Gay bars chicago suburbs
The 34 best Gay bars in Chicago
Photograph: Courtesy Sidetrack
Northalsted, aka "Boystown," is the historical center of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ scene, but great male lover bars are all over the city.
Chicago has always been a trailblazing metropolis when it comes to spaces for the LGBTQ collective. 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 established as "Boystown," became the first officially-designated gay village in a major town in 1997.
These days, while a darkness 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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1. Velvet Rope Ultra Lounge
Known for service with a smile—and sometimes a sugary-sweet drag-queen smirk—this suburban spot offers a menu that goes beyond pub grub (mini filet mignon sandwiches, $16). Bottle service starts at $150. 728 Lake St., Oak Park; velvetropeultralounge.com
2. Inn Exile
Not far from Midway, this club could be called the Sidetrack of the South Side. Like Boystown’s grande dame, it’s a video bar with a 10-foot screen above the sway floor playing Top 40 and country hits. 5758 W. 65th St.; innexilechicago.com
3. Chances Dances
This roving outfit welcomes all to its popular LGBTQ move parties—“full of young hipsters drinking PBR and dancing to Beyoncé,” according to one recent attendee—that hop between Subterranean (2011 W. North Ave.), Danny’s (1959 W. Dickens Ave.), and the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia Ave.). chancesdances.org
4. Temptations Nightclub
The self-described “hottest suburban nightclub with a downtown feel,” a mostly lesbian destination in Franklin Park, offers one amenity that’s distinctly un-Loop-like: plenty of free parking. DJs spin Wed
Lex's Guide to Queer Chicago Nightlife | LGBTQ+ Bars
Welcome to our queer capital guide series! Chicago boasts a rich and diverse LGBTQ+ community, with a thriving lesbian and male lover nightlife scene to partner. Post on Lex to find a queer hang out or friend to review out these LGBT+ bars with you. Whether you're a local or just visiting, here are some top-notch queer nightlife spots in the Windy City.
Download Lex to connect with LGBTQ+ friends and gay community in Chicago.
1. Dorothy’s Downstairs
Located in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago, Dorothy’s Downstairs is a sexy, 70s inspired subterranean lesbian cocktail lounge for every friend of Dorothy. Known for their innovative cocktails, outstanding event programming and the coziest place to be yourself, it’s an incredible place to spend a gay blackout out with friends. Examine their events calendar to see when they’re unlock to the public!
Dorothy’s Downstairs
2500 West Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622
2. Nobody’s Darling
This sexy Nina Simone-inspired cocktail lounge serves incredible drinks on demand while providing a relaxing, classy space for the queer people of Chicago. Featured in 2021 in Them for how they thrived durin
LGBTQ+ nightlife in Chicago: gay and homosexual woman bars, clubs, and more
Chicago’s nightlife is a lot prefer the city itself — inclusive, diverse, and welcoming to all. It’s also a whole lot of fun. Our gay and dyke 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 unusual 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 lgbtq+ 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 amusement, 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 enormous names like Diane Arbus. But don’t think for a second that makes the pla