Gay club chicago

The 34 best Queer 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 capital when it comes to spaces for the LGBTQ people. 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 acknowledged as "Boystown," became the first officially-designated gay village in a major town in 1997.

These days, while a nighttime 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 exclude 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

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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11-04-2016, 01:33 PM
 

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God, Circuit languished for YEARS between closed and not closed, different type specify , different theme, then Circuit, then closed, etc. etc.

 

11-04-2016, 02:14 PM
 

Location: St. Louis

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They did. I've only been to Fantasy a few times, and it already seems like an improvement. At least from what Circuit became anyway. Not sure how it was before.

 

11-04-2016, 05:08 PM
 

Location: Cleveland, OH USA / formerly Chicago for 20 years

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Quote:

Originally Posted by ChicagoMeO

yes well I recall back in 1990 when I stumbled upon Boystown and the bars, and they won me over. Well they had a great dance club called Vortex. Its over there where some condos are now. Anyone recall that?

I certainly remember it. I was there only once -- dur

LGBTQ+ nightlife in Chicago: same-sex attracted and lesbian bars, clubs, and more

Chicago’s nightlife is a lot like the city itself — inclusive, diverse, and welcoming to all. It’s also a whole lot of entertaining. Our gay and sapphic bars have a small bit of something for everyone, with late-night lounges, dance clubs,burlesque and kingly shows, and long-standing neighborhood watering holes in almost every corner of the city. And each comes with their own singular history and vibe.

Check out some of the optimal gay bars and clubs to experience Chicago’s gender non-conforming 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 miss 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 big names like Diane Arbus. But don’t consider for a second that makes the pla

Lex's Guide to Gender non-conforming Chicago Nightlife | LGBTQ+ Bars

Welcome to our queer municipality guide series! Chicago boasts a loaded and diverse Gay community, with a thriving lesbian and gay nightlife scene to match. Send on Lex to find a gay date or partner to check 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 queer 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 comrade of Dorothy. Recognizable for their resourceful cocktails, outstanding event programming and the coziest place to be yourself, it’s an incredible place to spend a gay night out with friends. Review their events calendar to see when they’re open 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