Chicago gay nightclub
LGBTQ+ nightlife in Chicago: gay and queer 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 sapphic 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 queer 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 neglect 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 massive names like Diane Arbus. But don’t think for a second that makes the pla
“An original blend of fruit flavors”
A weekly Friday night shower rivalry is just a small part of what makes Spin nightclub at the northwest corner of Belmont & Halsted, unofficially serving as the gateway to Chicago’s Boystown neighborhood-a popular destination for not only the LGBT collective but for their allies as well.
Spin has been a Boystown staple since it opened over a decade ago. Feelings about the club are pretty consistent in neighborhood; it’s a place you go when you wish to dance, have a nice time and have some drinks. The neighborhood may have changed over the years but Spin has stayed pretty much the same just adding a room here and there over the years in an effort to increase their diverse clientele and offer bar goers different options within the club, if you’re bored you just go to a different room.
Spin offers a variety of activities to retain its patrons busy all bedtime long. There are pool tables for those who want to get their game on, huge screen TVs for the anti social, a retro lounge for socializing and a dance floor for the bump and grinders. There’s definitely something to preserve everyone occupied. Plus, ther
Sidetrack Chicago
MONDAYOpen 3pm-2am
Start your week with song
MUSICAL MONDAY
Display Tunes 8pm-2am
TUESDAY Open 3pm-2am
TEAM TRIVIA (new topic each week) 8pm
Pop Favorite Videos after Trivia ’til 2am
OUTspoken: LGBTQ+ Storytelling 1st Tues of month 7pm
WEDNESDAY Open 3pm-2am
Wed 7/23 ALL THINGS BRITNEY & RIHANNA
Wed 7/30 ALL THINGS DUA & ARIANA & SABRINA
Wed 8/6 ALL THINGS TAYLOR
Wed 8/13 ALL THINGS BEYONCÉ
Wed 8/20 ALL THINGS GAGA
9pm-2am for “ALL THINGS” PARTIES
THURSDAY Open 3pm-2am
-Glass/Side/Rooftop Bars
LET’S GO! THURSDAY
Pop Music Videos from open till 2am
-Main/Cherry/North Bars – 9pm-2am
LET’S GO! LATIN 7/24 & 8/21
ALL THINGS LOLLA 7/31
MEN’S ROOM GLOW PARTY 8/7
PINK PONY CLUB CHAPPELL/CHARLI/SABRINA 8/14
ALL THINGS K-POP 8/28
FRIDAY Open 3pm-2am
T.G.I.F. Exhibit TUNES 4-9pm
FRIDAY Evening DANCE PARTY 9pm-2am
Rooftop opens first evening
SATURDAY Open 1pm-3am
Post-Brunch Fun at Sidetrack 1-6pm
Saturday Night Gyrate Party 9pm-3am
Monthly DOG DAY first Sat. of the month 1-5pm
SAPPHIC SATURDAY last Sat. of the month 5-9pm
SUND Photograph: Courtesy Sidetrack Northalsted, aka "Boystown," is the historical center of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ scene, but fantastic gay bars are all over the city. Chicago has always been a trailblazing city when it comes to spaces for the LGBTQ community. One of the first American LGBT rights organizations, the World for Human Rights, was founded in Chicago in 1924, more than 40 years before Stonewall. And Northalsted, the gay nightlife hub also known as "Boystown," became the first officially-designated gay village in a major city in 1997. These days, while a night 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 bar to fit your vibe. Oh, and don't forget about performative brunch. You'll need it after a night out on the town. RECOMMENDED: Guzzle at the best bars in Chicago Been there, done that? Think again, my friend. By entering your email speak to you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Polic
The 34 best LGBTQ+ bars in Chicago